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In this episode of the PH Podcast, we dive into James 4 and learn how drawing near to God helps us overcome conflict, pursue humility, and live in unity with one another.
Revelation Episode 11: The Woman, the Church and the Manchild Today we are doing Revelation episode 11, which talks about the Woman, who represents the Church in the last days, and her experience of being attacked by the Dragon and protected by God during the three and a half years, or forty-two months, of the Tribulation. Reading from Revelation 12:1: “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems…” The Dragon of Revelation is out to destroy the Woman and her Man Child. We will look at him in a moment. Most traditional viewpoints identify the Woman as Israel bringing forth Jesus. However, that is a historical event—not a future event during the three and a half years of the Tribulation. Revelation chapter 12 describes the narrative of the Woman over the Tribulation period of 1,260 days, or 42 months, or three and a half years. This event is of great significance in Revelation for the Church, regarding its ongoing future conflict with the Dragon and his rebellious angelic following, and the divine protection of the Church throughout the Tribulation. Remember, in the last episode on the Two Witnesses, we saw that Revelation chapters 11 to 19 deal with all the events within the final 3½ years. The events are not all presented as a single, uninterrupted chronological sequence. They are explanatory “camera angles,” or parallel perspectives on the same period—like watching a movie and thinking you've arrived at the end of the story, where everything is about to be resolved, and then a caption comes up on the screen saying, “Three and a half years earlier.” From Revelation 19, we can move progressively toward Christ's return. Today we are identifying the Woman as the Church—camera angle three on the grid below. PERSPECTIVE — FOCUS OF THE VISION — SPECIFIC NARRATIVE SYMBOL - Heaven — Declaration of God's Kingdom — The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 10) - Israel — The prophetic ministry/testimony — The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11) - Church — Conflict and protection of the Church — The Woman (Revelation 12) - The Beast — The political/religious authority — The Two Beasts (Revelation 13) - God Blesses — Choosing of an anointed group — The 144,000 (Revelation 14) - God Judges — The outpouring of divine wrath — The Seven Bowls (Revelation 15) The foundational blueprint for the overarching journey of the Woman as the Church travels from Genesis to Revelation starts in Genesis 3:15 (God to Satan): “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” This promise of a coming deliverer who will bruise the serpent's head finds its prophesied goal in the corporate body of Christ. While the initial fulfilment is enacted in the person of Jesus on the cross, the apostolic vision of Paul in Romans 16:20 confirms a final delegated work from Jesus to the Church. Paul says to the Church, “The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.” This shift to the corporate phrase “your feet” signals the transition from Jesus on the cross to the Church as the feet in the execution of judgement. To understand this fulfilment, we must first analyse the celestial “Woman” of Revelation 12—a spiritual fulfilment whose seed is prophesied into history from Genesis 3:5. We saw the Woman dwelling in the fulness of the Godhead in the sun, moon, and stars. The sun speaks of the glory of the Father; the moon is the reflected glory of Jesus; and the stars speak of the Holy Spirit in Christians. Twelve stars represent the twelve Apostles of the Book of Acts—the number twelve speaks of order and authority. The Woman, the Church, is about to bring forth a Man Child. The identification of the stars representing the Holy Spirit in Christians is seen in the following Scripture references. Firstly, through Abraham—Genesis 22:17: “I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies” (Matthew 16:18—the gates of hell shall not prevail). Then, through Daniel—Daniel 12:3: “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Then, through Paul—1 Corinthians 15:37: “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory” (God on display). THE DRAGON This Dragon is Satan. Revelation 12:3: “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” The seven heads speak historically of seven world kingdoms down through the ages, spoken of in Daniel. These are Egypt, Assyria, Media, Persia, Greece, Rome, and the final fearsome ten-toed kingdom (covered in Revelation in a later lesson). The seven heads here are seen as last-days heads of nation-states, while horns in the Bible speak of power. The ten horns speak of last-days strategic horns of power that give rise to the Beast's Antichrist rule. We will see later that the crowns change place between Revelation 13:1 and Revelation 17:9, speaking of significant corrupt political and spiritual power-brokering in the final days. Even today, we are seeing radical changes in the power dynamics of political, military, and economic hegemony, where some nation-states are in desperate decline while others are gaining economic and military advantage. Unexpected alliances of strategic horns-of-power groupings are being formed to dominate nation-states, and these power groupings leverage and threaten with no regard for diplomacy. We can perhaps expect to witness surprising structural and influential changes in national leadership, even over the next two years, because of the current political instability (next episode). THE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE DRAGON, SATAN, AND THE WOMAN, THE CHURCH Revelation 12:4: “His tail swept down (syro from 138, drawn to oneself) a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the Dragon stood before the Woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child, he might devour it. She gave birth to a Man Child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to His throne, and the Woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.” The tail of the Dragon draws the third part of the stars of heaven (verse 4). This “sweep” refers to the deception of “fallen saints” rather than original angelic rebels. We saw earlier that the stars represent Christians. Later, in verse 9, the Dragon, Satan, falls with ALL of his rebellious angels. According to the typological key, we see what happens here in Isaiah. Isaiah 9:15: “And the prophet who teaches lies is the tail; for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up” (bala—engulfed). So these are Christians deceived by false prophets and lying wonders, as Paul prophesied in 2 Thessalonians: 2 Thessalonians 2:3: “Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time (the Holy