Podcast appearances and mentions of christian communities

In this episode of Dear Church, Chris sits down with Jeremy Weekley, preaching minister at the West End Church of Christ in Knoxville, TN, and co-host of the Not Just Sundays podcast. Together, they dive into the biblical role of shepherds (elders) in the church and what it truly means to shepherd God's people. They discuss the heart of leadership, the responsibilities of elders, and how shepherding strengthens the church family.   Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch   Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/ ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight   Have a question? Email Chris at chris.mccurley@rippleoflight.com.   #DearChurchPodcast #ShepherdingTheSheep #ChurchLeadership #EldersInTheChurch #SpiritualLeadership #ChristianPodcast #ChurchMinistry #FaithAndLeadership #BiblicalTeaching #Discipleship #ChurchOfChrist #ChristianLiving #PastoralCare #FaithPodcast #ChristianCommunity

Scripture References:John 15:20Mark 10:29–302 Timothy 3:12Acts 14:23Acts 3:13–17Acts 4:1–22Mark 13:11Acts 4:23–31Psalm 2:1–2

Are you worn out from trying to run your business? Does it feel like you pray over your business and ask the Lord to guide you and bless the work of your hands, but you still don't see the progress you desire? No matter if you are brand new to business or have been doing this for a while, growing a business isn't an easy feat and there IS a better way to do things. In today's episode we're going to talk about the invitation to partner WITH the Lord to revolutionize how you grow your business. Listen in and if you're ready to join us on the Co-Labor Journey come and join us inside the FOUNDATIONS Community! We kick off the Co-Labor with Christ Journey on September 15th! https://cwbb.thrivecart.com/foundations-community/

If you're tired of stale and stagnant Christianity, then it's time you move to the middle! If you're looking for something transcendent and transformative, then it's time to lock into Meaningful Community. 

Last weekend, we began a new series asking, “What does the church look like?”—the unchanging pieces like Jesus, good stories, and the Spirit. This Sunday, we've got three chairs. They represent people you meet each week. People like you... actually, you. Together, these three chairs tell the story of what God is doing at Cape Cod Church and how you fit into that story. After the service, we also went down to the beach for our annual Beach Baptism Celebration!  First time listening to our podcast? We'd like to get to know you!  Head over to: http://bit.ly/connectcardccc. Connect with us! Do you have any prayer request? DM us.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodchurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodchurch/  Website: http://capecodchurch.com Connect Card: https://bit.ly/connectcardccc

In this powerful message marking the 20th anniversary of Flipside Church, Pastor Karl delivers a profound and challenging sermon on what it means to live as a "doulos" — a slave of Jesus Christ. Drawing from the biblical concept of servitude, he unpacks the seven core values that define the church's mission and guide its members as they seek to turn the world upside down for God's Kingdom. These values — irrefutable love, irresistible grace, illogical faith, the invisible kingdom, infallible scriptures, irrational generosity, and incessant reproduction — call believers to a radical, obedient life rooted in Christ's commands. Pastor Karl emphasizes that as slaves of Christ, we surrender our agendas to adopt His values, living with unwavering love, grace, and faith to expand His eternal Kingdom. Join us as we reflect on two decades of God's faithfulness and prepare to celebrate Flipside Church's 20-year legacy next Sunday.Watch all our sermons on our YouTube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

We want to show and receive God's love to those around us, and we live that out practically everyday. We strive to bring hope by meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of everyone we come in contact with. We love fiercely—like a family, because everyone is included and our Father loves us all. We're building biblical community by seeking God's Word, believing in His promises, and applying what we learn everyday. Our hope is that you and your family find a home with us where you can learn, grow, live, and thrive in Christ Jesus. We're a multi-generational church with something to offer everyone in your family. Join us for an online or on-campus Sunday morning worship service, and take the next step in your journey with us!

Join Seminary Director Rev. Patrick Kennedy in conversation with two seminary students as they share their journeys toward the priesthood. Sean traces his path from Baltimore to a Biodynamic farm in the Finger Lakes, and Marc reflects on his travels across Canada and the US, finding his place as a French Canadien. Together, they open up about the call they have heard, the sacraments that have shaped them, and what it means to walk this path today. This episode is the first of a new series we will return to from time to time, Called, offering glimpses into the life of the seminary of the Christian Community of North America and the living question of vocation.We are also launching our YouTube page today @TheLightInEveryThing. Please join us there and like, subscribe, and share to support this work and help us reach more people.Support the showThe Light in Every Thing is a podcast of The Seminary of The Christian Community in North America. Learn more about the Seminary and its offerings at our website. This podcast is supported by our growing Patreon community. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/ccseminary. Thanks to Elliott Chamberlin who composed our theme music, “Seeking Together,” and the legacy of our original show-notes and patreon producer, Camilla Lake.

