Podcasts about Discipleship Ministries

Gospel of Luke: Luke 7:36-50 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries, on June 1, 2025, at FBCTLH.

Is your church overwhelmed by a maze of groups, classes, and ministries—or struggling to get people engaged at all? On this episode, we break down how to streamline your discipleship ministries for greater clarity and real spiritual growth. Your hosts, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group, bring years of hands-on experience revitalizing churches. Each week, they share practical strategies for church leaders to create healthier, more effective ministries—no matter your church's size or context. In this episode: [00:02:14] Announcement: New “Six Areas of Groups Ministry” Masterclass partnership (and why it matters) [00:07:04] The real issue: Why variety confuses people and stalls engagement [00:08:53] The program vs. process mindset (and how to shift gears) [00:12:25] Building a clear, 3-5 step discipleship pathway—what primary and secondary ministries are (and aren't) [00:26:31] Practical steps to combine, align, or sunset ministries for maximum impact Episode Links: Try the Healthy Churches Toolkit for free: healthychurchestoolkit.com Read the full article: malphursgroup.com/291 Connect with us on social: facebook.com/malphursgroup | twitter.com/malphursgroup Take your next step toward a healthier church today!

Gospel of Luke: Luke 7:1-10 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries, on May 4, 2025, at FBCTLH.

Gospel of Luke: Luke 6:1-11 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries, on March 30, 2025, at FBCTLH.

The third of the high holy celebrations of the liturgical year, Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the church. It is certainly a day of empowerment and celebration, as the Worship Team at Discipleship Ministries presents in the two-part series “All Access.” If Easter “rends the veil” and opens God's heart to the world, then Pentecost is where we are equipped and transformed to be able to fulfill the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Trinity Sunday, then, continues the conversation as we explore our experience of the God who calls and equips and sends. Join us for this lively conversation about Pentecost, Trinity Sunday and our “All Access” pass into a future with hope.

Gospel of Luke: Luke 5:17-26 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Families and Discipleship Ministries, on March 2, 2025, at FBCTLH.

Lent and Holy Week and Easter are often times of intense activity and special worship experiences in the local church. The Worship Team from Discipleship Ministries presents an innovative worship series that takes the worshiper from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Titled Steadfast Love: A Lenten Playlist, this series takes music from a variety of genres to help deepen our experience of the profound themes of this holy season. Listen in as the team shares their excitement about this series and then some highlights of other projects coming from Discipleship Ministries. You won't want to miss it.

Gospel of Luke: Luke 4:16-30 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Families and Discipleship Ministries, on February 2, 2025, at FBCTLH.

Gospel of Luke: Luke 2:41-52 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Families and Discipleship Ministries on January 5, 2025, at FBCTLH.

Malachi Series, Malachi 3:6-12 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Families and Discipleship Ministries on November 17, 2024, at FBCTLH.

This high and holy season is a favorite in many communities. Join the Worship Team from Discipleship Ministries as they discuss resources for Advent with an experiential emphasis as again we are invited to “Come, Let Us Adore Him” this season. And then hear how we launch a new calendar year with reflections on what it means to be community with “Re-Membering the Body” for Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord Sunday and then “Where You Are” a reflective reorienting of self and congregation for Ordinary Time.

Malachi Series, Malachi 1:6-2:9 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries on October 20, 2024, at FBCTLH.

One of the most popular features on the Discipleship Ministries website is the ongoing series History of Hymns. These insightful articles give worship planners and music lovers a deeper look into our favorite hymns for worship. The editor and most frequent writer of the History of Hymns is Dr. C. Michael Hawn, DMA, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Church Music, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. He joined Perkins faculty in 1992 and retired from fulltime status in 2017. Previously he was professor of church music at two Baptist seminaries for a total of 15 years. In addition to teaching, he has served churches in Kentucky, Georgia, North Caolina and Texas as minister of music. In addition to over 500 articles, reviews books and curriculum materials, Dr. Hawn began writing the “History of Hymns” in 2004 for The United Methodist Reporter and now for Discipleship Ministries. Join us for this lively conversation, full of stories and music with Dr. Michael Hawn.

Philippians 3:1-11 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc.  Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries on September 15, 2024, at FBCTLH.

