Podcasts about churches

Churches help prepare couples for marriage and rescue them when things fall apart, but what happens in between? That middle space—the “fine zone”—is where most couples slowly drift while everyone assumes they're okay. The truth is, fine isn't faithfulness. It's fatigue. And most churches don't have a plan for discipling marriages before they reach the breaking point. Sam interviews Brad Rhoads of Grace Marriage to find out more. Grace Marriage is helping churches change that by creating pathways for ongoing marriage discipleship, not just crisis care. The post Unbelievable: 72% of Churches Have No Marriage Ministry! appeared first on Church Answers.

In 2024, Cindy's book about her and Mark's experiences living a full-time Van life was published by One Stone Biblical Resources. It is entitled One Hundred Churches: A Three-Year Journey to Witness the Joy of Authentic Christianity. The book is part travel journal, part spiritual roadmap, part autobiography, part devotional, and part vanlife guide.Come along for the ride as Cindy shares the encouraging and informative stories from her book that some of her readers are calling "addictive".

Preached at BreakThrough Conference 2025, Phoenix, USA

Preached at BreakThrough Conference 2025, Phoenix, USA

Charlotte leaders have long committed to bringing more affordable housing to the region. In October, the city announced partnering with Enterprise Community Partners to start the Faith in Housing Charlotte initiative to transform underutilized land from faith-based organizations into affordable housing. We take a look at the intersection of faith, land and policy to reshape our housing future.

Momentum is a powerful gift—but it can also be deceiving.That's why we're bringing back one of the most listened-to episodes of the entire year on the Fly on the Wall Podcast. In Episode 180, I sit down with my good friend Chris Norman to talk about the two most common places pastors get stuck: when the church is growing… and when it's not.Pastors told us this conversation hit home because it speaks to both seasons with honest clarity and practical solutions.This top episode is packed with insight, including: ✅ Why momentum hides weakness—and what to do before it runs out ✅ How to break free from “the weeds” and lead from the right level ✅ The four rings that pull you away from your mission-critical calling ✅ Why your biggest limitation might be the way you see your own situation ✅ The simple “Boxes and Batons” framework to measure real discipleship—not just attendanceWhether you're scaling fast or wondering why growth has stalled, this conversation will help you refocus your leadership where it matters most.And if you're serious about growing yourself while you grow your church, don't miss Church Boom University—our digital coaching platform full of masterclasses, tools, and practical help for pastors like you.

Top Stories for December 16th Publish Date: December 16th PRE-ROLL: Villa Rica Wonderland Train From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 16th and Happy Birthday to Yosemite Sam I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett leaders update lawmakers on voting site challenges, public safety efforts Brookwood High selected to participate in the GaDOE Gifted in Action series Gwinnett Chamber announces 2025 Business Excellence Award winners Plus, Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia - Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink STORY 1: Gwinnett leaders update lawmakers on voting site challenges, public safety efforts Gwinnett County is cutting polling locations—down from 156 to 144—and the reason? Insurance headaches. Churches and private organizations, once reliable voting sites, are pulling out, according to Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold. Manifold shared the news during a meeting with Gwinnett’s state lawmakers, where elections and public safety took center stage. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson emphasized collaboration: “When local and state leaders work together, we serve our residents better.” On the safety side, Police Chief J.D. McClure highlighted staffing gains and a futuristic twist—drones as “first eyes” on crime scenes. Progress, but challenges remain. STORY 2: Brookwood High selected to participate in the GaDOE Gifted in Action series Brookwood High just got a big nod from the Georgia Department of Education—it’s been featured in the GaDOE Gifted in Action series, a webinar collection for educators working with gifted and talented students. Eric Rovie’s AP Literature and Language classes were in the spotlight, with the GaDOE team recording his students in action. Rovie’s approach? Open discussions, tough questions, and a classroom built on trust. Gifted education isn’t just about acceleration, says Dr. Keena Ryals-Jenkins of GCPS—it’s about sparking curiosity and pushing boundaries. STORY 3: Gwinnett Chamber announces 2025 Business Excellence Award winners The Gwinnett Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards lit up the John Maxwell Leadership Center last week, celebrating the movers, shakers, and innovators shaping Gwinnett’s business scene. Nick Masino, Chamber President & CEO, kicked things off, followed by keynote speaker Darryll Stinson—a TEDx speaker and leadership guru—who delivered a heartfelt, no-fluff message about trust, growth, and greatness. “It’s about elevating results,” he said, leaving the room buzzing. Masino summed it up: “When our businesses thrive, so does our region.” Winners spanned 10 categories, from Spectrum Autism Support Group (Community Contributor) to iS3 Tech Services’ Adam Hammock (Founder Award). A night of well-earned applause. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets - DTL HOLIDAY STORY 4: Gwinnett road closures Dec. 13-19 Heads up, Gwinnett drivers—here’s what’s happening on the roads this week (Dec. 13–19). Expect closures, detours, and delays, all courtesy of construction, utility work, and improvements. Big ones to note: **Ballpark Lane** is closed through April 2026. Detours are in place, but, yeah, plan extra time. Other spots with intermittent lane closures include **Beaver Ruin Road**, **Sugarloaf Parkway**, and **Rockbridge Road**—plus about 30 more. For details or detour routes, contact the Gwinnett DOT. STORY 5: ART BEAT: Players Guild at Sugar Hill to stage 'The Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder' Looking for a darkly funny way to kick off the new year? *The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder* hits Sugar Hill’s Eagle Theatre stage Feb. 6–15, promising six performances of murder, mayhem, and music. The story? Monty Navarro, a broke clerk, discovers he’s ninth in line to inherit a fancy title and fortune. His solution? Start “removing” the D’Ysquith family members ahead of him. It’s twisted, hilarious, and based on the 1907 novel *Israel Rank*. JD Touchton stars as Monty, marking his first musical role in four years. Tickets? Boxoffice@pgatsh.com. Now, here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre - Shane Delancey - Break 3: THE STRAND HOLIDAY STORY 6: Mill Creek Grad Holden Cammarata Runs 100-Mile Day for Williams Syndrome Holden Cammarata had a wild dream—run 100 miles in a single day. Not a marathon, not two, but *four*. The 2025 Mill Creek grad and Georgia Tech freshman had always pushed himself, running cross country in high school and now with Georgia Tech’s club team. But this? This was next level. “It’s a big jump,” he admitted. “With my foot surgery coming up, I figured this might be my last shot.” But Holden didn’t just run for himself. He ran for Molly Kate Cloer, the little sister of his high school teammate Tyler, who has Williams Syndrome. Inspired by their family, he turned his grueling goal into a fundraiser, raising over $8,000 for the cause. The run itself? Brutal. By mile 60, his injured foot was screaming. By mile 80, the park closed, forcing him to finish in a church parking lot. Every step hurt. But his parents, old teammates, and even strangers showed up to cheer him on, some running alongside him. After 25 hours, 33 minutes, and 32 seconds, Holden crossed the finish line—exhausted, in pain, but surrounded by love. STORY 7: Northside Hospital Gwinnett named one of nation's best for maternity care Northside Hospital Gwinnett just got some big news—it’s officially one of the best places in the country to have a baby, according to *U.S. News & World Report*. The hospital earned a “High Performing” rating for maternity care, putting it in the top 10% nationwide for uncomplicated pregnancies. Pretty impressive, right? Last year alone, they delivered 4,245 babies. Northside Gwinnett also scored high marks in 15 other areas, from heart surgery to stroke care. When you’re here, you’re family. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: GCPS Hiring Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com Ice Rink – Downtown Sugar Hill Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill Team GCPS https://www.downtownlawrencevillega.com/ NewsPodcast, CurrentEvents, TopHeadlines, BreakingNews, PodcastDiscussion, PodcastNews, InDepthAnalysis, NewsAnalysis, PodcastTrending, WorldNews, LocalNews, GlobalNews, PodcastInsights, NewsBrief, PodcastUpdate, NewsRoundup, WeeklyNews, DailyNews, PodcastInterviews, HotTopics, PodcastOpinions, InvestigativeJournalism, BehindTheHeadlines, PodcastMedia, NewsStories, PodcastReports, JournalismMatters, PodcastPerspectives, NewsCommentary, PodcastListeners, NewsPodcastCommunity, NewsSource, PodcastCuration, WorldAffairs, PodcastUpdates, AudioNews, PodcastJournalism, EmergingStories, NewsFlash, PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Village churches are as much a part of our rural landscape as trees and hedgerows. However according to a recent survey by the National Churches Trust, as many as nine hundred of Britain's countryside churches are in danger of closing in the next five years. We visit a church in North Cumbria where the farming community is determined to save it. We also speak to the National Churches Trust about their fears for the future of small rural churches.There's also discussion of the latest government changes to planning regulations.Producer: Rebecca Rooney

