Podcasts about assemblies

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Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025

Sunday, May 18, 2025 – We are continuing our study of the Assemblies of God 16 Fundamental Truths by focusing on the 5th Fundamental – The Salvation of Man. The reason we are going back to the basics of our faith is that it’s vital to have a solid foundation as one builds their life, especially in these end times full of deceptive and false teachings. Knowing and being sure of one’s faith affords peace and security when it’s difficult to find elsewhere in the world we live in. Truth sets one free, yet sometimes it brings a hard message and challenges the way we live. The Salvation that we are offered comes simply, but it’s a process to which we must commit. Until a person realizes they need to be saved, there’s no salvation – sometimes that’s a hard fact for one to accept. When one does see it, then it’s the Grace of God alone that brings salvation. The purpose of today’s message is to present the process of Salvation. It’s a three-step process, beginning with Repentance/Forgiveness, Redemption, and finally Restoration. Worship and study with us…

The AG Fundamental Truth 5 - Audio

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Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 52:00

The glory of God

Saint Mary's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025

Misheck Manhanha speaks from Exodus on the glory of God. Misheck is the Church Planting Lead for Assemblies of God and we were delighted to have him preach for us on Sunday.

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Synergy 2025 - Relational Wisdom

Ohio Ministry Network

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 56:07

Not if, but when conflicts arise in ministry, the kindest act from a leader is to have already prepared themselves in advance to provide guidance and direction on how to lead in the conflict. Onlookers will be repelled away or drawn toward your ministry, even if subconsciously, based on the tendency to be conflict avoidant or a demonstrated leadership to navigate conflict in a healthy way. As General Secretary for the national office of the Assemblies of God, most every call to Donna Barrett's office is around a conflict, whether within one of our 66 districts, between a board and pastor, between a minister and someone bringing a complaint, or litigation from the courts. You'll learn practical helps to use as a leader and gain guidance on developing a culture that is healthy with conflict. Donna Barrett Assemblies of God, General Secretary

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Synergy 2025 - Missions Hot Topics

Ohio Ministry Network

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 61:25

Join us for an open and dynamic Q&A session with experienced missionaries as they tackle the hottest topics in missions today! This is your chance to ask the questions you've always wanted to know about global ministry. From navigating cultural challenges and fundraising to leading effective mission trips and building long-term partnerships, no topic is off-limits. Whether you're a pastor, leader, or passionate about missions, come ready to engage in candid conversations and gain practical insights to elevate your missions efforts. Stacy Petty, Ohio Ministry Network, Ohio Missions Director Heather Erickson, Ohio Chi Alpha, Director Andy Erickson, Ohio Chi Alpha, Director Cyndi Martin, Assemblies of God World Missions, West Africa, Career Missionary Joe Martin, Assemblies of God World Missions, West Africa, Career Missionary Bob Stetz

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304 My Story Talk 17 Ministry in Basingstoke 1968-78 Part 2

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 18:27

My Story Talk 17 Ministry in Basingstoke 1968-78 Part 2 Welcome to Talk 17 in our series where I'm reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. Last time I was talking about the evangelistic missions we organised in Basingstoke, but these tended largely to attract adults, and the children and young people needed to be reached too. So that's our subject for today. Children's Work At first, the only children we were reaching were those who came to our Sunday School, which was held at 10am before the 11am Communion Service. One of those children was Rosie Wilcox (née Wright), who later became Jonathan's Sunday School teacher. Fifty years later, I still exchange Christmas cards every year with Rosie and her husband Paul. However, we soon began to reach other children in what was then a more unusual way. To the best of my knowledge, we were the first AoG church in Britain to organise a pre-school playgroup. I had felt for some time that most church buildings were not being used to their full potential. I talked with Bill Mitchell, the church elder, who himself was a businessman, and he wholeheartedly agreed. The church building was standing empty in the daytime for six days a week. And we were on the edge of a new council estate where most of the houses were occupied by young families. So, we checked out the legal requirements, and discovered that our facilities would accommodate up to 40 children, provided that we had one adult for every eight children present. We obviously needed to invest in the right equipment, and Eileen knew exactly what to get. In fact, with her administrative skills, she was the ideal person to take charge of the whole thing, and before Debbie and Sarah were old enough to go to school, they could be with her while she was at playgroup. We started by opening for three mornings a week, but the demand for places was such that before long we were open for five. And we had adequate workers to take the full complement of forty, so for five mornings a week, as well as supervising and organising the children in their play, they were able to tell them about Jesus. That was, of course, the most important thing, but another welcome benefit was that, from the small charge we made for each child, we were receiving enough income to pay the mortgage on the building! And an unexpected result of running that playgroup was the request I received to exorcise a ‘ghost' from one of the nearby houses! It happened like this. It was 12 o'clock and the playgroup session was ending. I happened to be present having a chat with Bill Mitchell, when one of the mums came in and said, Is one of you the vicar? And although I don't usually go by that title, I said, Yes, I am. She then asked if I could help her because, she said, there was a ghost in her house. Could I get rid of it? To which, knowing that in Christ we have authority over the forces of darkness, I replied, Yes, of course. How much will it cost? she said. Nothing, I replied. Wow! That's good, she said, the spiritualist wanted a fiver. She gave me her address and, that evening, I went with another brother to visit her. We told her that her greatest security would be to let Jesus into her life and led her in a prayer for salvation. Of course, the so-called ‘ghost' was actually a demon, because there is no biblical evidence for the existence of what people call ghosts, but the woman did not know that. She said that it usually appeared at the top of the stairs. So I went up after it and, although I could see nothing unusual, I did feel a distinct drop in temperature. So I commanded the thing, whatever it was, to leave in the name of Jesus. At once the woman, who was standing in the hall with the other brother, suddenly shrieked. There, didn't you see it? It went right past you! So, although I couldn't see it, I chased it down the stairs, opened the front door, and told it to get out and never come back. The following Sunday she was in church to say thank you and told me that it had gone. So running a playgroup certainly put us in contact with the people in ways we did not expect, but in Britain's fastest growing town the playgroup and the Sunday School we ran in our church building were by no means sufficient to spread the good news among the children, and we soon decided to launch a second Sunday School in a school on the Oakridge estate. This was only possible thanks to the commitment of our teachers who, having taught in the morning in Cranbourne Lane, were willing to give up their Sunday afternoon to teach the same lessons to the children in Oakridge. Another children's work was started by Hilda Gibbons, an elderly widow who opened her home every week to some thirty children on the Winklebury estate. And we reached hundreds of children through the holiday clubs we organised. These lasted for a week or so towards the end of the long summer holidays. They were led mainly by Anthea and William Kay assisted by other church workers, SPF students and other Christian teachers all of whom we accommodated throughout their stay. Notable examples were David Littlewood, later to become an AoG pastor, and Phyllis Parrish (née Sowter) who was baptised in the Spirit while she was with us and later became a student at Mattersey and a missionary to Bangaladesh. Youth Work Some of the older children who came to the holiday clubs were also attracted to our Friday night Youth Meeting. This was our main means of reaching young people on a regular basis and, for most of the time we were at Basingstoke, was led by me. Our church was situated right next to Cranbourne Lane Comprehensive School, where Debbie and Sarah became pupils and I became a parent governor. We also attracted young people from other parts of the town where some of our members were teachers. The church minibus, faithfully driven by William Kay, was vitally important for this work, although it wasn't worth much financially. At the time we had no suitable garage for it, so it was parked each night in the road at the back of our house. One night, in the early hours of the morning, we were woken up by the sound of our dog barking and then I realised that someone was banging heavily on our back door. As I went to the window I became quickly aware of another noise – the constant sound of a car horn. It was our minibus, and the neighbour banging on the back door had come to ask us to silence it. I quickly threw on some clothes and hurried outside to see what I could do. To my surprise the driver's door of the minibus was wide open. I wondered why, as I was sure I had locked it the night before. But my first task was to silence the horn, so I quickly disconnected the battery. Now the horn was silent I could go back to bed, hoping that not too many neighbours had been disturbed. Next morning, as I was apologising for the noise in the night, another neighbour told us they had seen what had happened. Two men had broken into our minibus, but the moment they opened the door the horn had suddenly started sounding. This apparently had caused the men to panic, and our neighbour had seen them running away. Their attempt to steal our minibus had been thwarted! Of course, it may be possible to think of a rational explanation for all this, but it's important to mention that the horn on the minibus would not normally sound unless the ignition was switched on, and there was no form of burglar alarm fitted to the minibus. But whether there's a rational explanation or not, as far as I was concerned God had protected our vehicle. He works in natural as well as in supernatural ways, and we will probably never know why that horn sounded just at the right moment – except that God knew that we needed that minibus! In addition to the weekly youth meeting, we also organised at least two week-long missions, one where Warwick Shenton was the evangelist, and another led by Paul and Janice Finn who were the national youth evangelists for Assemblies of God. We were able to get them into several of the secondary schools in the town where they spoke in school assemblies. This way we knew that the vast majority of teenagers in Basingstoke had the opportunity to hear the gospel. But it was at the regular weekly youth meeting and its associated activities that close personal relationships could be formed with the young people. We organised walks in the countryside, barbecues, and games evenings where we had great opportunities to get to know them better – and for them to get to know us better too. And nowhere was this truer than at our annual youth camp. New Forest Pentecostal Youth Camp While we were at Colchester I had organised a youth camp on the island of Mersea and, thanks to Eileen's culinary skills and to the things I had learned as a teenager in the Boys' Brigade, this proved highly successful. So towards the beginning of our time in Basingstoke I made enquiries as to what sites might be available for us to do something similar near us, and I discovered that the Hampshire Education Committee had one near Brockenhurst in the New Forest. It was set in beautiful countryside, was within a short driving distance from the coast, and had the advantage of flush toilets and showers! All the equipment – tents, marquees, tables, benches, cooking utensils etc. – was provided on site, which was managed by a very helpful warden, a Welshman called Eddie Davies. So we decided to give it a go and, as an initial experiment, took a group of about 15 young people for a few days in the school summer holidays. It went so well that we decided to return the following year for a full week and to invite other AoG churches to participate. I put an advert in Redemption Tidings and over the years the numbers increased to some 150 young people each week. Eileen and I planned the weekly menu which, although it was somewhat restricted by the cooking equipment provided at the site, nevertheless comprised three hot meals a day, prepared by teams of dedicated workers. The only exception to this was that when we all went out for the day – to the Isle of Wight, for example – everyone prepared their own sandwich lunch straight after breakfast with the food we provided for them. Much of the food we bought came in large cans obtained from the cash and carry store in Basingstoke and transported down to Brockenhurst in the minibus in advance. The rest we bought on a daily basis from the International store in Brockenhurst who, incidentally, issued vast quantities of Green Shield stamps, which, when you had saved enough of them, you could trade in for a variety of items displayed in the Green Shield catalogue. I seem to remember that Eileen and I got our coffee percolator that way! The daily programme involved breakfast, during which each of the tents was inspected for tidiness and hygiene, followed by a short devotional involving a song, a prayer, and a Bible reading. The daytime was taken up with recreational activities including at least one day trip to either Hengistbury Head or the Isle of Wight, afternoon trips to Milford-on-Sea, or a treasure hunt in the New Forest. As a family we all enjoyed going down to Brockenhurst a week or so in advance to prepare for this, when we would compose a poem giving clues to the route. But the most important part of the camp programme was without question the meeting we held in the marquee each evening. These involved worship, prayer, testimonies, and preaching followed by an appeal. Every year we saw dozens of young people respond, either for salvation or for a renewed commitment to Christ. And many were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. I still receive testimonies from people, now in their sixties, of how they met with God in those meetings. After each meeting there was a break when we opened our tuck shop for half an hour. This was followed by a time of singing in the marquee, or, once a week, around a camp fire. The only exception to this was the long hot summer of 1976 when we were at camp for three weeks and when everywhere was so dry that it was illegal to light fires anywhere in the New Forest. Those weeks spent at camp during the seventies were wonderful times of blessing for all involved and form some of the happiest memories of my life. But such blessings do not come by accident. They come as the result of prayer, commitment, and teamwork. None of it would have been possible without the dedicated help of Basingstoke church members like Hilda Gibbons, and visiting pastors and their wives who over several years brought their young people to camp and shared in the work and ministry. Of special note among these were Mike and Beryl Godward from Corringham, Brian and Audrey Quar from Crossacres, Manchester, and Colin Blackman from Tonbridge Wells, all of whom became good personal friends. But these were not the only relationships that were formed or developed at camp. We really got to know our own young people much better too. Some of them came down early to help unload cans of food from the minibus and to assist in the erection of the tents, and I learned that forming relationships with young people, letting them know that you love them rather than just preaching at them, was the way to gain their loyalty and respect. This is essential if we want them to follow our example in following Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). One example of this was Linda. She, along with her twin sister, Sue, had become regular attenders at our Friday night youth meeting. On one occasion we were having a sausage-sizzle in the church grounds. Linda was standing next to me looking into the fire when she told me she was thinking of leaving us. So, putting my arm round her shoulder, I said to her, Oh don't leave us Linda. We all love you. We'd really miss you. Linda didn't leave us, and her relationship with Eileen and me deepened when she came to babysit for us from time to time. I recently discovered a letter she had written to Eileen in 1974 in which she said, Entering your home is so different… there's such a lovely atmosphere within it... as soon as I entered the home I felt more confident in myself. Thanks for talking to me, so far since I've spoken to you I've felt up on top of the world… I want to say a big thank you, but I don't think I could ever write or say it the way I feel to a friend like you... Thank you for praying for me. Later, when her leaving college coincided with my becoming principal at Mattersey, Linda became my secretary, only leaving when she married a student from Switzerland, where she now lives. But in 2012 she made a surprise visit to England when she came to our Golden Wedding anniversary. Of course, Linda was an exceptional case, but her story does illustrate the value of making time to develop relationships with children and young people wherever possible.