Spirit). For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way (mesos; in the midst—how is the Woman out of the way?). And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one (the Beast) is by the activity of Satan (the Dragon), with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore, God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be judged who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” The Dragon now prepares to devour the Man Child because this is the fulfilment of the prophesied “seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15), who will completely destroy him, the Dragon (Romans 16:20). When the Man Child is caught up, the Dragon is cast to the earth with all of his angels. This is distinct from the one-third of the stars being swept by the tail of the Dragon, meaning fallen saints, not angels. All the angels are cast down after Michael defeats Satan. THE MAN CHILD Revelation 12:5: “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne.” The identity of the Man Child is one of the controversial issues of the Book of Revelation. Like the Book of Revelation itself, teaching on the Man Child has become sectarian and divisive. This would be precisely what Satan, the Dragon, would want to see for obvious reasons. I simply propose that the Man Child is a certain corporate group expression of Christ that rules with Him, with a designated sphere of influence and authority. We will compare Moses, Jesus, and the Man Child in their ministries and note the progression. FEATURE — MOSES — JESUS — MAN CHILD - Birth — Natural birth; old creation from old creation — Supernatural birth; new creation from old creation — Miracle birth; new creation from new creation - Conflict — Children slain by Pharaoh; Moses picks up serpent by the tail — Children slain by Herod; serpent bruises Jesus' heel — Children?; Man Child bruises Dragon's head (Romans 16:20) - Ministry — Ministers at Tabernacle; supernatural feeding (manna) — Ministers in Temple; feeds people in the wilderness — Ministers in spiritual Temple; feeds Church in Woman in wilderness - Authority — Shepherd who ruled with a rod — Great Shepherd; the measuring rod — Rules all nations with a rod of iron - Translation — Translated bodily into heaven — Translated bodily into heaven — Translated bodily into heaven WAR IN HEAVEN Revelation 12:7–9 In verse 6, we saw that the Woman flees into the wilderness, where “they” feed her for three and a half years. This is the “taking out” of the Church and is expanded in verse 14. We will deal with this event in a moment. The Dragon is now cast down to the earth from his place in the heavens. Michael the Archangel is seen here in his role as warrior, conquering the evil angels (compare Daniel 10:13). The power of the Dragon, Satan, is in his deception. He is called the Father of Lies and always desires to work under cover. But now he is exposed and seen for who he is, shifting the battlefield from the heavenly to the earthly realm. The saints who are left on the earth during this time of Tribulation will no longer be deceived by him and will overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, which is their newfound love of the truth (verses 10–11). Satan now knows that he has but a short time and is bent on the destruction of the earth and its inhabitants. His first target is the Woman, the Church—his greatest enemy. THE ESCAPE OF THE CHURCH Revelation 12:14: “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place (out of the way, in the midst, mesos?), where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the Dragon.” The Church is supernaturally taken into a protected place or spiritual state of existence on “eagles' wings” (see Exodus 19:4), as Israel was taken out of Egypt. This will be a place on earth, but protected from the judgements upon the earth (Isaiah 16:1–5; Isaiah 26:20–21; Psalm 55:6–7; Isaiah 49:25). Also compare the 42 months of Tribulation with the 42 encampments of Israel in their wilderness journey. Whether or not this wilderness refuge is an actual geographical place, or a state of spiritual protection within the general community, remains to be seen. But the miraculous protection and provision are clearly indicated, just as they were in the spiritual protection of the symbolic Noah's Ark during the 150 days of protection in the midst of the flood. We compared this with the 150 days of spiritual protection from the demonic, tormenting spirits set free from the pit of the Euphrates in Revelation chapter 9. The Dragon cannot destroy the Woman, so he goes to war against the remnant—made of the same cloth, but a smaller piece not woven into the garment. These are the saints who did not comprise that Bride company. See the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25) and the parable of the invitation to the wedding feast (Matthew 22). A remnant is made of the same type and quality as the original garment but is not able to be used in the making of the garment. It is always a smaller piece than the cloth used for the garment. It would seem that God's mercy will ensure that a greater number of His people will escape the Tribulation, while fewer will be martyred in that time for not taking the mark of the Beast. The outcome of this conflict was settled at the dawn of history. The narrative concludes by pointing to the foundational promise in Genesis 3:15, where God declared the seed of the Woman would bruise the serpent's head. This is confirmed for the Church in Romans 16:20: “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.” We don't know what “shortly” means, but it signifies a progressive movement from an earthly struggle of trials of faith to a Heavenly Wonder, where the Church is seen in divine glory, and then to a Cosmic Conflict involving the birth of a governing body (the Man Child) and a war in the heavens. Although the Dragon attempts to destroy the Church through deception in the end times—and through a full-on attack at the very end—God provides a Supernatural Escape into a protected place for the Bride. While the Remnant must face a final test of faith, the ultimate victory and the crushing of the serpent are historically and prophetically guaranteed. We are to see ourselves as having Satan under our feet at all times. The bruising for us is small compared with the mighty crushing of his power in the earth. 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
August 23rd, 2026 | Pastor Christy Penley Paul and Barnabas’s sharp disagreement over John Mark (Acts 15) sets the stage for a hard truth: conflict is part of any real community. Drawing on Matthew 18, the sermon lays out Jesus’s path through disagreement, going directly to the person, involving others when needed, and staying at the table even when reconciliation feels impossible. It closes with John Mark’s later redemption as a reminder that conflict doesn’t have to be the end of the story.