In 2024, Cindy's book about her and Mark's experiences living a full-time Van life was published by One Stone Biblical Resources. It is entitled One Hundred Churches: A Three-Year Journey to Witness the Joy of Authentic Christianity. The book is part travel journal, part spiritual roadmap, part autobiography, part devotional, and part vanlife guide.Come along for the ride as Cindy shares the encouraging and informative stories from her book that some of her readers are calling "addictive".

Advertising guru – and the Spectator's Wiki Man columnist – Rory Sutherland joins Damian Thompson for this episode of Holy Smoke. In a wide ranging discussion, from Sigmund Freud and Max Weber to Quakers and Mormons, they discuss how some religious communities seem to be predisposed to success by virtue of their beliefs. How do spiritual choices affect consumer choices? Between Android and Apple, which is more Protestant and which is more Catholic? And what can modern Churches learn from Capitalism?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MINISTERIAL BIBLE STUDY (November 12th): Kings and Priests Part 2, and Thoughts on why we must not lose an evangelistic spirit, and the different places different churches and denominations are at around and on the slopes of the mountain of GodSend us a textSupport the showThank you for listening to our podcast!If you have any questions, subjects you would like to hear discussed, or feedback of any kind, you can contact us at:greengac@yahoo.com or through the links below, where you can find additional information about our work as well as other materials: Green Gospel Assembly Church – The Church that is Different (church website)

Sinners is the kind of movie where you can pause any frame and feel the history.Ryan Coogler's 1932 Mississippi Delta vampire epic follows twin brothers (both played by Michael B. Jordan) who open a juke joint in an old sawmill, only to collide with vampires, the Klan, and a century of American sins. The film has become one of 2025's most acclaimed releases, with strong box office, critics' scores, and early awards – putting it squarely in Best Picture conversations. (Wikipedia)In this episode of Decorating Pages, Emmy-winning set decorator Kim Wannop sits down with Oscar-winning Production Designer Hannah Beachler (Black Panther) and Set Decorator Monique Champagne (Nickel Boys, Sinners) to talk about how they built the film's world from the ground up:Churches, houses, and stores placed like tiny islands on vast plantation landscapesAnnie's house as a warm, healing, hoodoo-and-capitalism space, one of the emotional hearts of the movieA downtown resurrected from empty, moldy buildings into a living 1930s Black business districtThe juke joint as a complete building you can shoot 360º – including upper levels, real water, and safely-distanced alligatorsThe film's bold red/white/blue color story and how production design, set decoration, costume, and lighting keep that palette humming across the filmIf you loved Sinners or you're tracking the craft side of awards season, this conversation is a deep dive into how design and decoration carry history, politics, and horror in one of the year's most visually powerful films.Discover the Art of TV & Film Design with Decorating Pages PodcastHosted by Emmy-winning Set Decorator Kim Wannop, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of your favorite shows and movies. Each episode features in-depth conversations with the industry's top production designers, set decorators, prop masters, and art department professionals, offering rare insight into the creative process of visual storytelling.Whether you're a film and TV fan, aspiring designer, or entertainment industry pro, Decorating Pages Podcast is your backstage pass to the world of production design. Learn how sets are built, stories are shaped visually, and characters come to life—one episode at a time.