Acts chapter two gives us a glimpse into the very first church—and it's clear they “devoted themselves” to life together in Christian community. So here's a question worth asking: What does your schedule say you're devoted to? Have you made space for the kind of relationships that encourage your faith, challenge you to grow, and walk with you through life? Real spiritual growth happens when we prioritize community.

Relationships That Reflect Christ: A Conversation with Natalie RunionIn this special episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane welcome Natalie Runion—author, speaker, and founder of Raised to Stay—for a heartfelt conversation about relationships. Together, they discuss what it means to cultivate Christ-centered connections, navigate conflict with grace, and build communities rooted in love and authenticity. Natalie shares wisdom from her own journey and offers encouragement for anyone longing to strengthen their relationships with God and others.____________________________________Connect with Natalie Runion:Website: https://natalierunion.com/____________________________________Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams____________________________________ Get Jamie's Newest Book:Living Loved: An 8-week Journey to Living Fully Loved

Sometimes the Spirit's work doesn't come in the spectacular, but in the interruptions we'd rather ignore. In Acts 3, Peter and John are on their way to pray when they stop for a lame man at the temple gate. What follows is both a miraculous healing and a bold witness to Jesus. Kara Moses helps us see that the Spirit still prompts ordinary people today—nudging us to pay attention, to say yes, and to trust God with the outcome. This week's message invites us to loosen our grip on our plans and practice Spirit-led availability, because you never know what God might do through a simple act of obedience.

Theri Rossouw inspires Christian community and creativity with her "Faith Journey", encompassing a 500km EPIC walk, a Battle of the bands (Bands of Glory), and Teia Lodge. All info links here - https://linktr.ee/faithjourney

Send us a textTwo Are Better Than One (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 Daily Christian Devotional – Friendship, Unity, Support, Love, Marriage & Strength in Relationships @171 Daily Prayer PodcastEcclesiastes 4:9–10 (NIV) – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”SUPPORT THE MISSION

We Can Find Common Ground Even in Washington, D.C. Good Faith's series of Campfire Stories invites listeners to hear how ordinary people are living out extraordinary faith in complex times. In this episode, Daniel, a pastor in Reston, Virginia, reflects on 23 years of ministry near Washington D.C., where politics and faith are in constant conversation. Inspired to bring the community – inside and outside of his church – together through civic discourse, he championed an initiative to create spaces for meal sharing and meaningful dialogue, creating curiosity and seeking unity across political lines. Daniel's story shows how one pastor can change the way we do church to cultivate reconciliation, hope, and community in the most polarized of towns. Send your Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org

This weekend, we had a “Back to School” Bash to have fun with kids, celebrate with parents, and encourage teachers—like I said, a party! We also kicked off a short new series, talking about this thing we do together each week called church: what it is, why it matters, and the one critical piece that often goes missing. Here's my promise: when we're done, you'll have something to smile about! First time listening to our podcast? We'd like to get to know you!  Head over to: http://bit.ly/connectcardccc. Connect with us! Do you have any prayer request? DM us.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodchurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodchurch/  Website: http://capecodchurch.com Connect Card: https://bit.ly/connectcardccc  

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Karl wraps up the study of the Book of Ruth, focusing on Chapter 4. He explores the profound themes of God's providence, redemption, and love woven throughout the narrative. Pastor Karl highlights how Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, mirrors Christ's sacrificial love for humanity, taking on Ruth's baggage without hesitation to redeem her. Through the lens of Ruth's story, we see a beautiful picture of Jesus pursuing the person, not possessions, and the transformative power of obedience to God's command. Pastor Karl emphasizes that our obedience, paired with God's providence, leads to convergence—working all things together for good. This episode reminds us that no matter our past, Christ redeems us fully, inviting us into His story of grace and love.Watch all our sermons on our YouTube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

We want to show and receive God's love to those around us, and we live that out practically everyday. We strive to bring hope by meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of everyone we come in contact with. We love fiercely—like a family, because everyone is included and our Father loves us all. We're building biblical community by seeking God's Word, believing in His promises, and applying what we learn everyday. Our hope is that you and your family find a home with us where you can learn, grow, live, and thrive in Christ Jesus. We're a multi-generational church with something to offer everyone in your family. Join us for an online or on-campus Sunday morning worship service, and take the next step in your journey with us!

A sermon by Chris McConaughy based on Acts 2:42-47 preached on August 31st for our Short North congregation as part of our sermon series called "Devoted: Following Jesus Together."

