Podcasts about connect groups

If you want to transform your parish, listen to this podcast! Take our FREE 10-minute Parish Missional Health Assessment: https://dpc4olay0gt.typeform.com/MissionalHealth ___ You can listen to the podcast weekly on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6 Listen on Apple ⇥ https://apple.co/3vjltcS Subscribe on YouTube ⇥ @huntleyleadership ___ Work with Huntley Leadership! Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com ___ Connect with Huntley Leadership! Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership Follow on Twitter ⇥ / ron_huntley Follow on Instagram ⇥ / huntleyleadership Follow on Facebook ⇥ / huntleyleadership Subscribe to this YouTube channel ⇥ @huntleyleadership ___ QUESTION: Would you be interested in a live podcast on this topic? Comment below and let us know! ___ Summary In this episode of the Huntley Leadership Podcast, Ron Huntley discusses the challenges faced by parishes after successful evangelization efforts, particularly the need for ongoing community and fellowship. He introduces Connect Groups as a vital solution for maintaining engagement and fostering authentic relationships among parishioners. The episode outlines the structure, roles, and best practices for implementing Connect Groups, emphasizing the importance of leadership development and community building within the church.

What does living in biblical community look like practically?Pastor Abs Niblock chats with Howard King (who leads our Connect Groups) and Pastor Tash Reid, to work out how everyone can get involved.

Social media offers a neverending feed of opinions, information and products. But is limitless knowledge and power really a good thing? In week two of “Take a Break,” pastor Dan explains how embracing your creaturely limits can help you overcome digital anxiety and anger. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Our phones are amazing tools - providing us with connectivity and convenience every day. But what should we do if we realize our devices are taking over our life? Psalm 119 offers a powerful word to pray when we finally realize it's time to Take a Break! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

We'd all love a little more peace in our lives. Isaiah 9:6-7 explains how Jesus provides a peace (hebrew: “shalom”) that encompasses every aspect of your life! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

True joy has nothing to do with our circumstances, and everything to do with our Saviour! Join us as Pastor Dan brings week 3 of our series ADVENT. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation. It looks forward to the arrival of Christ and the gifts He brings for all: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. Join us today as Pastor Dan explains how Advent makes our Christmas celebrations even more meaningful this year. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

For such a common word, love is surprisingly difficult to define. In today's message Pastor Dan explains why Jesus is the only one able to demonstrate what true love really is. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Christmas is the season of giving, and as Jesus taught us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In today's message, Pastor Amber reminds us that the spirit of the season isn't found in the decorations or food - it comes from the joy of generosity! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Criticism is an unfortunate part of life. Even when you are sure you are doing the right thing, others will be happy to tell you that you're not. The Apostle Paul experienced this firsthand in his ministry, and the wisdom he offers in 1 Corinthians 4 is extremely helpful any time someone says something hurtful. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God fed them each morning with a mysterious food called “manna.” This miraculous substance became a daily reminder that God would meet every one of their needs. In today's message, pastor Dan highlights the parallels between manna and the Lord's Supper, and God's promise that He is always looking out for us. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

When the church is healthy, it is the greatest force for good on planet Earth. But when the church forgets its mission, it can become toxic and even toxic. In today's message, pastor Dan explains the danger of churches using their authority to coerce and control rather than love and serve. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

One of the most foundational beliefs of Christianity is that salvation is a gift, not a reward. So why do so many Christians and churches seem to believe that God's love is something that has to be earned? In today's message Pastor Dan reminds us that we must receive, not achieve, eternal life. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

There are many different claims about who Jesus was: A prophet. A guru. An enlightened soul. But Christians have always maintained that Jesus is more than a man: He is also God in the flesh. In today's message, pastor Dan explains why Christ's divinity is such good news for our humanity. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Some churches claim there are extra writings that have equal authority to the bible. Could they be right? How do we know the bible doesn't have a sequel? In today's message, pastor Dan explains the danger of adding to the word of God. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

The Book of Galatians introduces us to the “Laws of Sowing and Reaping.” When we try to avoid these laws, we often experience confusion and frustration. But, if we operate in harmony with God's commands, we will harvest more and better things than we ever imagined! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Cults are often known for bad beliefs and bad behaviours. But what exactly constitutes a cult? How do people get trapped in them, and what can we learn from their experiences? Today's message from Pastor Dan is an eye-opening look at what happens when religion goes wrong. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

One reason we often find it hard to change is that the problem can seem too big and the solution too far away. But in today's message, pastor Dan shares from the book of Nehemiah that change may be closer than you dared to imagine! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Change is hard! Perhaps that's why so few of us are able to make changes that truly last. Thankfully God has offered us supernatural help - which we desperately need - because our problems are often more spiritual than we realize! -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Jo & Caner speak about mid-week church life and share a heart for Connect Groups for this autumn term.

John 1:12 describes three things God wants to see come to pass in your life. They represent a divine growth plan for all of His children. In today's special “church birthday” message, Pastor Dan shares God's goals for you during the next year. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Sunday was all about connections. Terry & Sara Huggett unpacked our heart and vision for everyone to be connected. They then explained how and where this could be done.

Once a year we invite 5 non-pastors to the stage to share a five minute message. This year, we've got grade schoolers and grandparents testifying to God's goodness, and you won't want to miss a moment of what they have to say. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

The final 4 chapters of the book of Revelation are packed full of details concerning the “last things.” But how much of what we believe about the apocalypse and the afterlife is actually in the Bible? The answer might surprise you! Join Pastor Dan for the final installment of our series on the book of Revelation. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

The Antichrist has always been a source of great speculation throughout history. But using the clues provided in the book of Revelation (including the number 666 and the infamous “mark of the beast”), we can uncover his identity. Who is he? Is he alive today? Should we be worried about him or unconcerned? In today's message, Pastor Dan Sweaza explains everything you need to know about the antichrist. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

What exactly is the "Great Tribulation" in the book of Revelation? Will any of us go through it? Why would a loving God judge anybody at all? Find out in today's message from pastor Dan Sweaza. -- GIVE: Visit www.connectcalgary.ca/give to help share #LifeOverflowing across Canada. -- Find freedom in one of our many Connect Groups this semester! There are groups for every age and interest, and a group is the perfect place to find deeper friendships and deeper faith. See a list of our current groups here: www.connectcalgary.ca/groups

Michael Hinton // When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus initially answered simply—to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. At Summit, we believe there are some common rhythms of the faith that help us in that purpose. This week, we roll out Rooted, a new curriculum that will help us re-integrate these rhythms into our daily lives through our Connect Groups. This change will help both new believers and longtime churchgoers draw closer to God and the heart behind Jesus' answer to that ancient question.Visit Our Website summitchurchfl.org Follow Us on Social Media Facebook // InstagramWatch Online Services and More YouTube Subscribe for weekly sermon podcasts!

Michael Hinton // When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus initially answered simply—to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. At Summit, we believe there are some common rhythms of the faith that help us in that purpose. This week, we roll out Rooted, a new curriculum that will help us re-integrate these rhythms into our daily lives through our Connect Groups. This change will help both new believers and longtime churchgoers draw closer to God and the heart behind Jesus' answer to that ancient question.Visit Our Website summitchurchfl.org Follow Us on Social Media Facebook // InstagramWatch Online Services and More YouTube Subscribe for weekly sermon podcasts!

https://youtu.be/DJ39kWWkfYA?si=6io4Mw-xbq65bQfd Break Out – 2 – When Your Faith Croaked – How to Believe Again Welcome   Break Out What if there was a plan for you to be free?Fear, regret, debt, depression, addiction…   JESUS- More than a story - Blueprint for freedom and confidence Ephesians 3:11-12 (NIV) 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.Last week – When your hope dies.. how to have hope again. Hope can return before you realize it.   Today – When your faith croaked – How to believe again   Belief is a Struggle Me I struggle with beliefMyself – believe the worstOthersMarriage – Seen bad examplesWomen – ManipulatorsGod – Is the Bible true? We struggle with belief. Yourself - That idea/businessSpeaking your mind – fear/self esteemOthers – Friendship/betrayalLiars/fakesGod – Is God real? Care?Belief is a Struggle We all struggle with belief.Belief & Action Right belief and right action is rare. Continual tension.I believe… do I believe enough?Belief is not a one-time confessionFaithMarriageCareerYourself   Belief is Necessary Every success story starts with belief.Date, Married, STAY MarriedStart business, grow bizz, keep bizzStart working out, get fit, stay fitStart counseling, heal thoughts, stay healthyReceive Christ, grow/baptized, remain in JC   The freedom you want REQUIRES belief. Believe you can… it is possible… it is worth it…you are loved and valuable…   Beliefs change (THANK GOD!)You will not always believe like you do now.Christian – You need your belief to grow.   God says that we are CLAY, not Concrete.We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8 Be transformed by the renewal of your mind. (Romans 12:2)Think on these things instead. (Philippians 4:8)Set your mind on things above. (Colossians 3:2)Take your thoughts captive. 92 Corinthians 10:5)Your brain is supposed to change.Your thoughts are not set in stone.Beliefs change (THANK GOD!)How do I believe again?Receive New Information John 20:24-25 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.   Thomas says I won't believe unless… I receive NEW INFORMATION “The sky is purple with pink polka dots…”Believe me?No. You would need new information. How does God respond… God I need more information? Thomas – I won't believe until I see it… touch it… How does Jesus respond?“STUPID UNBELIEVING THOMAS. YOU'RE FIRED!” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Jesus gave Thomas what he needed to believe.What do you need today to believe?What new information do you need to investigate? Connect Groups is a great place to get new information. Seek info from believers… not unbelievers.explain…   Thomas' response… 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” From doubt to revelation.Not just alive… MY LORD & MY GOD.   Beliefs change (THANK GOD!)   Imagine believing again. Turn your doubt into revelation. Marriage Career Ministry Education Yourself   Call to action  What is your belief struggle? Stop beating yourself up embrace the struggle Align your beliefs & actions What new information do you need? Investigate Connect Group new semester Ask God for new Information Pray  

We have a story to share with you today that will surely warm your heart! We were joined by our new friend Dacia Gordon. Dacia and her husband Lowell started attending in 2021 after they purchased a part-time home in Goodyear. They haven't quite embraced the term "snowbird" yet

Pastors Jim and Matt discuss our 2024 Take One Step weekend, as well as different ways to connect with others through our Growth Groups and Connect Groups, the topic of freedom and the big part it plays in Matt's story, and how God loves to meet us right where we're at.

God never did anything alone. When he created the world God said, "Let us create." So if we are made in God's image, we should not be alone. In this message, Pastor Chad Dillion discusses the importance of spending time with other Christians. At Centerbranch, we do this through our Connect Groups. So whatever that looks like in your church, it is important to fellowship with other believers outside of a Sunday morning service.

The New Year is the perfect opportunity to reflect, reset, and revitalize our spiritual journey. But those things don't happen by accident. We must intentionally seek adventure, and chart a course toward healthy habits, spiritual growth, and deeper connections that sustain us as we navigate the year. In this series, we'll refresh the vision to GROW, FLOW, and SOW as we reflect on where we've been, explore new opportunities to Grow together and form meaningful relationships through Connect Groups and classes, Flow in the power of the Holy Spirit by activating the gifts God has given us as we participate in Seek Week, and Sow seeds of transformation in our local community through the love of Jesus.

Have you ever thought about how you can supercharge your faith and increase your potential as a follower of Jesus? We're talking about the 4G Steps to Following Jesus: God, Groups, Growing, and Going. Want to learn more? Tune in and discover how you can step into the 4G's and experience a transformed faith journey. ?? #FaithFuel IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316 to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ). ------------- Trail Head 4 - Topography (get a lay of the land) Understanding your part to play in the story of God Trail 7: How do I live for God (God, Groups, Growing, Going Steps) OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Did you guys know I used to be in a moped gang?  We were called the Moped Mafia, we used to get together and really slowly ride and block traffic.  A few years I decided to soup up my “hog”.  It was sweet chrome rims, leather seats, and a smooth ride and a mean 35cc's under the “hood”.   Here was the problem with my moped. It would only go 35 mph and I needed more speed, I needed it to go faster. So I took the carburetor apart and drilled holes in air intake. I put a better muffler on it, and up-jetted it, meaning I allowed more fuel to pass into the carburetor, which created a bigger explosion which made my moped cook! I supercharged that boy, I dumped fuel into to help it go faster Today, I want to dump fuel into your spiritual life to help you go faster in your faith. How can you supercharge your faith and increase your potential? To become all you were created to be in Christ? As I reflected on my experience, I found that there were really 4 essential steps that I have taken and continue to take that have supercharged my faith and increased my potential as a follower of Jesus. We call them The 4G Steps to Following Jesus b These steps are not “one and done” - these are Kaizen - they are steps you engage in daily to constantly improve your relationship with Jesus The God Step weekly worship daily devotion Intentional rhythm to help you set your mind on things above James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. ILLUSTRATION: Imagine, you have a friend come to you for advice and they say, “I'm thinking of giving up on my marriage, I've tried everything and nothing is working, I want it to work out, but I can't see a way…” out of concern, you start asking them questions, “how long has this been going on?” “have you tried to get any help?” You really dig in and try to see what you can do to help them. Then you ask the question, “Well, how much time do you spend together?” and your friend says, “Oh, I don't spend any time with them… After we got married, I decided it would be better for me to stay at my own place. She wants to text and spend time together, but I just don't know that I have time for that." James says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” b Lots of people struggle in their relationship with God and that's because they don't treat it as a relationship - they treat it as a transaction. b “I didn't want to go to hell, so I did what I had to do to get out of that.” b The God step is about you intentionally choosing to do things that put you in relationship with Jesus. ILLUSTRATION: let me tell you how this personally looks for me. I get up in the mornings, go and work out. I will listen to podcasts about faith - not issues, but people who push me to go deeper with Jesus. I come home, I grab my bible and I spend about 30 min. I pray and ask God to speak to me as I read. I read from the NT, the OT, and a Proverb every day. I take my kids to school, on our way, we pray for their day - each of them prays and then I pray over them. We talk about what they are learning about God - sometimes we just talk about normal life stuff. It's not me trying to force God into a conversation - it's that God is part of normal life. I listen to worship music. I watch the things I put into my heart - when I watch tv - I use Vidangel a lot to cut out cussing, sex, nudity, etc. I try and stay present with Jesus during the day - if I'm working from a Starbucks, I ask Jesus what he wants to do in people's lives and I pray for them. At night, we used to gather and pray as a family. with bedtimes shifting, we don't do that as much. What about you? What does your rhythm to be intentional about including God in your day look like? I'll bet you have a rhythm for eating I'll bet you have a rhythm for working out or a rhythm for going to the bathroom, getting to work, shopping, paying bills, why wouldn't you create a rhythm for the God step? The Groups Step Actively engaging in Godly relationships Small groups Bible Studies Friendships that are faith-oriented The very first thing the first Christians did was to gather together and spend time in faith friendships. b Americans are more isolated than ever before. This is why as a church we have Connect Groups. Because we know that apart from your personal devotion to God, the most important determinant for your success as a follower of Jesus is the people you surround yourself with. Everyone needs to have a group of Christians they are connected to. The Growing Step Jesus loves you as you are, but loves you enough not to leave you that way Are you learning? Growing? Diving deeper? Read books, listen to podcasts, study the word of God The apostle Paul said this: Philippians 3:12-14 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. If Paul thought there was still more to learn, grow in, and deepen himself in, what makes you think you've come far enough? b The Going Step Looking for God opportunities (how will God use me today?) Using your time, talent, and treasure for the Kingdom and to bring glory to God ILLUSTRATION: We live in a world where NO ONE wants to do anything for ourselves. If I can outsource it, it will be better. I want to show up at the movies and not have to make my own popcorn, right? No one wants to have to do that. This is capitalism at its best. We have people who serve us and take care of us and we are willing to pay for it. Can I tell you a secret? The church (the people who make up the body of Christ) was never meant to be a “come and serve me” entity. b The church was ALWAYS designed to be a go-and-give entity. b We are not the movie theater, we are the rescue crew after the Titanic. b We are all hands on deck. All making a difference. All willing to “make the popcorn” Can I ask you a question? What is the body of Christ missing out on because you've been coming to be served rather than finding out how you can serve? b And… what are you missing out on by not serving, by not “going”? The going step is all about how you can make a difference! CLOSING ILLUSTRATION: A few years ago, I was at one of my son's basketball games and watching the different plays the coach was calling. Without thinking I said, “Huh, there's strategy to basketball… who knew…” Lol. I'm a dork. Because I'm not a sports guy, I'd never slowed down to look at how a team does well at basketball. Maybe today, you're looking at faith and going, “Huh, I never knew there was a strategy to being successful in your faith!” You don't have to wait another minute. the beautiful part of all this is that God is the most gracious of all and even though we thought we could have a transaction with Him - He STILL wants a relationship with you… Turn to Him today, it's not too late to start stepping into the 4g's

In this pre-recorded episode, Pastors Matt & Jim discuss the heart and vision behind the value held at ECC of Taking One Step, as we continue to pursue our year-long goal of responding to the Holy Spirit's invitation to see Jesus increase as we walk with Him, and ourselves decrease.Stay tuned until the end of the show to hear about all the opportunities we have available this Fall semester, including the Institute for Christian Learning, HarvestNet International's School of Ministry, Thrive Discipleship, over 60 different Connect Groups, and more!

In the final week of our Community series Pastor Michael taught through Colossians 3 on the postures of healthy biblical community. We also saw 32 new people sign up for Connect Groups at our Connect Group Meet & Greet.

It's Better Backwards August 20, 2023 Title: It's Better Backwards Luke 11:28 Ezekiel 2:1-10 Romans 10:17 For Personal Journaling and/or Connect Groups:   Reflect over your life. When [...]

We're kicking off a new month with an interview with our friend Elizabeth Martin! Elizabeth and our host Sarah Schalow met for the first time in the Grand Canyon - you'll hear that story right at the beginning of the conversation. Elizabeth recounted the Lord's faithfulness through stories of the friends God has brought her along the way. Elizabeth first tells us of her friend Abigail in high school who did not give up on getting to know Elizabeth even though she was a little more introverted. Elizabeth and her family had recently moved to Arizona from Iowa and to have someone reach out was meaningful. It was through this relationship that Elizabeth came to know the Lord. The rest of this interview is filled with story after story of God bringing along just the right person at just the right time. From multiple moves to personal struggles, to questions in parenting to teaching during covid, Elizabeth feels that God has been incredibly faithful in providing community for her and her family in each stage of their life. She gives us a lot of encouragement on how to seek out friendships and to ultimately be a good friend to others. She closes with this verse from Philippians 2:4, "Do not merely look out for your own personal interests but also for the interests of others." We were not called to live in isolation but to live in community. Don't miss out on what God could have for you in His people!Connect Groups at DSCC: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1391282Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

This week Kent shares with us from the parable of the 4 soils and fills in some blanks on some exciting news for Harmony moving forward.. IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316 to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ). OPENING ILLUSTRATION: So, growing up, I always thought if you had good kids it's because you had just hit the lottery - it was just the luck of the draw. That's why my basic plan for starting a family was to find someone with really good kids and offer money to buy their children… Lol, not really, I was just going to take them… Ha, I would never do that. But seriously. I really thought it was magic, like there was a great coin slot in the sky that we all just put our quarter in and got what we got out of it. I thought it was just luck, that was, till I became a youth pastor. While it's true that every kid has a personality and no one is going to parent perfect I found that good kids were the product of lots of hard-won sweat and tears.  It was lots of follow-through, lots of getting up when it would be easier to stay in your chair.  It was thousands of little conversations and hours spent shaping and caring for those kids - stewarding their hearts towards wisdom and life. It turns out things grow in the soil their planted in. b The Biblical idea for this is called reaping and sowing. It means whatever you plant is what you will get back in return. So, here's the question our staff has been mulling over… You know the whole reason I've given my life to the work of ministry is not just to keep you entertained up here or to help you leave feeling motivated for the week. My life's purpose is to raise up and release Leaders for God's Kingdom - Disciples. b The question our staff has been struggling through is how do we help you move from “interested church attender” to “active discipled leader”? I don't mean that you would have to be a church leader or become a pastor.  What I mean is, how do you go from “Yeah, I go to church” to, “I'm on mission for Jesus?”  What does it take? Jesus told a parable to tell us what kind of soil that kind of person grows in. Here's the parable: There was a farmer who went out to plant some seed.  He was doing it the old-fashioned way where you walked through afield and spread it with your hands.  Some of that seed fell on the path next to the field. Birds came and ate it up before it could even take root.  Some of it fell into some rocky ground - that seed took root, but as soon as it came up the sun baked it and it withered because it's roots couldn't go deep.  Some of the seed fell into some weeds, it started to come up but it got choked out by the other plants.  The rest of the seed fell on good soil, it took root and started to grow and it produced more seeds all the way up to 100x what was sown.   Jesus loved to tell these kind of stories. He used stuff people understood in those days - if he lived in Georgetown he'd talk about making car parts. But He lived in a place where agriculture ruled the day. Jesus grabs his disciples and says this to them… Matthew 13:18-23 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Jesus point is, the soil matters as much as the seed… b The question of how to move you from “interested church attender” to “active discipled leader” is a question of how to become good soil. TAKE THE TURN: Can I step aside from the sermon and share some of the difficulties we face in our church and culture right now? We are living in an unprecedented time. Most people know more about the Marvel universe than they do about the Messiah… Even in churches I'd say… We want to know how to follow Jesus but don't know anything Jesus said. I'm not saying this as a judgement or to make you feel bad - it's just the truth of our situation. Does that feel like good soil? b Our Kids ministry struggles because every single week we have a completely different set of children in there. Imagine trying to take kids on a consistent journey into the heart of God and not know who knows what Our teens are so involved in so many activities that our student ministry (which I've been helping with) has almost a completely different group of kids every single week. Families are stretched thin already, right? How do we become good soil? b This is the question we've been asking… So, Some day, God is going to look at our generation and say, “what did you do with it?” I'm the kind of person who doesn't see the challenge, I only see the opportunity. While lots of churches are facing what we are facing, I see an opportunity for an entire generation to come passionately alive to the gospel of God's Kingdom and join Him in redeeming the world back to Him. b All we have to do is become good soil. -Jesus tells us what it means to become good soil -You need to clear the things out that keep your roots from going deep and keep your heart and mind from getting distracted off His Kingdom. Think about the things it takes to prepare soil - get rid of weeds, prepare the soil for deep roots by breaking it up, watering it, providing nutrients, etc. So, we've been thinking about how can we create an environment that helps us produce good soil… Not just for you, but for the whole family. So, we're taking an old thing churches used to do, and making it over for our modern needs. Here's the deal our plan is starting in September of this next year, we are going to launch a Wed. Night Environment called Encounter Encounter will have four main threads to it. We are launching a new ministry initiative called Base Camp [PUT UP BASECAMP LOGO] -Base camp will be a rotating environment that will take every person in our church through the trail guide - we're going to go over it as a church all together. But from now on, if you have a friend you invite or someone new comes to church - their first stop is to complete basecamp. This way we are all on the same page about what we are doing and where we are going. We are tilling the ground to become good soil and planting seeds. Encounter Groups [PUT UP GROUP LOGO] We believe EVERY single person needs to be in a group at harmony - it is the place where you can become good soil - for Christians, interacting with other Christians is how you get weeds pulled out, it's how you get rocks cleared out of your soil. It is, iron sharpening iron. But we know it's hard for you to join a group and add another thing into your life when you already have sports, and activities you're involved in. We will continue to have connect groups that meet on other nights, but you'll see how having Connect Groups that occur on Wed. nights is going to be a game changer for lot of people. That's why the next step is so vital to our plan: Encounter Kids & Encounter Youth [PUT UP Kids & Youth LOGO's] We want to provide an experience for the ENTIRE family, so we are going to be adding a program lots of you will be familiar with, called Awanas in order to take our kids to the next level. We want to intentionally create an environment where we know week to week who to expect and can put some expectations on them. For them to be growing deep in their roots with Jesus. We also are moving our student ministry to Wed. nights and rebranding it Encounter Youth - and REACH on Sunday nights. Encounter on Wednesday Nights means you and your entire family will be growing in their relationship with God and becoming good soil - moving from “interested church attender” to “active discipled leader” So, here's what you need to know Encounter is Launching Sept. 13. Encounter will follow the rhythm of the school year. Encounter Schedule: 5:45-6:15 Meal 6:30-7:45 Encounter Environments (Basecamp, Groups, Kids, Youth) 8:00 Go Home and Live it! Check out this video, and while you do we are going to pass out some cards to you, we want you to fill these cards out and let us know you are in! [PLAY ENCOUNTER PROMO] So, here's my question, Are you willing to say “yes” to being good soil? To standing with us to reach this generation for God and His Kingdom? Here's what I want to ask. In the next few moments, Anthony and the team are going to come out and play our invitation song for communion. I want to ask you to do me a favor, everyone get out your envelopes you got on your way in today. On the count of three we're all going to open them up! Inside you've find a “save my spot” card - we're wanting to know, who is in to saying yes to this. It's super simple. you'll find two cards in there, one is the “save my spot” and the other is a prayer card. We are going to sing a song in a moment. And I'm going to ask if you are willing to stand with us to be good soil in this world and plan on joining encounter that you physically stand with us. I want you to Fill out your card, when it's ready, I want you to stand up with me and someone will come and grab the card from you and then I want you to worship Jesus… [SING SONG] Kent Celebrates - tosses out some shirts to people who are standing We pray for Encounter.

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of the Church is? What is the Church's role in our lives? What is our role in the Church? Today our Senior Pastor, Joel Cave explores these questions as we prepare to launch CONNECT GROUPS across all Glow Church locations. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/2kZSBms Stay up to date: http://glowchurch.com.au Glow Church: Like us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/glowchurch Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/glowchurch Listen to our Podcast on: iTunes: http://apple.co/1JycExw SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/glowchurch Glow Church is a dynamic, Christ-centered church, passionate about people! With Pastors Joel & Ellen Cave located in Australia.

Today we are praying for Connect Groups! We believe that circles are better than rows; there is something special that God does when we get together with one another in circles. Pray for our Connect Groups as we launch our new semester! About Us:Hope City Church is located in Sarasota, Florida and we have always been about pointing people to the hope of Jesus. We believe that God's love and grace are the most magnetic forces on the planet, and we long to see people experience what Jesus calls “life to the fullest!” For more information, check out our website:  https://hopecitysrq.com Follow us on Social:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HopeCitySRQInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hopecitysrq/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeCitySRQ Connect with Pastor PeterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pgoweskyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pgowesky

The Power of Connect Groups - Pastor Whiseant - 09/20/22

The Thread (20) | Pastor Chris Pinkston ---------------  Chapters: Point 1: Jesus On The Throne | 05:52  Point 2: Jesus In Judgement | 12:41  Point 3: Jesus As Lamb, Lord, and King | 24:35  Closing: Connect Card | 34:13  ---------------  Resources / Social:

Jesus' call transformed the lives of those who followed Him, but how did that call come to them? Tune in to learn a surprising fact that most don't know about the call of the first disciples. We'll be in Sections 21, 33, & 37 today @ https://www.harmonychurch.cc/tracking-jesus-timeline/. IT'S EASY TO GIVE, text any amount to (859) 459-0316 to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ). ------------------- Sermon Notes Slide Key: Sermons always start with “OPENING ILLUSTRATION:” and end with “CLOSING ILLUSTRATION:"All scriptures are NIV unless otherwise notedBold = Slide textBold Red = Scriptures (please reflect formatting of scripture on slides, i.e. - underlines, italics, etc.)“b" or “B” on a line by itself = Slide break/New slideBold ALL CAPS WORDS = heading to be ignored[some text] = programming notes to be paid attention to OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Do you remember getting picked for Dodgeball as kids? For some of you, this was like your favorite part of school sports. if you were like me, you hated the dodgeball pick. I'd stand there and watch as every other kid got picked until it finally came down to me, the chubby kid was pyand the scrawny kid with glasses who ate his boogers. They'd ALWAYS pick that kid and I'd be the one who they'd say, “I guess we'll take Kent…” I think they just figured I was an easier target than that kid… Getting picked (or not picked) means more than most of us want to admit… Today, going to look at Jesus' picks and how strange it seems at first blushShow how there's more going on under the surface than you thinkand then come back and make a connection you might have missed that can really impact your life! check it out… Mark 1:16-20 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. I've heard this read a hundred times and every time what I've heard preachers preach about is the faith of these guys to hear Jesus say, “come, follow me” and they just follow… Normally the focus is on, “at once they left their nets and followed him” But that's not the whole story… Did you know Jesus had met these guys before? John 1:35-51 (section 21) Let me tell you the story Jesus has been baptized by John and gone out into the desert to be tempted by Satan, he comes back, and when He comes back John the Baptist is there with some of his disciples, this is a dry desert area… people have come out to see what John is doing.. John has garnered followers and John sees Jesus - his relative coming up and he says this to two of his disciples: John 1:36 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” This is a huge statement… This is the second time he's made this statement, the first time he says Jesus will take away the sins of the world… There is this great interchange in John where these disciples start creeping on Jesus and He turns around and asks them what they want… Turns out one of John's disciples was Andrew - he gets his brother Peter to come and follow Jesus too. This is way before Jesus walks up to Simon and Andrew and asks them to follow Him turns water into wine @ wedding in CanaClears the templeNicodemus visits him at nightJohn B tells more about JesusHerod puts John in PrisonJesus goes through Samaria to the woman at the wellSamaritans believeJesus finds out about John and goes to Galilee to preachJesus heals a gov't official's son - Jesus is in Cana & the official is in Capernaum - Jesus says the son will live and he goes back and his son does liveJesus goes to Nazareth, they reject him and want to kill him Jesus is back and forth between Jerusalem and Galilee over and over again… He's teaching and healing people. ILLUSTRATION: Have you ever done something and people undervalue what it took to get it done? I've heard people say how lucky we are to have great kids. Now, I'll tell you - every kid has a personality and there is some luck involved. But you know as well as I do, it took a whole lot of perseverance and time for our kids to be who they are. And we are still investing in them… When we act like these guys just follow Jesus because they had tremendous faith we do ourselves and the story a disservice… These guys followed Jesus because experience & relationships all pointed them in the same direction. That following Jesus was life… -Andrew investigated based on John the B's statements -Simon came because Andrew brought him -John and James lived in the region where Jesus has been performing miracles… We live in such a disconnected world where everything is about how hard YOU can work and YOU doing it all on your own that we miss that Jesus hardly ever did anything alone… Listen, when you are surrounded by people who point you to Jesus and then you experience Jesus for yourself, it changes everything. Luke (our Harmony places this in the wrong place in my opinion) gives more detail to this moment of disciples following Jesus… Luke 5:3-11 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Peter had been introduced to Jesus through Andrew & John the Baptist and now He experienced Him for himself and there was no other response but to give himself to Jesus. Listen… can I ask you a question? Who are you surrounding yourself with? Do they point you to Jesus? I can just about guess that if you are struggling in your faith that you are not involved in faith friendships… This is why we are so passionate about Connect Groups in our church: When you are surrounded by people who point you to Jesus you are positioned to experience Jesus We are trying our darnedest to get you into these relationships, but the reality is until you think it's important - it won't matter. Your belief will always trump your behavior. so, if you believe that you can go at it alone, no matter how much you are struggling in your faith. You'll never take that step. But if you believe that you can't be an overcoming Christian in isolation, you will do whatever you can to be in community with others - you'll join our next Spin off- you'll choose to lead a group. You'll get in relationships that point you so you can be positioned. ILLUSTRATION: Imagine if the coach for the Cincinnati Reds showed up at your kid's practice and watched your child play baseball. If the coach told you, “I've never seen someone with the talent your child has. You keep on this trajectory and I promise, I'll be back in 4 years to bring them on my team” or, what if the coach said, “Dad, you're wasting your time, your child doesn't have what it takes, you could spend the next 30 years practicing and working skills and they'd never get to the level they need to.” Do you know the only difference in what you would do next? It would be your belief - your child hasn't changed. But one direction your belief would lead you to put your kid in every opportunity possible to grow. The other belief would lead you to potentially abandon baseball and work on something you thought they could be successful in. All of it is based on belief. If you don't believe being in relationships is vital to your faith - you'll never prioritize them CLOSING: When I first came to Christ, I was lucky to find some guys who loved Jesus too. We were in High School - but we would get up every day an hour before school and meet together in a car to pray before school. We'd encourage each other and challenge each other. Still to this day, these guys point me to Jesus. You don't know it, but often times I say in my sermons are a direct result of conversations I've had with these men. Because they point me to Jesus and it positions me to experience Him. Where are you at on this journey? Some of you need to get signed up for our next spin off's to start getting into those relationships. Some of you need to be the person who steps up and leads and points people - Amber has struggled to get leaders - maybe you need to step up to lead. Or maybe for you, you've started to experience Jesus and it's time for you to accept His gift of real life. ------------------