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.” (Psalm 146:1-2) Welcome to worship! Join us as we welcome Rev. Pete Byma to our pulpit today. He is an ordained pastor in the CRCNA, 34 years and still going! He served the Cadillac CRC for 10 years. He is presently a Regional Director in West Michigan as a chaplain with Workplace Chaplaincy and doing coaching/counsulting work with Discipleship Ministries through the Center for Church Renewal. He and his wife, Cheri, live in Allendale, MI. Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 4:12-22 9/8/24

Philippians 1:20-26 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Families and Discipleship Ministries on August 18, 2024, at FBCTLH

The Best of LT 2024 from the Women's Ministry Training Podcast Women's Ministry training resources to strengthen your church. Enjoy conference audio from the Women's Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (CDM- Committee on Discipleship Ministries). Subscribe to the Women's Ministry Training Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. 

The Best of LT 2024 from the Women's Ministry Training Podcast Women's Ministry training resources to strengthen your church. Enjoy conference audio from the Women's Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (CDM- Committee on Discipleship Ministries). Subscribe to the Women's Ministry Training Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. 

The Best of LT 2024 from the Women's Ministry Training Podcast Women's Ministry training resources to strengthen your church. Enjoy conference audio from the Women's Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (CDM- Committee on Discipleship Ministries). Subscribe to the Women's Ministry Training Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. 

The Best of LT 2024 from the Women's Ministry Training Podcast Women's Ministry training resources to strengthen your church. Enjoy conference audio from the Women's Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (CDM- Committee on Discipleship Ministries). Subscribe to the Women's Ministry Training Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. 

Women's Ministry training resources to strengthen your church. Enjoy conference audio from the Women's Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (CDM- Committee on Discipleship Ministries). Subscribe to the Women's Ministry Training Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. 

Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad Miller. Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.” To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/==============================Welcome to the 100th episode of "To Be Encouraged," where we explore faith, hope, and the future of the United Methodist Church in today's world. In this episode, our host, Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Rev. Dr. Brad Miller welcome Rev. Russ Abel to discuss the upcoming 2024 General Conference, its challenges, and its promise for the renewal of the church's mission.*Three Key Takeaways from Episode 100:**1. Emphasis on Discipleship and Unity:**Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Rev. Russ Abel strongly emphasize discipleship and unity in the church's mission. They highlight the importance of ministry across social divides and the need to connect the work of the church to the lived experiences of its members. Abel urges a focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, avoiding distractions by administrative tasks. The discussion underlines the significance of moving forward with unity and diversity to advance the cause of Christ, especially amid present challenges such as schism and disaffiliation.**2. Acknowledging Setbacks and Looking Forward with Hope:**Bishop Trimble reflects on the adverse outcomes of the 2019 general conference but retains a hopeful outlook for a positive 2024 General Conference experience. He notes the resilience of the church through the pandemic and racial reckoning, which has led to new ministries and beginnings. Trimble and Abel encourage a shift from focusing on loss to celebrating the continuous work of God in their communities. Abel praises the faithfulness of local church communities, drawing encouragement from their dedication to serving God through adversity.**3. The Impact of Legislation and Responsibility in Shaping Narratives:**The episode addresses the complexity of legislation presented at general conferences, with references to the summary from Discipleship Ministries in 2020. Various topics, such as regionalization, the revision of social principles, and removal of harmful language, are discussed as key legislative issues. Trimble highlights potential changes in budget proposals and reshaping of ministry, emphasizing their impact on local churches. Abel explains his role as the head of the delegation, stressing the importance of effective communication and coordination. The speakers concurred on the importance of shaping the narrative of the General Conference to positively impact local congregations.Join us in prayer and gratitude with Bishop Trimble as we conclude this momentous episode. We look forward to continuing the journey together, being encouraged by faith, and sustaining the hope for a more inclusive and Christ-centered church.**Next Time on To Be Encouraged:**Episode 100 of To Be Encouraged is Part 1 of a 4 Part Series in Preparation for General Conference. Upcoming Episodes in the General Conference Series include:Part 2. Episode 101: An Interview with Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright a...