Brenda J. and Karen B. sit down with Dr. Andrew J. Bauman, a licensed mental health counselor and founder of the Christian Counseling Center: For Sexual Health and Trauma, to discuss his book Safe Church: How to Guard Against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities. In this episode, Andrew talks about scripture taken out of context regarding women and the church. They give some examples of women that were abused in churches and what men can do to bring positive change. They also discuss the characteristics of a safe church and what needs to be implemented to protect the safety of its members. https;//andrewjbauman.com https://hangingontohope.org

As Pastor Ricky continues his series on the countercultural Christian community, he'll be explaining that the foundation of believers in Jesus is eternal. We have an eternal hope of glory whereas the world system has no hope at all. There's a reason why the world seeks to look for ways to live longer. It's because they're afraid of what will come after death. We however will have eternal rest and don't need to get worried over the temporal issues in this world.

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21d-The Gentile Christian Community's Experiential Knowledge of Christ-Lesson # 270

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21d-The Gentile Christian Community's Experiential Knowledge of Christ-Lesson # 270

When you became a Christian did you notice, as time went on, that you looked less and less like the world? There should be a sense that you don't belong to this world system any longer. Pastor Ricky will be helping us understand that our identity is in Jesus and we shouldn't yearn for acceptance or desire to fit in with the world. As you read the Word of God, you'll notice very quickly that the Christian community is called to a much higher standard and it's actually in stark contrast to the world.

As the summer winds down, we are busy at the seminary preparing for new students. We are also quite excited by plans for expanding what we do with the Patreon. Before the new content arrives to you, we are reposting these two episodes from the early years of the podcast. We selected these episodes to align with the announcement that the audit option for the Distance Learning Program is now open. If you wanted the chance to receive weekly instruction about discipleship from Rev. Kennedy, followed by discussion with fellow auditors, then this is what you've been waiting for. Click here for more information. Registration closes September 15, 2025 and the course begins October 7.In this final repost of the summer, Patrick Kennedy and Jonah Evans explore the next steps along the path of discipleship as revealed in our fourth gospel reading of the series: Luke 9: 1 - 17. We hear how Christ gathers his disciples, empowers them, and instructs them as to their mission and sends them out into the world. What is the mission of a disciple? How are they equipped for this work, what provisions given? Jonah and Patrick take up the answers given in the gospel and explore the deeper mysteries of the 'angel' of the discipleship circle and the final step in the passage: the feeding of the five thousand.Support the showThe Light in Every Thing is a podcast of The Seminary of The Christian Community in North America. Learn more about the Seminary and its offerings at our website. This podcast is supported by our growing Patreon community. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/ccseminary. Thanks to Elliott Chamberlin who composed our theme music, “Seeking Together,” and the legacy of our original show-notes and patreon producer, Camilla Lake.

Are you tired of making assumptions that hold you back from achieving your goals? Do you find yourself jumping to conclusions or making judgments based on limited information? In this video, we're going to challenge your thinking and explore the dangers of making assumptions. From misunderstandings to missed opportunities, we'll dive into the consequences of assuming things without evidence. Learn how to break free from assumption-making habits and start making informed decisions that lead to success. Stop making assumptions and start making progress!Check out Da GATE 33:Apparel Art & more www.DaGate33.coZeyRado's Art @zeyrado33 Melody Colina's   @voiceoverbymelody  Women Ministry  @PRO31Podcast  IG X FB Pin : @DaGate33 Contact & Prayer requests info.dagate33@gmail.com#faith #jesus #dagate33 #podcast #ministry #foryou 

Pastor Sean discusses the importance of community, shares personal stories, and tackles challenging family dynamics, including forgiveness and restoration. Tune in for practical insights, heartfelt reflections, and an invitation to experience real life in Christ.00:00 Introduction: Discovering Real Life00:18 Invitation to River City Community Church01:06 Reaching for Real Life: Air Guitar and Drums01:36 Celebrating 38 Years of Marriage02:34 Pastor's Masters Golf Tournament03:46 Remembering John MacArthur and James Dobson05:55 Family Matters: Honoring and Forgiving13:26 Understanding Forgiveness and Releasing Debt14:30 The Power of Redemption and Forgiveness14:45 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant15:23 Self-Righteousness and Unforgiveness16:21 The Role of Social Media in Seeking Validation17:34 Seeking Godly Counsel and Restoration19:11 Family Dynamics and Christian Community21:46 Praying for Reconciliation and Letting Go23:41 River City Community Church Services and Invitation

Pastor Sean discusses the importance of community, shares personal stories, and tackles challenging family dynamics, including forgiveness and restoration. Tune in for practical insights, heartfelt reflections, and an invitation to experience real life in Christ.00:00 Introduction: Discovering Real Life00:18 Invitation to River City Community Church01:06 Reaching for Real Life: Air Guitar and Drums01:36 Celebrating 38 Years of Marriage02:34 Pastor's Masters Golf Tournament03:46 Remembering John MacArthur and James Dobson05:55 Family Matters: Honoring and Forgiving13:26 Understanding Forgiveness and Releasing Debt14:30 The Power of Redemption and Forgiveness14:45 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant15:23 Self-Righteousness and Unforgiveness16:21 The Role of Social Media in Seeking Validation17:34 Seeking Godly Counsel and Restoration19:11 Family Dynamics and Christian Community21:46 Praying for Reconciliation and Letting Go23:41 River City Community Church Services and Invitation