386. Healing After Abuse

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Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 42:26

“I am a survivor of child abuse,” writes Samantha Rose Jones. “The abuse impacted every aspect of my humanity — physically, emotionally, socially, mentally, and spiritually. All the instances were in a severe category, and the evil I faced was unfathomable. My starting point is bleak, but my current story is miraculous. I am a miracle because I am a child of the living Miracle Worker — God.” In this episode of the Influence Podcast, I talk to Jones about her journey from the pain of abuse to the miracle of love and joy. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Samantha Rose Jones is a grant writer for Evangel University. A credentialed Assemblies of God minister, she copastors Lifehouse Assembly of God in Cadillac, Michigan, with her husband Keith. She is author of God and Trauma: The Lessons I'm Learning ————— This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards. Strengthen your family's relationships with God and each other with these easy-to-use Conversation Cards. Each card is uniquely designed with a question, faith builder statement, and a Bible verse to spark meaningful conversations that cultivate an open and nurturing environment in your home. For more information about the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

LET'S TALK 06/05/2025

Jayfm Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 54:36

Legislative matters across the country seem to be a topical matter, it's no news that some lawmakers in both Benue and Zamfara states were suspended from their duties.This show of power has made the National Assembly wade in into the matter seeking the governors of the affected states to report to the national assembly to answer questions on why the situation has not been rectified.The Governors on their own, turned down the invite, the National Assembly is now threatening to take over the Assemblies.Quite an interesting discussion, how can this issue be dealt with?

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Shannon Nuszen and her book I Once Was Lost

At Home in Jerusalem

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 47:50

Producer and host of “Six-Thirteen Boks” Podcast Heather Dean's featured guest on this episode of “Six-Thirteen Books” Podcast is author Shannon Nuszen, who founded the nonprofit organization Beyneynu, and is also a sought-after public speaker. Shannon is a former Evangelical Christian missionary who grew up studying and analyzing Christian scriptural polemics as the daughter of a former Assemblies of Gd minister. She was deeply immersed in the Evangelical Christian movement from a young age and even traveled with her father as an evangelist in his ministry. Her involvement in the movement provided her with knowledge of the inner workings and strategies used to convert Jews to Christianity. Shannon has since converted to Judaism and regrets her past associations. Her experience has given her an intimate knowledge of the Christian missionary agenda, which she uses to educate Jewish communities in Israel and the Diaspora about its dangers. Shannon has worked in various roles within the counter-missionary field for over fifteen years, and recently began speaking publicly about her personal Jewish journey. = = = Show Notes: Featured Guest: Shannon Nuszen Featured Book: I Once Was Lost: One Woman's Exodus From the Depths of the Church Link to Purchase though Beyneynu's website: https://beyneynu.com/product-details/product/i-once-was-lost-book Link to Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Was-Lost-Womans-Exodus/dp/B0DZSWRMCL Shannon's website, Beyneynu: https://beyneynu.com/home Invite Shannon to speak at your community or organization: https://beyneynu.com/shannon Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger Michael's contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.com/ SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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55. Navigating Faith: Challenges and Triumphs in Senegal

God on the Move Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 34:33

In this episode of God on the Move, Rev Mignane Ndour shares his powerful testimony of converting from Islam to Christianity, despite the challenges and persecution in Senegal. He discusses the growth of the Christian church in Senegal, his work with various NGOs, and the impactful ministry of Operation Christmas Child. Rev. Ndour also highlights the strategies used to share the Gospel in predominantly Muslim communities and the importance of love and prayer in evangelism.

The AG Fundamental Truth 4 - PDF

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Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025

Sunday, May 4, 2025 – We are in the second week of our study on the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God, focusing today on our 4th Fundamental Tenet: “The Fall of Man.” We spend the entire message discussing something as basic as the fall of mankind because unless we recognize from what we are saved, we cannot truly appreciate what we are saved from. Before man can fall from the grace of God, mankind must first be created. Sometimes we forget how grand our creation was. God had a plan for all of mankind when He formed man from the dust and breathed His eternal breath into that lump of clay. That plan was a plan of perfection and eternal relationship with Himself. God’s pattern for mankind was His own image. Have you ever considered what it means to be created in the image of God? When we fathom what that means, it gives us a whole new perspective on our purpose for living and how we should strive to live. Here’s the amazing part: even after mankind sinned and fell away from God’s grace and relationship, He had a plan to redeem. We will spend our next time discussing the fifth tenet of our faith, “The Salvation of Man,” but first we need to appreciate how much God loves us unconditionally, even after mankind fell. Worship and study along with us and appreciate God’s love.

The AG Fundamental Truth 4 - Audio

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Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 41:43

0-04-25 Doug Smith "Must I Attend All the Assemblies of the Church?"

Booneville Church of Christ

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 71:27

0-04-25 Doug Smith "Must I Attend All the Assemblies of the Church?"

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303 My Story Talk 16 Ministry in Basingstoke 1968-78 Part 1