“There is a huge difference between a church with discipleship and a disciple making church. A disciple making church, or a church with discipleship, usually sees discipleship as another program that they add on to everything else they're doing. And in disciple making church,  discipleship is a part of it. But disciple making is all we do, not just one thing we do. It's all we do. – Ken Adams” In this enlightening podcast, Matt Dabbs from Discipleship.org is joined by Ken Adams of Crossroads Church and Impact Ministries, discussing how the implementation of discipleship in local churches can lead to an impactful and transformative journey, just as Jesus designed 2000 years ago. Adams also shares insights from his 35-year pastoral journey and explains the profound value of maintaining a focus on discipleship. Additionally, he talks about the services offered by Impact Discipleship Ministries to assist churches in developing strategies and implementing discipleship driving growth and fulfilling God's mission. Check out The Disciple-Making Church Podcast: Click HERE To Learn more about Impact Discipleship Ministries: Click HERE   Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Background 01:42 The Importance of Discipleship in Church Growth 04:21 The Impact of Longevity in Ministry 05:27 The Power of Discipleship in Church Multiplication 08:13 The Vision for a Disciple Making Church 17:50 The Challenges and Successes in Disciple Making 26:29 The Role of Impact Discipleship Ministries in Church Revitalization 29:53 Adapting Disciple Making to Different Church Styles 33:25 The Role of Assessment and Prescription in Disciple Making 36:22 The Implementation of Disciple Making and the Importance of Follow-up 37:11 Additional Services Offered for Churches 38:25 The Role of a Pastor in Disciple Making 39:49 The Importance of Implementing Disciple Making in Everyday Life 40:52 The Personal Experiences and Reflections on Disciple Making   Check out our Audio Book on Becoming a Disciple Maker Interested in more great content check out our Nashville City Tour Videos.  Join us at our National Forum this May on Disciple Making Culture

Truth for My Twenty-Year-Old Self is a podcast series that offers a rear-view window perspective on various topics. We hope that older and younger women will use these questions to spend time together talking about these issues. Today's guest, Katie Flores, shares her wisdom about thinking big and thinking long about being made for more than we expect. Katie serves as the Coordinator for Children's Ministry at CDM (Committee on Discipleship Ministries). To learn more about how you can join us at one of our eight Made for More Conferences in 2024-2025, check out our Made for More hub: https://women.pcacdm.org/made-for-more/

"The Church" Acts 2:42-47 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries, on December 31, 2023, at FBCTLH

In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Kevin Johnson, Director of Children's Ministries at Discipleship Ministries. Kevin has a bigger picture of the emerging face of children's ministry than perhaps any other person in the UMC. Paul wanted to learn from Kevin how churches who have lost so many of their young families can take action to reengage with children.

August 27, 2023 Dr. Jobe Martin (Biblical Discipleship Ministries) www.stlbf.org

On this episode of Gifts and Graces, we get to hear Stephen Estock and Matt Luchenbill explore where Student Ministry has been, where it is going, and share practical advice for elders, volunteers, and staff. Stephen Estock is Coordinator of CDM, the PCA's Committee on Discipleship Ministries. Matt Luchenbill is the Youth Ministry Coordinator of CDM. This was originally recorded as a seminar delivered at the 2023 General Assembly. Let's listen as Stephen and Matt share advice, encouragement, and insight into the future of student ministry.

Dr. Thaddeus Warren, DCE — Chair of Human and Social Sciences at Concordia University, Nebraska, and Maria Devenport, DCE — Director of Discipleship Ministries at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys to becoming church workers, what their formation as DCEs looked like, who supported and encouraged them to become church workers, and how they serve today. Learn more about the National Association of Directors of Christian Education at nadce.wildapricot.org. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Courageous conversations have nothing to do with being nice and everything to do with being kind, gentle and loving. The Rev. Dr. Scott Hughes of The United Methodist Church's Discipleship Ministries asserts that engaging in structured dialogues of learning – or courageous conversations – could create space for the most radical hospitality of all, a […]

"On Gospel Mission: Matthew 7" Matthew 7:12-27 by Rev. Jacob Chilton Associate Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries, on July 30, 2023, at FBCTLH

"On Gospel Mission: Matthew 8" Matthew 8:5-13 by Rev. Jacob Chilton Associate Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries, on July 23, 2023, at FBCTLH

"On Gospel Mission: Matthew 28" Matthew 28:16-20 by Rev. Jacob Chilton Associate Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries, on July 16, 2023, at FBCTLH

"On Gospel Mission: Matthew 22" Matthew 22:34-40 by Rev. Jacob Chilton Associate Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries, on July 2, 2023, at FBCTLH

"On Gospel Mission: Matthew 26" Matthew 22:30-35, 69-75 by Rev. Jacob Chilton Associate Pastor of Family and Discipleship Ministries, on July 9, 2023, at FBCTLH

