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Every home is built on something — but is yours built to last? In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia turns to Colossians 3 and shares 5 steps to healing family hurt. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, May 18, 2025 Message title: A House of Healing Passage: Colossians 3:12-16 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
Every home is built on something — but is yours built to last? In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia shares 5 faith habits for raising the next generation for Christ. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, May 11, 2025 Message title: A House of Faith Passage: selected scriptures For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
We relate to the church through the POV of serving one another.ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
Every home is built on something — but is yours built to last? In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia opens to Ephesians 5 to share 5 secrets to building a house of love. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, May 4, 2025 Message title: A House of Love Passage: Ephesians 5:22-322 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
God relates to us through the lenses of His Mercies.ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
Every home is built on something — but is yours built to last? In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia opens to Matthew 7 to share 4 Specifications of a House that Stands. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, April 27, 2025 Message title: A House that Stands Passage: Matthew 7:24-27 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
In this message, Bishop Brett Fuller brings an encouraging word. Let's go to the other side!ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
In this message, Bishop Brett Fuller brings an encouraging word. Let's go to the other side!ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
In His final moments on earth, Jesus gave instructions to His disciples. Jesus' last words before His ascension show how God desires to make all things new. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia opens to Matthew 28 to share 4 Life-Altering Truths about the Resurrection. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, April 20, 2025 Message title: All Things New Passage: Matthew 28:16-20 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
Leave your past behind and purse your purpose.ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
Leave your past behind and purse your purpose.ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
The cross is not the end of the story; it's the moment where everything changed. In His final moments, Jesus spoke not just for those at the foot of the cross, but for all of us. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia opens to Luke 23 to share about Jesus' last words on surrender. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, April 13, 2025 Message title: Last Words on Surrender Passage: Luke 23:44-49 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
The curtain was torn in two. The Centurion confessed it, Jesus is the Son of God. Death people came to life. Nothing is impossible for God!ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
The curtain was torn in two. The Centurion confessed it, Jesus is the Son of God. Death people came to life. Nothing is impossible for God!ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
The cross is not the end of the story; it's the moment where everything changed. In His final moments, Jesus spoke not just for those at the foot of the cross, but for all of us. In today's message, Pastor Craig Steiner opens to John 19 to share about Jesus' last words on finishing. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, April 6, 2025 Message title: Last Words on Finishing Passage: John 19:30 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church.
Looking for the kingdom? Take the next step with boldness and faith.ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
Looking for the kingdom? Take the next step with boldness and faith.ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
Are you compelled to carry the cross and follow Jesus?ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
Are you compelled to carry the cross and follow Jesus?ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
The cross is not the end of the story; it's the moment where everything changed. In His final moments, Jesus spoke not just for those at the foot of the cross, but for all of us. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia opens to Mark 15 to share about Jesus' last words on loneliness. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, March 23, 2025 Message title: Last Words on Loneliness Passage: Mark 15:33-37 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
Curious about Jesus but changed by the cross.ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
Curious about Jesus but changed by the cross.ABOUT HIGHPOINT CHURCHHighPoint Church is an exciting and dynamic church in the West Orlando area (Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont and MetroWest). Come experience Real Faith and Real Life every Sunday! Service times are 10:00am and 1:00pm (español) in person and Livestream. Life Groups meet throughout the week as well.
The cross is not the end of the story; it's the moment where everything changed. In His final moments, Jesus spoke not just for those at the foot of the cross, but for all of us. In today's message, Pastor Craig Steiner opens to John 19 to share about Jesus' last words on love. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, March 16, 2025 Message title: Last Words on Love Passage: John 19:25-27 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church.