Advertising guru – and the Spectator's Wiki Man columnist – Rory Sutherland joins Damian Thompson for this episode of Holy Smoke. In a wide ranging discussion, from Sigmund Freud and Max Weber to Quakers and Mormons, they discuss how some religious communities seem to be predisposed to success by virtue of their beliefs. How do spiritual choices affect consumer choices? Between Android and Apple, which is more Protestant and which is more Catholic? And what can modern Churches learn from Capitalism?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week we started a conversation with John Terech, on how to build flourishing churches. We looked at the first two measures of health: identity and risk-taking, and now we'll continue the conversation with the next four. What does it look like to be a flourishing church?

Dr. Sandra Glahn Dr. Lucas Rogers Don't miss this important conversation if you are a leader in your church! Dr. Lucas Rogers shares with Dr. Sandra Glahn what he has learned from his research on conservative churches rethinking women in leadership. His extensive study of churches going through this process provides wise and practical advice for any church leadership considering this issue. Dr. Rogers is available to consult with churches who are interested in being true to the Scriptures while being open to other interpretations. He suggests that it's not where the church ends up, but the process used that will determine the health of the church. Recommended resources Cultural Intelligence: Living for God in a Diverse, Pluralistic World by Darrell Bock The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt Women in the Church's Ministry: A Test Case from Biblical Interpretation by R.T. France Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism from editors John Piper & Wayne Grudem Discovering Biblical Equality: Biblical, Theological, Cultural and Practical Perspectives by Ronald Pierce and Cynthia Westfall This episode is available on video for those who prefer to watch. Timestamps: 00:33 Introductions 02:57 Introduction to Dr. Rogers' research on conservative churches that landed on different sides of the issue 10:23 Various influences on the churches' decisions about this issue 14:08 The approaches to understanding Scripture in the various churches researched 16:20 Best practices to work through this issue 19:12 What Dr. Rogers learned from the three churches studied 26:32 Consulting with churches about the process of considering this issue after this study 28:59 The need to take the time necessary and involve the congregation 32:21 Resources used in this process, sunk costs bias and cultural engagement all affect this process. 35:13 Suggested books on both sides of the issue 38:33 Any other advice to help this process go well? 45:04 BOW resources on other issues facing the church TranscriptKay >> Hi. I'm Kay Daigle. Welcome to the Beyond Ordinary Women Podcast and video. We are so happy that you've joined us today. We have two special guests. We have Dr. Sandra Glahn with us. Welcome Sandi. Sandra >> Glad to be here as always. Kay >> Yeah, it's always a treat to have you. We always look forward to having you. Dr. Glahn is a professor at Dallas Seminary. She is a professor of Media Arts and Worship there. She's written over 20 books. She has so much to say about her that you just need to go to our website and read her bio because she has done a lot and she has produced a lot of work. And you can find her in many of our videos. So hopefully this won't be the last when you watch go on to BeyondOrdinaryWomen.org and search for her name. And you can connect with some of her other conversations that we've had. And Sandra invited another friend to be with us, the third male that we have had on our podcast. And it is Dr. Lucas Rogers. Welcome, Lucas. Lucas >> Thank you so much. Great to be here. Kay >> We are so happy to have you. Lucas is the lead pastor at Easton Bible Church in Hainesport, New Jersey. And he has both a master's and doctorate degrees from Dallas Seminary as well. And we're really happy to have you. And despite the fact that you're only the third man, we really appreciate it. Sandra >> That's true. Lucas >> Well, it's my honor. Kay >> Well, since our ministry is Beyond Ordinary Women, we have tended to focus on women in these conversations. But we're so happy to have you. And I'm going to turn around over to Sandi and Lucas to talk about our topic today, which I'm very excited about. I feel like many, many churches need to hear about the research that Lucas has done. Sandra >> So Lucas has done a hard look at the best practices for churches that are reconsidering wh...

In 2024, Cindy's book about her and Mark's experiences living a full-time Van life was published by One Stone Biblical Resources. It is entitled One Hundred Churches: A Three-Year Journey to Witness the Joy of Authentic Christianity. The book is part travel journal, part spiritual roadmap, part autobiography, part devotional, and part vanlife guide.Come along for the ride as Cindy shares the encouraging and informative stories from her book that some of her readers are calling "addictive".

It's Monday, December 15th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus World's 5 Communist countries are cracking down on Christians Governments in the world's five remaining Communist countries are intensifying control over Christian churches, reports International Christian Concern. Churches are facing growing legal, financial and operational restrictions under regimes in China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea and Vietnam. Authorities in China require churches to register with the state and operate under a system called Sinicization, which mandates that sermons and practices incorporate Chinese cultural elements and Communist Party ideology, In Cuba, Christian groups are also legally required to register with the government, though new registrations are seldom granted. Individuals receiving foreign funding for church-related activities may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison under Cuban law. Christian groups in Laos must also register with the government and seek prior approval for nearly all activities. A 2023 U.S. State Department report said churches must obtain permission for services, gatherings, travel of clergy, construction of worship spaces, and distribution of religious materials. In North Korea, churches are allowed only as tightly regulated institutions that serve the regime's image abroad. North Korean citizens are expected to report anyone found engaging in religious practices outside these state-run settings or in possession of Christian materials like Bibles. Unauthorized religious activity is met with harsh penalties, including imprisonment or forced labor. Vietnam also enforces mandatory registration for Christians and reserves the right to intervene in church finances and operations. A 2024 Vietnamese law, known as Decree 95, grants the government authority to demand financial records from churches and to suspend their activities without citing specific violations. Authorities in Vietnam have detained individuals and restricted congregations that fail to comply. Galatians 6:9 promises, “ Let us not grow weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint.” The $1 billion fraud of the Somalis in Minnesota Federal investigators have uncovered and charged dozens of people in Minnesota — most of Somali, African descent — in a series of major public-benefits fraud schemes which cost the American taxpayers $1 billion, reports Fox. These schemes include two primary issues.  First, a nonprofit named Feeding Our Future claimed federal reimbursements for feeding children during the pandemic but is accused of taking hundreds of millions in funds for few or no meals. And second, there was Medicaid fraud in autism care and housing support. Prosecutors say large and rapidly growing payments to providers for autism therapy and Housing Stabilization Services were fraudulent, with fake clients and claims submitted. Appearing on Fox News with Laura Ingraham, Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for policy, said this. MILLER: “This could very well end up being the greatest financial fraud scandal in American history.” Republican Mike Lindell running for Minnesota Governor Speaking of Minnesota, where Democratic Governor Tim Walz, has embarrassed his state nationally as the brief-lived Vice Presidential pick of Kamala Harris, MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell announced his candidacy for Minnesota's 2026 gubernatorial race last Thursday, reports The Christian Post. The 64-year-old Lindell posted on social media. "After prayerful consideration and hearing from so many of you across our great state, I've made the decision to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race.” LINDELL: “Together, we will restore respect for law and order. If you are here illegally, now's the time to leave, or you're going to be sent back where you came from.” Governor Walz is running for his third consecutive four-year term. 2 dead, 8 injured in shooting at Brown University On Saturday evening, an active shooter killed two people and seriously injured eight others at Brown University campus where a male, dressed in black, opened fire inside a building on campus, reports the Providence Journal.  The Ivy League college in Providence, Rhode Island was in lockdown as the suspected gunman remained at large following the shooting. Dick Van Dyke: “I have no idea” what happens when we die In an interview with ABC's Nightline with Dick Van Dyke, who just turned 100, Chris Connelly asked about loss and death. CONNELLY: “How have you dealt with loss in your life, when you lose somebody close to you? How have you rebounded from something like that?” VAN DYKE: “I don't know. You know, I lost my brother and my eldest daughter. Both committed suicide because of pain, and my reaction was anger, because I just think there were two deaths that didn't have to happen because they were, other than that, very healthy, except for pain.” CONNELLY:  “Have you ever thought about death?” VAN DYKE:  “I do now. I think most people don't, but when you get up around 100, it's a fact that you have to face. You know, it could happen any day.” CONNELLY: “What do you think happens when we die?” VAN DYKE:  “I have no idea. I think some people are afraid of death because they think you're aware of it. They can say, ‘Oh, darn, I'm dead.' But, you know, you're gone; you don't exist anymore. No, death doesn't really frighten me, although I like a lot more life.” Hebrews 9:27 says, “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Gift of tiny home reunites veteran with his 2-year-old daughter And finally, when his 2-year-old daughter Majesty fell into the foster care system, a U.S. Navy veteran faced a significant barrier in his fight to assert custody: He did not have a permanent address, reports Good News Network. At that point, Tim had gotten his life back on track after a struggle with substance use, but his group living arrangement in that program wasn't designed for children. He said, “I just remember thinking: ‘How can I rescue my daughter?'” Providentially, a tiny blue home became available at Veterans Community Project, a nonprofit village that help residents regain parental rights of their children. Soon after, he got full custody and moved to a family unit complete with a bunk bed fit for a toddler. The key moment in Tim's transformation was the rediscovery of his Christian faith and his willingness to admit he needed help. He said, “The opposite of addiction is connection—and that's what I found.” At the rehab center, he remembers feeling “like Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.” SCROOGE AFTER WAKING FROM DREAM ON CHRISTMAS DAY: “I must dress myself. So much to do.  I must not lose any time. I am as light as a feather. (laughs) I'm as happy as an angel. (laughs) I am as a merry as a schoolboy. (laughs) I'm as giddy as a drunken man. (laughs)  Merry Christmas to everyone and a happy new year!” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, December 15th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In this episode of the ruling elder podcast John Fikkert draws attention to the excellent Pastoral Compensation Tool made available by the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. The Pastoral Compensation Tool is available here.John's recommended readingOrdained Servant2026 Tax Prep Guide for Churches and Clergy (Downloadable PDF) by Richard R. Hammar and Elaine Sommerville.  Expected release date is Jan 1st 2026. Available here.The Politics of Ministry: Navigating Power Dynamics and Negotiating Interests by Bob Burns, Tasha D. Chapman, Donald C. Guthrie,, IVP, 2019.The Clay Pot Conspiracy: God's Plan to Use Weakness in Leaders, by Dave Harvey, New Growth Press,  2025.Quotes on Experience in the Christian MinistryFrom Alexander Whyte, Bunyan Characters “…pastors who are indeed to be pastors after God's own heart have all to pass into their pastorate through the school of experience.”“Preaching after God's own heart, and pastoral work of the same divine pattern, cannot be taught in any other school than the school of experience.”“Whenever I hear a single unconventional, immediate, penetrating, overawing petition or confession in a minister's pulpit prayer or in his family worship, I do not need to be told out of what prayer-book he took that. I know without his telling me that my minister has been, all unknown to me till now, at that same school of prayer to which his Master was put in the days of His flesh…”“What a quantity and what a quality of experience is needed to take a raw, light-minded, ignorant, and self-satisfied youth and transform him into the pastor, the tried and trusted friend of the tempted, the sorrow-laden, and the shipwrecked hearts and lives in his congregation! What years and years of the selectest experiences are needed to teach the average divinity student to know himself, to track out and run to earth his own heart, and thus to lay open and read other men's hearts to their self-deceived owners in the light of his own.”“Let no minister, then, lose heart when he is sent back to the school of experience. He knows in theory that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, but it is not theory, but experience, that makes a minister after God's own heart.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 17:3-4: "And he restored the 1,100 pieces of silver to his mother. And his mother said, 'I dedicate the silver to the Lord from my hand for my son, to make a carved image and a metal image. Now therefore I will restore it to you.' So when he restored the money to his mother, his mother took 200 pieces of silver and gave it to the silversmith, who made it into a carved image and a metal image. And it was in the house of Micah." — Judges 17:3-4 Micah's mother meant well—but meaning well doesn't make something right. She takes stolen silver, dedicates it "to the Lord," and then uses it to fund an idol. It's one of the strangest contradictions in Scripture: a mom trying to honor God by disobeying Him. But this is where sentimental faith always leads. Yesterday, she blessed what God condemned. Today, she's building what God forbade. When we refuse to confront sin, it doesn't just sit quietly—it grows bold. You can almost hear her logic: "I'm doing this for God. It's my way of worship." But the moment we start serving God our way, we stop serving Him His way. Micah's mother didn't reject the Lord; she redefined Him. She wanted God's presence and blessing without God's authority. And that's the same deception shaping modern faith. We've learned to baptize disobedience in religious language. Parents fund their kids' sinful choices and call it love. Churches adopt the world's ideologies and call it outreach. Politicians quote Bible verses while endorsing laws that mock God's design. It's all the same move—blessing what God condemns and calling it righteousness. But God is not impressed by sincerity when it's married to sin. Good intentions don't turn rebellion into righteousness. When we fund what He forbids, we don't build faith—we build idols. We see it in the culture of "progressive Christianity." We want inclusion without repentance, affirmation without transformation, and spirituality without submission. We think God should evolve with our culture, when in truth, we are the ones called to conform to His holiness. The tragedy of Micah's home is that it looked religious but lived rebellious. It had silver crosses and carved idols, blessings and blasphemy side by side. And that's what happens when love loses its spine—sentimentality becomes sin, and truth is replaced by tolerance. ASK THIS: Where are you tempted to justify sin with "good intentions"? How does your home reflect what you really believe about God's boundaries? Have you ever supported something "for love's sake" that you knew dishonored God? What would it look like to love your family with conviction instead of compromise? DO THIS: Ask God to reveal one area where you've been "blessing" what He condemns. Repent by naming it for what it is—not "progress," not "love," but sin. Have one honest conversation this week with someone who needs truth spoken in love. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for blessing what You've already called sin. Give me courage to love with conviction, to call truth what You call truth, and to stop confusing kindness with compromise. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Holy (Song of the Ages)."

Top headlines for Monday, December 15, 2025In this episode, we break down President Donald Trump's surprising openness to meeting with Pope Leo amid tensions over his immigration policy, explore the United Methodist Church's pushback against a contentious geofencing campaign targeting Texas congregations with pro-Israel ads, and examine a new study linking ultra-processed foods to rising rates of chronic and mental health conditions worldwide.00:11 Trump says he's willing to meet with Pope Leo XIV00:56 UMC pushes back on reported plan to 'geotarget' Texas churches01:54 Church-state watchdog group leader appointed to USCIRF02:38 Ultra-processed foods fueling chronic diseases: study03:31 Texas AG, securities board offer conflicting takes on EPIC suit04:23 Fla. sues WPATH, other groups for pushing trans surgeries on kids05:15 MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell announces run for Minnesota governorSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on XChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsTrump says he's willing to meet with Pope Leo XIV | PoliticsUMC pushes back on reported plan to 'geotarget' Texas churches | U.S.Church-state watchdog group leader appointed to USCIRF | PoliticsUltra-processed foods fueling chronic diseases: study | LivingTexas AG, securities board offer conflicting takes on EPIC suit | U.S.Fla. sues WPATH, other groups for pushing trans surgeries on kids | PoliticsMyPillow CEO Mike Lindell announces run for Minnesota governor | Politics

Looking to revitalize your church's digital presence for the new year? In this episode of MyCom, host Ryan Dunn shares practical strategies and insider insights to help you grow your ministry and foster authentic connections online. Whether you're just starting out or aiming to level up your church's social media, you'll learn actionable tips for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—with special focus on creating engaging content, leveraging platform algorithms, and tailoring your message for specific audiences. Discover how to: Build a welcoming and knowable digital church identity Turn your congregation into brand ambassadors for greater online reach Create share-worthy content that gets noticed in algorithm-driven feeds Use stories, reels, and long-form videos to deepen engagement Optimize your church's video and search strategy for lasting impact Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: New Year, New Social Media Strategy 02:25 — Ryan Dunn's Journey: From Ministry to Digital Communications 03:31 — Setting the Table: Goals for Churches on Social Media 05:01 — Best Practices: Being Knowable & Engaging Online 06:25 — The Golden Rule: Serve the Platform and the Audience 08:06 — How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Ministry 09:02 — Facebook: Empowering Brand Advocates & Targeting Current Members 11:27 — Key Content Metrics: What Really Drives Sharing 13:06 — Instagram: Reels, Stories, and Engaging Younger Audiences 15:26 — Making Stories Work: Tips & Tricks 18:00 — Avoiding Story Overload & Measuring Success on Instagram 20:06 — TikTok: Reaching Young People, Search Trends, and Strategy Limitations 23:17 — Hashtags, Personal Accounts, and Maximizing Reach on TikTok 25:50 — YouTube: Video Search, Long-Term Value, and Organizing for Seekers 28:29 — Platform-Centric Content: The YouTube Approach 29:18 — Four Trends for 2025: Search, Long-Form Video, Quality, and Personal Approach 32:45 — Final Encouragement & Resources for Ongoing Growth Find more episodes and resources for your ministry: ResourceUMC.org/MyCom-Podcast  

In 2024, Cindy's book about her and Mark's experiences living a full-time Van life was published by One Stone Biblical Resources. It is entitled One Hundred Churches: A Three-Year Journey to Witness the Joy of Authentic Christianity. The book is part travel journal, part spiritual roadmap, part autobiography, part devotional, and part vanlife guide.Come along for the ride as Cindy shares the encouraging and informative stories from her book that some of her readers are calling "addictive".

This is perhaps Voddie Baucham's most insightful sermon!

Ladies and gentlemen, as believers, we should be settled in that we have been called by God in the ministry of reconciliation and not to do our own things. It is the highest office in God's Kingdom.2 Corinthians 5:18“…And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation”.Together with the Five-Fold ministries responsibilities, God has also entrusted every believer with a profound ministry of reconciliation. God desires to achieve 3 things on the earth:1)  to bring awareness to mankind about God's plan for restoration of humanity 2) to share the message of salvation, peace and hope to mankind 3) to strengthen the body of Christ through the teaching of God's Word. Please listen to this message to the end... I guarantee you shall be blessed! I know I have been blessed listening to it.