In this month's episode, we hear from Safiyah Fosua. Safiyah was speaking on the topic of "Meeting God in Our Healing" from the 2021 cohort of Spiritual Formation in Today's World, a one-year online program from The Academy. Safiyah shares the story of the Gadarene demoniac from the synoptic Gospels to help us understand how our relationship with fear is connected with our healing, both personally and socially. Safiyah Fosua is a retired professor of spiritual formation at Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University and former Director of Transformational Preaching Ministries at Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Safiyah and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Kwasi Kena, also served as missionaries to Ghana, West Africa, assisting the Methodist Church of Ghana in curriculum writing, leadership development, and local pastors' education. Safiyah has served churches in Iowa, and New Jersey, and is in frequent demand as a preacher, speaker, Bible study leader, and worship designer for national events. In addition to her professional teaching roles, Safiyah and her husband have two adult children and are the proud grandparents of two grandchildren. In spare moments, Safiyah writes prayers and Christian poetry, as well as engages the ancient practices of needle crafting, quilting, and batik. Safiyah references the Adinkra symbol from Ghana called the Gye Nyame, which you can see and learn more about at http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra/gyen.htm. The 2023/2024 cohort of Spiritual Formation in Today's World begins August 24-26, 2023. You can learn more and apply at https://academy.upperroom.org/event/sftw-2023/.

Rev. Dr. Natalya A. Cherry, assistant professor in Methodist studies and theology at Brite Divinity School and elder in the Susquehanna Annual Conference, talks with Dr. Lisa Hancock, director of worship arts for Discipleship Ministries, about her recent book "Believing Into Christ: Relational Faith and Human Flourishing." Join us for this thoughtful conversation about how one footnote led Cherry on a journey to discover that digging into awkward Latin grammar could shift the way we understand the nature of belief, the recitation of the Creeds, and the practice of the sacraments in worship. Click here to learn more about Cherry's work: https://www.natalyacherry.com/

This week, Paul had a conversation with his friend and ministry partner, Monica Pope, about kerygmatic catechesis. They recently wrote a new retreat about the kerygma and the Eucharistic Liturgy called, “Destined.” They begin the episode discussing the kerygma, that is, the proclamation of God's goodness and desire to give us all a share in his divine life. They talk about what makes kerygmatic catechesis different from the catechesis so many Catholics have experienced. They also talk specifically about how to understand and experience the Eucharistic Liturgy in light of the kerygma. Monica Pope has been doing evangelizing catechesis for 30 years in the Catholic Church. She has worked in Michigan parishes as Director of Catechesis, RCIA leader, and Director of Discipleship Ministries. Monica has created family catechesis programs in several parishes; she's formed many dedicated and gifted Catholic disciples to be effective catechists. She's written and led hundreds of retreats, presented for thousands of people, ranging from First Communicants and their parents, to senior residents at assisted living facilities, to employees of diocesan chancelleries. Check out Destined: a Kerygma Retreat:https://www.practicalkerygma.com/p/what-is-destined ABOUT POPE FRANCIS GENERATION Pope Francis Generation is the show for Catholics struggling with the Church's teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Hosted by Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic de Souza, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we're taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the Kerygma, the doctrine of theosis, and the teachings of Pope Francis. Together, with you, we're the Pope Francis Generation. SUPPORT THIS SHOW: This show is brought to you by Pope Francis Generation, a project to explore Catholicism inspired by Pope Francis. Founded by Paul Fahey, you can follow the newsletter, join the group, and become a supporting member. Your donations allow us to create the resource you're enjoying now as well as much more. Paid subscribers get to watch each episode before everyone else and receive subscriber only posts. Check out: popefrancisgeneration.com ABOUT PAUL FAHEY Paul lives in Michigan with my wife, Kristina, and five kids. He's a catechist, retreat leader, counseling student, as well as a contributor and co-founder of Where Peter Is. ABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZA SmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect', and be firstresponders. “We don't have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. smartcatholics.com JOIN FATHERS HEART ACADEMY Discover the truth and hope of Church teachings through a study of magisterial documents, access to Paul Fahey's podcasts and articles, and a supportive community of learners. Join here: http://www.fathersheartacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/popefrancisgeneration/message

The Pink Floyd concert that was held here in Hamilton is held in infamy with crazy stories from all around the stadium. It would appear that inside the stadium, things were super packed but not as crazy. What's the actual story here? Guest: Jon Wells, Reporter & Feature Writer, The Hamilton Spectator - A quick way to make a stir here in Canada is to talk about hockey, more specifically youth hockey. Some proposed changes to house league hockey here in Hamilton have certainly done just that. Guest: Peter Martin, Acting Chair, Hamilton Minor Hockey Council - With Easter Sunday approaching, do people celebrate this holiday for its religious significance? Why or why not? And how is religion being seen nowadays? Are people favouring organized religion over individual practice? How does that, if at all, impact our relationships? Guests: Jamie Strickland, Pastor of Discipleship Ministries, West Highland Baptist Church Gord Heath, Professor of Christian History, Centenary Chair in World Christianity, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives

This week, Pastor Jason continued our series, Experiencing God, where we discuss God's desire to know us, to work in and around us, in order to show us the purpose He has for us!We are excited to announce that Pastor Steve Shafe has joined our team as the new Groups Pastor as part of our Discipleship Ministries. Please welcome Pastor Steve and his wife Diana! God bless you! See you next week!