The cross is not the end of the story; it's the moment where everything changed. In His final moments, Jesus spoke not just for those at the foot of the cross, but for all of us. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia opens to Luke 23 to share about Jesus' last words on salvation. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, March 9, 2025 Message title: Last Words on Salvation Passage: Luke 23:39-43 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
In this episode, pastor Nic sits down with Bishop Stubbs to share the story of the fruitful cross-cultural church partnership between High Point Church and End Time Ministries International. They talk about how High Point Church purchased and renovated the Monona Oaks building, which End Time Ministries now uses for worship and community outreach. Bishop Stubbs candidly discusses the challenges of urban ministry—serving a congregation where 65% receive public assistance, lacking administrative support, and struggling with consistent attendance and giving. Despite these obstacles, End Time Ministries continues to baptize new believers, operate a food pantry serving 75 families weekly, and plans to open a daycare to both serve families and generate revenue. The partnership demonstrates how two churches with different cultural expressions but shared theological foundations can collaborate effectively, with High Point providing facility resources while End Time focuses on gospel ministry and community impact. Their relationship exemplifies how churches can overcome financial and cultural barriers to advance their shared mission of reaching people with the message of Christ. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)
The cross is not the end of the story; it's the moment where everything changed. In His final moments, Jesus spoke not just for those at the foot of the cross, but for all of us. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia opens to Luke 23 to share about Jesus' last words on suffering. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, March 2, 2025 Message title: Last Words on Suffering Passage: Luke 23:34 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
As we celebrate 25 years of God's faithfulness to us at Highpoint, we look back with gratefulness to see how God has worked in us and through us. In today's message, Dr. Ed Stetzer reminds us that God started, sustains, and secures His church. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, February 23, 2025 Message title: Building a Church God's Way Passage: Philippians 1:6 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Dr. Stetzer on X and Instagram @edstetzer, or find more resources at https://edstetzer.com
This episode of the Engage and Equip podcast comes from the recording of the February 2nd, 2025 Engage & Equip: LIVE event that we held at High Point. This recording includes the main session talk delivered by Pastor Nic, as well as the small group breakout session, also led by Nic.Engage & Equip: LIVE is an event held around quarterly at High Point to engage leaders in our various ministries and equip them to do the work of the saints, helping to build up God's Kingdom. For more information about E&E, High Point Church, or our service opportunities, check out highpointchurch.org! Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)
What's left when we strip away the noise and complexities of modern faith? The distractions of the inconsequential? The diversions of the material? Discover how to navigate life's challenges by embracing the simplicity and purity of Jesus Only. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia teaches us 4 Reasons to Step Out in Faith. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, February 16, 2025 Message title: Our Lord Passage: Matthew 14:22-23 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly theme of marriage with a powerful testimony from Ron and Jody Zappia, about how they were set free from their sin and how God used infidelity in their marriage to do it. Ron is the founding and lead pastor at Highpoint Church, a Chicagoland multi-site church, and a church planting organization, Highpoint Send Network. Ron and Jodie Zappia are marriage conference speakers and authors. They authored the book, “The Marriage Knot: 7 Choices That Keep Couples Together.” We also had Dr. Bill Thrasher talk about God’s love and how His love is sufficient. Dr. Thrasher oversees the Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Master's Program at MBI, he is an interim pastor, a professor of Bible and Theology at Moody Graduate School, and a frequent conference and retreat speaker. He also has authored several books including a Valentine’s Day Devotional called, “Putting God Back Into the Holidays.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly theme of marriage with a powerful testimony from Ron and Jody Zappia, about how they were set free from their sin and how God used infidelity in their marriage to do it. Ron is the founding and lead pastor at Highpoint Church, a Chicagoland multi-site church, and a church planting organization, Highpoint Send Network. Ron and Jodie Zappia are marriage conference speakers and authors. They authored the book, “The Marriage Knot: 7 Choices That Keep Couples Together.” We also had Dr. Bill Thrasher talk about God’s love and how His love is sufficient. Dr. Thrasher oversees the Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Master's Program at MBI, he is an interim pastor, a professor of Bible and Theology at Moody Graduate School, and a frequent conference and retreat speaker. He also has authored several books including a Valentine’s Day Devotional called, “Putting God Back Into the Holidays.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's message, Pastor R.T. Kendall shares with us the hope, freedom, and peace that comes from total forgiveness. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, February 9, 2025 Message title: Total Forgiveness Passage: Genesis 45:1-8 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
What's left when we strip away the noise and complexities of modern faith? The distractions of the inconsequential? The diversions of the material? Discover how to navigate life's challenges by embracing the simplicity and purity of Jesus Only. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia shares with us 4 providential principals that reveal the heart and hand of God. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, February 2, 2025 Message title: Our Provider Passage: Matthew 14:13-21 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
What's left when we strip away the noise and complexities of modern faith? The distractions of the inconsequential? The diversions of the material? Discover how to navigate life's challenges by embracing the simplicity and purity of Jesus Only. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia shares with us 5 reasons why we face trials. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, January 26, 2025 Message title: Our PeaceMaker Passage: Matthew 8:23-27 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
What's left when we strip away the noise and complexities of modern faith? The distractions of the inconsequential? The diversions of the material? Discover how to navigate life's challenges by embracing the simplicity and purity of Jesus Only. In today's message, Pastor Craig Steiner shares comforting truths to address anxiety. Welcome to Highpoint at Home! Our desire is that this would be an opportunity for you to connect with God and connect with others, wherever you are! This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, January 19, 2025 Message title: Our Comforter Passage: Matthew 6:25-34 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church.
What's left when we strip away the noise and complexities of modern faith? The distractions of the inconsequential? The diversions of the material? Discover how to navigate life's challenges by embracing the simplicity and purity of Jesus Only. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia shares a 3 step strategy for victory through Jesus. Welcome to Highpoint at Home! Our desire is that this would be an opportunity for you to connect with God and connect with others, wherever you are! This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, January 12, 2025 Message title: Our Deliverer Passage: Matthew 4:1-11 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
What's left when we strip away the noise and complexities of modern faith? The distractions of the inconsequential? The diversions of the material? Discover how to navigate life's challenges by embracing the simplicity and purity of Jesus Only. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia shares 5 reasons why we worship Jesus. Welcome to Highpoint at Home! Our desire is that this would be an opportunity for you to connect with God and connect with others, wherever you are! This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, January 5, 2025 Message title: Jesus Only Passage: Matthew 17:1-8 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
As we turn a page to the new year, we take time to remember the joy, peace, and hope that we have because of Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Craig Steiner teaches how Romans 15:13 can guide us this new year! Welcome to Highpoint at Home! Our desire is that this would be an opportunity for you to connect with God and connect with others, wherever you are! This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Tuesday, December 29, 2024 Message title: A Prayer for the New Year Passage: Romans 15:13 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church.
Merry Christmas! We're glad you're here to celebrate the birth of Jesus with us. In todays message, Pastor Ron Zappia shares the Good News of Christmas, and challenges us with four responses. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Message title: The Good News of Christmas Passage: Luke 2:8-20 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
Peace is like the quiet after a bustling Christmas celebration calming and still, just what we need when life feels overwhelming. The Psalms remind us that God blesses us with a peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that can soothe our hearts even when the season is fast-paced. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia helps us find peace by trusting in God's strength and making time for stillness with Him. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, December 22, 2024 Message title: Everlasting Peace Passage: Selected Psalms For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
Joy is like a jingle that you can't get out of your head—it's meant to be contagious and shared! True joy doesn't come from perfect decorations or a well-cooked meal—it comes from basking in God's presence. In today's message, Pastor Craig Steiner turns to the Psalms to remind us that God's joy is always accessible, no matter our circumstances. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, December 15, 2024 Message title: Unwavering Joy Passage: Select Psalms For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church.
God's love is like the perfect present—it wraps around everything and makes even the simplest gift spectacular. During Advent, we are reminded of how deeply God loves us, so much so that He sent His Son for us. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia encourages us to show and share God's Boundless Love lavishly with those around us. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, December 8, 2024 Message title: Boundless Love Passage: Psalm 103:1-17 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
Hope is like that hidden holiday gift at the back of the tree—it's always present, even when we don't see it right away! Amidst the hustle and holiday happenings, we can anchor our hearts in the hope that God provides. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia shares four ingredients to Heavenly Hope. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, December 1, 2024 Message title: Heavenly Hope Passage: Psalm 42 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
What you value determines your actions, attitudes, and priorities. But it's not WHAT we value that matters most, but WHO we value. In the scripture, we are invited to reconsider Who is most important to us… that we would embrace the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. When we do, it allows us to put the first things first in our life. In today's message, Pastor Craig Steiner unpacks Matthew 9:35-38 as we learn what it means to Care & Share Like Jesus. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, November 17, 2024 Message title: Caring & Sharing Like Jesus Passage: Matthew 9:35-38 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church.
What you value determines your actions, attitudes, and priorities. But it's not WHAT we value that matters most, but WHO we value. The invitation in the book of Colossians is that we would reconsider Who is most important to us… that we would embrace the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. When we do, it allows us to put the first things first in our life. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia unpacks Numbers 9:15-23 as we learn what it means to Follow the Cloud. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, November 10, 2024 Message title: Follow the Cloud Passage: Numbers 9:15-23 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
What you value determines your actions, attitudes, and priorities. But it's not WHAT we value that matters most, but WHO we value. The invitation in the book of Colossians is that we would reconsider Who is most important to us… that we would embrace the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. When we do, it allows us to put the first things first in our life. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia unpacks Colossians 4:7-18 as we Celebrate the Servants. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, November 3, 2024 Message title: Celebrating the Servants Passage: Colossians 4:7-18 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
What you value determines your actions, attitudes, and priorities. But it's not WHAT we value that matters most, but WHO we value. The invitation in the book of Colossians is that we would reconsider Who is most important to us… that we would embrace the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. When we do, it allows us to put the first things first in our life. In today's message, Pastor Ron Zappia unpacks Colossians 4:2-6 as we learn what it means to Lean on God. This message was originally preached at Highpoint Church on Sunday, October 27, 2024 Message title: Leaning on God Passage: Colossians 4:2-6 For more info about Highpoint Church, or to find a location near you, visit our website at https://highpoint.church. Connect with Pastor Ron and find more Bible teaching at https://ronzappia.com
Christian pastors were told to start private schools since taxpayers would foot the billThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on August 16, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/christian-pastors-were-told-to-startIn Florida, the expansion of religious school vouchers has raised significant concerns about the state's education budget and the role of public funding in supporting private religious institutions. This issue has been exacerbated by organizations like the Remnant Alliance, which actively encourages churches to start their own schools, funded largely by government vouchers intended for students attending these schools. This practice has strained the education budget, diverting substantial funds away from public schools where the majority of students are enrolled. One example highlighted is High Point Church in Lake Wales, Florida, which has significantly benefited from this voucher system, receiving nearly $7,900 per student from the state. The church's enrollment has grown rapidly, showcasing a clear financial incentive for churches to participate in this program. Beyond financial gain, these schools are viewed as tools for religious indoctrination, with reports indicating a high rate of baptisms among students, emphasizing the dual impact of public funds supporting both education and religious activities. Critics argue that this practice not only undermines the financial stability of public education but also violates the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. They contend that taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund religious education, especially when it promotes specific religious teachings and practices. Concerns extend to issues of accountability and discrimination, as private schools, unlike public ones, have greater latitude in selecting their students and curriculum, potentially excluding or disadvantaging certain groups. Moreover, figures like Jack Hilos, a prominent pastor involved in these initiatives, have leveraged their religious influence to influence local politics, further blurring the lines between church and state. Hilos, for instance, has been vocal in his opposition to LGBTQ rights and has used his position to mobilize churchgoers politically, illustrating the broader societal impacts of these educational policies. In response, opponents argue for stricter oversight of voucher programs to ensure they comply with constitutional standards and do not undermine the accessibility or quality of public education. Legal challenges are anticipated as these programs continue to expand, prompting debates over the appropriate use of taxpayer funds and the broader implications for educational equity and religious freedom. The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.35.1 featuring Kelley, Infidel64 , Jonathan Roudabush and Eli SlackBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.