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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Have you ever wondered why trauma seems to leave lasting marks on your mind, heart, and even relationships? In today's conversation, I sit down with Dr. J. Otis Ledbetter, author of Set Free, Released from the Damage of Trauma, to uncover how we can overcome the destructive effects of trauma and move towards God's peace and restoration. Drawing from scripture and real-life experiences, Dr. Ledbetter reveals how even biblical heroes wrestled with trauma and how we can learn from their stories to create tranquil paths of healing and wholeness. If you've been searching for hope after loss, abuse, crisis, or disappointment, this episode will encourage you that freedom is possible. Today, we're going to be talking about how to overcome the lasting damage of trauma through God's word. Quotables from the episode: Trauma is not the event. Trauma is the chronic reaction to that event. Trauma is ongoing. An event can happen and then it can be in your past. You may never forget it, but it no longer identifies you. And it no longer points the direction that you should go, whether life or death. The first emotion that somebody faces after a traumatic event is fear. Fear leads to anxiety. Anxiety leads to mood swings. Mood swings will lead you into isolation. Isolation brings the worst. It brings hopelessness. And it brings despair, and loss of purpose. The truth is what heals. God does not heal deceit. He heals truth. The one word for parents to pass a heritage to their children their faith, is intentionality. Just do something. Don't think it can be done by accident. Be intentional. The trauma of the unknown is, I think, the most garden variety trauma you can have. Don't leave out the spiritual because there is a God who loves you and he is a God of hope. God knows us so intimately that he knows what we need and willingly provides it. God says, come to me if you're heavy laden. I'll give you rest. He didn't say I'll rescue you. He's not going to rescue you. But he's going to give you a place of rest. Scripture References: Isaiah 61:1—“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Psalm 40:2 (NIV) – “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Joel 2:25 (ESV) – “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” Recommended Resources: Set Free, Released from the Damage of Trauma by Dr. J. Otis Ledbetter Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Dr. J. Otis Ledbetter: Website / Facebook / X Connect with Dr. Bengtson: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Otis Ledbetter lives in Clovis, California, with his wife Gail. He is an author, conference speaker, and the Lead Pastor at Sonrise Church. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University’s Theological Seminary. He and Gail have three grown children and twelve grandchildren. He has written numerous articles for magazines and specializes in Heritage Builders workshops nationally and internationally, which teach parents and grandparents the spiritual, emotional, and social components of the heritage they are passing to the next generation. His books include Your Heritage, In the Secret Place, Soul Hunger : Satisfy Your Heart’s Deepest Longing, and his latest 2022 release Set Free: Released from the Damage of Trauma. He has been featured on numerous radio and television broadcasts. His book Your Heritage was distributed as a premium offer on Billy Graham’s Hour of Decision. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Ashton Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In this compelling message, Pastor Jordan Kennedy explores what it truly means to pray the will of God, drawing from Genesis 22 and Matthew 6. He unpacks the truth that faithfulness is not just a moment of obedience, it is a sustained yes to God every single day. Pastor Jordan challenges believers to stop praying weak and selfish prayers and to begin praying kingdom prayers that partner with what God wants to do on this earth. Pastor Jordan warns that the enemy's strategy is not always to stop you from praying altogether, but to keep you stuck in self-reliance, apathy, anxiety, and confusion so that your prayers never carry any kingdom power. He calls the church to surrender the need to know what comes next and to simply ask God, how do I be faithful today, because faithfulness is the key that keeps you in the perfect will of God. This message challenges believers to give God a fresh yes every day in their daily encounter, because just as Abraham's faithfulness through decades of obedience brought the kingdom of heaven to earth, your sustained yes to God will produce blessing, favor, and a life that advances His kingdom in ways you cannot yet see. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Les and Nikki Cody or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com