Dave Clayton | 12.14.25 | ethoschurch.org

Antioch Norman is a community church located in Norman, OK. We are a spiritual family with a global mission to make disciples, plant churches, and work for the peace and prosperity of our cities. As part of the Antioch Movement of Churches, we all share a passion for Jesus and His purposes in the earth.Website | https://www.antiochnorman.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/antiochnorman/1330 E Lindsey St Norman, OK 73071‎

Speaker: Greg Brower

In this second Twisted Passions episode, the host tackles a loaded question: Is homosexuality worse than other sins? He explains why Scripture uses especially strong language about homosexuality in the Old Testament, but then emphasizes that the New Testament consistently places it in “lists of sins,” highlighting the gospel's equal sufficiency for all sinners. The episode closes with a pastoral plea: churches often speak against homosexuality from the pulpit, but rarely speak _to_those quietly struggling in the pew, and that gap must change.Topics DiscussedWhy the question “worse” can mean different things (degree of wickedness, path of deliverance, depth of impact)“Corruption” vs “perversion” framing (heterosexual sin vs homosexual sin)Old Testament “abomination” language and civil penalty context (Leviticus 18, 20)New Testament “sin lists” (Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6, Revelation 21) and what that implies for how believers should think and ministerGospel-centered conclusion: the blood of Christ is sufficient for “all sin,” and the church should not treat people with SSA as a different class of sinnerPastoral application: preaching only to “defend a statement” can unintentionally build a barrier for strugglers; we need diligence, not toleranceKey Takeaways“Worse” has multiple layers: moral weight, deliverance process, and personal impact.The New Testament's emphasis is not ranking sin but spotlighting the gospel that rescues sinners.Churches should pair biblical clarity with real pastoral care for those in the congregation who are silently battling.Practical safeguards and wise boundaries are normal in discipleship for any besetting sin, and should not be treated as uniquely shameful here.Ready to download the Cord App? Find it here!Download the Satisfied Battle Plan or listen to the rest of the series here!Satisfied is a monthly program on the Thee Generation Podcast designed to offer practical tools based on biblical principles so that anyone can experience full purity and lead others to do the same. To ask questions or share testimonies, send an email to satisfied@theegeneration.org. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

In 2024, Cindy's book about her and Mark's experiences living a full-time Van life was published by One Stone Biblical Resources. It is entitled One Hundred Churches: A Three-Year Journey to Witness the Joy of Authentic Christianity. The book is part travel journal, part spiritual roadmap, part autobiography, part devotional, and part vanlife guide.Come along for the ride as Cindy shares the encouraging and informative stories from her book that some of her readers are calling "addictive".

Israel Used Palantir For Pagers Op; Propaganda Targets US Churches*MINISTRY SPONSORS:*Gray Toad TallowGray Toad Tallow's handcrafted balms made from grass-fed, grass-finished tallow help heal real skin issues like dryness and psoriasis. Explore their sample pack and save 15% with code RIGHT15 at https://www.graytoadtallow.com/Reece Fund. Christian Capital. Boldly Deployedhttps://www.reecefund.com/Genesis Gold GroupFaith-Based Gold IRA: Genesis Gold Group helps Christians protect their retirement with physical precious metals aligned with scriptural stewardship principles.https://www.RightResponseBibleGold.comBackwards Planning FinancialWant to build a financial legacy for your family with a plan that starts at the end goal? Connect with Joe Garrisi at https://backwardsplanningfinancial.nm.com/ to get help with a legacy-driven strategy for your future.Freddy MediaUnlock exclusive access to a highly engaged audience and elevate your brand through impactful sponsorship opportunities with Right Response Ministries. Simply click the link below to provide some basic information and Freddy Media will reach out to discuss how to tailor a partnership that drives real results.https://91znn6hr1aa.typeform.com/joelwebbon

Hour 3 for 12/11/25 Drew and Deacon Chris Kabat discuss America's looming retirement crisis (1:00). Topics: debt (15:55), Social Security (24:53), raising Social Security (30:22), I pulled my money out of the state pension, and made money! (31:53), adjusting retirement age (36:52), technology (38:50), disability (40:14), should I help my sister? She might be homeless (42:52), and Churches should help (47:43). Original Air Date: 12/4/25

Dr. James Marocco, Prophet David Fang, and Pastor Bruno Frigoli of King's Cathedral share how God has woven their stories together through obedience, prophetic encounters, and a global vision for the Church. From the early days of prophetic conferences in Maui to planting congregations worldwide, their journeys reveal how one act of obedience can open doors for generations. They discuss the role of prayer, the prophetic, healing from church hurt, and how to grow in your spiritual gifting. Their personal testimonies of legacy, miracles, deliverance, and hearing God's voice will challenge and encourage you to trust His leading in every season.

What helps vulnerable kids truly heal and thrive—especially children navigating disability, trauma, foster care, or adoption?In this conversation, Dr. Steve Grcevich sits down with Rachel Medefind, Director of theInstitute for Family Centered Healing and Health at the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), to explore how God uses loving families, local churches, and simple daily practices to foster whole-person health. Drawing from her own story, her work at CAFO, and current research, Rachel offers deeply hopeful, gospel-rooted encouragement for parents, foster and adoptive families, and church leaders who want to walk faithfully with vulnerable kids.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcast for show notes.

Dr. James Marocco, Prophet David Fang, and Pastor Bruno Frigoli of King's Cathedral share how God has woven their stories together through obedience, prophetic encounters, and a global vision for the Church. From the early days of prophetic conferences in Maui to planting congregations worldwide, their journeys reveal how one act of obedience can open doors for generations. They discuss the role of prayer, the prophetic, healing from church hurt, and how to grow in your spiritual gifting. Their personal testimonies of legacy, miracles, deliverance, and hearing God's voice will challenge and encourage you to trust His leading in every season.

In 2024, Cindy's book about her and Mark's experiences living a full-time Van life was published by One Stone Biblical Resources. It is entitled One Hundred Churches: A Three-Year Journey to Witness the Joy of Authentic Christianity. The book is part travel journal, part spiritual roadmap, part autobiography, part devotional, and part vanlife guide.Come along for the ride as Cindy shares the encouraging and informative stories from her book that some of her readers are calling "addictive".

In 2024, Cindy's book about her and Mark's experiences living a full-time Van life was published by One Stone Biblical Resources. It is entitled One Hundred Churches: A Three-Year Journey to Witness the Joy of Authentic Christianity. The book is part travel journal, part spiritual roadmap, part autobiography, part devotional, and part vanlife guide.Come along for the ride as Cindy shares the encouraging and informative stories from her book that some of her readers are calling "addictive".