Scripture References (NASB2020): Acts 2:1–47Genesis 2:7Psalm 42:1–2Matthew 10:28Matthew 11:29Mark 8:36–37Genesis 1:26–27 Primary SourcesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorWright, NT. The Challenge of ActsKeener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New TestamentWitherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

Why are we talking about soil on a business podcast? Because your soil matters if you want a business that will grow and go on to produce good fruit! Listen in to read the Scriptural answer to how to achieve good soil so that your business has everything it needs to thrive, even in today's challenging conditions. We are here to SERVE you with a Business Building Community for where you are NOW. Search our Communities to discover the one that fits your needs best. We were never meant to do business alone, we are better as the body! ~Looking for Connection: Join our FREE FB Group Christian Women Business Builders- https://www.facebook.com/groups/cwbbcommunity ~Looking for Genuine Community to Build a Business as the Body of Christ: https://www.skool.com/christianentrepreneursconnect/about ~Looking for Foundation Business Support: Join us inside the “Foundations” Community inside the GROW Coaching Collective HERE: https://cwbb.thrivecart.com/foundations-community/  ~Looking for Biblical and Sustainable Business Growth: Our Signature “GROW Coaching Community” is for you! Learn more HERE: https://cwbb.thrivecart.com/grow-community/ ~Looking for High-Level Support and a Mastermind focused on Biblical Multiplication: The “MULTIPLY Mastermind” is our exclusive, invite-only Mastermind for Christian Women looking to Multiply Your Influence, Income, and Impact. Message Cassie Directly to request an Interview. 

Brenda J. and Karen B. sit down with Dr. Andrew J. Bauman, a licensed mental health counselor and founder of the Christian Counseling Center: For Sexual Health and Trauma, to discuss his book Safe Church: How to Guard Against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities. In this episode, Andrew shares part of his own story and what led him to write Safe Church. He talks about how the church has failed women, why leaders must begin listening to women, and how sexism and abuse in Christian communities deeply harm both women and men. Together, they explore how Jesus views women, examine Scriptures that are often taken out of context, and agree that we all must speak up and have a voice in confronting these issues. https;//andrewjbauman.com https://hangingontohope.org

As the summer winds down, we are busy at the seminary preparing for new students. We are also quite excited by plans for expanding what we do with the Patreon. Before the new content arrives to you, we are reposting these two episodes from the early years of the podcast. We selected these episodes to align with the announcement that the audit option for the Distance Learning Program is now open. If you wanted the chance to receive weekly instruction about discipleship from Rev. Kennedy, followed by discussion with fellow auditors, then this is what you've been waiting for. Click here for more information. Registration closes September 15, 2025 and the course begins October 7.In this episode, we join Jonah Evans and Patrick Kennedy in the middle of their discussion of discipleship. Here we begin by exploring the third gospel reading in the series: Luke 15: 1 - 32.  Through the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son, Jesus reveals to his disciples the dynamic loving effort the divine world is making to find every human soul that has lost its connection to its true home as well as the inner transformation of heart and mind each person can make to turn again towards the ‘Kingdom of God'.Support the showThe Light in Every Thing is a podcast of The Seminary of The Christian Community in North America. Learn more about the Seminary and its offerings at our website. This podcast is supported by our growing Patreon community. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/ccseminary. Thanks to Elliott Chamberlin who composed our theme music, “Seeking Together,” and the legacy of our original show-notes and patreon producer, Camilla Lake.

This week on VOMAus Radio, hear from VOM Australia staff member Patrick as he provides us with insights on his recent trip to Nepal. Though officially a secular republic, Nepal remains a predominantly Hindu nation, and the government is taking a strong stand against religious conversion. This nation is classified as ‘Hostile' towards the gospel, but there is a small, vibrant and bold church in Nepal faithfully following Christ, sometimes at great cost. Listen to understand what persecution is like in the diverse and complex nation of Nepal. And hear how our Bibles Plus project is blessing believers.