In this episode, Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez argues that much of what the American church calls peace is really just quiet — and that what we call unity is often sameness, congregations gathered around shared opinion rather than around Christ, where difference gets managed, silenced, or shown the door. We talk about how sameness took root in the church, why our opinions became idols we defend like God, what it means to hold truth with an open hand, and why discomfort is a practice rather than a personality trait. It's a conversation that confronts, but toward something better than the false peace we've settled for.Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez (MSW, MSEd) is a Black Latina and daughter of immigrants who's committed to truth telling and helping the body of Christ be pro-neighbor. She is the founder and CEO of Full Collective and creator of the annual Sowers Summit in New York City. She is the author of Being a Sanctuary and the new book False Peace releasing on August 25th. She just graduated a master's in biblical and theological studies from Denver Seminary. She is on staff at the NYC chapter of Safe Families for Children and is an associate pastor at Renovation City Church in the Bronx, New York, where she lives with her husband and son.Pricelis' Book:False PeacePricelis' Recommendation:From Genesis to JuniaConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeSupport the podcast and the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Support the show
Explore Dr. Ury's book for even more "Random Neural Firings"!
Imagine a church where spiritual abuse is not just an exception but a pattern rooted deep in its culture... It's a heartbreaking reality revealed when both pastors and congregation members unconsciously enable destructive behaviors. In this eye-opening episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into how systemic cultures within churches can foster coercion, manipulation, and spiritual trauma—even when no one intends harm. How does spiritual abuse differ from healthy conflict, and what are the subtle ways it manifests through control, secrecy, and elitism? The role of church culture in either enabling or resisting abuse—plus practical elements that cultivate a healthier, “Tov” (good) environment Why trusting cultures matter more than trusting individual leaders, and how to discern whether a church's environment fosters righteousness or ripples with bad fruit The importance of humility, repentance, and transparency in confronting and preventing systemic failures - Real-world examples of how power, wealth, and even well-meaning teachings become tools for harm when uncheckedCHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction: Navigating summer, beards, and the heat 02:00 - Vacation reflections: Gulf of America and political symbolism 03:40 - The contrast between dry and humid heat; Florida's atmosphere 05:00 - Cultural perceptions of patriotism and national identity 06:00 - Current polls: Millennials, Gen Z, and the influence of political support on church attendance 07:57 - The surprising data: Atheists and agnostics rejecting support for Trump and church09:20 - The decline and revival of religious interest among young adults 11:00 - Worship, justice, and genuine spiritual longing amidst cultural confusion 13:00 - The influence of church history, state power, and religious movements 15:00 - The importance of uncharged (free) prophetic ministry and systemic patterns of abuse 17:00 - Recognizing authentic love and discipline versus toxic authority 19:00 - The nature of spiritual abuse: coercion, manipulation, secrecy, and power distortion 22:00 - Differentiating dispute and conflict from abusive patterns 25:30 - The importance of culture, habits, language, and collective identity 27:00 - Routine issues: church discipline, transparency, accountability, and systemic healing 30:00 - Recognizing and addressing spiritual trauma and systemic failure 33:00 - How unintentional actions contribute to harm; the need for awareness 36:00 - The role of leaders, nepotism, wealth, and power in perpetuating abuse 38:00 - What authentic love and humility look like in church leadership 41:00 - The importance of healthy cultures and the influence of external societal pressures 43:30 - Practical discernment: when disagreement becomes spiritual abuse 47:00 - The challenge of repentance, truth-telling, and confronting church complicity 50:00 - The importance of humility in leadership, ongoing learning, and personal growth 53:00 - The influence of church culture on shaping trust and accountability 55:30 - Defining "Tov" and how cultivating goodness counters bad fruit 58:00 - Recognizing and nurturing good fruit in church and community life 60:00 - The metaphor of the church as the bride of Christ: fighting for health and justice 62:00 - Practical final thoughts: loving well, confessing honestly, and cultivating healthy culture 63:00 - Wrap-up and closing blessingsAs always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_marketLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
In this episode, Douglas Wilson discusses the feminization of institutions and argues that the presence of women inevitably transforms male spaces. He then continues his survey of New Testament sins with quarreling—a public sin Christians often mistake for righteousness—and closes with a review of Yoram Hazoni's God and Politics in Esther. For more from Doug, subscribe to Canon+: https://canonplus.com/
Why is church hurt so hard to sort through—even when you're trying to approach it thoughtfully?In this episode, Jill begins a new series exploring the complexity of disappointment and tension within church communities. Not every situation is clear-cut. Sometimes something feels off, but there isn't full agreement on what's right or wrong—and that's where it becomes difficult to process.Rather than rushing to conclusions, this episode slows things down and looks at what may be happening underneath the experience. Jill walks through why these situations feel heavier than other types of conflict, why it's hard to talk about concerns without feeling like you're causing division, and how quickly our interpretations can start to shape what we believe is true.This episode isn't about assigning blame or figuring out who's right. It's about understanding the layers—so you can respond with more clarity, humility, and steadiness.In This Episode:Why church experiences often carry more emotional and spiritual weightThe tension between wanting to be careful and needing to process something that doesn't sit rightHow internal processing can shift into certainty without realizing itWhy these situations are rarely as simple as they first appearThe layers involved: leadership, culture, interpretation, and your own internal responseKey Takeaways:Church hurt often feels heavier because it involves trust, belonging, and shared faithNot every situation is clear—many involve differing perspectives rather than obvious right and wrongIt's possible to move too quickly toward silence or certainty without fully understanding what's happeningSlowing down your thinking creates space for clarity and wisdomYou don't have to resolve everything immediately to begin moving forward thoughtfullySeries Note:This episode is part of a four-part series on church hurt. In the coming weeks, we'll look more closely at leadership, hear from women who have walked through these experiences, and explore how to process what's happening in your own heart.Keywords:church hurt, Christian relationships, church conflict, spiritual discernment, emotional processing, Christian growth, navigating disappointment, faith and relationships, church leadership, Christian mindset CLICK HERE to learn more and join me for Wholehearted live virtual workshop June 27, 10-1 pm CT. Come by yourself or register with the women in your world. Discover ways to work with me at www.thehappiestlives.com or www.myhappyvault.comQuestions? Email Jill directly at Jill@thehappiestlives.com
Thanks for joining us! We'd love to give you more information about who we are and how to get plugged in here at Hillside. Fill this page out on our website: https://hmcworship.com/im-new/Find this week's bulletin, sermon notes, and reflection questions right here: https://hmcworship.com/wp-content/uploads/5_3_26-Bulletin.docx.pdfFollow along in the YouVersion Bible App: http://bible.com/events/49602869
Why do some people in the church react with unexpected anger, distance, or pain? This article explores four degrees of emotional hurt—and how understanding hidden wounds can help us respond with greater compassion, wisdom, and healing.