Welcome Disciples to Discipleship Ministries! I hope today's video blesses and encourages you! Make sure to Share this video with a friend! Like and Subscribe for more powerful messages! --Follow us on Social Media--Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/real_discipleshipministries/Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/realdiscipleshipministries|| Help Support This Ministry! ||https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F8H3P86G5QV7U--Find Our Podcasts--https://discipleshipministriesdevotionals.buzzsprout.com/Click the Link Above and Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many more Streaming Services! 

Welcome Disciples to Discipleship Ministries! I hope today's video blesses and encourages you! Make sure to Share this video with a friend! Like and Subscribe for more powerful messages! --Follow us on Social Media--Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/real_discipleshipministries/Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/realdiscipleshipministries|| Help Support This Ministry! ||https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F8H3P86G5QV7U--Find Our Podcasts--https://discipleshipministriesdevotionals.buzzsprout.com/Click the Link Above and Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many more Streaming Services! 

Welcome Disciples to Discipleship Ministries! I hope today's video blesses and encourages you! Make sure to Share this video with a friend! Like and Subscribe for more powerful messages! --Follow us on Social Media--Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/real_discipleshipministries/Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/realdiscipleshipministries|| Help Support This Ministry! ||https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F8H3P86G5QV7U--Find Our Podcasts--https://discipleshipministriesdevotionals.buzzsprout.com/Click the Link Above and Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many more Streaming Services! 

Welcome Disciples to Discipleship Ministries! I hope today's video blesses and encourages you! Make sure to Share this video with a friend! Like and Subscribe for more powerful messages! --Follow us on Social Media--Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/real_discipleshipministries/Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/realdiscipleshipministries|| Help Support This Ministry! ||https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F8H3P86G5QV7U--Find Our Podcasts--https://discipleshipministriesdevotionals.buzzsprout.com/Click the Link Above and Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many more Streaming Services! 

"Life Together" John 15:1-17 by Rev. Jacob Chilton, Assoc. Pastor of Families and Discipleship Ministries, on June 12, 2022, at FBCTLH

Today we are joined with SRA Victor, Dr. Alaine Pakkala. Alaine shares her SRA journey and healing with us. She is the founder and director of Lydia Discipleship Ministries where she and her team train counselors and ministers in helping DID survivors. She creates helpful tools to teach and help survivors.  You can find her at:   Lydia Discipleship Ministries: https://www.lydiadm.org/   Tiny Talks: https://www.lydiadm.org/store/mini-videos/   Abbys's Safe Place: http://abbyssafeplace.homestead.com/  Memoir: "Laura" https://www.amazon.com/Laura-A-True-Story/dp/0889652074/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HRY36KJ9J197&keywords=laura%2C+by+Alaine+pakkala&qid=1652464759&s=books&sprefix=laura%2C+by+alaine+pakkala%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-1  Thank you for your support! If you would like to contribute to this podcast, please go to:  buymeacoffee.com/?via=onlygod --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lisa-meister/support

In this time of disruption and decline among mainline denominations, it's vital that efforts be made to start new churches and worshipping communities. Consultants Paul Nixon and Craig Gilbert join the pod to share practical, how-to steps for everything from initial advertising to building a volunteer team from their book Launching a New Worship Community Paul Nixon is the author of multiple books on church development. His company, Epicenter Group, has coached hundreds of congregations and their leaders in North America and in Europe, helping many to discover breakthroughs in the growth and renewal of their ministries.  Nixon also serves as director of church multiplication for Discipleship Ministries. He was codeveloper of the Readiness 360 inventory for churches.  Craig Gilbert is a worship consultant and founder of Purposed Heart Ministries. From Craig's ministry start in a small congregation to his serving a church with eight distinctive worship communities involving more than 2,000 worshipers, Craig has planned and presented worship in a wide variety of styles at the “every Sunday” level, as well as designing and leading worship in large conference settings for thousands of people.  The Future Christian Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.