Scripture References:Acts 1:4–5Acts 2:1–41Ezekiel 36:27Exodus 19:18Luke 3:161 Corinthians 3:16John 14:16–18Acts 2:6–11Genesis 11:1–9Revelation 7:9–10Isaiah 49:6Acts 2:3–4, 17–18Joel 2:28–29Matthew 28:18–201 Corinthians 11:23–26 Primary Sources:McCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorWright, NT. The Challenge of ActsKeener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New TestamentWitherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

Today, Dr. Stephanie is solo but has a discussion the church needs to hear with Dr. Andrew Bauman.Andrew has been on the show before, but this month our focus is on porn or sexual abuse and addiction, and what is healthy?Dr. Stephanie asks Dr. Andrew:What is an appreciation of beauty vs. "bounce the eyes" and devouring beauty?What is healthy masculinity?How has the Church devalued women?What is sexual intimacy?Dr. Stephanie mentions that many men, when porn is discovered, go into blame, shame, or defensive anger, and asks Andrew, What is happening here?Is porn use betrayal or infidelity?What needs to happen to heal and restore masculinity in the way God intended? About our Guest:Founder & Director of the Christian Counseling Center: For Sexual Health & Trauma (CCC), Dr. Andrew J. Bauman, is a therapist with a Doctorate from Northeastern University. His dissertation was on studying the impact of sexism and abuse on women in the Protestant Church. Andrew is the author of seven books, and his newest book with Baker, is called SAFE CHURCH: How to Guard Against Sexism & Abuse in Christian Communities (2025).Find out more about retreats at:https://andrewjbauman.com/

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef exhorts us to join the body of believers and pursue God's perfect will together. If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Facing the Future with Confidence: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW

In this final conversation of the Christian Shadow Work series, Jonah and Patrick first pause to look back—gathering the threads of what has been opened in the earlier episodes. From there, the focus turns toward the heart of transformation in following Christ: the Eucharist.Here, in Christ's life freely given—body and blood—we meet the highest image of what it means to be human: the overcoming of self-absorption, offered in love for the world. In His death and resurrection, the question of what to do with our own shadows finds its answer.When we turn toward Him and allow His life to live in us, our shadows can be transformed into something new: not just burdens, but living crosses—like Golgotha itself—where the light of God shines in the darkness.Support the showThe Light in Every Thing is a podcast of The Seminary of The Christian Community in North America. Learn more about the Seminary and its offerings at our website. This podcast is supported by our growing Patreon community. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/ccseminary. Thanks to Elliott Chamberlin who composed our theme music, “Seeking Together,” and the legacy of our original show-notes and patreon producer, Camilla Lake.

On this episode we sat down with Dr. Andrew J. Bauman, Co-Founder and Director of the Christian Counseling Center for Sexual Health & Trauma, to discuss his latest book, Safe Church: How to Guard against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities. Andrew shares about his passion to elevate the voices of women in faith spaces and his heart for men to have a healthy confrontation of their own internalized misogyny that has been justified through a harmful misreading of God's word. Lastly, Andrew shares practical insight for church leaders who are ready to confront the culture of silence and complicity that often surrounds abuse in faith spaces. If you'd like to learn more about Andrew's work, you can visit www.AndrewJBauman.com & www.ChristianCC.org. To purchase his book Safe Church visit: amazon.com/Safe-Church-against-Christian-Communities/dp/1540903974

In less than a year, God has worked in transformative ways in the lives of Brittany and Alex Robles. In this Q&A, they sit down with Pastors Krista and Ricky Ortiz to share their journey of faith and transformation.