How can pastors navigate conflict without damaging their church or their own spiritual health? Drawing from decades of experience, Marty Thurber offers practical advice on seeking counsel, discerning priorities, and leading with Christlike love to turn conflict into growth.
Don’t Fall for It Why Christians Keep Getting Played Christians are supposed to be people of truth. Instead, too many are people of reaction. In this episode, Pastor Joseph Spurgeon is joined by Pastor Michael Clary to expose a growing problem inside the Church: emotional manipulation masquerading as compassion. All it takes is a viral headline, a crying mother, or a carefully framed news story, and discernment goes out the window. Feelings replace facts. Sentiment replaces Scripture. And gullibility gets baptized as “love.” But biblical love is not blind. It is not naive. And it is not manipulated. Drawing from Romans 12 and Philippians 1, this conversation cuts straight to the heart of weaponized empathy, propaganda, weak pulpits, cowardly leadership, and the cultural chaos that results when Christians stop testing the spirits. If you care about leading your family well, thinking clearly in a propaganda age, and refusing to be played by emotional narratives, this one is for you. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – If You Want to Control Christians, Just Tell a Sad Story01:10 – Romans 12: Renewing the Mind in an Age of Manipulation02:40 – Michael Clary’s Background: From Crew to Church Planting11:00 – The “Normie Whisperer” and Introducing Hard Truths14:00 – Winsomeness, Courage, and Paying the Price for Clarity19:00 – Church Conflict, Elder Division, and Blessed Subtraction23:30 – Why Christians Keep Falling for Emotional Narratives26:40 – Weaponized Empathy and News Cycle Manipulation29:00 – Love Without Discernment Is Not Love32:30 – Head, Heart, and Hands: Building Whole Men35:00 – Propaganda, Framing, and the Battle for the Dictionary41:30 – Fear of Man or Fear of Woman?45:30 – Feminine Empathy, Misplaced Compassion, and Cultural Chaos47:30 – Training Men in Discernment in a Propaganda Age Key Takeaways Emotions are not evidence of truth.• Love without knowledge and discernment becomes dangerous.• Propaganda rarely lies outright. It frames truth to control your reaction.• Weak pulpits create weak men.• Pastors must not fear emotional backlash more than they fear God.• Men must discipline their feelings instead of being ruled by them. Biblical love is strong. It is clear-eyed. It refuses to enable evil in the name of kindness. About the Show The Patriarchy Podcast features in-depth conversations on faith, culture, theology, and leadership. Each episode equips Christians to live boldly and biblically in an age of compromise—exploring the challenges and opportunities of standing firm for truth in the modern world. Support the Mission We’re still raising funds to expand Sovereign King Academy and keep tuition affordable for families. Want to invest in the future of Christ’s Kingdom?Give here: https://sovereignkingacademy.com Connect with The Patriarchy Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePatriarchyPodcastSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/58tm5zjzApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/f3ruzrsaWebsite & All Links: https://linktr.ee/thepatriarchypodcast Follow Joseph Spurgeon:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatriarchyPodcastX/Twitter: https://x.com/PatriarchyPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatriarchypodcastGab: https://gab.com/thepatriarchypodcast Sponsored By Steadfast Cigars – For men who reject passivity and take dominionOrder: https://steadfastcigars.com/ Fit Father Project – Dr. Balduzzi built the Fit Father Project to help men stop drifting, reclaim discipline, and get strong for life. If you're ready to take ownership of your health, don’t wait. This is the first real step toward lasting strength—for your body, your family, and your legacy.Start: https://secure.fitfatherproject.com/a/transformation/4539 Books by Joseph Spurgeon:It’s Good to Be a Boy – https://a.co/d/7zpEh5DIt’s Good to Be a Girl – https://a.co/d/6VlBTzS Final Call to Action Subscribe for more conversations that sharpen men for battle.Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.Like and share to support biblical masculinity. Build. Fight. Protect. Lead. This is The Patriarchy. weaponized empathy, Christian discernment, emotional manipulation, propaganda tactics, biblical masculinity, renewing the mind, Romans 12, Philippians 1, love with discernment, head heart hands theology, fear of man, fear of woman, weak pulpits, church conflict, pastoral courage, cultural propaganda, media framing, emotional reasoning, feminist ideology, Christian leadership, biblical patriarchy, men and discernment, testing the spirits, truth vs feelings, Christian worldview, spiritual maturity, church health, masculine leadership, rejecting passivity, build fight protect lead
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comChurch conflict is no longer the exception—it's the norm. In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram are joined by Andy Hale, congregational psychologist and author of Mending the Fracturing Church, to explore why churches are experiencing deeper polarization and what it takes to rebuild trust.Hale explains how psychology, family systems theory, and theology intersect in congregational life, and why conflict itself is not the real threat—avoidance and fear are. The conversation digs into how political identity, generational divides, and moral certainty are reshaping church communities, often in ways leaders are unprepared to address.Rather than offering quick fixes or ideological answers, Hale calls for patience, self-awareness, and practices that restore human connection—starting with understanding how fear, identity, and the need to be “right” shape the way we treat one another. It's a grounded, hopeful conversation about what it looks like for the church to remain faithful in a polarized age.Mending the Fracturing Church: How to Navigate Conflict and Build Trust for Thriving Communities: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798881806644Guest Bio Andy Hale is a congregational psychologist, minister, and organizational consultant who works with churches navigating conflict, polarization, and institutional change. With nearly three decades of experience in congregational and denominational leadership, his work integrates psychology, family systems theory, and theology to help faith communities rebuild trust and practice healthier forms of disagreement.He is the author of Mending the Fracturing Church: How to Navigate Conflict and Build Trust for Thriving Communities and hosts two podcasts, including Clergy Confessions, which explores the hidden pressures pastors face today. Hale currently serves in denominational leadership with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.Support the show
All history is a history of warfare. Christians understand that history is the outworking of man's Fall. Another fruit of the Fall is that man always tends to avoid conflict, hoping the issues will resolve themselves. Pastors and elders in the church must first be convinced that there will always be conflict in the church and that putting off entering into that conflict will make it worse. If you avoid conflict and heading off the wolves at the pass, the wolves will choose the hill, the weapons, and the time of year for the fight. Pastors and elders are responsible for anticipating the conflict. They must have a faith-filled resignation to conflict to fulfill their calling to guard the sheep. It is a defining weakness of our generation that pastors want to focus on the positive and collect men by the positive. We talk about discipleship, building things up, and growth, then we do our utmost to blind ourselves to threats. Good shepherds see what they see and engage.***Out of Our Minds Podcast: Pastors Who Say What They Think. For the love of Christ and His Church.Intro and outro music is Psalm of the King, Psalm 21 by My Soul Among Lions.Out of Our Minds audio, artwork, episode descriptions, and notes are property of Warhorn Media, published with permission by Transistor, Inc. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Text: James 4.1-6, 11,12Hosts:J. Kent EdwardsVicki HitzgesNathan NormanNarrator: Brian French The CrossTalk Podcast is a production of CrossTalk Global, equipping biblical communicators, so every culture hears God's voice. To find out more, or to support the work of this ministry please visit www.crosstalkglobal.orgDonateProduced by Nathan James Norman/Untold Podcast Production© 2026 CrossTalk Global
What do you do when someone in the church makes you question your own judgment, boundaries, or reality? This honest reflection explores manipulation, “gaslighting,” and confusing behavior in ministry—and how Spirit-filled Christians can respond with wisdom, compassion, and healthy boundaries.
What do you do when the very place meant to bring healing becomes the source of deep hurt? How can ministerial spouses navigate disappointment in the church without losing their sense of calling, grace, and hope?
Every pastor has seen it. Churches splitting hairs over things that don't matter. Beard length. Carpet color. Playground equipment. These disputes may sound absurd, but they reveal something much deeper. Small conflicts are rarely about what they seem. Beneath the surface, emotions, control, and trust are at play. In this episode, Josh and Sam explore why trivial fights erupt in churches, what they reveal about church health, and how leaders can keep the small stuff from becoming spiritual landmines. The post Church Conflict: Five Common Ways Small Fights Turn into Big Problems appeared first on Church Answers.
There is a difference between arguments that feed vanity and self-importance and arguments intended to edify and benefit the other. The former is what Paul refers to as foolish, unprofitable and useless. These we are to avoid and instead engage with those prone to divisiveness in such a way that these things stop. While we often mistake kindness to mean being non-confrontational, it is actually better understood as being *wisely* confrontational, that is confronting when necessary for the benefit of others and the in service of repentance, growth and freedom. As we conclude our study of Titus, remember Paul's main takeaway is to keep the Gospel always at the center and keep on course with conduct that reflects gospel transformation. During our sermon series we have encouraged you to memorize Titus 2:11-14 to this end. We pray that tucking this verse into your heart will serve as a regular reminder of the Grace of the Lord that is with you!For this week **practice reciting the full passage from memory!** 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. ---Titus 2:11-14Great Job!!
In this engaging conversation, we sit down with pastor's wife, author, and national speaker Donna Jones to talk about one of the toughest parts of ministry—conflict. With over 30 years of experience in church leadership, Donna brings wisdom, compassion, and practical tools for navigating relational tension with grace and truth.She shares what she's learned about healthy conflict resolution, emotional maturity, and the power of listening well. Donna reminds us that humility isn't weakness—it's strength restrained—and that assumptions about others' motives are often wrong. Through her insights, she offers hope and encouragement for pastors' wives and ministry leaders who may be feeling weary or battle-worn.You'll walk away reminded that:Life change is the most rewarding part of ministry.Compassion fatigue is real, but connection with Jesus brings renewal.Conflict can be holy when handled with humility and understanding.Listening and empathy are keys to true resolution.Connect with Donna:Website: www.donnajones.orgInstagram: @donnaajonesGet all the info about our next pastors' wives retreat and apply here:https://www.pastorswivestellall.com/attendaretreatTo purchase the BOOK, head here: https://pastorswivestellall.com/bookTo shop our MERCH, head here: https://pastorswivestellall.com/shopWant to support the Pastors' Wives Tell All podcast ministry? Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/pastorswivestellall SUBSCRIBE: Sign up for our email list and receive updates on new episodes, free gifts, and all the fun! Email sign up HERE!CONTACT US: hello@pastorswivestellall.comFOLLOW US:Website: pastorswivestellall.comInstagram: @pastorswivestellallFacebook: @pastorswivestellallJESSICA:Instagram: @jessica_taylor_83, @come_away_missions, @do_good_project__Facebook: Come Away Missions, Do Good ProjectWebsites: Do Good Project, Come Away MissionsJENNA:Instagram: @jennaallen, @jennaallendesignFacebook: @JennaAllenDesignWebsite: Jenna Allen DesignSTEPHANIE:Instagram: @msstephaniegilbertFacebook: I Literally LOLWebsite: Stephanie Gilbert
[Acts 12:25, 13:13, 15:36-41, Colossians 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11] Even when believers experience sharp conflict, God's grace can restore relationships and transform failure into faithfulness.
Conflict in the church is inevitable—but how we respond reveals the depth of our maturity and love for Christ. In this episode, the Discipleship for Dads panel tackles real-life examples of church conflict, from failed courtships to playground drama, and offers gospel-centered wisdom for navigating turbulent waters. Why do so many believers jump ship at the first sign of trouble? And how can we become less easily offended, more humble, and truly committed to unity in the body of Christ? The panel uses vivid metaphors and practical examples to remind us: the goal is not to avoid the rapids—but to stay in the boat together and grow stronger on the other side.
A new MP3 sermon from Generations Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Navigating Church Conflict with Grace and Grit - Discipleship for Dads Speaker: Kevin Swanson Broadcaster: Generations Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 9/19/2025 Length: 40 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Generations Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Navigating Church Conflict with Grace and Grit - Discipleship for Dads Speaker: Kevin Swanson Broadcaster: Generations Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 9/19/2025 Length: 40 min.
Lauren Via shares her powerful testimony of walking through church conflict and finding healing after being forced to leave her beloved Oklahoma church community due to gospel misunderstandings.• Experiencing the difficult transition when church leadership began pushing back against gospel freedom• Suppressing her own emotions while supporting her husband and children through the conflict• Watching her four-year-old son develop anxiety as he witnessed his father's emotional distress• Having to leave their church without fully explaining the situation to their congregation• Moving to Texas and initially struggling to feel at home in their new church• Finding God's presence through repeated "dragonfly moments" at pivotal times• Experiencing breakthrough healing during a gathering in Missouri where friends prayed over her• Learning that freedom is a journey rather than a one-time event• Returning to Oklahoma a year later and experiencing the gift of forgiveness• Discovering that peace doesn't depend on circumstances but on our secure relationship with JesusIf you're going through a difficult transition or church conflict, remember that Jesus walks with you through every step. Your freedom remains secure even when your feelings suggest otherwise.
Key points from this episode: • Factionalism in the Church: Acknowledging the presence of division within the church and its potential benefits as an “immune system,” while also expressing a desire to avoid unnecessary factionalism. • Historical Perspective on Holiness Movements: Discussing George Marsden's book Fundamentalism and American Culture, which, among other things, explores holiness movements from the 1880s to the 1920s, highlighting the role of women in hymnology and the feminization of spirituality. • Navigating Conflict in Ministry: Addressing the complexities of conflict in ministry, emphasizing the need to distinguish between pugnaciousness and necessary battles, and urging wise and purposeful engagement in conflicts. • Ministry's True Nature: Ministry is not about being helpful but about honoring God and protecting the flock, even if it means facing the disapproval of your elder board. • Conflict Resolution: Judging the value and fruit of conflict is difficult and often impossible until long after the conflict has resolved. • Leadership in Ministry: True leadership in ministry is not about seeking approval or building a following but about doing what pleases God and what is best for the sheep. This approach will bring conflict inexorably. Other mentions:Boswell's Life of JohnsonJames Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small***Out of Our Minds Podcast: Pastors Who Say What They Think. For the love of Christ and His Church.Out of Our Minds is a production of New Geneva Academy. Are you interested in preparing for ordained ministry with pastors? Have a desire to grow in your knowledge and fear of God? Apply at www.newgenevaacademy.com.Master of Divinity / Bachelor of DivinityCertificate in Bible & TheologyIntro and outro music is Psalm of the King, Psalm 21 by My Soul Among Lions.Out of Our Minds audio, artwork, episode descriptions, and notes are property of New Geneva Academy and Warhorn Media, published with permission by Transistor, Inc. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Conflict in the church isn't a surprise to Jesus—it's something He directly addressed. In this sermon, we explore what Jesus teaches in Matthew 18 about how to handle conflict in a way that honors God and protects community. From broken relationships to gossip to the temptation to just “go it alone,” this message unpacks the biblical steps to pursue unity, reconciliation, and healing in the Body of Christ. We're not called to be perfect—but we are called to peace. And Jesus promises to be present in the process.
Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chris Crain, Executive Director of the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association. Here are some causes for conflict in churches. Pride Spiritual and Emotional Immaturity Change and Inflexibility Abuses of Power Church Politics Unclear Authority Personality Differences
Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chris Crain, Executive Director of the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association. Here are some causes for conflict in churches.PrideSpiritual and Emotional ImmaturityChange and InflexibilityAbuses of PowerChurch PoliticsUnclear AuthorityPersonality Differences Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today, we gathered to celebrate the transforming power of God, especially as we witnessed many in our church family taking the step of baptism—a visible sign of moving from spiritual death to life. Life often delivers unexpected blows, and sometimes we find ourselves in seasons of darkness, confusion, or pain. The story of Captain Scotty Smiley, who lost his sight and faced deep spiritual and emotional darkness, reminds us that even in our most broken places, God meets us. Scotty's journey shows that we have a choice: to remain in bitterness or to invite Jesus into our pain, allowing Him to forge something new and redemptive from our suffering.We are all pressed and crushed by life's circumstances at times, much like an orange in a press. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, knew this firsthand. He experienced overwhelming pressure, persecution, and even despair. Yet, he teaches us that God is the source of all comfort, and that comfort is not just for us—it's meant to be shared with others. Paul's honesty about his struggles, his anxiety, and his moments of weakness is a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us are human and in need of God's strength.Paul's example also challenges us to praise God in the midst of our pressure. Praise is not a casual act; it is spiritual warfare, a declaration of trust in God's character even when circumstances are hard. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to surrender control, to admit that things are beyond our ability, and to trust God to work in and through our trials. We are also reminded not to let tomorrow's worries rob us of being present with the people God has placed in our lives today. Our pain and comfort are not wasted; God desires to use them to encourage and comfort others.No matter how long the night feels, morning is coming. God's comfort is real, and He often brings it through the presence and encouragement of others. As we receive His comfort, we are called to pour it out into the lives of those around us, becoming vessels of hope and healing in a hurting world.Chapters[00:00] - Welcome[01:00] - Celebrating Baptisms and New Life[02:13] - Scotty Smiley's Story: From Darkness to Hope[05:45] - Meeting God in Brokenness[08:06] - Life After the Fire: New Vision and Purpose[10:14] - The Orange Press: Pressed but Not Destroyed[12:14] - Paul's Letter to Corinth: Comfort in Crushing Times[17:06] - Corinth's Importance and Paul's Investment[19:28] - Hard Conversations and Church Conflict[25:16] - The Power of Praise in Pressure[31:53] - Paul's Crushing Trials in Asia[35:47] - Surrendering Control and Admitting Need[38:08] - Missed God-Moments: The Cost of Worry[43:12] - Being Present with People Today[48:02] - Paul's Humanity and Our Weakness[52:48] - Waiting for Morning: Hope in the Dark[55:39] - Comfort Shared: Pouring Into Others[57:18] - Invitation to Faith and Prayer[59:22] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Conflict is painful but inevitable. Learn how we should navigate conflict.https://www.ankenyfree.church
Conflict within the church is inevitable. What's important is that we gain the skills we need to love each other through the conflict we are experiencing and seek to understand those we call our Church Family. Difficult people aren't hard to find, compassionate people are. If that's the case, it's crucial that every Christian in a church context works to build resilient compassion through the art of crucial conversations. For more information regarding The Clearing Church, visit our website by clicking hereFollow us on Instagram today by clicking hereWatch the message on our YouTube channel here
In this episode, host Laurie Graham and guest Brenna Fields Hayes dive into the topic of healthy responses to church conflict. They discuss the prevalence of unresolved conflict in many churches and the importance of creating safe environments for open communication. Brenna shares insights on: the role of personal responsibilityevaluating one's own motives and emotional readinessfinding scriptural guidance during challenging timesThis conversation offers practical steps for navigating conflict in a measured, prayerful manner, benefiting volunteers, ministry leaders, and anyone seeking to foster healthier, more unified church communities.Connect with Brenna Fields Hayes:www.newseasonnewday.comJoin our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"
Learn practical biblical wisdom for maintaining church unity and handling complaints before they become disasters.
Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chris Crain about some causes of church conflict. Pride Spiritual and Emotional Immaturity Change and Inflexibility Abuses of Power Church Politics Unclear Authority Personality Differences Resources Related to this Episode: Seven Causes of Church Conflict by Chris Crain
In this week's episode, Pastor Doug Marshall shares practical insights on transforming church conflict into opportunities for growth and reconciliation. Discover the four essential steps that can guide your congregation toward peace and unity.Discover why having a goal of “no conflict” can cause more harm than goodGain tools to foster open communication and more collaborationExplore the role of leadership in promoting a culture of peace.Learn a simple four-step process to build bridges through a conflictJoin our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"
On this episode of the CAM Podcast, Brian Miller interviews Reverend Melissa Ebken about her transformative framework for resolving church conflicts. Melissa's method, honed over two decades, is structured into three phases, guiding churches from trust-building to healing past wounds and reshaping organizational structures. Through candid discussion and practical insights, Melissa emphasizes the importance of timing, dialogue, and commitment to the process. Listeners gain a clear understanding of the pathway to healing and renewal within church communities, with Melissa extending an invitation to explore her framework further on her website. This engaging conversation offers invaluable guidance for church leaders seeking to navigate conflict with grace and purpose. Melissa's Website: melissaebken.com Contact Melissa: melissa@melissaebken.com FOLLOW US: LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Website: www.coachapproachministries.org
In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some more ways to prevent and restore conflict in your church. Teach your people to practice charitable judgements. When you need to negotiate, PAUSE. Diffuse explosive meetings with a six-part format. Teach people to focus on the good before itemizing the bad. Be approachable. Unleash the power of confession. Follow the example of Lincoln and Reagan. Deploy God's full array of peacemaking processes. Practice redemptive, gospel-centered church discipline. An ounce of prevention is worth many hours of conflict resolution. Resources related to this podcast: 20 Ways to Prevent and Resolve Conflict in the Church
In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to prevent and restore conflict in your church. Remember the Golden Result. Bring the gospel into every conflict. Expose the idols that drive conflict. Guard against any amygdala hijacking in yourself and others. Weave relational wisdom into your church. Communicate so clearly that you cannot be misunderstood. Work patiently with people as they process their emotions and experiences. Don't be misled by the three faces of fear. Practice the three P's of satisfaction. Constantly build passport. Resources related to this podcast: 20 Ways to Prevent and Resolve Conflict in the Church
Church conflict can be a bit taboo but it definitely happens. Maya is a Missionary at Assembly of God World Missions. Their goal is to establish the Church among all peoples everywhere by reaching, planting, training, and serving. Maya joins the Assembly as they partner with nearly 370,000 churches worldwide and almost 54 million adherents. Their latest statistics show that every 54 seconds, somewhere in the world a person comes to Christ, and every 81 minutes, a church is planted. Maya is uniquely positioned to work in an environment where her coworkers are followers of Jesus Christ and in this episode she shares how she navigates it along with some of the unexpected challenges it sometimes brings. In this episode, we explored: Her work as a global missionary Tips for dealing with church conflict How to determine whether a person's actions are demonic or just their process How to confront someone in the body of Christ using God's method from scripture Check out the show notes for this episode here: https://pavielle.com/172 Ready to find your unique path to your purpose, take my free quiz at https://pavielle.com/quiz/ Want to ask a follow up question to the episode? Submit your question here anonymously: https://pavielle.com/ask Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Pavielle and The Purpose Collective Podcast."
Pastors Jon Benzinger, Dale Thackrah, Kevin Hay, Kyle Swanson and Todd Burgett dive deep into what makes a healthy church community in today's episode of the Redeeming Truth podcast. Importance of local church What is the biblical gospel? Are the messages biblical? What is a qualified leader in local church? How do you spot a good church that the tone being set by the culture in that church is one of humility, happiness, and love? Are the leaders accessible? Is the church accessible? Are the leaders building? Is the church building the kingdom or their own castle? Are they caving to the culture? Some practical things that people should do when looking for a church? Click here to Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCenfIkvDIJa4Qb4WgsH8hkw?sub_confirmation=1 REDEEMING TRUTH MEDIA: http://redeemingtruthmedia.org/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/redeemerbibleaz/ For more information about Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona, or to help support this ministry, please visit us at https://www.redeemeraz.org Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/redeemeraz Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/redeemeraz Never miss a sermon, find our Redeeming Truth Podcast in your favorite player, and subscribe!
Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some more interesting findings regarding church conflict. This is the second of a 2-part series. Conflict is not usually over tradition; it's over Much conflict reveals the spiritual immaturity of members of the congregation. Somehow, prayer gets lost in the conflict. Some conflict is scarring. Conflict that leads to honest conversation, repentance, and renewal can be good for the church. Resources mentioned in this episode: 10 Findings About Church Conflict by Chuck Lawless
Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some interesting findings regarding church conflict. This is the first of a 2-part series. Conflict is sometimes about issues, but it's often about personalities and preferences. Some church members are tools of the devil. Sometimes today's present-tense conflict is the residue of yesterday's past-tense issues. A track record of short-term pastorates is usually evidence of a problem with the people in the church more than it is a problem with pastors. On the other hand, some pastors are the cause of conflict. Resources mentioned in this episode: 10 Findings About Church Conflict by Chuck Lawless Come to the Lord's Table by Claude King The Peacemaking Pastor: A. Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict by Alfred Poirier
EP 135 | Christians and Cancel Culture | Redeeming Truth Do Christians today seem more divided than ever, especially on social media? In this hard-hitting yet hope-filled discussion, the Redeeming Truth Podcasts confronts pride and examines how worldliness and infiltration by the enemy are stoking the fires of conflict. What does Scripture command about humility, patience, and selfless love? We can disagree charitably on secondary issues, but gospel essentials demand alignment. Why are so many Christians attacking each other online? Join Jon Benzinger, Kevin Hay, and Kyle Swanson on the Redeeming Truth Podcast. For the glory of God and the sake of our gospel witness, unity in the essentials is critical. GIVE TO THE MINISTRY: https://redeemeraz.org/give Click here to Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCenfIkvDIJa4Qb4WgsH8hkw?sub_confirmation=1 REDEEMING TRUTH MEDIA: http://redeemingtruthmedia.org/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/redeemerbibleaz/ For more information about Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona, or to help support this ministry, please visit us at https://www.redeemeraz.org Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/redeemeraz Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/redeemeraz Never miss a sermon, find our Redeeming Truth Podcast in your favorite player, and subscribe!
Preachers Talk - A podcast by 9Marks & The Charles Simeon Trust
How does a preacher do his job well when he knows there is strife in the congregation? Dave, Ed, and Jeremy tackle this difficult topic, giving insight into what to do...and what to avoid.
Criticism is not necessarily toxic, even when it is misguided. And no one likes to field complaints. Sometimes they are warranted, and sometimes they can be toxic. How can a pastor tell the difference? Thom covers the best ways pastors can discern toxic conflict from healthy conflict. It's not always easy, but he offers a few practical tips through six questions. The post Six Questions to Discern Toxic Church Conflict from Healthy Church Conflict appeared first on Church Answers.