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 16:55

My Story Talk 16 Ministry in Basingstoke (1968-78) Part 1 Welcome to Talk 16 in our series where I'm reflecting on God's goodness throughout my life. Today I'm going to begin by telling you how in January 1968 we came to move from Colchester to Basingstoke. During 1967, as part of my SPF travels, I was preaching in Oxford when an old friend from the Elim church asked to see me. He was hoping that an Assemblies of God church might be planted there and wanted to find out if I would be interested in coming to take over its leadership. I told him that I would pray about it but that my initial reaction was that I did not feel any sense of leading in that direction. Some weeks later, I had an unexpected phone call from my friend Michael Collins who, as I have already mentioned, was a fellow student with me at Oxford and part of the original SPF group there. He told me that he had heard from Oxford that I might be thinking of leaving Colchester and that, if that were the case, he wanted to sound out whether I might be interested in coming to Basingstoke. He explained that they were looking for a pastor and would like to invite me to come and preach one Sunday. The church had not had a pastor for three years and numbers had dwindled to only 12 people. Although they were not able to pay me much, the potential was great, as they had a new building on a large piece of land and Basingstoke had a rapidly expanding population. This was an exciting challenge, but numbers at Colchester were now around 80 and I was relatively well paid. Did I really want to take on another small church and take a substantial drop in income? And did we really want to leave behind the many friends we had made at Colchester? So I told him that I did not think it likely that the Lord would move me from Colchester but that if they wanted me to preach for one Sunday I would be happy to do so. As far as moving there permanently was concerned, I determined in my heart that I would only consider it if I received a unanimous invitation from the members of the church. We would also need them to provide housing for us, as the salary they were likely to offer would be far too low for us to be able to get a mortgage. These matters were discussed when I went to preach there, and the financial position was clarified. The church's income was £14 a week. £8 of this was taken up with mortgage repayments on the new church building and, if they needed to provide us with accommodation, the remaining £6 would be taken up with that. So anything they could offer me would be an act of faith on their part – and required not a little faith on my part too! In the circumstances, I thought it highly unlikely that they would be able to meet the criteria I had set, but 100% of the members did vote to invite me, and after a couple of months I heard that they had been able to purchase a house for us. Taking this to be the will of the Lord, we informed the friends at Colchester of our decision, sold our bungalow, and moved to Basingstoke in January 1968. The move to Basingstoke went smoothly and the house the church provided, a typical three-bedroomed semi-detached, had the advantage of central heating, a luxury we had not been used to. With the profit we made on the sale of our bungalow in Colchester, we were able to have new fitted carpets throughout, and to buy furniture for the lounge as well. We also bought a small second-hand car, having left the minibus in Colchester. We were welcomed warmly by the church members, and the building was packed for my Induction Service with people from other churches who had come to show their support. The speaker was Billy Richards, the AoG pastor at Slough, in his capacity as Chairman of the West London District Council. His cousin, Bill Mitchell, who was an elder in the church, was at the piano, and we were inspired by his God-given talent and grateful for his commitment to play at every meeting. Other key people were the deacons, Janet Collins (Church Secretary), John Nicholson (Treasurer), David Moncaster (Sunday School Superintendent), and Michael Collins. Another person who was present at the Induction Service and to become an asset to the church was William Kay, who had written to me asking advice as to how he could serve the Lord after he had graduated from Oxford. As he had come to Christ while he was at university and had had no real experience of life in a local church, I told him that this should be his first priority and made a few suggestions as to where he might go, adding as a PS that I was moving to Basingstoke and that he might like to come and help with the work there. Which he did, and within a few months a young schoolteacher, Anthea Bell, was to join our church and eventually become William's wife and a great asset to the church. At the beginning of our time there, Eileen's primary role, of course, was looking after Debbie and Sarah, who were still under school age, and then Jonathan who was born in October 1970. However, she was soon to find an outlet for her ministry when we started our church pre-school playgroup, but more of that later. Niggling doubts So overall there was much to encourage us during our first few months at Basingstoke, but we were missing Colchester and both Eileen and I were having doubts as to whether we had done the right thing in moving. Part of the reason for this was that when I had given up my teaching job we'd had real confirmation about it through the gifts of the Spirit, but we'd had no such confirmation about moving to Basingstoke. Could we have really missed the will of God on such an important matter? The answer came in a posthumously published article in Redemption Tidings written by Donald Gee. He was talking about how a church should choose a pastor (and, by implication, how a pastor should choose a church). He said that such matters should be determined by sound judgment and sanctified common sense, and not by the operation of spiritual gifts. And this came from the pen of a world-renowned Pentecostal leader and author of Concerning Spiritual Gifts. This was just the reassurance I needed, and I later came to realise that God's will is not difficult. By definition, God wants his will, and if we really want it, he will ensure that we get it! We will prove his good and perfect and acceptable will if our lives are truly consecrated to his service (Romans 12:1-2). Church growth And, of course, one major aspect of God's will is that he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). In the years we were there, Basingstoke was the fastest growing town in England and there was a vast harvest field on our doorstep waiting to be reaped. We sought to do this in three main ways – personal evangelism, evangelistic missions, and children's and youth work. Personal evangelism In those days the primary way of seeking to win others for Jesus was to invite people to church where they would hear the gospel. This was something we did every Sunday night in our Gospel Service, even if very often the only people there were already Christians. However, even if today it's easy to criticise this style of evangelism, it did have the advantage of regularly reminding Christians of what the gospel is and the urgency of proclaiming it. But clearly the Gospel Service approach to evangelism would not be enough. Neither would a leaflet inviting people to our meetings, unless of course it contained a clear gospel message. Jesus did not command his disciples to go into all the world and invite people to gospel meetings. He commanded them, and he commands us, to go into all the world and preach. God's people needed to be trained how to do so. While I was at Colchester I had completed a course on personal evangelism produced by Billy Richards and I had found this very helpful. So I decided that in our Wednesday night Bible Studies I would teach the people at Basingstoke the principles I had learned from this. We then embarked on a programme of door-to-door work, conducting a ‘religious opinion survey', and found that most people were willing to share their views with us and for us to share the gospel with them. Admittedly, not many came to church as a result, but at least they had heard the gospel. Evangelistic Missions But our biggest attempt at reaching people with the gospel was in 1970 when we organised a fortnight's evangelistic and healing mission conducted by evangelist Melvin Banks. I invited Melvin for two reasons. First, he was clearly gifted as an evangelist, and I had come to understand that my own gift was predominantly that of a teacher. And secondly, because remarkable results were being reported of hundreds being saved and healed through Melvin's ministry, and I strongly believe that healing is one of the signs that God gives us to confirm the message of the gospel. In preparation for his coming, we spent months training the people for this big event, which was to be held in the Basingstoke Town Hall, not in our church, and got them ready for an intensive follow-up programme of personal visitation to the homes of those who made a decision for Christ. We printed thousands of leaflets which were designed by Melvin and which majored strongly on some of the many miracles he had seen in his ministry. Not surprisingly, on the very first night the Town Hall was packed. Melvin did not preach about healing. He preached salvation. And to my amazement, when he made the gospel appeal, 57 people raised their hand. And then he prayed for the sick. And miracles happened. It was the same every night throughout the fortnight, and by the end over 600 people had signed decision cards. I thought we were experiencing a real revival! But sadly, when our team of trained follow-up workers visited their homes, it became apparent that the vast majority had not really understood what they were doing. They had come to the meetings because they wanted to be healed and that was why they had raised their hands, even though, to be fair to the evangelist, the message he preached was not about healing, but salvation. Out of the 600 who had raised their hands, only 12 people were added to our church. Of course, we thanked God for the 12, and we had the satisfaction of knowing that the others had at least heard the gospel, but the sense of disappointment among our people was palpable. And I came to the conclusion that at least part of the problem was the advertising. People with a longstanding physical ailment will understandably try anything to relieve their suffering, and that's what they have in mind throughout the meeting, even while the evangelist is preaching. They are prepared to do anything he tells them to, so when he tells them to raise their hand, they do, but it's a mistake to assume that that means they are saved. And as I thought more about it I realised that Jesus and the apostles did not advertise their healings. Their healings were the advertising. So, somewhat disillusioned by this style of evangelism, it was six years before I decided to invite another evangelist for a series of meetings. I eventually asked my old pastor, Alfred Webb – who was really an evangelist rather than a pastor – if he would come and do a week's teaching on personal evangelism followed by a week of meetings where he would preach the gospel. And this time I encouraged the people to pray for an outstanding miracle of healing that would take place before the evangelist came. And those prayers were answered in a rather dramatic way the Sunday after Easter. It was the evening service, and I was preaching about Thomas. He was the disciple who had been absent when Jesus, three days after he was crucified, appeared to his disciples on Easter Sunday. When the other disciples told Thomas that Jesus was alive, he simply refused to believe it. It was impossible! But a week later Jesus appeared to him too and showed him the wounds in his hands and feet. I remember saying something to the effect that the same Jesus whom Thomas had been able to see and touch was present with us right now even though we could not see him. After the sermon, as we sang a closing song, a middle-aged woman walked – I should say hobbled – to the front of the church. This was a complete surprise to me as she had never been to our church before and I had not invited people to come forward for prayer, as we sometimes do. Neither had I mentioned healing. So I went to her and asked: Can I help you? She responded by saying: If Jesus is present as you say he is can he heal me now? Immediately I knew that this was the miracle we had been praying for. He can and he does! I said. Be healed in the name of Jesus! And she RAN back down the aisle, instantaneously and completely healed. I found out later that her name was Ruby. She and her husband, John, both became Christians and members of our church. And when we produced the leaflets that would inform people about the visit of Alfred Webb, we told Ruby's story and used it to point out that we all have a greater need than the healing of our bodies. What really matters is the healing of our souls, the forgiveness of our sins, which is available to all who will come to Jesus. While Alfred Webb was with us about 20 people made decisions for Christ and about 12 of them were added to the church – a far higher percentage than the 12 out of 600 people who had signed decisions cards in the Melvin Banks meetings.

385. Prayer and Successful Spiritual Leadership

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Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 34:35

“As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” That is what 2 Chronicles 26:5 says about Uzziah, king of Judah in the early eighth century B.C. According to Warren D. Bullock, this verse is key to understanding Uzziah's success as a king, as well as his ultimate failure. “When [Uzziah] prayed, all went well; he had amazing success,” Bullock writes. “When he failed to seek the Lord, he acted out of pride, violated the boundaries of his calling, and was cursed with leprosy.” What lessons does Uzziah's example of both prayerfulness and prayerlessness teach spiritual leaders today? That's the question I ask Bullock in this episode of the Influence Podcast. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influencemagazine and your host. Warren D. Bullock is a veteran Assemblies of God minister with six decades of experience as a pastor, superintendent of the Northwest Ministry Network, and General Council executive presbyter. He is author of Seven Life-Changing Words: The Power of Persevering Prayer, published by Trilogy. ————— This episode of the Influence Podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler. The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler equips you with an understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life. As a resource for both laypeople and ministry leaders, it also imparts practical insight for anyone discipling others in receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. For more information about The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

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Evangelism, Generosity, and Pentecost Part 2 with Joe Girdler

Rural Advancement

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 25:42

Join us for a two part conversation with Dr. Joe Girdler. Dr. Joe is a published author, current superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Kentucky, and has a lengthy career in ministry. In part 1, we discussed Dr. Joe’s story, some practical ways in which small town pastors can set the atmosphere on a Sunday morning, and how to encourage conversations about the Holy Spirit. In part two we are shifting towards talking about generosity and missions. You can find links to all of Dr. Joe’s books at joegirdler.com As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or just for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

DOJ Protecting Kids from Mutilation, TX Hospitals Spent Millions on Illegal Immigrants, Deportation Threatens Persecuted Christians

The Christian Post Daily

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 7:31

Top headlines for Monday, April 28, 2025In this episode, we unpack Attorney General Pam Bondi's latest memorandum detailing the Department of Justice's strengthened efforts to safeguard children's welfare. Then, we shift our focus to the healthcare sector, examining the financial burden on Texas hospitals as they provide care to tens of thousands of undocumented patients, costing millions. Finally, we explore a significant shift within the religious community as Missouri's largest Assemblies of God congregation decides to part ways with the denomination.00:11 Bondi memo lays out directives to protect kids from mutilation01:06 Court rules Scottish schools must provide single-sex bathrooms01:59 Appeals court orders ICC to re-examine Netanyahu, Gallant warrant02:59 Texas hospitals spent millions on care for illegal immigrants03:55 Threat to deport persecuted Christians hits home for NC church04:56 James River Church announces exit from Assemblies of God05:45 Nate Bargatze says he views his career as 'calling' from GodSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsBondi memo lays out directives to protect kids from mutilation | PoliticsCourt rules Scottish schools must provide single-sex bathrooms | WorldAppeals court orders ICC to re-examine Netanyahu, Gallant warrant | WorldTexas hospitals spent millions on care for illegal immigrants | PoliticsThreat to deport persecuted Christians hits home for NC church | PoliticsJames River Church announces exit from Assemblies of God | Church & MinistriesNate Bargatze says he views his career as 'calling' from God | Entertainment

BONUS EPISODE-Finding Your Voice in Faith and Autism for the Summit-with Ron Sandison

THE SJ CHILDS SHOW

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 18:39 Transcription Available

Send us a textWhat does authentic autism advocacy look like when powered by faith? Ron Sandison offers a compelling answer in this thought-provoking conversation from the International Autism Summit. As a mental health professional speaking to over 30,000 people annually across 70 events worldwide, Ron brings a unique perspective shaped by his extraordinary gift—15,000 scriptures memorized word-perfect—and his journey as one of only two openly autistic licensed ministers in the Assemblies of God's 114-year history.Ron takes us behind the pages of his new book, "Adulting on the Spectrum," revealing the critical connection challenges autistic individuals face. "Most of us are like old, 30-year-old Velcro shoes—we don't connect well," he explains, before outlining his three-part framework for building meaningful relationships through mentoring, marketing, and the ability to delight others. Through powerful stories and accessible metaphors, Ron demonstrates how identifying personal strengths while accommodating limitations can transform an autistic person's relationship with both the world and themselves.The conversation tackles persistent misconceptions head-on, particularly the damaging assertion that autism can be "outgrown." Ron eloquently describes how autism's manifestation evolves from childhood meltdowns to adult "neuro-crashes," emphasizing that sensory challenges persist regardless of outward appearance or public speaking abilities. His vision for truly inclusive faith communities goes beyond token participation, advocating for autistic voices in leadership positions where they can influence institutional change. Most powerfully, Ron introduces his concept of developing a "hope complex" through spiritual connection, offering neurodivergent individuals an antidote to the "hopeless complex" that often accompanies autism's social and employment challenges. Whether you're autistic, support someone who is, or simply want to understand neurodiversity through a spiritual lens, Ron's insights will transform your perspective on advocacy, faith, and human potential.Support the show

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The Assemblies of God Fundamental Truths 1-3 - PDF

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Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025

Sunday, April 27, 2025 – Today, we are beginning a short series discussing the Fellowship of the Assemblies of God. This will be more of a teaching series than a preaching series, just so you are aware if you are interested in watching. I begin today by giving a short overview of the Assemblies of God’s national, international, and local organization. The reason is that it’s important for those who choose to call this their home church to understand whom they are worshipping under and submitting to. We are very transparent and open to any questions you may have regarding who we are and what we believe. After this, I will begin a study on the 16 Fundamental Truths or Tenets of our Faith. It’s essential for us to have a solid foundation of our faith, beginning with a sincere and unwavering belief as we discuss the first three tenets: The Bible is the inspired Word of God, secondly, The One True God, and then finally, for today, The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are strongly encouraged to worship and study along with us online or come be with us on Sundays at 10:30.