Applying Jesus to New Vision - Interview with Rev. Dr. Tori Butler One of my favorite humans is talking with us today about her life in ministry and how to engage gender equality in the Church. We are joined by my preaching coach and pastoral mentor, Rev. Dr. Tori Butler. She is so special and just the best person to talk with at any point in time. Season 2 is intentionally different than Season 1. In this season, we are talking with folks hard at work re-imagining what it means to respond and reform the issues within our society. These conversations are going to help us, in the Church, re-imagine what it means to be a part of the solution - the Kin-Dom Come. About Rev. Dr. Tori Butler Rev. Dr. Tori Butler was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She received a BA in History and International Relations from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. She received her call to ministry following a semester abroad in Argentina. She is a graduate of the Divinity School at Duke University where she received her Master of Divinity degree. She was recruited out of Duke to serve in the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church where she ministered in three cross-cultural appointments as well as being the Chaplain at Wiley College. She was ordained by Bishop Janice Riggle Huie in 2014. By God's amazing grace and through tremendous perseverance on May 13, 2019, she received her Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University with a concentration in Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation. Her Doctor of Ministry project is entitled, “The Power of Mourning: Creating Spaces of Vulnerability for Black Clergywomen to Lament and Holler. She recently had the honor of speaking at the 57th Anniversary of the March on Washington. Dr. Butler is a contributor to Do Not Be Afraid: Bishops & Young Clergy Share Signs of Resurrection & Words of Hope and I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist. Her sermon entitled, “Holy Spirit, We Need You” was placed on a list of Anti-Racism Sermons in June of 2020 by Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church. She contributed a devotion for the United Methodist Communications Lenten Devotional Series called, “Holy Saturday: Tarrying Together.” She has been a featured panelist for Emory University, Howard University, the Convocation of Black Pastors, and the General Commission on Religion and Race. Her passion is talking about how God uses lament to give voice to individual and communal pain and in the same breath gives voice to a God who is able to step into that pain and transform it into joy. The new joy of Dr. Butler's life happened on July 1, 2021. Rev. Dr. Tori Butler became the senior pastor of Asbury Town Neck United Methodist Church in Severna Park, Maryland where worship can't be explained but must be experienced! In this new role, she wants to invite people into a transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit. Her prayer is that all would know the healing, redeeming, and restorative love of God. Her calling is to help others discern their purpose, and get to their next level in life and in the Lord. Therefore, she seeks to honor God in everything that she does. Her goal in life is to be his hands and feet in the world. She sincerely prays that God will use her as a prophet, teacher, preacher, scholar, activist, evangelist, counselor, writer, shouter, and dancer all for the glory of God. Applying Jesus is hosted and produced by Amy Vogel, Director of Spiritual Growth for Upper Room Heights and our Technical Director is Xach Blunt. We record at the Chapelwood UMC Digital Studio in Houston, TX. We hope something you heard today deepened your faith, opened your eyes and led you to not only knowing God in a more expansive way, but shifts how you connect, especially with those who are easy to overlook. Visit www.urheights.com to learn more!

In this episod,e our host, Dan Kimbrough, talks with Rev. Joshua Brockway, who is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren where he serves as the Director for Spiritual Formation and Co-Coordinator for Discipleship Ministries. Rev. Brockway is also an adjunct history professor at Northern Seminary and was recently appointed to the City of Elgin Task Force on Policing.  We'll discuss the role Christianity has played in perpetuating and upholding systemic racism in America, ranging from Columbus setting sail through modern times. We'll then look at some work being done to address race and systemic racism in and around churches and how they can become a bigger part of the bigger discussion. 

This week, Heather talks to Raymond Chang, president and cofounder of the Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC). Ray is well known on social media for his bold voice on issues pertaining to faith, race, and justice. Ray also serves as a campus minister at Wheaton College, where he leads the school's Discipleship Ministries program. He preaches and speaks around the country and has lived throughout the world (Korea, Guatemala, Panama, Spain, China). Find Ray on Twitter @tweetraychang.  In this episode Heather and Ray discuss political divisions in the church, the anti-Asian violence that made headlines earlier this year, and ways we all can keep a global mindset when worshiping with one another. Ray also explains how our faith calls us to address the sin of racism in the church and society. And in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Sam Dumcum, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and duathlete who is an outspoken champion for mental health and for helping people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Find Sam on Instagram @samdumcum and on Twitter @SamDumcum. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day                                          Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices