Podcasts about church pastor

In this powerful episode of Simple Faith, Rusty George sits down with Zia Hassan, a former Sunni Muslim born in Pakistan who spent over five decades faithfully practicing Islam. After moving to the United States in the early 1980s and building a successful life as a restaurant executive, husband, and father, Zia experienced a profound transformation in 2004—one that would lead him to explore the Christian faith of his ancestors.Zia shares his remarkable story of how a life-changing moment sparked a spiritual journey toward Jesus Christ, ultimately leading him to embrace a new faith. Now a devoted follower of Christ and active member of Crossroads Christian Church in Grand Prairie, Zia opens up about the challenges, revelations, and deep peace he's found along the way.Join us for an inspiring conversation about courage, conviction, and the simple yet profound power of faith.

Sustaining Relational Apologetics: The Long View of InfluenceIn the grand finale of the five-part journey into Relational Apologetics on the Simple Faith Podcast, host Rusty George looks into how to sustain a relational approach to faith as a way of life. He recaps the series' highlights, emphasizing building genuine human connections, listening with empathy, and creating a loving community. Through personal stories and practical advice, Rusty illustrates that true faith isn't built on winning arguments but on meaningful relationships and long-term perseverance. Join us to learn the art of nurturing relational apologetics effectively in your daily life.00:00 Introduction to Simple Faith00:20 Recap of Relational Apologetics Series00:41 Sustaining Relational Apologetics01:57 Challenges of Relationships03:42 The Importance of Patience and Perseverance04:18 A Personal Testimony06:48 The Power of Community07:56 Living Out Relational Apologetics10:41 The Long View of Influence12:24 Conclusion and Encouragement13:35 Closing Remarks

The Rescuers Today, Pastor Michael is talking about rescue.  If you are a Christian, a follower of Christ, then you have been rescued.  And Jesus is sending you to rescue others! The rescued become rescuers is our theme for the day. We can summarize the mission of the Great Commission in four words: Go—intentionally where people are.  Intentionally connect with people. Reach—share Jesus with people in a way that they can relate to and respond. Baptize—not just getting them wet, but making them a part of the community of believers. Teach—disciple them.  We cannot ever lose sight of this mission!  We must refuse to be inwardly-focused.  We must become “rescuers.” Steps to Rescue Pray for the Lord to open your heart to someone who needs Jesus and His hope and light.  Be aware of your opportunities with that person. God has thrown someone a lifeline, and that rescuer is YOU! Today's verses are found in Matthew 28: 18-20. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 

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Message by Pastor Stacey ShiflettText: Acts 16May 18, 2025 - 11AM

— What Is The Purpose Of The Church?— Preached by Pastor James Knox— Preached at The Bible Baptist Church of Deland, Florida— Preached on October 14 2018—Thanks For Listening, I hope you were helped by this!—I know the audio is not great on a lot of these, but it is the best that I can find.Many of these messages were recorded in the early to mid 1900's, and the audio recording equipment was not great then. But! The messages are worth the extra focus that it takes to get it.

Navigating Objections & QuestionsJoin Rusty George in episode four of the 'Relational Apologetics' series as he delves into the challenges of objections and difficult questions in relational apologetics. This episode shows the importance of viewing objections as opportunities for deeper engagement rather than signs of rejection. Rusty highlights strategies such as empathetic listening, asking clarifying questions, and building personal connections to foster meaningful conversations about faith. Reflect on practical ways to show respect and empathy while navigating intellectual, emotional, and practical objections, and prepare to explore the long-term approach of relational faith in the upcoming final episode.00:00 Introduction to Simple Faith00:20 Recap of Previous Episodes00:38 Addressing Objections in Faith Conversations01:31 The Power of Questions and Empathy07:52 The Role of Personal Stories and Testimonies09:20 Dealing with Intellectual and Emotional Objections10:30 Maintaining Relationships Despite Differences11:20 Reflecting on Our Approach to Objections12:14 Looking Ahead to the Final Episode12:46 Conclusion and Resources

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A Safe Place to Be Real Today, Pastor Michael is talking about things that cut us deep.  Mistakes and regrets that we have made.  Wounds that can poison us.   The only way to help in this is to have a safe place to be real.  Recreate Church is exactly that…a safe place to be real.  The safest place to be real is in a church family.   Today's central idea, “In a community of life and love, nobody struggles alone!”  We all need someone we can trust, to help us out of the pits of life.   (CSB Bible Notes) 5:16 Pray for one another echoes the prayers of the elders, and these should lead to both physical and spiritual healing (i.e., forgiveness). Prayer is not a magical incantation or a guarantee of healing, but when offered fervently by a righteous person, God will respond in a way that best fits his good purposes. Today's verses are found in James 5: 16. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 

Acts 9:31-43 | 05.11.2025

Building Bridges: Finding Common Ground in Relational ApologeticsIn this episode of Simple Faith, host Rusty George discusses the vital role of finding common ground in a diverse world as part of relational apologetics. Key points include the significance of shared human longings, bridging cultural and political divides, and using pop culture references for meaningful discussions. Rusty emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding other perspectives, and sharing personal faith stories to create connections without compromising core Christian beliefs. The episode also touches on historical examples like St. Patrick's use of symbols to communicate the gospel and explores the balance needed to address theological differences respectfully.00:00 Introduction to Simple Faith00:36 The Importance of Finding Common Ground01:43 Shared Human Longings as Bridges05:30 The Role of Cultural References08:54 The Power of Personal Stories12:18 Understanding Other Perspectives14:33 Conclusion and Next Steps

Igniting Contagious Faith!Sermon Notes: https://links.kchanford.com/sunday

Tune in to this week's Monday Minute with Rusty! Have a minute of free time on your drive? Listen in for some encouragement!

It's so easy to lose our why—especially when it comes to our relationship with God, or even with the church. In this series, our heart is to help you, both personally and as part of our Lifehouse community, rediscover and recenter your why when it comes to church.

Simplicity of Faith Today, Pastor Michael discusses the gospel and its purity, not needing rules and attachments to its core.  The gospel isn't complicated.  There is joy in the simplicity of the gospel message, so don't complicate what Jesus made simple.  Michael then gives us examples that churches and Christians complicate the message to confound potentially new believers: Expecting people to clean up before they meet Jesus. Be patient with folks and allow them to grow! Expecting people to be doctrinal pros from the get-go. Making an idol out of our preferences and traditions.  Forgetting that not everybody's an insider. (CSB Bible Notes) 15:19 James's position as the first among equals in the Jerusalem church is seen in his summarizing conclusion to the debate. In his judgment, Jewish believers should not cause difficulties for those turning to God from among the Gentiles. Today's verses are found in Acts 15: 19 Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 

Text: Matthew 28:16-20Speaker: Pastor Bruce BurkettTitle: The Mission Of The Church

Listen in to Week One of our new series, "You Asked for It" where we answer questions YOU have asked! This week, tune in as we answer the question, "How can we trust the resurrection?". Join us as we hear from guest speaker J. Warner Wallace, a cold case detective who sought to disprove Christianity but instead did just the opposite. This is a week you don't want to miss!

Acts 15 | Disagreements and Division in the Church - Pastor Greg Mah by South Bay Community Church

A Community of Life and Love Today, Pastor Michael is discussing how some folks have dismissed church due to not finding a church that serves them well.  At Recreate we are doing just what our name impies; redefining our church to serve people.  Church done right is a community of life and love! (CSB Bible Notes) 2:42 These four practices—teaching . . . fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer—provide insight into the priorities of early Christianity. These same practices should be considered normative for the church today. Today's verses are found in Acts 2: 40 - 47. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.   

In a culture obsessed with influence and image, James reminds us that God doesn't play favorites—and neither should we. This message challenges us to confront the subtle ways we show partiality and elevates mercy as the true mark of mature faith. Because in God's Kingdom, grace outweighs status every time.

Relational Apologetics: Connecting Through CommunityIn this special five-part series from Simple Faith, we explore the concept of relational apologetics as an alternative to traditional approaches that can feel argumentative and challenging. Rusty George discusses how genuine human connection and community can make sharing your faith more approachable and effective. By examining historical and modern methods of evangelism, featuring insights from experts, and sharing real-life examples, this series redefines evangelism for those who feel uncomfortable with conventional apologetics. Discover how cultivating trust and understanding can create fertile ground for faith to flourish and make sharing your beliefs a more collective and less daunting endeavor.00:00 Introduction to Apologetics01:47 The Challenge of Sharing Faith03:24 Relational Apologetics: A New Approach03:47 Historical Perspectives on Evangelism04:47 The Celtic Model of Community08:00 Modern Applications of Relational Apologetics09:12 Personal Stories of Faith Sharing11:03 The Power of Christian Community12:03 Balancing Connection and Truth14:12 The Strategic Imperative of Connection14:49 The Parables of Lost Things16:15 Conclusion and Key QuestionsInterview Series with George Hunter - https://bit.ly/4cTnyRmInterview with Greg Koukl - https://bit.ly/3YaWU0e

Igniting Contagious Faith!Sermon Notes: https://links.kchanford.com/sunday

Easter at Eastgate Church-Pastor Josh Pate by Eastgate Church

The weekly Monday Minute is here! Tune in to hear some encouragement from Rusty as you begin your week!

Good Friday Epicenter Church Pastor Robert Jackson For more information and to stay up to date with Pastor Jamie Crawford, Breakthrough Ministries and Epicenter Church please visit our website's breakthroughevangelism.com or epicenterchurchok.com 

The Resurrection on Trial Today, Pastor Michael is discussing the Resurrection and Easter. Michael reinforces the case of the resurrection. Did Jesus really rise from the dead?  The answer is all-important: if the resurrection didn't happen, then Christianity's claims all fall apart. Paul covers this in 1 Corinthians 15. 14  If it did, death has been defeated.  If Jesus walked out of the grave, you cannot walk away unchanged. Michael, Duncan, and David present a current version of a trial, with the defense showing Jesus is real and the other side showing it was a ruse. The defense trumps the trial with eyewitness accounts of Jesus' crucifixion, John 19: 33-34, heralding the efficiency of Roman executioners. Additional proof for the defense is that no single disciple recanted their belief in the Lord, even though most died suffering for the truth.  The final proof of Jesus's resurrection is that people saw Him after He had risen. If it wasn't a miracle, it was absurd. Tacitus, a Roman historian who despised Christians, even confirmed Jesus's resurrection! This is the story of a tomb found to be empty.  Many early Christians were horribly persecuted for their beliefs.  And there were eyewitnesses, even enemies, who concluded: Jesus is risen! We don't need a comfortable lie but a disruptive truth! Live for Jesus! Today's verses are found in 1 Corinthians 15: 14 and John 19: 33-34. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 

Happy Easter! He is Risen! Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 8 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Easter at Generations Church | Pastor Jeremy Isaacs by Generations Church

Thank you for joining us for EASTER AT HOPE CHURCH. We hope you enjoy and are moved by this sermon brought by Pastor Wes Beacham. Happy Easter!

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 7 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 6 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

As we head into Good Friday and Easter weekend, a local Pastor joined us to talk about Jesus dying on the Cross and rising again...growing up as a pastor's kid and his own call into ministry...what it was like starting a brand new church...how we can lay down our lives daily, as Jesus died for us...opportunities for churches on Easter...and their year-long prayer chain. (3:25) The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was Plan A, but we can't live up to His standard. Pastor Grant Collins of Fountain City Church in Columbus GA explains that and how it applies to our lives. (13:48) His dad was a longtime pastor, and they were at church a lot. What kind of help does he give Pastor Grant, over the last few decades ago of ministry (also sharing those moments he felt called). And being obedient to God helps you discovery your unique calling. (27:45) Starting or planting their church 7 years ago, it was scary and their family almost went to Turkey instead. Pastor Grant had a wakeup moment that helped change his definition of faith and lead a mission-focused church without empty religious traditions. He says here are things we can do to take up our cross daily: disown ourselves, be convicted by His Word, put ourselves in God's presence, be rooted in community, have accountability partner(s), get involved in church. (52:30) Is his church doing Easter different than other Sunday services? Regardless, he knows it's one of the most attended and calls this an opportunity to share the Gospel, connect people with community. Fountain City Church is also leading a 2025 "Unbroken Prayer Chain for the Chattahoochee Valley" which other churches, businesses, small groups, etc. can sign up to pray certain days or weeks to help with what this pastor calls a spiritual "awakening" in this area: https://fountaincity.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2643050. And Pastor Grant closes us in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 5 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 4 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 3 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

This week at Church360, guest speaker Michael Hinton from Summit Church in Orlando, Florida continues our series “For God So Loved.” Listen in as he dives into what it truly means that Jesus died for us. This is a week you won't want to miss!

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 2 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 1 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Pastor Cody's message, "His Heart For The Church," is one to put on repeat! God's desire for us is that we would not just come to church, but that we would be a part of it! 

Welcome to Lighthouse Church! We are located in the City of Vista, in the North County of San Diego. To join us in person, head over to: 342 Eucalyptus Ave. Vista, CA 92084 We meet every Sunday at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM & 12:00 PM If you want to know more about us or to connect with us, let us know by filling out this Digital Connect Card: https://gotolighthouse.churchcenter.com/people/forms/665423 If you made a decision to follow Jesus today, or want help taking your Next Step, send us an email at: info@lighthousechurchnc.org If you would like to make a contribution to Lighthouse Church, or to give your tithe or offering digitally, you can do that by heading to our website. www.lighthousechurchnc.org/give

In this episode of Leading Simple, host Rusty George sits down with Jesse DeYoung, the Executive Lead Pastor at Flatirons Church in Colorado, to explore the vital topic of organizational health. Together, they discuss how to create a culture of clarity, collaboration, and simplicity within any organization. Jesse shares practical insights from his experience leading one of the largest churches in the country, offering wisdom on building healthy teams, fostering effective communication, and making complex systems simpler. Whether you're leading a church, business, or team, this conversation will help you navigate the path to a healthier, more streamlined organization.Jesse DeYoung Links:Instagram: Instagram · jesse.deyoung1.8K+ followersJesse DeYoungFacebook: Facebookhttps://m.facebook.comProfile for Jesse DeYoungFlat Irons Website: https://www.flatironschurch.com/leadership/

This week at Church360, guest speaker Mike Breaux kicks off our new series “For God so Loved.” Join us as we explore what it looks like to accept that we are loved by a God who desires to be in our lives. Watch more @Church360 on YouTube!