Year C – 9th Sunday after Pentecost; Lectionary 19 – August 10, 2025 Pastor Megan Floyd Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Luke 12:32-40 Grace and peace to you from our Lord, Jesus Christ, and from God, our Creator, in whose faithfulness we trust. Amen. *** “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith… is our trust that God is faithful… our trust that God is good for what God promises… it is our trust that Jesus really meant it when he said, “it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) Faith… is not certainty… it's an act of holy listening to what the Holy Spirit is whispering to you… and then responding accordingly… it's an act of holy acknowledgment of the nudges felt deep in your gut… and then going where you feel the Spirit guiding you. Even when we don't know the outcome… when we can't see the final destination of the journey… we go anyway… Faith is not certainty… it's trusting that God's got you… that God loves you… and that God delights in providing for you. This past week, I met an amazing woman named Mona… and after talking with her for a long time, I learned that she knows many of you, too. Mona exudes joy …and hope for all that her life has been and what it will be… and gratitude to God for it all. Her energy just… sparkled! She came to the United States as an immigrant from Namibia when she was only a teenager. I'm not the best at guessing ages, but she might be around my age now. While I didn't catch the specifics of why she needed to immigrate, I heard in her story the struggle her family faced when it became plain that sending her to the US… far away from everything she'd known… was the best solution. They trusted that God would be with her through it all… that no matter what, she was cradled by the Spirit. I gathered that she was sponsored by Samaritas, and she said that her father told her… whenever you find yourself in trouble, go to the Lutherans… the Lutherans will help you. …I love that part, obviously… But sure enough… that's what she's done, and that's how she has come to know so many of you here! Mona told me that Ceclia helped her with her green card paperwork, and she checked in with Pr. Ellen many times. She was excited to share that she's graduated summa cum laude from LCC and is going to start at Cooley Law School this winter. She's also just started a job at a hotel that she loves and will be able to work around her class schedule. She is in a really good place and she's excited for life… but more than anything, she gives glory and praise to God for it all… Her joy comes from trusting God's presence in her life, for guiding her when she didn't know if her needs would be met… and living every day according to God's will. Her witness was a beautiful testament to her faith in God's promise for us all… And… she makes it look easy! The honest truth is, that when you live as close to daily struggle and hardship as it sounded like she does, there is little confusion as to the source of all good things… the source of our daily bread. God really does show up in profound ways when we're paying attention! But for those who live with a fair amount of comfort… it is much easier to confuse God's provision with our own resourcefulness… It's easier to ignore the nudging of the Spirit to follow God's way of caring for others, and instead, go our own way that cares only for ourselves. Like the parable from last week, we are tempted to stockpile our resources… our abundance… to ensure that no matter what, OUR needs will be met… but the only way to create such a stockpile… is to ignore the needs of all those around us. And yet… Jesus shows up and brings good news… Have no fear, he says… release your anxiety! For it is God's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Do not be afraid! The one who created you… delights in caring for you. Now hear this… a flock is not an individual… the “you” in this assurance from Jesus is plural. It is God's good pleasure to give you, as a people… as a community… to give you and all your neighbors… the full body of Christ… to give you all the kingdom. And Jesus also tells us how this will be achieved… but we tend to skip over that part. Don't get me wrong, though… this isn't about receiving salvation… we are not responsible for earning our own salvation or redemption… for that is what Jesus has already done for us. But we do, however, have a responsibility… our lives need to be ready to receive the good gifts that God offers, and the sooner the better! …because the gifts are so good! The kingdom of God is not an afterlife eventuality… it is something God is building here and now, with us, inviting us in as co-creators for God's glory! So then… Have no fear, for it is God's good pleasure to give us the kingdom, and Jesus then tells us how we are to receive this gift… …Sell your possessions and give alms to the poor… build up your treasure by building up those in need! Build up your treasure… by building up those whom Jesus consistently favors… Build up your treasure… by building up those who are cast out… by building up those who are sick… by building up those who are alone… those who are hungry… those who are strangers in a foreign land. Build up your treasure… by directing your heart toward those whom Jesus favors… time and time again throughout scriptures… Build up your treasure… by building a full and diverse community where all have their needs met, including you! …where all are valued and where all are loved. THAT is the kingdom of God… and where your treasure is… there your heart will be. Your heart. It's not really about your treasure… although for your neighbor in need, it kind of is… but your treasure is both a means to an end… and something that can get in between you and God… Giving of your treasure is how you train yourself to pay attention… it's how you train your heart to care… it's how you actively engage with the fullness of the community around you. So it's not as much about your treasure… as it is about your heart… your love… Jesus wants your heart. Giving of your treasure… is how we train our hearts to go where our human nature wouldn't normally go. Our human nature is to look at our resources and see scarcity, and to feed our anxiety by storing up our treasure in earthly containers. But in God's kingdom… we look out at our resources and see an abundance, enough to feed all who are hungry, and in our sharing, we are richly blessed. So have no fear! Trust in God, your Creator, for it is God's good pleasure to give us the kingdom… and here is how we are to receive such a splendid gift… …by letting go of our fear… by becoming more like Mona… By trusting that God will continue to provide, and God will continue to guide us each day to those we can share our life with and build our community with… so we can delight in the ways that we bless each other, each according to their gifts… …in the promised and ever-unfolding kingdom of God. Our God delights in you… delights in providing for you… and God is delighted when we figure out how to receive God's blessing for us. For it is God's good pleasure to give us the kingdom. So trust in the promises and provision of the Lord, your God… and have no fear. Amen.

This week on Significant Women, I'm joined by my new friend, Kristen Strong—a gifted writer and woman of deep wisdom. Kristen and I dive into the subject of loneliness and the sacred gift of friendship. With heartfelt vulnerability and practical wisdom, she shares her personal story of navigating seasons of isolation, especially as a military wife, and how she learned to build community on purpose. If you've ever struggled to make new friends or wondered what true friendship really looks like, this episode is for you. You'll walk away with encouragement and practical steps to pursue deeper, life-giving relationships.Key Points:Kristen's journey from a childhood full of built-in community to adult seasons of lonelinessWhy friendship takes intentional effort, especially in adulthoodThe impact of social media and busyness on modern relationshipsWhat healthy friendship looks like: vulnerability, reciprocity, and being presentScriptural examples of loneliness and God's faithfulness to provide companionshipPractical steps to finding new friends: “show up, open up, pray up”Resources Mentioned:Kristen Strong's book: Desperate Woman Seeks FriendsDrew Hunter's book: Made for FriendshipThe story of Ruth and Naomi (Book of Ruth, Bible)Story of David (Book of Psalms, Bible) Have a prayer request or feedback?Email Carol at: carol@carolmcleodministries.comShe and her team would love to pray for you. Stay Connected:Subscribe to the Significant Women Podcast and share this episode with a friend who needs to be reminded of her worth today.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolmcleodministriesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolmcleodministriesYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolMcLeodMinistries The Significant Women Podcast with Carol McLeod is edited and produced by WileyCraft Productions. Visit https://wileycraftproductions.com/ to learn more.