A nationwide crackdown on urban house churches in China has drawn worldwide attention after nearly 30 members of the Zion Protestant Church were arrested in seven cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by Dr. Bob Fu, founder and president of ChinaAid, to unpack the reasons behind these recent arrests and why the international media is finally paying attention. During the interview, Dr. Fu also discusses the Chinese Communist Party's escalating campaign against Christians – and why this wave of persecution is considered the most severe crackdown since the beginning of the Cultural Revolution. This interview was produced by Voice of the Martyrs Australia. Length: 48 minutes Episode Notes ChinaAid: www.chinaaid.org Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

Segment 1 • Christian Nationalism is rising... but no one agrees on what it means. • It's not the same old “separation of church and state”—it's something new. • Neil Shenvi suggests this movement is already on the decline. Segment 2 • Some Christian Nationalist rhetoric is undeniably racist and dehumanizing. • Not everyone in the movement is extreme, but the toxic voices are there. • Christians should be leading on justice, not just picking sides. Segment 3 • Outreach events often confuse food and fun with actual evangelism. • No gospel, no follow-up, no impact - that's not evangelism. • Churches that highlight family and follow-through could change lives and save souls. Segment 4 • University of Colorado pays $10M over the COVID jab. • 1 in 5 Americans believe the Bible was written to control people. • Most evangelicals don't hold to a literal reading of the Bible. Where do we go from here? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

In this follow-up episode, we examine the other side of the conversation—the rise of big-box church architecture. Often found in converted retail spaces or new multipurpose campuses, these designs emphasize functionality, flexibility, and accessibility. They reflect a different theology of space, one that prioritizes mission, efficiency, and comfort over formality. Sam interviews Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group. The post Non-Churchy Looking Churches: The Advantages of Big-Box Church Architecture appeared first on Church Answers.

Christmas in Sweden unfolds during one of the darkest times of the year. Days are short, nights are long, and much of the country sees only a few hours of daylight in December. These conditions gave shape to many Swedish Christmas customs. Families learned to bring light into their homes through candles, soft decorations, warm food, and long held habits passed down through generations. The season begins in late November and builds slowly toward Christmas Eve. Homes decorate with star-shaped lights in windows, which brighten the early sunsets. Families place candles on tables and shelves to give the house a warm glow. Churches hold services during Advent, and towns host small events that help people enjoy the season even in the deep cold. Sweden's winter weather encourages families to gather indoors. People look forward to evenings spent together, warm drinks, quiet conversations, carols, and simple traditions that feel steady and calm. This slow build is a key part of Christmas in Sweden. Nothing feels rushed. Families enjoy each step, from Advent to Christmas Day, with a sense of rhythm shaped by the long Swedish winter. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/christmas-traditions-sweden/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 16:18-21: "When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, 'Come up again, for he has told me all his heart.' Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hands. She made him sleep on her knees. And she called a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him. And she said, 'The Philistines are upon you, Samson!' And he awoke from his sleep and said, 'I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the Lord had left him. And the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes and brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze shackles. And he ground at the mill in the prison." — Judges 16:18-21 Yesterday, Samson gave in to Delilah's toxic empathy. He mistook love for surrender, compassion for compromise. And the moment he did, the trap was sprung. His vow was broken. His strength was gone. Notice the devastating effects: Blinded: His eyes gouged out—sin always blinds us first, dulling our discernment. Bound: Shackled in bronze—compromise doesn't free you; it chains you. Ground down: Forced to grind grain in prison—the mighty judge of Israel reduced to slave labor. This is the natural progression of toxic empathy and social tolerance. When you give up righteousness to avoid being labeled "intolerant," you don't just lose ground—you lose sight. You lose freedom. You lose strength. We also see it in culture. Churches that once stood firm on God's Word now compromise to be "welcoming." Leaders soften the truth so they won't be misunderstood. Families surrender holiness in the name of keeping peace. And just like Samson, the strength departs—and many don't even realize God's presence has left the room. Look again at Gaza. It was the city Samson once strutted out of with the gates on his shoulders (Judges 16:3). Now it's the city where he's paraded around in chains. The very place where he thought he was untouchable becomes the place of his humiliation. That's the effect of compromise: What you once thought you mastered eventually masters you. ASK THIS: Where have you mistaken tolerance for love, and ended up weakening your faith? How has compromise blinded you to sin's danger? What "chains" do you feel in your life right now because of past concessions? How can you return to strength by standing firm in God's truth again? DO THIS: Write down one area where compromise has robbed you of strength. This week, resist one small cultural lie with clear, biblical truth. PRAY THIS: Father, forgive me for the places I've traded truth for acceptance. Open my eyes where I've been blinded. Break the chains where I've been bound. Restore my strength so I can walk faithfully with You again. Amen. PLAY THIS: "No Compromise."

In 2024, Cindy's book about her and Mark's experiences living a full-time Van life was published by One Stone Biblical Resources. It is entitled One Hundred Churches: A Three-Year Journey to Witness the Joy of Authentic Christianity. The book is part travel journal, part spiritual roadmap, part autobiography, part devotional, and part vanlife guide.Come along for the ride as Cindy shares the encouraging and informative stories from her book that some of her readers are calling "addictive".

Thom and Jess continue the “Future Church” series with an episode on how church staffing is changing in this new era of ministry. Churches are smaller, leaner, and more focused than ever. Budgets are tighter, but opportunities for mission are wider. The result is a new kind of church staff—leaders who serve both inside and outside the church, combining pastoral calling with marketplace skills. In this conversation, Thom and Jess introduce four co-vocational roles that are shaping the staff structure of the future church. The post Future Church Series – Episode 5: The Rise of Four New Co-Vocational Church Staff appeared first on Church Answers.

Our guest is PATRICK LENCIONI, NYT best-selling author, founder of The Table Group, advisor to top companies, and founder of the Working Genius Assessment and books like 5 Dysfuncations of a Team, The Advantage, and Ideal Team Player. We discuss his next project, leading today, navigating self awareness, wisdom, teamwork and so much more. Plus, check out the Weekly Top Leadership List and Links. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the list and all the show notes. Share them with your team, repost the lists, and follow and subscribe. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: UNITUS – (FOOTWEAR and APPAREL) Unitus is a faith-focused footwear and apparel company started by NBA player, Jonathan Isaac. Visit http://weareunitus.com. Unitus exists to help followers of Jesus honor God in their everyday life. The most recent shoe drop is the Judah 2 - a lifestyle running and athletic shoe featuring Scripture on the back. Choose your favorite shoes, workout gear, hoodies, or leisure wear. Makes a great Christmas present for friends and family. Check them out at http://weareunitus.com. And CONVOY OF HOPE – Please donate to the Jamaica hurricane relief efforts and ongoing work at http://convoyofhope.org/donate. Convoy is my trusted partner for delivering food and relief by responding to disasters in the US and all around the world. Right now, Convoy of Hope is responding to the Jamaica hurricane, Texas Floods destruction, the LA fires rebuilding efforts, providing basic needs like food, hygiene supplies, medical supplies, blankets, bedding, clothing and more. All through partnering with local Churches. Join me and please support their incredible work. To donate visit http://convoyofhope.org/donate.

It's officially Christmas season, y'all Mariah Carey is defrosted, the Elf on the Shelf is stressing parents out, and Carla + Dex are back on the couch, hootin' and hollerin' about everything from holiday nostalgia to the realities of six-figure dating. This week, the girls dive into viral stats about women, money, marriage, and whether peace > partnership in 2025. Carla breaks down the wild Samson & Delilah story during Bible Tea: The Most High Edition complete with betrayal, bad decisions, and holy haircuts gone wrong. They also get into: -The Tinder Swindler's tacky comeback - Churches rolling out AI Jesus (???!) -Why women who earn more choose stress-free solitude -Holiday traditions, Black Santa, ornaments & all the Christmas chaos If you like real conversation, messy stories, spiritual drama, and women being hilariously honest, this episode is IT.   CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX

Do you ever feel like you're alone in your leadership?  Why is that? Why do so many church leaders feel isolated—and how did we come to believe that ministry is something we're supposed to do alone?In this episode, E.K. Strawser, author of You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone, unpacks what it means to move from solo leadership to a model shaped by shared responsibility and the APEST framework—apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher—so that not only our churches, but our communities, can flourish.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Markus Watson invites discussion about the standard view of leadership and prompts E.K. Strawser to unpack its problems and what's missing.Church members often expect leaders to command control, draw crowds, or have significant contributions, which influences congregational dynamics.E.K. Strawser argues that modern church leadership borrows too heavily from secular business models rather than biblical principles of shared leadership.Traditional notions of leadership in churches leave congregations disempowered, dependent, or deprived when power is centered on a single leader.If a leader does not share leadership, the church risks losing members' sense of identity and purpose.E.K. Strawser emphasizes that effective leaders must be disciples of Jesus first, prioritizing spiritual maturity over skill sets.Leaders should embody humility, honor, hospitality, and hopefulness as markers of mature church leadership.Markus Watson notes that churches often select leaders for functional skills rather than spiritual maturity, highlighting a common problem in leadership development.Christian hospitality means making space for others, not just providing comfort or amenities.E.K. Strawser teaches congregations to celebrate and honor each other to counteract envy and encourage spiritual growth.Leaders foster environments where others can learn, heal, experience hospitality, seek justice, and be sent out for ministry.Markus Watson asks E.K. Strawser to explain the APEST framework and its practical value for sharing leadership in churches.All five APEST gifts—apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher—should be represented in shared leadership structures at every level of church leadership.Implementing shared leadership and equipping environments requires intentional structure and ongoing relational attention.Change in church leadership provokes grief and resistance, so leaders must create environments that acknowledge loss, facilitate grieving, and cast clear vision.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:E.K. Strawser:www.ekstrawser.comBooks mentioned:You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone, by E.K. StrawserRelated episodes:185. From Sunday Services to Real Transformation, with E.K. Strawser191. Thriving Church Leadership in Uncertain Times, with Heather James, Matt Lake, and Jonny Weir212: Unlearning OSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Get Becoming Leaders of Shalom for free HERE.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Brian From navigates a wide range of stories—from surprising statistics about self-checkout theft to personal reflections on aging, snowy weekends, and the rhythms of the holiday season—before turning to deeper spiritual truths. Drawing from Scripture, he highlights how God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes and reminds listeners of the importance of remembrance, comfort, and hope during Advent. The episode culminates with a reading of Luke 2, centering hearts on the good news of great joy at the core of Christmas. Psychologists have discovered a new personality type labelled ‘otrovert’ Even Incomplete Comfort Is a Blessing Self-checkout theft: 1 in 4 users say they've stolen, survey finds Taylor Swift Makes Sure Never to Do This 1 Thing. Neuroscience Says She's Right From Limping to Leaping - Christianity Today Notre Dame opts to skip postseason entirely after being left out of College Football Playoff ICE Nativity scenes: Churches reimagine Christmas story amid deportations Kirk Cameron Denies 'Eternal Conscious Torment,' Is Now An Annihilationist? - Protestia Luke 2 NIV - The Birth of Jesus - In those days - Bible Gateway See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we explore why traditional church architecture still resonates deeply with people, even those who rarely attend church. A recent research project found that 90% of Americans want church buildings to be "easily identifiable." Sam interviews Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group to find out more. The post Should Churches Look Churchy? The Advantages of Traditional Architecture appeared first on Church Answers.

My friend Rebecca Mullen (lives in Colorado, master certified life coach) joins us to talk about her work of healing including: Becoming an LGBTQ ally in her younger years Removing shame and providing healing Helping everyone to be their authentic selves Loving people that Churches don't always love/accept Principles for managing marriage conflict Importance and application of love If you are looking for insights/perspectives to heal and bring people closer together, Rebecca's work will help you. Thank you, my friend Rebecca, for being on the podcast—your great heart—and all you are doing to bring us together as the same human family. Links: Rebecca's web site (you can find her contact info, life coach work, podcast and book here): https://RebeccaMullenCoaching.com/ Outdoor Therapist episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/episode-736-zak-hazlett-the-outdoor-therapist/id1347971725?i=1000645256176