The Assemblies of God Fundamental Truths 1-3 - Audio

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Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 52:02

Using Air Barriers and Vapor Retarders in Roof and Wall Assemblies

Building Enclosure Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 7:43

Andrea Wagner Watts, Building Science Education Manager for GAF | Siplast, and Benjamin Meyer, Building Enclosure Business Director with Siplast, joined us to talk about their webinar, “Unlock Enhanced Building Performance: Improved Durability and Efficiency Using Air Barriers and Vapor Retarders.” Listen in as they go over the differences between air barriers and vapor retarders, and how these materials impact roof and wall design and performance. Register for this free webinar

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Robert Sloss

Propertyshe Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 52:07

CEO of HUB, Robert Sloss, has been an entrepreneur in property and development for over 25 years. During this time, Robert has created a series of real estate investment and development platforms, primarily in the residential and office sectors. Robert has a passion for vibrant urban living and the need for the built environment to reflect changing human demand. As a result, HUB was one of the first developers to recognise that changing UK work practices would drive the need to repurpose redundant office buildings, for living uses. Robert co-founded HUB in 2012, and over time it has become a leading UK BTR-led residential developer, with more than 9,600 homes completed or under development across the UK. A pioneer of both BTR and co-living in the UK, HUB continues to deliver industry-leading developments, including the award-winning Queen's Quarter in Croydon; One Maidenhead, a major mixed-use regeneration scheme in Maidenhead town centre; and the Yardhouse co-living scheme at Wood Lane. HUB's adaptive reuse strategy, in line with its commitment to urban regeneration and sustainability, continues to bear fruit. As well as Cornerstone in the Barbican, the first co-living planning consent in the City of London, HUB has Assemblies in Minories, which it hopes will be the City's second co-living consent. HUB believes that co-living is particularly well suited to the City, with its long working hours and significant transitory, international workforce.

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Keith Nester's Catholic Conversion - Former Protestant Unpacks the Pope, Salvation, & Baptism

Men's Alliance

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 109:36

What happens when a lifelong Protestant pastor becomes Catholic? In this explosive and thought-provoking episode of the Men's Alliance Podcast, Goose sits down with Keith Nester — former Methodist and Assemblies of God youth pastor turned Catholic convert. Keith shares his raw and riveting story of theological wrestling, spiritual discovery, and how meeting one fired-up Catholic graphic designer flipped his entire worldview upside down.From Calvary Chapel sermons to deep dives into church authority, Keith unpacks the biggest questions Protestants and Catholics grapple with: salvation, church leadership, Mary, the Pope, baptism, and more. Whether you agree or disagree, this is the conversation every Christian man needs to hear.⚔️ Join us at the Men's Alliance National Rally (May 2-4) for an unforgettable weekendGet your tickets here

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384. Ministry To and By People with Autism

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Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 32:56

April is Autism Acceptance Month. According to the website, Autism Speaks, autism or autism spectrum disorder refers to “a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.” How should Christian churches minister to people with autism? Just as importantly, how should they facilitate ministry by people with autism? Those are the questions I ask Ron Sandison in this episode of the Influence Podcast. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Ron Sandison is a speaker and teacher specializing in autism issues, a credentialed Assemblies of God minister, and author of several books on autism, including A Parent's Guide to Autism, Views from the Spectrum, and most recently, Adulting on the Spectrum, published by Kregel Publications. He is also author of the article, “Ministry on the Spectrum,” in the Spring 2025 issue of Influence. ————— This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards. Strengthen your family's relationships with God and each other with these easy-to-use Conversation Cards. Each card is uniquely designed with a question, faith builder statement, and a Bible verse to spark meaningful conversations that cultivate an open and nurturing environment in your home. For more information about the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

Trump Gains with Non-White Evangelicals, Dream Center Accused of Trafficking, Mom Silenced at City Council

The Christian Post Daily

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 7:10

Top headlines for Thursday, April 24, 2025In this episode, we explore the U.S. Department of Justice's involvement in a Summit Church's religious discrimination lawsuit, shedding light on the complexities of religious freedom in local governance. Next, we examine serious allegations against the Atlanta Dream Center and Assemblies of God, where young missionary hopefuls claim they faced forced labor and poor living conditions, prompting questions about accountability within faith-based organizations. Plus, we analyze recent voting data showing a significant swing among non-white Evangelicals towards President Donald Trump in the last election, discussing what this means for the future of political affiliations within diverse religious communities. 00:11 DOJ backs JD Greear-led church's religious discrimination lawsuit01:08 Atlanta Dream Center accused of trafficking missionary hopefuls02:01 Mom silenced at Calif. city council meeting: 'We don't do prayer'03:00 Church rededicated to God after atheist hate crime attack03:53 Clint Pressley to be nominated for 2nd term as SBC president04:36 Trump gained ground with non-white Evangelicals: data05:23 John O'Leary's story of overcoming 100% burns hits big screenSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsDOJ backs JD Greear-led church's religious discrimination lawsuit | U.S.Atlanta Dream Center accused of trafficking missionary hopefuls | U.S.Mom silenced at Calif. city council meeting: 'We don't do prayer' | U.S.Church rededicated to God after atheist hate crime attack | Church & MinistriesClint Pressley to be nominated for 2nd term as SBC president | Church & MinistriesTrump gained ground with non-white Evangelicals: data | PoliticsJohn O'Leary's story of overcoming 100% burns hits big screen | Entertainment

Terrible School Assemblies, Punk Rock, Childhood Mysteries & more - When We Were Kids

Youngstown Studio

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 47:07

On this episode of "When We Were Kids: A Time Capsule Toys Podcast," Rick and B.J. discuss anti-drug commercials, record label compilations from the late '90s and early 2000s, hardcore & punk rock, cartoons from movies that made no sense, cartoons based on movies they should have made, our greatest childhood mysteries, missing kids on milk cartons and more! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P6C_IOI4QY0

Evangelism, Generosity, and Pentecost Part 1 with Dr. Joe Girdler

Rural Advancement

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 37:10

Join us for a two part conversation with Dr. Joe Girdler. Dr. Joe is a published author, current superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Kentucky, and has a lengthy career in ministry. In part 1, we will discuss Dr. Joe’s story, some practical ways in which small town pastors can set the atmosphere on a Sunday morning, and how to encourage conversations about the Holy Spirit. Part two will shift focus to talk about evangelism and generosity. You can find links to all of Dr. Joe’s books at joegirdler.com As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or just for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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302 My Story Talk 15 Ministry at Colchester 1962-68 Part 3

How To Citizen with Baratunde

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 13:20

My Story Talk 15 Ministry at Colchester 1962-68 Part 3 Welcome to Talk 15 in our series where I am reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. Today is the final talk about our ministry in Colchester between 1962 and 1968. These were the first few years of our married life and so far I have shared with you about the birth of our first two children, our housing, employment, holidays and transport. We have talked about the growth of the church and the reasons for it, testified to an outstanding miracle, explained how I got to know more about Assemblies of God, and how God called me to give up my teaching job and go into full-time ministry. Today I'll be sharing first how this led me into a wider ministry, and concluding with two important lessons I felt God was beginning to teach me. A wider ministry – the Students' Pentecostal Fellowship If I had thought initially that God's purpose in leading me into full-time ministry was just so that I could give more time to the local church, I was soon to learn otherwise. It certainly did that, but I soon began to receive invitations to preach in churches at weekend conventions, and, more significantly, to speak in Coleford at a National Day School Teachers' Conference on the relevance of the baptism in the Holy Spirit in day school teaching today. It was there I met members of the AoG Home Missions Council and the National Youth Council who, if I remember correctly, had jointly organised the conference. The invitation came, no doubt, not only because I was a pastor who had until recently been a schoolteacher, but also because of my ministry in praying for people to receive the baptism and my role in the Students' Pentecostal Fellowship. I have already mentioned how, while I was at Oxford, I was asked to share my testimony at the AoG National Youth Rally held in the Birmingham Town Hall and to contribute an article in Redemption Tidings entitled Pentecost in Oxford University. So I was by no means unknown in the wider fellowship, and it was probably not surprising that, when Richard Bolt resigned as Travelling Secretary of the SPF, I should be asked to take over his role of visiting colleges and universities, preaching and praying for students to be filled with the Spirit, which of course would not have been possible if I had remained in school teaching. Universities where I conducted meetings on those early SPF travels included Oxford, Cambridge, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, Durham, and Newcastle. Later, after I had left Colchester, I also preached in the University of Louvain (Leuven) in Belgium, and in 1972 in the majority of universities in the state of Illinois. The purpose of all these meetings was to tell people about the baptism in the Spirit, explain why it was biblical, and to pray for them to receive as I laid hands on them at the close of the gathering. Among the many who received were the chaplain of Queen's College, Cambridge, and William Kay a student at Trinity College, Oxford, who had come to Christ at a Billy Graham meeting in London. Valentine Cunningham, a student at Keble College, and the son of an AoG pastor, invited William to a meeting he had organised where I was to preach on the baptism in the Spirit. After he graduated he became a member of my church in Basingstoke, a close friend, a lecturer at Mattersey Hall Bible College, and a university professor who has contributed much to Pentecostal education around the world. Val Cunningham went on to become Professor of English at Oxford and was a great help to me when I wrote Be Filled with the Spirit, a booklet published by the SPF, which proved to be the springboard for my ministry as an author. Other former SPF members who became professors were John Miles and Michael Collins. John, after spending some years as a missionary in Congo became Professor of French at Wheaton, and Michael, after serving as SPF General Secretary, became Professor of Engineering at City University, London. He was succeeded as SPF General Secretary by Andrew Parfitt, who after spending years in school teaching, became an AoG minister, as did Jeff Clarke who received the baptism under my ministry while he was a student at Oxford, and David Littlewood who received while was a student at Essex. It is clear from all this that during the course of my lifetime Pentecostals have moved on from being suspicious of higher education to embracing it and playing an active role within it. This will become even clearer when we consider in a later talk the educational developments in our Bible Colleges. Lessons I learnt at Colchester Of course, I myself had never been to Bible College. And although I had received excellent teaching from my father and from Leslie Moxham, my pastor at Elm Park Baptist, I had received no formal training for ministry, and back then there was no provision in Assemblies of God for supervision from a more experienced minister. So I was very much learning on the job and was conscious of my need for the guidance, help, and the enabling of the Holy Spirit. But my experience at Colchester taught me many lessons. The most significant of these was learning to trust God for our needs after I had relinquished my secular employment, which I have already mentioned. But there were two other areas the importance of which I began to understand more clearly. These were: o the nature of the ministry God had given me o the importance of a balanced theology of healing. The nature of the ministry God had given me In my teens I had been greatly impressed by the ministry of Billy Graham. I had seen thousands of people walk forward in response to his appeals for salvation. Surely this kind of evangelism must be the answer and, when I felt the call to the ministry at the age of 16, I soon began to have dreams of becoming an evangelist. Later, after I was baptised in the Spirit, I came to see the importance of healing in evangelism and, as I have mentioned previously, was greatly influenced by Richard Bolt who was seeing remarkable healings in his evangelistic crusades. And at that time the American Pentecostal evangelist T. L. Osborn had made his books on healing available to students free of charge and I had read them avidly. So I now wanted to be a healing evangelist, a desire which was evident in the two evangelistic and healing missions I conducted at Colchester. And that was why, although I shared with others the responsibility of preaching and teaching on Sunday mornings and midweek Bible Studies, I always did the preaching at the Sunday evening Gospel Service. But when Harold Womersley, veteran missionary of the Congo Evangelisitc Mission visited us on itinerary, he asked me – purely out of interest, I think – about what I was teaching at our Bible Study meetings. And when I told him that, when it was my turn, I just gave whatever word the Lord had put on my heart, he graciously suggested that as the pastor it was my responsibility the feed the flock by regular and systematic teaching of the truths of God's word. This, I think, would have been at about the time that I had given up my school teaching job, and so, taking his words to heart, I set about planning various series of weekly Bible studies, and I discovered that I really enjoyed it and, to my surprise, so did those who came to hear me. It was gradually dawning on me that my primary ministry was not to be evangelism – though I have not been totally unsuccessful in that area – but teaching. Of course, I had no idea then how that teaching gift would eventually be expressed not only in churches, but also as a Bible College principal and as a writer. But that brings me to another closely related lesson I began to learn at Colchester, the importance of a biblically balanced doctrine of healing. The importance of a balanced theology of healing As I mentioned at the beginning of this series, ever since my father told me of the healing of my aunt who had been deaf and dumb from birth, I have always believed that God still works miracles of healing today. I grew up with the belief that everyone could be healed if only they had enough faith and that the lack of miracles today was entirely due to lack of faith. This understanding was confirmed by the teaching of Richard Bolt and the books of T.L.Osborn and was directly related to the doctrine that Jesus died not only for our sins, but for our sicknesses too. We can claim our healing in just the same way as we can claim forgiveness of sins, and all because Jesus died for us. I embraced this teaching wholeheartedly, and that is what I preached. But my experience as a pastor in Colchester didn't always seem to confirm this doctrine. It was great when we saw people healed, but what could I say to those who were not? Did I really have to tell them that the reason they were not healed was lack of faith, or that there must be some unconfessed sin in their life? And whereas this might apply in some cases, it surely was not true of all? I simply could not believe, for example, that when Jack Joliffe was diagnosed with a cancer that first disfigured him and eventually destroyed him, it happened because of lack of faith or some secret sin. I knew him too well. He was a godly man, full of faith, and an elder of our church. It's all too easy for evangelists to preach these doctrines and then move on, while pastors are left with the care of Christians who have not been healed and have been wounded by the teaching that if they are sick it is somehow their fault. But it is not my intention in this talk to repeat what I have already said at length elsewhere. My rejection of this view is comprehensively explained in my Ph.D. thesis, Healing and the Atonement, where I argue that, although there is a sense in which healing may rightly be understood to be in the atonement, it is not true to say that Jesus died for our sicknesses in exactly they same way that he died for our sins. I have also explained this in my book Just a Taste of Heaven – a biblical and balanced approach to God's healing power, which is available from my website www.davidpetts.org. I simply mention it here because it was at Colchester that I began to question what I had previously believed about healing. Of course, we mustn't build our doctrine on our experience, but if our experience doesn't tally with our doctrine it's always good to consider whether we've understood the scriptures correctly. So I was learning important lessons at Colchester which were to stand me in good stead for the next ten years when we would be pastoring the assembly in Basingstoke. Life is a continuing process of learning and sometimes unlearning, and Basingstoke was no exception. Next time I'll begin by telling you how we came to move there.

Don't Wait for New Leaders. BECOME Them

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 6:47 Transcription Available

Today we bring you Story #6 in our Week of Citizening. We’ve already shown you how people are rethinking democracy through libraries, labor, and school boards. Now we’re headed to a place often overlooked but brimming with democratic possibility: West Virginia. See the visuals and links to all these stories here: https://newsletter.baratunde.com/p/dont-wait-for-better-leaders-become We’re told politics is about picking the lesser of evils. Ordering off a fixed menu. But what if we left the table… and headed for the kitchen? That’s what the folks behind West Virginia Can’t Wait are doing. And it’s a clear sign that democracy is evolving. They’ve passed legislation that’s rare even in liberal strongholds They don’t run candidates but communities They help hold elected officials accountable and offer ongoing support This is what Jon Alexander calls the shift from Consumer Democracy to Citizen Democracy. Not just new processes like Citizens’ Assemblies or Participatory Budgeting (though we love those too) — but real people getting a grip on the systems we’ve got, starting from where we are. “One of the things I’m most proud of in my career is helping to demystify politics. It’s just everyday work for everyday folks.” — Rosemary Ketchum, West Virginia Can’t Wait This isn’t happening in some liberal stronghold. This is Appalachia — a place many assume to be too red, too rigid, too far gone. But that’s just not the whole story. I’ve seen firsthand the level of commitment and creativity in Appalachia through my recent travels there for my PBS America Outdoors show. Trust me, these stories are happening in all sorts of underestimated places.

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383. The Good News of Christ's Death and Resurrection

The Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 61:57

In 1 Corinthians 15:1–2, the apostle Paul wrote: “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” We typically interpret Paul's gospel in terms of the doctrine of justification by faith, with good reason. In Romans 1:17, for example, Paul wrote, “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed — a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.'” And yet, in 1 Corinthians 15:3–7, Paul focused on what happened to Jesus Christ — His death and resurrection, not on what happened through Jesus Christ. Christ's death and resurrection are the cause, and our justification — including our own resurrection from the dead — is the effect. As we approach the holiest days in the Christian calendar — Good Friday and Easter — I want to devote a podcast to discussing the theological foundations of the gospel with Allen Tennison. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Allen Tennison is theological counsel of The General Council of the Assemblies of God and chair of the Commission on Doctrines and Practices. ————— This episode of the Influence Podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler. The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler equips you with an understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life. As a resource for both laypeople and ministry leaders, it also imparts practical insight for anyone discipling others in receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. For more information about The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

Chase Replogle

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 45:02

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let's step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let's get the good and the gold from today's guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.Chase Replogle is the pastor of Bent Oak Church in Springfield, Missouri. He holds a degree in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in New Testament from The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He is currently a D.Min. student in The Sacred Art of Writing at Western Theological Seminary.Chase is the author of A Sharp Compassion and The 5 Masculine Instincts. His work draws from history, psychology, literature, and a rich narrative approach to Scripture to help readers think more deeply about faith and life.His work has been featured on Good Morning American, Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Ekstasis, Bible Engagement Project, and Influence Magazine. In addition, he hosts the Pastor Writer Podcast (pastorwriter.com), where he interviews Christian authors on writing and publishing. A native of the Ozark woods, he enjoys being outdoors with his wife and two kids, sailing, playing the guitar (badly), and quail hunting with his bird dog Millie.

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Different Jobs, But Both Help Christians in Restricted Nations

VOMOz Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 26:09

Doug Clay and Sam Brownback work in very different arenas. But both have a heart to serve Christians around the world. Doug Clay, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God - USA, shares about the genesis of the AG church and their current goal to put a church within walking distance of all humanity—including people living in hostile areas and restricted nations. “The finishing of the Great Commission is doable in our lifetime,” Clay says. Clay will share three ways to pray for your pastor and how he works to help the church equip the saints to have a biblical worldview and to endure. Seeing the church as the expansion of God's Kingdom, Doug knows it's crucial to encourage and pray for your pastor and for church leaders around the world. Sam Brownback served as United States Ambassador for International Religious Freedom during the first Trump administration. He has worked for decades to defend religious liberty in nations hostile to Christian teaching. Brownback will share from his experiences meeting with leaders of foreign nations, including one conversation that led directly to the release of a Christian pastor from prison. He'll also share how a formerly imprisoned Christian in Saudi Arabia encouraged him to continue in the work God called him to, and how raising religious freedom issues with your elected officials can be a practical way to serve persecuted brothers and sisters. Currently, Brownback is working on a book about persecution in China.

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301 My Story Talk 14 Ministry at Colchester 1962-68 Part 2

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 16:38

My Story Talk 14 Ministry in Colchester 1962-68 Part 2 Welcome to Talk 14 in our series where I am reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. Last time we began to talk about the years we spent in Colchester and I shared with you how the church grew during our time there and some of the reasons why. I finished by saying that I felt the Lord was showing us that the key to growth was to follow the supernatural leading of the Holy Spirit. Miracles happen as he determines and I was certainly not expecting what happened one Saturday evening. I had gone down to the church at about nine in the evening to attend to a window that would not open. As it was still fairly light, I did not at first turn the lights on. After a few minutes, however, I realised that I needed more light, so I switched them on. I mention this apparently trivial fact because, as it happens, the timing was perfect. Within half a minute someone was knocking at the church door. He later told me that he would not have stopped if he had not seen the light come on just as he approached the church . The man was in his thirties, well over six feet tall. He stood in the doorway, with tears in his eyes. I recognised him because, although he did not come to church , his grandmother had attended regularly until she died about six months earlier. I had met Billy at the funeral and had remembered his name. Come in Billy, I said. What's the matter? Then he told me his story. He had gone to work as usual on Friday morning and had worked later than usual doing some overtime. When he arrived home late that evening, he called out to his wife, but Ingrid did not reply. As he could not imagine where she might be, he searched the house looking for her. He found her in the bedroom, on the bed, unconscious, an empty bottle of sleeping tablets beside her. Ingrid was rushed into hospital, but they were by no means confident that they would be able to resuscitate her. On Saturday there was no improvement. She was in a coma . By this time Billy was frantic. He was pacing up and down at home, when suddenly he noticed a photo of his grandmother on the piano. If only she had been still alive! She would have prayed ! So Billy tried to pray , but he just didn't know what to say. So he jumped on his motorbike and headed for our church . As he approached it, he thought that no one was there and was about to drive past when suddenly the lights came on! I said to him: Billy, I'll tell you why you can't pray . The Bible says that God's ear is not deaf so that he cannot hear, but it's the things we've done wrong that have created a barrier between us and God. I asked him if he had ever asked Jesus to be his Saviour and to forgive him for the wrong things he'd done, and he said, No. When I asked him if he would like to, he said, Yes, and together we prayed and asked Jesus to come into his life. Then I prayed for Ingrid and, as I did so, my prayer turned into a command: In the name of Jesus, I rebuke this coma and command her to come out of it! This seemed a strange thing to say, as Ingrid was two miles away in the Essex County Hospital, and even if she had not been in a coma, she would not have been able to hear me at that distance! By then it was half past nine. I told Billy that Ingrid would be all right, and that he could go home – but as soon as he had gone I found myself doubting. What will I say to him if his wife dies? When Billy got home, he thought he would not be able to sleep so he sat down in an armchair. He told us later that at that moment he saw a bright light and felt a sensation of warmth flow through his body from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. The next thing he knew, it was 9 o'clock on Sunday morning. He rushed into hospital to see how his wife was and was told that she had come out of her coma . Please, he said, can you tell me exactly when it was? The nurse consulted the notes and replied: Yes, it was at exactly half past nine last night. Billy was able to take her home that afternoon. She too became a Christian and they both became members of our church . This was by far the greatest miracle we saw while we were at Colchester, but the growth of our church during the time we were there was not primarily due to miracles or our evangelistic and healing missions. It was due, as I have said, to the Lord's strategy in placing me in a school where I could freely teach the children about Jesus, to his giving me at the same time key people to help start a youth meeting, and to the commitment of people who were prepared to exchange their car for a minibus. And as the congregation grew due to the influx of young people, adults were attracted to join us – some from other churches, others who had just moved into the area, and others who were baptised in the Spirit through my ministry in the early days of what came to be known as the Charismatic Renewal. Getting to know Assemblies of God For the first twenty years of my life I attended a Baptist church and had never even heard of Assemblies of God. Church attendance during the three years I was at Oxford involved going to the Elim church in term time and the AoG in Dagenham during vacations. So, when I accepted the pastorate of the AoG church in Colchester, I had had relatively little experience of AoG, and I am grateful that during our years at Colchester I was able to get to know more of its ministers and how the fellowship functioned at a national level. I have already mentioned some of the ministers who came to preach at our annual conventions, but we were also blessed by visits from those who came to us on itinerary to tell us of the work they were doing for the Lord, to inspire our faith, and to encourage our support for their particular area of ministry. These included missionaries like Roy Leeming pioneering a church in Belgium, Colin Blackman representing the Lilian Trasher orphanages in Egypt, Harold Womersley from the Congo Evangelistic Mission, and David Newington from Lifeline to Africa. We also had visits from Michael Jarvis and Keith Monument. Michael was the AoG National Youth Secretary and Keith the Home Missions Secretary. I was impressed by the passion of these men to win people for Jesus and both were eventually to become good friends for many years. I recently had the privilege of paying a tribute at Keith's funeral service. Keith was a few weeks short of his 99th birthday when he died and had travelled over a million miles in Britain during his ministry for Home Missions. But apart from the visits of such wonderful people, I also got to know AoG better by attending its Annual General Conference and the quarterly meetings of the Essex District Council. It was through the DC meetings that I learned that, if I wanted to become recognised as an AoG minister, I must first apply for Probationary Status. This would last for two years and then I could apply for Full Status. So in 1964, having already been the pastor at Colchester for two years, I applied for Probationary Status. I'm so glad that the system has since been radically improved and that those who apply for status must now undergo a period as Ministers-in-Training, but back then my eligibility was assessed simply by two ministers coming to hear me preach, after which the only supervision I received was one of them saying, Go on giving them the good Word of God, brother. After that, I was left to my own devices for two years until in 1966 I was granted Full Status on the basis that my ministry was bearing fruit and was ordained at General Conference held in Clacton in May of that year. And it was during that conference that God clearly spoke to me and told me to give up my teaching job and trust him to provide for our needs. The call to full-time ministry When I felt the Lord calling me to the ministry at the age of 16, I naturally assumed that it would be my full-time occupation. And that was certainly the desire of my heart. But when we had started at Colchester the church was so small that they could not possibly pay me an adequate salary and that was why I was school teaching. And even though, by 1966, the church had grown considerably, the weekly offerings amounted to only £11 a week and I needed at least £18 a week to cover all our expenses. So when, at a Home Missions rally on the opening night of the Assemblies of God conference, pastor Eddie Durham began his sermon by throwing down a motorcycle gauntlet and challenging young men to give their lives full-time to the work of the ministry, I initially reacted by saying to God, That's all very well, Lord. But you know that I would love to be full-time, but that simply is not possible at the moment. But I knew that with God all things are possible, and so I added, But I'm willing to step out in faith if you will only make it clear that now is the time for me to do so. And if I am to hand in my notice to the school, I will need to know by the end of this conference. I said this because my contract required that I hand in my notice by the end of May if I were not going to return to school in September. I went back to the conference meetings night after night – I could not be present during the daytime because I was teaching – and all I can say is that in one way or another the Lord spoke to me in every meeting confirming that I should give up my teaching job and trust him to meet our needs. Of course, I shared all this with Eileen who had not been able to attend the meetings because she was at home looking after the girls, and she readily agreed that I should do whatever I felt the Lord was telling me. We told no one else about this, and when what I felt the Lord was saying was confirmed through spiritual gifts in church the following Sunday morning, I made up my mind that I would ask to see the head master the very next day. But how do you tell a man who professes to be an atheist that God has spoken to you? Well, you just tell him! And actually he was quite understanding. He just asked if I could consider delaying it for another term so that he could find a replacement. I think I told him, out of courtesy, that I would think about it, but in my heart I felt sure that it would not be necessary. And, sure enough, a few days later he came to me and said that quite unexpectedly he had already found a replacement for September. When they heard the news that I was leaving, colleagues at work made comments like, David, you must have great faith. To which I replied, Well, it's not so much a matter of faith as of obedience. I just know it's what I have to do. And that's what I told the church the following Sunday morning. I made it clear that I was not looking to the church to meet our needs, but I was trusting the Lord. Some said that they thought I should have consulted them before making the decision, but I replied by explaining that I had not wanted to be influenced by man, but only by what God himself was saying. Shortly after that, the church held a meeting and discussed what they should do in the circumstances. The outcome was that they decided that they wanted to trust the Lord with me and that from then on they would pay me 75% of whatever came in the offering and they would meet the ongoing needs of the church from the remaining 25%. Of course, Eileen and I were very encouraged by this even though, judging by the level of offerings at the time, what they would give us would fall far short of what we needed. However, almost immediately, the regular offerings doubled as the people rose to the challenge, and by the time we left Colchester I was receiving a more than adequate salary. Admittedly, for the first year our faith was being tested, but God is faithful and throughout that time we never went without a meal, even though sometimes the best we could do was beans on toast! Of course, we were careful with our money. We made sure that all the bills were paid and then spent whatever was left on food! Hadn't Jesus said that we should not be anxious about what we were to eat or drink? Our Father in Heaven would supply our need. And he did, even if for a while we had to cut out luxuries like biscuits and if the girls had to drink water rather than orange squash! And thanks largely to Eileen's positive attitude, they never complained. They grew up to understand that, however hard up we may feel, in this country we enjoy a higher standard of living than 99% of the rest of the world's population. I am so grateful that financial prosperity has never been high on the agenda of any of our children, and God has blessed them for it. But learning from experience that God was able to meet our needs was by no means the only benefit of giving up my teaching job. It opened the door to a much wider ministry.

Different Jobs, But Both Help Christians in Restricted Nations

VOMRadio

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 24:59

#1224 - Awards, Assemblies and Away Days

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 16:58 Transcription Available

Could the way we celebrate kids at school actually be leaving many of them behind? In this episode, Dr. Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the hidden costs of awards, assemblies, and school trips. From motivation to mental health, they explore how traditional recognition systems can impact children—and what we can do instead to help every child feel seen, supported, and valued. KEY POINTS: Awards ceremonies often benefit the same high achievers, leaving many students feeling invisible or unworthy. External rewards can reduce intrinsic motivation, especially in areas of creativity, effort, and behaviour. Assemblies can either unite a community or create anxiety and disconnection, depending on how they're run. Away days and camps offer valuable opportunities for growth—but need to be inclusive and purposeful. Children thrive when they feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Kids don’t need a trophy to know they matter. They need connection, encouragement, and a belief that they belong.” KEY INSIGHTS FOR PARENTS: Praise effort and process, not just outcomes. Be cautious about over-relying on rewards—consider what motivates your child from within. Talk with your child about how school events make them feel—do they feel recognised and included? Encourage educators to focus on connection and belonging in school-wide activities. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Deci & Ryan’s research on Self-Determination Theory Studies on rewards and motivation from Alfie Kohn and Carol Dweck Justin Coulson’s book 10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Ask your child how they feel during awards assemblies—validate their emotions. Focus your praise on effort, character, and perseverance rather than outcomes. Advocate for inclusive school events that celebrate all students, not just a few. If your child misses out on recognition, remind them of their value through connection and encouragement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Deanna Shrodes's Freedom Story!

Anchored by the Sword

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 34:47

I couldn't be more excited to welcome Dr. Deanna Shrodes to the show today. Her brand-new book, Uncommon Answers: Partnering with the Holy Spirit to Receive Extraordinarily More, comes out Tuesday, April 8th, and trust me—this conversation is packed with Holy Spirit fire, healing, and hope.Deanna shares her story of being adopted into a Christian home, growing up with a grandmother who pointed her to Jesus daily, and the incredible miracle of reuniting with her biological parents—stories only God could write. From meeting her mom at the age of 27 to meeting her birth father for the first time when he was 91 years old and leading him to salvation… friends, this episode is a front-row seat to God doing immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.We talk about:— What it means to be anchored in identity through daily intimacy with the Holy Spirit— Why your miracle might look uncommon—and why that's a good thing— What happens when you stop getting stuck on unanswered prayers and start pursuing the yet-to-be-answered ones— The beauty of soaking in God's presence and learning His voice— How sacrifice and obedience can either unlock miracles—or hold them back— The hope that it will turn around. Because friend, it's often darkest right before the dawnDeanna reminds us that God still moves, still speaks, and still saves. If you've been desperate for a breakthrough—whether in your family, your health, your marriage, or your heart—this one's for you.Bio: Dr. Deanna Shrodes is an international speaker gifted in candid communication, an ordained Assemblies of God minister, an accomplished musician, a worship leader, and a recording artist. Dr. Shrodes has been featured on CBS News, People magazine, Woman's World magazine, the New Yorker, HuffPost, God TV, and more. She holds a master's in ministerial leadership and a doctor of ministry degree and also serves as an adjunct professor at Southeastern University. She lives in Tampa, Florida. Anchor Verse:Joshua 1:5Connect with Deanna:Website: https://www.drdeannashrodes.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/ddshrodesFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ANdujGhG1/?mibextid=wwXIfrAmazon Book Link for Preorder: https://a.co/d/6T4sMhz***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help build our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!***

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381. Talking Leadership with Your Younger Self

god relationships success church conversations leadership holy spirit influence ministry younger self assemblies influence podcast talking leadership my younger self

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 30:20

If you could travel back in time and share life lessons with your younger self, what would they be? That's the premise of Doug Clay's new book, Conversations with My Younger Self. “If I could go back in time,” he asks, “what mistakes would I correct? What choices would I change? What words would I say or leave unsaid? What path would I take?” Clay answers those questions by drawing on his personal experiences as well as the biblical stories of Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, and David. I talk to Clay about what he would say to his younger self in this episode of the Influence Podcast. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Doug Clay is general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, a U.S. fellowship with nearly three million adherents, 13,000 churches and 38,000 ministers. He is author of Conversations with My Younger Self, forthcoming from Gospel Publishing House. ————— This episode of the Influence Podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler. The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler equips you with an understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life. As a resource for both laypeople and ministry leaders, it also imparts practical insight for anyone discipling others in receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. For more information about The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

Why We Are Still Assemblies of God?

The Jim Bradford Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 43:51

We're starting a new series answering listener questions. Special thanks to those who submitted questions. In today's episode, we talk about how we became Assemblies of God credential holders and what keeps us in the AG. We'll discuss some of the strengths of our movement and the challenges we face moving forward.

god assemblies assemblies of god

Loving Without Compromise: How the Church Can Reach the LGBTQ+ Community with Truth and Grace

The Missional Life Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 49:54 Transcription Available

Janet Boynes, founder of Janet Boynes Ministries, offers powerful insight into how the Church can lovingly minister to those in the LGBTQ+ community without abandoning biblical truth. She dives deep into the importance of community, discipleship, and spiritual authority while sharing her own transformation story. This conversation is real, vulnerable, and practical for every believer. Discover how to be a voice of compassion and truth in a culture filled with confusion. A must-listen for pastors, parents, and anyone looking to lead others into freedom.About the GuestJanet Boynes is the founder of Janet Boynes Ministries and an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. A former lesbian, she now shares her powerful testimony of freedom and healing through Jesus Christ, offering resources and hope for individuals and families navigating issues of sexuality, identity, and faith. She is the author of several books, including Called Out and God & the LGBT Community.Reasons to ListenUnfiltered Testimony of Transformation – Janet shares her personal journey from abuse, addiction, and same-sex relationships to full redemption through Christ.Practical Tools for the Church – Learn how to effectively minister to those in the LGBTQ+ community with grace, love, and uncompromised truth.Cultural Clarity with Compassion – Understand the cultural shifts impacting faith, sexuality, and family—and how to stand firm in God's design.Big TakeawaysHealing Takes Community – A loving, Christ-centered community plays a vital role in healing from trauma and breaking free from sin.Truth Doesn't Equal Hatred – Speaking truth about biblical sexuality can—and should—be done in love without compromising God's Word.Church Must Be Prepared – Churches need to educate themselves on how to walk alongside individuals in sexual brokenness.Discipleship Over Decisions – It's not enough for someone to “come out” of a lifestyle; they need discipleship to grow in Christ.Identity Is in Christ Alone – No label or past defines us—only who we are in Jesus.Missional ChallengesStep Out in Faith – Speak truth in love to someone you know who may be struggling with identity—start with a conversation, not a confrontation.Create Christ-Centered Community – Invite someone who feels marginalized into your small group or church activity—extend the love of Christ personally.Educate Yourself Biblically – Read one book or watch a teaching on biblical sexuality this week to deepen your understanding and compassion.Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Janet Boynes01:05 – Janet's Childhood Trauma & Abuse04:39 – Her Turn to Drugs and Homosexuality08:39 – Encounter with the Church12:17 – Re-dedication and Church Acceptance17:44 – Building Community After Leaving Homosexuality21:05 – The Church's Missteps and Missed Opportunities24:24 – How to Speak Truth in Love28:13 – Janet's Ongoing Struggles and Faithfulness33:09 – Addressing Cultural and Spiritual Battles40:52 – Janet's Marching Orders to the Church45:54 – Where God Is Leading Her NextGuest Website & Socials

299 My Story Talk 12 Brasenose College Oxford Part 3

jesus christ family spotify social media phd transformation focus lgbtq lgbt stream reports locals assemblies refuting seiler catholic answers crisis magazine god theological seminary

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 18:14

My Story Talk 12 Brasenose College Oxford 1959-62 (Part 3) Welcome to Talk 12 in our series where I am reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. This is now the third talk about the years I spent at Oxford. So far we have talked about life at Oxford, its academic programme, and my spiritual experience while I was there. Today I'm going to share with you my developing relationship with Eileen, our decision to get married shortly after I graduated, and how the Lord led us straight into pastoral ministry rather than going to Bible college first. Keeping in touch Throughout the two years after Eileen and I met, we had seen each other almost every day. Clearly, this could not continue while I was at Oxford, but we kept in touch as much as was then humanly possible. Of course, in those days there were no mobile phones. In fact, access to landlines was not easy, and anyway, it was extremely expensive. So Eileen and I kept in touch with each other by writing letters four or five times a week. We also managed to see each other every two weeks. As I have mentioned already, the terms at Oxford were only 8 weeks long, so by going home for the weekend after four weeks, and by Eileen travelling up to see me for the weekend after weeks two and six, we were able to see each other on a fortnightly basis. This was very clear evidence of Eileen's commitment to me as the journey on our Lambretta scooter through the busy traffic of central London was by no means easy. Obviously, we made the most of those precious weekends. On Saturdays we would often explore the surrounding countryside on our scooter or even travel further afield visiting pretty Cotswold villages like Bibury and Bourton on the Water. Or in the summer we loved getting into one of the punts moored by Magaden Bridge and heading up the Cherwell where we picnicked on the home-made sausage rolls and egg and bacon pie that Eileen had brought with her from home. On Sundays, of course, we went to church together before Eileen made the 60-mile journey back home to be ready for work on Monday. Of course, during the college vacations (which totalled half the year), the situation was completely different. I was able to see Eileen every day again. During the week, this was in the evenings as Eileen was at work during the daytime. And I was too, at least during the weeks that the schools had their holidays. As the Oxford terms were far shorter than the school terms I was able to earn some extra money by teaching in a local secondary school, which was to prove valuable for my future ministry as I was gaining experience in teaching children of a different age group from those I had taught in the years before I went to Oxford. But apart from working hours, Eileen and I saw each other every evening and every weekend. Sundays were taken up with church twice in the day, and midweek we regularly attended the Tuesday night prayer meeting, the Thursday night Bible study, and the Friday night youth meeting. We were desperate to learn more about our Pentecostal experience and the way the Pentecostal churches did things. In fact, whatever we were doing, our relationship with each other was from the start intimately connected with our relationship with the Lord and his will for our lives, even when we went on holiday. As I have already mentioned, our first holiday together was at a Christian Endeavour Holiday Home in Devon in 1959 just before I went up to Oxford. The following year we decided to explore the Lake District together. We travelled the three-hundred-mile journey on our scooter, stopping overnight in Aintree with one of Eileen's aunts, before finally arriving at a CE Home in Kents Bank near Grange-over-Sands. We had each visited the area before, but never together, and that fortnight was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship with other Christians as well as marvelling at the beauty of God's creation as we made daily trips into different parts of the Lakes. In 1961 we decided to go further afield and to spend four weeks touring France and northern Spain. So we exchanged our 125cc Lambretta for a new 175 which we trusted would cope well with the distances we would be travelling laden with two tents and all the paraphernalia required for camping. However, the moment we set off we both had some misgivings as the weight of luggage at the rear of the scooter made it harder to handle the machine safely, but undaunted we proceeded with caution and arrived safely at Southend airport where we had booked a flight on a cargo plane to northern France. Our first night in France was spent in a cow field with the kind permission of the farmer. We were both experienced campers, Eileen with the Girl Guides and I with the Boys' Brigade, but we had never before been woken by the sound of cows champing round our tent pegs and we quickly agreed to depart as soon as possible, particularly as there were no ‘facilities' available! We determined that after that we would make sure to check into proper camping sites. We travelled down the western side of France, stopping first at Paris for the weekend, camping in the Bois de Boulogne and visiting the thousand-strong Assemblies of God Church in the Rue du Sentier led by pastor André Nicole. Little did I know it then, but that was to be the first of many visits to French assemblies later in my ministry and sparked my interest in what the Holy Spirit was doing in European countries. In Angouleme we discovered that our GB plate had fallen off and, knowing that we were legally required to display one, we visited a garage there and asked if they knew where we could get a replacement. It was then that I realised how inadequate my A Level French course had been. Although we had studied numerous French authors, it was of little practical use to us now as no one had told us how to say the alphabet in French! Finally, by writing the letters down I managed to let them know what I wanted and learnt that in French GB is pronounced Jay-Bay. They told us that they could make us one, but it would take a couple of days. As a result, we had to travel further each day than originally planned which meant that we were both rather saddle-sore at the end of each day. We crossed the Spanish border between Biarritz and San Sebastian and immediately discovered that what we were doing was culturally unacceptable. Eileen was getting hoots and wolf-whistles from passing motorists because she was wearing trousers and not riding side-saddle! Of course, this would have been extremely dangerous bearing in mind the distances we were travelling each day and, at the risk of causing offense, we decided that we had no option but to carry on as we were. Extremely tired when we reached Burgos we decided to spend the night in a hotel and enjoy the luxury of proper beds. We did the same in Madrid for two or three nights before heading for Barcelona by way of Zaragoza. But before we reached Barcelona our scooter broke down on a mountain road and reluctantly I had to leave Eileen by the roadside with the scooter while I hitched a lift in a Citroen deux-chevaux into a village called Jorba to get help. It took two days to get the scooter fixed and by the time we eventually reached our campsite at Rosas, on the Mediterranean just north of Barcelona, it was already dark. A day or so later we arrived in Perpignan in southern France, intending to travel on up the eastern side of France on our way back home. But the scooter broke down again, and after two days camping at the back of an Esso station, we were compelled to return to England by train, leaving our scooter to be brought home courtesy of the RAC. Fortunately, it was still under warranty and was repaired by Lambretta after it finally arrived back in England some six weeks later. That holiday was the last we were to have together before we were married the following year and, in some ways, was a preparation for it. Like the holiday, married life is wonderful, but not without its unexpected events, delays, and difficulties. We were learning to face problems together, to be patient with each other, and to trust in the Lord to bring us through. Perhaps that's why I tend to advise young couples, wherever possible, to go on holiday together before deciding to get married. But that brings me to how I decided to propose to Eileen. Engagement and Marriage It was during my first term at Oxford. We had been ‘going out' together for two years, seeing each other almost every day. But we had never talked about marriage. I think that must have been because I was very conscious of how serious marriage is. Divorce in those days was far less common than it is today and for me, as a Christian, it would not have entered my head. I knew that marriage would be for life. What's more, I knew God had called me to serve him, and choosing the right partner was vitally important. So I was reluctant to commit myself. But just before I went to Oxford my father had a word with me. You'd better make your mind up about that girl, David. It would not be fair to keep her waiting for three years while you're at Oxford, if your intentions are not serious. Of course, I knew he was right. I had to make up my mind. The problem was, I didn't want to give her up, but I didn't want to marry her if she wasn't the right one for me. Finally I did what I should have done much sooner. I decided to pray about it. I got down on my knees in my bedroom at Oxford and told the Lord my dilemma. I told him that I would gladly marry Eileen if she was God's choice for me, but if not, I would give her up. And as soon as I said that prayer I received an overwhelming peace and an assurance that Eileen was the girl I was to marry. So, the next time I was home from Oxford, after a long and passionate kiss, I said to her, You will marry me, won't you, darling? Yes, those were my exact words! To which she replied, Oh yes! Of course I will. So we decided to get engaged the following summer after my first year at Oxford, knowing that the earliest we could expect to marry would be after I had graduated. After gaining her father's consent, we organised a wonderful garden party to celebrate our engagement on 2nd July, 1960, and eventually were married by Pastor Alfred Webb at Bethel Full Gospel Church, Vicarage Road, Dagenham, on 28th July, 1962. And the specially invited organist for the occasion was none other than Laurie N. Dixon, LRAM, the friend through whom I had first heard about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Our move to Colchester After our honeymoon in Cornwall, we moved directly into our first home, a bungalow in Colchester, where I had accepted the invitation to take over the pastorate of the small AoG church there. Colchester will be the subject of our next talk, but first I need to explain why we did not consider ministry in a Baptist church and why I did not go to Bible College as originally planned. With regard to the Baptists, the explanation is simple. Once we had been baptised in the Spirit, neither of us had attended our Baptist churches apart from perhaps an occasional visit. This was largely because the minister of Hornchurch Baptist was not sympathetic to a Pentecostal understanding of scripture, and the new minister of Elm Park Baptist had stated that the Pentecostals' exegesis of Acts was entirely unwarranted. Against this, my parents had told me that Leslie Moxham, our former Baptist minister at Elm Park, had noticed such a difference in me since I was baptised in the Spirit that he had said, If the baptism in the Spirit can make that much difference to David, I want it too. Leslie was later baptised in the Spirit and eventually became an AoG minister working with my friend Colin Blackman in the Tunbridge Wells assembly. And although, as we were to discover later some Baptists were beginning to get involved in the Charismatic Renewal, it was evident to us that our future lay with the Pentecostals rather than with the Baptists. But why didn't I go the Bible College before taking on a church? The answer is that I tried to. Early in 1962 I applied to London Bible College. There was a section on the application form where you were required to give an account of your experience of Christ. So I mentioned not only how I had become a Christian, but also how Jesus had baptised me in the Holy Spirit. My interview lasted about an hour, most of which was taken up with what I believed about speaking in tongues. Was it for today? And if it was, was it for everyone? As a result, I received a letter a few days later saying that they felt I would do better to apply to a Pentecostal bible college! Interestingly, their rejection of my application is mentioned in Ian Randall's history of LBC, Educating Evangelicals. The AoG Bible College was then at Kenley in Surrey. Its principal was Donald Gee. I had had a brief conversation with him after a meeting at the East Ham Easter Convention, and he had promised to send me the application form. But this never arrived. I also heard it rumoured that the lady teaching English at Kenley, on hearing that an Oxford graduate might be coming, had, presumably jokingly, commented that he'll be probably teaching me! This, together with the fact that some of my Pentecostal friends were telling me that I didn't need to go to Bible college, because I had got it – whatever that meant! – caused me to wonder if that was the direction I should be heading. So I said to the Lord, If you really don't want me to go to Bible College, let someone offer me the pastorate of a Pentecostal church. And within a week, I had my answer. I received a letter from the Colchester assembly asking if I would be their pastor. There was a bungalow available for rent for six and a half guineas a week (£6.51) towards which they were prepared to contribute £5.00. Apart from that, they could offer nothing, and it was understood that I would need to seek full time secular employment. But that's something for next time.

Linda to David to Linda Again | Dr. Linda Seiler on the Dr. J Show (parts 1 & 2)

Ruth Institute Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 106:08

Linda wanted to be a man. She planned it all out and chose her new name. But a powerful experience with Christ changed her life forever. Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Linda discusses her research on individuals transitioning from an LGBT identity, and Christian perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues, including affirmation, accommodation, mortification, and holistic transformation. Linda highlights parental roles and language's impact on perceptions, stressing compassion and truth in addressing same-sex attraction. Dr. Linda Seiler earned a PhD from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. As an ordained minister, Linda has dedicated her life to ministry and education. Her book, "Trans-Formation," reflects her personal journey and academic insights, offering guidance to those navigating similar paths. Linda's website: https://lindaseiler.com/ Get the 5 streams document here: https://lindaseiler.com/resources/ Buy her book, “TRANSformation” https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625862601 Linda shares her story with Focus on the Family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4WxPhWdU60 Follow her on social media: https://www.facebook.com/RevLindaSeiler/ https://www.instagram.com/revlindaseiler/ https://x.com/revlindaseiler?lang=en ReStory Ministries: https://restoryministries.org/ This Dr J Show is also on the following platforms: TheRuthInstitute.Locals.com https://rumble.com/c/TheRuthInstitute https://www.bitchute.com/channel/MXkWgTk4Brwr/ https://odysee.com/@TheRuthInstitute:7 Sign up for our weekly newsletter here: https://ruthinstitute.org/newsletter/ Be sure to subscribe, and check out ALL the Dr J Shows! Have a question or a comment? Leave it in the comments, and we'll get back to you! Subscribe to our YouTube playlist: @RuthInstitute Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/theruthinstitute https://twitter.com/RuthInstitute https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthInstitute/ https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/newsfeed Press: NC Register: https://www.ncregister.com/author/jennifer-roback-morse Catholic Answers: https://www.catholic.com/profile/jennifer-roback-morse The Stream: https://stream.org/author/jennifer-roback-morse/ Crisis Magazine: https://crisismagazine.com/author/jennifer-roeback-morse Father Sullins' Reports on Clergy Sexual Abuse: https://ruthinstitute.org/resource-centers/father-sullins-research/ Listen to our podcast: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ruth-institute-podcast/id309797947 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1t7mWLRHjrCqNjsbH7zXv1

Anchored Together: Love, Faith and Ministry

AG Next Gen Leaders Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 43:12

Marriage and ministry don't have to compete—they can complement each other. Anchored Together is a podcast for ministry couples who want to serve God and the next generation while staying deeply connected in their marriage. Join Jay and Laura Mooney for candid discussions, real-life stories, and biblical truths as they unpack what it takes to build a marriage that is strong, supportive, and centered in Christ—all while fulfilling your ministry calling. Whether you're just starting out or seeking renewed strength, this podcast will help you stay anchored in love, faith, and ministry.

god jesus christ children kids leadership marriage ministry youth students young adults next gen anchored youth ministries assemblies student ministry kids ministry assemblies of god

379. Five Principles of Church Growth

god ceo health church lord bible leadership growth influence southern california protestant church growth assemblies avail five principles audacious faith influence podcast chris sonksen

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 33:48

Some time ago, a pastor called Chris Sonksen and confessed, “Our church is stuck, and I feel empty. I don't know what to do. I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this.” A lot of pastors feel this way. One Lifeway Research study found that six in 10 Protestant churches are plateaued or declining. More than half of churches saw fewer than 10 converts in the previous year. Another Lifeway Research study reported that more than 60% of pastors say that stress weighs heavily on them, with at least half reporting that their burdens have robbed them of joy in ministry. These pastors and the churches they lead seem like trains stuck on the tracks. What can they do to gain traction and get moving again? That's the question I ask Chris Sonksen in this episode of the Influence Podcast. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Chris Sonksen is founding pastor of South Hills Church, a multi-state, multi-campus church based in Southern California, CEO and founder of Church Boom, and an ordained Assemblies of God minister. Most recently, he is author of Traction: Five Proven Principles for Unstoppable Growth, published by Avail. ————— This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of Audacious Faith. This six-week women's Bible study will define biblical faith, address questions head-on, and unpack what it means to have audacious faith. Learn how to replace hopelessness and despair with vibrant faith that pleases the Lord and repels the enemy. For more information about Audacious Faith visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

Facing Pain: The Road to True Redemption | Dr. Linda Seiler on the Dr. J Show episode 273

Ruth Institute Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 53:30

Born gay is a narrative that severely inhibits anyone dealing with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria. Dr. Linda Seiler talks about both the qualitative research that she did regarding same sex attraction as well as the transformation she went through after she reoriented her life towards God. Watch part 1 here: https://youtu.be/gqJ48N5uqYA Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Forgiveness and Healing 02:47 Pursuing Intimacy with Jesus 06:01 Facing Pain for Transformation 08:54 Understanding Temptation and Responsibility 12:14 The Cycle of Transformation 15:11 Exploring the Five Streams of LGBTQ Responses 18:09 Condemnation vs. Affirmation 20:59 Accommodation and Identity 23:53 Mortification and the Fall 27:14 Understanding Temptation and Sin 30:36 The Complexity of Concupiscence 33:25 Celibacy: A Gift or a Burden? 37:43 Holistic Transformation: Body, Soul, and Spirit 41:03 The Role of Prayer in Transformation 43:08 Identifying the Root of Desires 44:05 Advice for Parents of LGBTQ Individuals 46:20 The Importance of Language in Identity 50:23 Resources for Further Learning Dr. Linda Seiler is a trailblazer in understanding gender identity and sexuality. Born and raised in a conservative environment, Linda faced internal conflicts regarding her gender identity from a young age. Despite these challenges, she pursued her education with determination, eventually earning a PhD from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Her academic journey was marked by a deep exploration of gender and sexuality, culminating in a dissertation that examined the experiences of individuals who have undergone significant personal transformations. As an ordained minister, Linda has dedicated her life to ministry and education, leading initiatives like Chi Alpha at Purdue University and serving as a National XA Field Specialist. Her book, "Trans-Formation," reflects her personal journey and academic insights, offering guidance to those navigating similar paths. Through her work, Linda continues to inspire and educate, contributing significantly to the discourse on identity and transformation. Linda's website: https://lindaseiler.com/ Get the 5 streams document here: https://lindaseiler.com/resources/ Buy her book, “TRANSformation” https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625862601 Linda shares her story with Focus on the Family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4WxPhWdU60 Follow her on social media: https://www.facebook.com/RevLindaSeiler/ https://www.instagram.com/revlindaseiler/ https://x.com/revlindaseiler?lang=en ReStory Ministries: https://restoryministries.org/ Have a question or a comment? Leave it in the comments, and we'll get back to you! Subscribe to our YouTube playlist: @RuthInstitute Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/theruthinstitute https://twitter.com/RuthInstitute https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthInstitute/ https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/newsfeed Press: NC Register: https://www.ncregister.com/author/jennifer-roback-morse Catholic Answers: https://www.catholic.com/profile/jennifer-roback-morse The Stream: https://stream.org/author/jennifer-roback-morse/ Crisis Magazine: https://crisismagazine.com/author/jennifer-roeback-morse Father Sullins' Reports on Clergy Sexual Abuse: https://ruthinstitute.org/resource-centers/father-sullins-research/ Buy Dr. Morse's Books: The Sexual State: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/the-sexual-state-2/ Love and Economics: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/love-and-economics-it-takes-a-family-to-raise-a-village/ Smart Sex: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/smart-sex-finding-life-long-love-in-a-hook-up-world/ 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/101-tips-for-a-happier-marriage/ 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/101-tips-for-marrying-the-right-person/ Listen to our podcast: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ruth-institute-podcast/id309797947 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1t7mWLRHjrCqNjsbH7zXv1 Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Get the full interview by joining us for exclusive, uncensored content on Locals: https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/support

378. Leading Your Church Through Change

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 33:58

“The best days of the church are ahead,” write Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Raymond Chang. “Don't get us wrong. We are under no illusion that churches have it easy in this season. These days the church can feel … So fractured, So distracted. So divided and politicized. So exhausting. So hard to lead. Like everything is an uphill battle.” So why are these authors confident about the future of the church? That's the question I ask Kara Powell in this episode of the Influence Podcast. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Kara Powell is chief of leadership formation and executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and a credentialed Assemblies of God minister. She is coauthor, with Mulder and Chang, of Future-Focused Church: Leading Through Change, Engaging the Next Generation, and Building a More Diverse Tomorrow, published by Baker Books. ————— This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards. Strengthen your family's relationships with God and each other with these easy-to-use Conversation Cards. Each card is uniquely designed with a question, faith builder statement, and a Bible verse to spark meaningful conversations that cultivate an open and nurturing environment in your home. For more information about the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

I Loved My Family More Than My Gender Incongruity and Same-Sex Attraction

Ruth Institute Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 56:37

Linda wanted to be a man. She had planned it all out, to the monetary side and even going so far as to choose the name, 'David' for her post operation itentity. But a powerful experience when she was 21 with Christ changed her life forever. Listen as she shares her journey with gender identity, sexual attraction, faith struggles, and her 11-year transformation. She highlights pivotal moments, the role of confession, accountability, and divine intervention in her healing. Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Linda stresses forgiveness, responsibility, and the messy nature of discipleship in her path to self-acceptance and faith. She discusses her research on individuals transitioning from an LGBT identity, exploring commonalities and mindsets aiding transformation. Linda emphasizes intimacy with Jesus over sexual orientation change and outlines a transformation cycle involving pain and a relationship with Christ. She introduces five streams of Christian responses to LGBTQ issues, advocating for nuanced understanding. Linda and Dr. J Show discuss Christian perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues, including affirmation, accommodation, mortification, and holistic transformation. Linda highlights identity, parental roles, and language's impact on perceptions, stressing compassion and truth in addressing same-sex attraction complexities. Dr. Linda Seiler is a trailblazer in understanding gender identity and sexuality. Born and raised in a conservative environment, Linda faced internal conflicts regarding her gender identity from a young age. Despite these challenges, she pursued her education with determination, eventually earning a PhD from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Her academic journey was marked by a deep exploration of gender and sexuality, culminating in a dissertation that examined the experiences of individuals who have undergone significant personal transformations. As an ordained minister, Linda has dedicated her life to ministry and education, leading initiatives like Chi Alpha at Purdue University and serving as a National XA Field Specialist. Her book, "Trans-Formation," reflects her personal journey and academic insights, offering guidance to those navigating similar paths. Through her work, Linda continues to inspire and educate, contributing significantly to the discourse on identity and transformation. Linda's website: https://lindaseiler.com/ Get the 5 streams document here: https://lindaseiler.com/resources/ Buy her book, “TRANSformation” https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625862601 Linda shares her story with Focus on the Family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4WxPhWdU60 Follow her on social media: https://www.facebook.com/RevLindaSeiler/ https://www.instagram.com/revlindaseiler/ https://x.com/revlindaseiler?lang=en ReStory Ministries: https://restoryministries.org/ This Dr J Show is also on the following platforms: TheRuthInstitute.Locals.com https://rumble.com/c/TheRuthInstitute https://www.bitchute.com/channel/MXkWgTk4Brwr/ https://odysee.com/@TheRuthInstitute:7 Sign up for our weekly newsletter here: https://ruthinstitute.org/newsletter/ Be sure to subscribe, and check out ALL the Dr J Shows! Have a question or a comment? Leave it in the comments, and we'll get back to you! Subscribe to our YouTube playlist: @RuthInstitute Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/theruthinstitute https://twitter.com/RuthInstitute https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthInstitute/ https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/newsfeed Press: NC Register: https://www.ncregister.com/author/jennifer-roback-morse Catholic Answers: https://www.catholic.com/profile/jennifer-roback-morse The Stream: https://stream.org/author/jennifer-roback-morse/ Crisis Magazine: https://crisismagazine.com/author/jennifer-roeback-morse Father Sullins' Reports on Clergy Sexual Abuse: https://ruthinstitute.org/resource-centers/father-sullins-research/ Listen to our podcast: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ruth-institute-podcast/id309797947 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1t7mWLRHjrCqNjsbH7zXv1

377. How God Changes Us