Re-post: In the seventh episode of our series, Jonah and Patrick explore the new role of purity in shadow work, transformed through what took place on Golgotha, the place where Christ's Mystery is revealed. With Christ's death, resurrection and revelation, God is now with us in this world. The old pre-Christian paths of purification are no longer appropriate. Our shadows belong to us and call for integration. There is a new path to a new kind of purity that unlocks the power contained in the shadow and unites us with Christ in the process.Support the showThe Light in Every Thing is a podcast of The Seminary of The Christian Community in North America. Learn more about the Seminary and its offerings at our website. This podcast is supported by our growing Patreon community. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/ccseminary. Thanks to Elliott Chamberlin who composed our theme music, “Seeking Together,” and the legacy of our original show-notes and patreon producer, Camilla Lake.

Holiness and Intimacy with God: Hebrews 9 with Jeannie CunnionIn this special episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane welcome author and speaker Jeannie Cunnion to dive into the rich truths of Hebrews 9. Together, they explore how Jesus' perfect sacrifice opens the way to true holiness and deeper intimacy with God. Jeannie shares her heart for understanding grace, letting go of striving, and embracing the closeness God offers through Christ. Join us for an honest, encouraging conversation that will help you see holiness not as distance from God—but as an invitation to draw near.____________________________________Connect with Jeannie Cunnion:Website: https://www.jeanniecunnion.com/____________________________________Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams____________________________________ Get Jamie's Newest Book:Living Loved: An 8-week Journey to Living Fully Loved

When we speak of spiritual transformation, we often imagine a straightforward process that's similar to the way we work with the world of things and objects around us: if something is broken or imperfect all we need to do is fix it. We remove, correct or even eliminate the problem on the way to the goal.In this next conversation, Patrick and Jonah recall how authentic Christ-centered transformation begins with a different orientation altogether. The key is not elimination at all but, instead, begins with simply witnessing our shadow with honesty and courage.They reveal how this first step is connected to John the Baptist's call to repentance, providing the archetypal first step in transformation—creating space for us to "die before dying" by stepping outside ourselves to truly see our lives in a higher light. This conscious witnessing differs dramatically from forced confession or shame-based approaches that have plagued Christian communities. And it is foundational for deeper prayer.What we learn in such witnessing can be hard to bear. The most painful part of this witnessing can be to see how our untransformed shadows don't just affect us or others—they flow into God Himself. This recognition that our inner and outer actions that flow from our untransformed shadow-Self actually wound the divine, opens up a piercing question: what can we do?This us where the sacramental path comes in, offering a radically different understanding of sin and transformation. Rather than focusing on fixing problems, the sacrament for the self (the sacrament of consultation/confession) invites us to shift our attention toward a new and different kind of action. It calls us to offer something—and also to receive something. Through this dual process of human offering and reception of divine grace, something wholly new can emerge—"the fire of love" that births a transformed identity no longer defined by our shadows but by our participation in divine self-giving. Support the showThe Light in Every Thing is a podcast of The Seminary of The Christian Community in North America. Learn more about the Seminary and its offerings at our website. This podcast is supported by our growing Patreon community. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/ccseminary. Thanks to Elliott Chamberlin who composed our theme music, “Seeking Together,” and the legacy of our original show-notes and patreon producer, Camilla Lake.

In this re-posted episode from our shadow series, Patrick and Jonah have an intimate and reflective conversation where they work to reclaim the true meaning of ‘repentance,' or ‘metanoia'—a change of heart and mind that arises not through fear, but through the courage to face our shadows with compassion. They are inspired by the words that are spoken in the time of St. John from the altar in the renewed worship service: “The health bearing, guilt conscious” word that comes like a flame into our lives.They begin the conversation by once more looking at one of the shadows Christianity itself has cast, naming how church communities have often wielded repentance as a tool of coercion, distorting it into a threat rather than a gift. Jonah shares a formative experience of being told, as a teenager, that unless he spoke the “right words,” he would burn forever in hell—an image he compares to having a spiritual gun to the head.Yet rather than discarding repentance altogether, the conversation leads deeper. Through honest stories—such as Jonah's moment of awakening when his daughter was diagnosed with a chronic illness, or Patrick's encounter with a college friend who called him back to integrity—we glimpse the possibility of a repentance that dignifies rather than diminishes. It is a turning that doesn't wallow in guilt but opens a path forward, grounded in love. When we find the courage to look at the egotism, denial, or failures that have been revealed to us, we can begin to recognize what Light is making these things visible. Illumined by the gaze of Christ who suffers alongside us, we may discover that even our darkness we uncover can become the ground in which true light takes root. This episode invites listeners into that quiet miracle: repentance not as punishment, but as preparation for this loving light of His gaze.Support the showThe Light in Every Thing is a podcast of The Seminary of The Christian Community in North America. Learn more about the Seminary and its offerings at our website. This podcast is supported by our growing Patreon community. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/ccseminary. Thanks to Elliott Chamberlin who composed our theme music, “Seeking Together,” and the legacy of our original show-notes and patreon producer, Camilla Lake.

Join LaTangela as she chats with the amazing cast of Christian Community Theater! Singing In The Rain - Based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film has been adapted to bring something special to a theater near you! Randy Rice and Ally Holloway will give us a little behind the scenes action on the theater and program. Mark your calendar and join us for a show! July 31st - Aug 3rd LSU Shaver Theater www.CYTBatonRouge.org Singin' In The Rain Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by Mr. Johnnie Powell.** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses **Title: The Challenge of Christian FellowshipSummary: In this lesson, Johnnie Powell discusses the importance of self-sacrificial agape love within the church, highlighting how often Christians can unintentionally become obstacles to each other in their faith journey.Lesson Outline:00:00 - Introduction and Prayer01:49 - Job's Dilemma and Confession03:46 - The Christian Community's Struggles05:51 - Paul's Transformation11:51 - Peter and Cornelius16:11 - Challenges and Persecution within the Church20:57 - Agape Love and the Call to Unity

In this episode we're joined by Dr. Mark Glanville, who is an Old Testament scholar and jazz pianist, the Director of The Center of Mission and Leadership at St. Andrews Hall at the University of British Columbia, the host of the podcast, Blue Note Theology, and the author of Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Communities (published by IVP Academic). In our conversation, full of spontaneous and improvised jazz piano, Dr. Glanville talks to us about the importance of sprucing up the creativity of our preaching to meet the needs of our Post-Christian world. Team members on the episode from The Two Cities include: Stephanie Kate Judd and Dr. Logan Williams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speaking across the decades from the 1960s to the 2010s, Ram Dass shares his thoughts on the feeling of love and the path of the heart.Ram Dass Here & Now is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ramdass and get on your way to being your best self.This episode of Here and Now is a compilation of Ram Dass speaking about love and the path of the heart across the decades:We begin in 1969, with Ram Dass talking about Maher Baba, whom he calls the personification of pure love. He describes a particularly powerful LSD trip where he gained insight into the true nature of love. He says, “I now conceive of the fact that falling in love means like falling into a bathtub of love.”We move on to 1979, with Ram Dass addressing the Christian Community of San Francisco. He describes the different stages of falling in love and talks about the devotional nature of the path of the heart. “And that's one of your predicaments,” he says, “that when you really fall in love, it just opens and opens and opens, and you just don't know where to hold on anymore.” The next stop is 1986, with Ram Dass touching on conditional love and the deprivation model we've been working with all our lives. He digs deeper into the different stages of love and talks about the need to give up the deprivation model. He says, “You change from the deprivation model to the model where there's an abundance of [love].” We fast forward to the 1990s, with Ram Dass reading from the I Ching about the path of love and the path of the heart. He talks about how we are hungry ghosts who get addicted to the method of love, but all methods are traps. “And yet,” he says, “the bizarre thing about methods is they don't work unless you get trapped.”Finally, we end in 2017, with Ram Dass telling a delicious story about loving everything, including a rug with spots on it. He talks about how judgment is in the mind, but love is in the heart. “I don't judge,” he says. “But if I do judge, I love it.”The Ram Dass community gathers regularly to engage in meaningful discussions about the podcast. We invite you to join us and share your curiosities, insights, and wisdom. Sign up for the General Fellowship to receive event invitations directly in your inbox.“Now, if you look at in the sense that, in the usual way of, ‘I fell in love with this person, there's another way of seeing that, which is this person is a stimulus, is something in the world that was just right in a key sense to release us into the place in ourselves where we are love. And we say, as a result, ‘I am in love with you.' Another way of saying it is, ‘You turn me on to the place in myself where I am love, where I can't get to without you.' Now we're talking about you being my connection to that place in myself where I am love, where I can't get without you. And then I want to hold on to my connection, just as any good junkie would like to do.” – Ram DassSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.