Part 4 "Joy with Jesus" Series ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc
Glorification Season 2, Episode 10 Gospel Vocabulary In this closing episode of Season 2's Gospel Vocabulary series, Derek and Caleb explore the rich hope of glorification—the final and certain completion of our salvation in Christ. They unpack the Christian's future hope of resurrection, renewed bodies, and the coming new heavens and new earth, showing how the promise of what is ahead gives strength, courage, and perspective for life today. This encouraging conversation reminds listeners that because Christ has begun the work, He will surely bring it to completion—our ultimate hope is secure because Jesus is enough.Follow GraceWalk Radio on X: @gracewalkradioDerek Levendusky is the Lead Pastor at Redeeming Hope in Clarksville, TN. www.redeeminghope.orgCaleb Berg is one of the Pastors at GraceLife Church in Avon, NY. www.gracelifeavon.com
In this compelling message, Pastor Jordan Kennedy explores what it truly means to pray the will of God, drawing from Genesis 22 and Matthew 6. He unpacks the truth that faithfulness is not just a moment of obedience, it is a sustained yes to God every single day. Pastor Jordan challenges believers to stop praying weak and selfish prayers and to begin praying kingdom prayers that partner with what God wants to do on this earth. Pastor Jordan warns that the enemy's strategy is not always to stop you from praying altogether, but to keep you stuck in self-reliance, apathy, anxiety, and confusion so that your prayers never carry any kingdom power. He calls the church to surrender the need to know what comes next and to simply ask God, how do I be faithful today, because faithfulness is the key that keeps you in the perfect will of God. This message challenges believers to give God a fresh yes every day in their daily encounter, because just as Abraham's faithfulness through decades of obedience brought the kingdom of heaven to earth, your sustained yes to God will produce blessing, favor, and a life that advances His kingdom in ways you cannot yet see. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Les and Nikki Cody or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com
ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc
ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc
Speaker: Dr. Justin Nalls, Lead Pastor
Message 6 in the series "Be Healed" Ronnie Phillips is the Lead Pastor at Abba's House in Chattanooga, TN and founder of Ronnie Phillips Ministries International. ronniephillips.org
The return of "What About?" Wednesdays! Text us your questions for apologist and pastor Robby Lashua!Today, Robby Lashua and Geoff Brown step right into the do-do.Christianity isn't meant to be a list of "don't do's" as so many in the world, and perhaps the church, perceive it. Rather, Christianity defines its followers as individuals who are aware of the the do-do's. It's all about what we do do. Our faith is intended to be active, purposeful, vibrant, loving, and mission-driven.And all that do do stems from one thing: "Imago Dei".Because we are created in the image and likeness of God, we are created "On Purpose" and "For a Purpose". Further, when we defy the cultural norms, and live the lives we were designed, defined, and destined for, our fulfillment and joy go through the roof!Robby Lashua is the lead pastor at Palmcroft Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Having also served with Stand to Reason, he's a leading apologist who brings the defense of scripture and Biblical truth to bear powerfully within his teaching.Today, Robby helps us to navigate away from the polarity of the creation vs. evolution debate (as truly fun as it is) and towards the reason for which we were created... "Kingdom Culture Conversations" is a podcast created by Northwest Christian School in Phoenix, Arizona.For more information on Northwest Christian School, visit: https://www.ncsaz.org/To reach out to Geoff Brown, please email gbrown@ncsaz.org or you can reach him by cell phone: (623)225-5573.
What kind of legacy are you leaving behind? In this Father's Day message, we read Joshua 24 and discover how faith-filled leaders shape the culture and tone of their homes, and leave a legacy that lasts far beyond their lifetime.Connect with us: @ascentchurchvaConnect with our Lead Pastor: @pastor.tlaneIf you've just made a decision for Christ, we'd love to celebrate with you. Please connect with us through our A-Card here: https://www.liinks.co/ascentchurch
In this episode, Pastor Aaron Pennington teaches on the Holy Spirit and the importance of having a balanced, biblical understanding of His role in our lives.The Holy Spirit seals believers for salvation, convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, glorifies Jesus, and gives gifts to build up the church. Pastor Aaron also talks honestly about unhealthy extremes, spiritual manipulation, and how followers of Jesus can pursue the Spirit's presence with humility, wisdom, and biblical clarity.Scripture References: John 16:7-15, Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Acts 2, John 3, Exodus 12.This message is part of our series, “Tell Me More About…”Trace ChurchColorado Springs, CO
Faith Baptist Church in Hamilton, NJ. Lance Walker is the Lead Pastor. Visit us at www.fbcchurch.org
Faith Baptist Church in Hamilton, NJ. Lance Walker is the Lead Pastor. Visit us at www.fbcchurch.org
Peter Haas is the Lead Pastor of Substance Church in Minneapolis and a gifted communicator with a heart for generosity and Kingdom culture. He joined us in June and brought this incredible message titled 'Contagious Generosity' — you won't want to miss it. Catch up here.
In this message, our Lead Pastor, Tim Wolf, continues our series on the Life of David. The post The Life of David – Part 5 appeared first on United Church.
Send us Fan MailNEW EPISODE: Today I have the privilege of talking with an author, a pastor, and an influencer whose journey is as compelling as it is timely. Dr. Caleb Campbell is the lead pastor of Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona, the author of Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor, and one of the featured voices in the podcast series When the Wolves Came: Evangelicals Resisting Extremism.What makes Caleb's story so remarkable is that his understanding of extremism isn't merely academic. As a teenager, he was drawn into the world of neo-Nazi skinheads before eventually finding his way to Christian faith. Years later, after becoming a lead pastor, he began recognizing disturbing echoes of that same ideology emerging inside American evangelicalism—especially after the 2016 election, through the pandemic, and in the aftermath of January 6.In this conversation, we explore what Christian nationalism really is, why it has become so attractive to many believers, and why Caleb believes condemnation isn't the answer. Instead, he calls us to courageous conversations, deep listening, and radical hospitality. If you've struggled to understand friends or family caught up in today's political and religious polarization, I think you'll find this conversation honest, challenging, deeply compassionate—and filled with hope.I can also make this version a little more personal and conversational, in the style you've been using for your recent Beached White Male introductions.SHOW NOTES - including links to Caleb's book and the When the Wolves Came PodcastSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you!Ken's Substack PageThe Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com
Speaker: Jeff Jones, Lead Pastor
The Attitude Of Gratitude.This is not just a podcast - it's a move of God.Shan Kikon, from Nagaland, India, is the Lead Pastor of Faith Harvest Church, carrying a heart to ignite revival across the nations. Once he had a desire for a corporate future, but everything changed after a supernatural encounter with Jesus Christ in Singapore in 1996. In that moment, he laid down his desires to become a bold voice for the Gospel.Marked by the anointing and grounded in truth, Shan Kikon delivers revelation that cuts deep, awakens the spirit, and transforms lives. This is not just teaching; this is an encounter.For inquiries, prayer requests, or more information, feel free to reach out to us at : faithharvestnagaland@gmail.com
A Sure Way To Win.This is not just a podcast - it's a move of God.Shan Kikon, from Nagaland, India, is the Lead Pastor of Faith Harvest Church, carrying a heart to ignite revival across the nations. Once he had a desire for a corporate future, but everything changed after a supernatural encounter with Jesus Christ in Singapore in 1996. In that moment, he laid down his desires to become a bold voice for the Gospel.Marked by the anointing and grounded in truth, Shan Kikon delivers revelation that cuts deep, awakens the spirit, and transforms lives. This is not just teaching; this is an encounter.For inquiries, prayer requests, or more information, feel free to reach out to us at : faithharvestnagaland@gmail.com
What does it look like for the Church to faithfully live in the world without becoming shaped by it?In this episode, Daniel Williams sits down with Phil Metzger, Lead Pastor of Calvary San Diego and featured speaker at the CGN International Ministry Conference, to discuss mission, culture, church planting, and the role of the Church in today's world.Drawing from over twenty years of missionary service in Eastern Europe, Phil shares how God has shaped his understanding of ministry, the importance of listening across cultural differences, and why the Church must remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in every generation.Phil also offers a preview of his upcoming conference message, exploring what it means for the Church to engage the world missionally, methodologically, and as a movement—while remaining distinct from the values of the world around us.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube For more information: www.collegedalechurch.com/And https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/Collegedale-church/id1441597563?uo=4
Welcome to our podcast, where we dive deep into the teachings of Christ and explore how they can be applied to our modern lives. Join us as we discuss everything from scripture and prayer to living a purposeful and fulfilling life rooted in faith. Our hope is that this podcast will inspire, uplift, and challenge you on your journey towards a deeper relationship with God. www.Scarletnote.org
Welcome to our podcast, where we dive deep into the teachings of Christ and explore how they can be applied to our modern lives. Join us as we discuss everything from scripture and prayer to living a purposeful and fulfilling life rooted in faith. Our hope is that this podcast will inspire, uplift, and challenge you on your journey towards a deeper relationship with God. www.Scarletnote.org
We'll discuss a special event coming to New York's Hudson Valley—The Promised One Passion Play at Living Water Church in Poughkeepsie. Our guests include Dr. Jim Whitmore, longtime director of the Memphis and Mid-America Passion Plays; Dana Duncan Vansteenbergh, whose late husband, Pastor Derek Duncan, founded Living Water Church; and Pastor Anthony Patton, Lead Pastor of Living Water Church, who will portray Jesus in this year's production starting June 18-20, 2026.
June 14, 2026 Lead Pastor Jim Baney by Basic Truth Church, Cygnet, Oh
We desire to live lives fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit! During this sermon, Pastor Jaco teaches us how to lead our homes in a way that invites the Lord into every area of our lives.
In this compelling message, Pastor Sean Gleason explores what it truly means to pray, drawing from Matthew 6 and the Lord's Prayer. He unpacks how the foundation of a healthy prayer life is not about having the right words, the right volume, or the right spiritual mannerisms, it is about seeing God rightly as a good and holy Father. Pastor Sean challenges believers to stop performing in prayer and to start conversating with their Heavenly Father from a place of authentic relationship. Pastor Sean warns that the orphan spirit is one of the greatest hindrances to prayer, because when you view God as a harsh and distant master rather than a loving Father, you will either disengage from prayer altogether or use it to impress others. He calls the church to receive the spirit of adoption, because it is that spirit that causes you to cry out Abba Father and breaks every wall between you and God. This message challenges believers, and especially men, to step into the place of prayer daily, because a church that does not pray is a dead church and a family that does not pray is a dead family. Prayer is not separate from action, it is the ultimate action that bathes everything else in the power and presence of God. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Les and Nikki Cody or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com
Lead Pastor continues the Loving Like Jesus series with a message titled Loving The Rebellious & Religious.
Lead Pastor begins a new series titled 'Loving Like Jesus' with a message called 'Loving The Difficult & Different'.
Sanctification Season 2, Episode 9 Gospel Vocabulary In this episode of GraceWalk Radio, Derek and Caleb unpack sanctification, emphasizing that it is not about behavior modification or earning God's favor, but the Spirit-driven outworking of a believer's already-secured salvation. They highlight the crucial order of the gospel—justification comes first, and sanctification flows from it—warning against reversing the two. Rather than striving harder, true sanctification is described as growing in dependence on Christ, even becoming more aware of one's need for grace. Ultimately, the conversation reframes sanctification as a lifelong process of being conformed to the image of Jesus, lived out in community and fueled entirely by God's grace. Follow GraceWalk Radio on X: @gracewalkradioDerek Levendusky is the Lead Pastor at Redeeming Hope in Clarksville, TN. www.redeeminghope.orgCaleb Berg is one of the Pastors at GraceLife Church in Avon, NY. www.gracelifeavon.com
In this compelling message, Pastor Sean Gleason explores what it truly means to pray, drawing from Matthew 6 and the Lord's Prayer. He unpacks how the foundation of a healthy prayer life is not about having the right words, the right volume, or the right spiritual mannerisms, it is about seeing God rightly as a good and holy Father. Pastor Sean challenges believers to stop performing in prayer and to start conversating with their Heavenly Father from a place of authentic relationship. Pastor Sean warns that the orphan spirit is one of the greatest hindrances to prayer, because when you view God as a harsh and distant master rather than a loving Father, you will either disengage from prayer altogether or use it to impress others. He calls the church to receive the spirit of adoption, because it is that spirit that causes you to cry out Abba Father and breaks every wall between you and God. This message challenges believers, and especially men, to step into the place of prayer daily, because a church that does not pray is a dead church and a family that does not pray is a dead family. Prayer is not separate from action, it is the ultimate action that bathes everything else in the power and presence of God. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Les and Nikki Cody or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com
How did God speak to you today?Pastor Paul Mints | 6.14.26Support the show
Date: June 14, 2026 Series: Summer of Psalms Text: Psalm 9 Title: Gratitude is Worship Speaker: Dr. Owen Nease, Lead Pastor
Caleb Schafer, Lead Pastor of Redeemer's Church, continues a series on the Fear of the Lord and how, when healthy, this quality can dramatically change our lives for the better. June 7th, 2026 | 6.7.26 Category: Legalism, Lawlessness, Evidence
ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc
Speaker: Dr. Justin Nalls, Lead Pastor
Message 5 in the series "Be Healed" Ronnie Phillips is the Lead Pastor at Abba's House in Chattanooga, TN and founder of Ronnie Phillips Ministries International. ronniephillips.org
This week we take a break from our series to hear a message from our Lead Pastor. Join us as we learn that the road is hard, but God is good and He is enough.
This is the first sermon in our new series on "Ruth – Accomplishing His purposes through ordinary lives" the title of this sermon is "The World of Ruth" – Steve Rossi is the Lead Pastor at The Gospel Tabernacle. June 14, 2026.
When the world feels chaotic, Psalm 2 reminds us that God is not worried, surprised, or dethroned. He is still reigning. This week we discuss how the rule of The King frees us from fear and offers true refuge in a world that constantly pushes back.Connect with us: @ascentchurchvaConnect with our Lead Pastor: @pastor.tlaneIf you've just made a decision for Christ, we'd love to celebrate with you. Please connect with us through our A-Card here: https://www.liinks.co/ascentchurch
Have you ever felt spiritually disconnected from God? In this message from Tell Me More About…, Pastor Aaron Pennington teaches on the fear of the Lord and why it matters for every follower of Jesus.The fear of the Lord is not about being scared of God. It is about living with deep honor, reverence, awe, and love for Him, where we fear being far from Him more than anything else. Through Scripture, Pastor Aaron shows how a healthy fear of the Lord leads us toward wisdom, holiness, repentance, surrender, and a deeper awareness of God's presence.Scripture References:James 4:8James 4:5-8Psalm 139:17-18Proverbs 9:10Hebrews 1:1-3Romans 2:4Matthew 11:282 Corinthians 7:1Hebrews 12:28-29Psalm 25:11-14
Speakers - Andy Klenke and Christina JacksonLead Pastor, and Connections and Women's Pastor
Faith Baptist Church in Hamilton, NJ. Lance Walker is the Lead Pastor. Visit us at www.fbcchurch.org
Lead Pastor, Tom Lanham continues our sermon series, "Acts— Empowered & Sent : Gospel Without Walls".
Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN Churchfront Podcast — Josh Kelsey | How AI Is Transforming Church Ministry Guest background: Josh Kelsey is the Lead Pastor of Vineyard Church in California. In this conversation, Josh shares how his church is actively using AI across nearly every department—from sermon preparation and curriculum creation to operations, worship ministry, and discipleship. He offers a practical vision for how church leaders can use AI to reclaim time, reduce burnout, and focus more deeply on shepherding people. Key Topics AI in the church: fear vs. opportunity Josh argues that many church leaders are approaching AI with unnecessary fear. While concerns around ethics and implementation are valid, he sees AI primarily as a tool—one that can dramatically increase effectiveness while freeing leaders to focus on ministry. He believes churches that embrace these tools thoughtfully will be able to pastor more effectively, not less. Why churches are historically slow to adopt technology Churches and nonprofits are often years behind the business world when it comes to adopting new technology. Josh believes AI is creating one of the largest technological shifts of our generation, and many church leaders risk missing opportunities simply because they haven't taken time to understand what's actually possible. Scaling ministry without losing community One of the most intriguing ideas discussed is whether AI can help churches scale without sacrificing the personal connection that often disappears as organizations grow. Instead of hiring more specialists for every operational challenge, churches may soon be able to use AI systems to maintain consistency, communication, and care at a much larger scale. AI as a team of specialists Rather than thinking of AI as a chatbot, Josh encourages leaders to think of it as an entire team of specialists available on demand. Administrative support, curriculum development, data analysis, planning, project management, and content creation can all be assisted by AI, allowing pastors to spend more time on teaching, discipleship, and relationships. The future of church software The conversation explores how tools like Planning Center, HubSpot, Notion, Logos, MultiTracks, and other church software platforms will likely become deeply integrated with AI through technologies like APIs and Model Context Protocol (MCP). Instead of manually moving information between platforms, leaders will increasingly interact with a single AI layer that understands and works across their entire ministry ecosystem. How Josh uses AI for sermon planning Josh shares his personal workflow for annual sermon planning and weekly sermon preparation. What once required multiple staff meetings and days of planning can now be completed in minutes. He uses AI to help organize ideas, structure teaching series, review theological themes, and accelerate sermon preparation while maintaining full ownership over theological convictions and final content. Using AI without losing your voice One of the biggest concerns among pastors is whether AI will replace authentic preaching. Josh argues that AI works best as a collaborator rather than a creator. By training AI on previous sermons, theological frameworks, and ministry values, leaders can use it to refine and organize their ideas while still maintaining their unique voice and convictions. Curriculum creation and discipleship workflows Vineyard uses AI extensively to create small group curriculum, discipleship resources, class materials, slide decks, teacher guides, and parent resources. Tools like NotebookLM help transform existing content into multiple formats, dramatically reducing preparation time while increasing consistency across ministries. AI-powered worship ministry Worship and production teams are also leveraging AI. Josh and his worship pastor discuss using tools like Suno to create custom music, countdown tracks, and ministry-specific content. They also explore future possibilities for creating custom stems, backing tracks, and other resources that could significantly reduce production workload. The ethics of AI and transparency Throughout the conversation, Josh emphasizes the importance of transparency. Leaders should be honest about where AI is assisting their work while recognizing that many forms of ministry have always involved collaboration, research assistance, editors, and support staff. The key is maintaining integrity while leveraging powerful new tools. A leveling of the playing field for small churches Perhaps the most exciting implication is what AI means for under-resourced churches. Pastors who lack staff, consultants, formal training, or large budgets can now access tools that help bridge those gaps. Josh believes AI may become one of the most powerful ministry equalizers the Church has ever seen. Notable tools mentioned • Claude • ChatGPT • Gemini • NotebookLM • Planning Center • HubSpot • Notion • Logos Bible Software • Suno • Zapier • MultiTracks • Google Workspace Key Quote "Imagine if you could free up 15 hours of your week to spend more time making sure the people in your church who are most forgotten actually get seen." • • • • • Disclaimer: This video and description contain affiliate links.
Artificial intelligence can generate outlines, summaries, illustrations, and sermon-like content in seconds. But should preachers use it? And if so, how?In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Mike Neglia hosts a live panel discussion with Bob Franquiz, Pilgrim Benham, Ryan Marr, and Alan Stoddard on AI, ChatGPT, pastoral integrity, and the future of sermon preparation.Rather than simply asking whether AI can save time, the panel presses into deeper questions. What happens to the preacher when the work of sermon preparation is delegated to a machine? Can technology glorify God, or can it train us to depend less on prayer, study, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit? Where might AI serve as a limited tool, and where does it become a dangerous substitute?Pilgrim Benham reflects on the moral weight of technology and warns against treating tools as spiritually neutral. Ryan Marr offers a thoughtful, contrarian perspective on the formative effects of AI in the life of the preacher. Bob Franquiz speaks to the limits of ChatGPT, reminding listeners that AI can generate words quickly, but it cannot pastor people, carry a burden, or replace the preacher's communion with God in the text. Mike Neglia also suggests a narrow and cautious way AI might be used after a sermon draft is mostly complete, as a tool for clarification rather than creation.The central concern of this conversation is not fear of technology, but faithfulness in ministry. Preachers are called to study, pray, think, shepherd, and proclaim. AI may assist with certain tasks, but it cannot replace the spiritual and pastoral work of preaching.This conversation was recorded at an Expositors Collective preacher training event in St Petersburg, Florida.As a sidebar, the panel also ends with discussion on mentoring relationships, spotting future leaders, "overpreparing" early in ministry, the value of reading while you are young, and the difficult question every preacher faces: how do you know when a sermon is actually done?Featured guestsBob Franquiz is the Founding and Senior Pastor of Calvary Fellowship in Miramar, Florida. He is the author of seven books, including Pull: Making Your Church Magnetic and Begin: First Steps for the Journey of Faith. Before entering pastoral ministry, Bob played guitar for the Christian hardcore band Strongarm, often regarded as one of the most influential Christian metal bands of its era. Prior to planting Calvary Fellowship, he served as an assistant pastor at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. Bob holds a Ph.D. in Bible Exposition from Liberty University and a master's degree in theological studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife, Carey, have been married since 1997 and have three children: Mia, Alexander, and Olivia.Pilgrim Benham has planted churches and pastored since 2002. He is the Dean of Students at Calvary Chapel Bible College, an instructor, and serves on the pastoral team at WestChurch in Bradenton, Florida. Pilgrim loves equipping the saints and also does sermon coaching when not enjoying Florida's beaches.Ryan Marr is the Lead Pastor of Calvary Chapel St Petersburg, where he has served in pastoral ministry since 2004. He holds an M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western Seminary, and brings years of experience in preaching, leadership, and local church ministry.Dr Alan Stoddard is the lead pastor of Imagine Church in Granbury, Texas, and is part of the Expositors Collective leadership team.AI and the Preacher's Calling - Dr Paul Hoffman : https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Fsx7d2iGUXh2oUcQOnyYG?si=9157ccf1a9144cac The Perils and Possibilities of ChatGPT - Nick Cady and Mike Neglia: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oTViQSw1a641dsMqfyMOO?si=6f3cc77c796d4174Connect:For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective
What shapes your life more than you realize? To kick off our Summer Setlist series, we're in Psalm 1, where we discover the difference between a life rooted in God's Word and a life tossed around by culture, our circles, and competing voices.Let's tune in and listen.Connect with us: @ascentchurchvaConnect with our Lead Pastor: @pastor.tlaneIf you've just made a decision for Christ, we'd love to celebrate with you. Please connect with us through our A-Card here: https://www.liinks.co/ascentchurch
Dr. Sam Storms believes God is healing and speaking today. And it's not just from his doctoral studies, it's from his own experience.He is is the founder of Enjoying God Ministries and Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. He is a widely published author and host of the Exploring Word and Spirit podcast.He holds a PhD in Intellectual History from the University of Texas at Dallas. Known for his blend of rigorous theology and charismatic ministry, he is the author of over 40 books.His work focuses on the integration of biblical authority and the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, making complex theological issues accessible for everyday believers.Watch The Born Again Identity with Fr. Gregory Pine on EWTN PLUSGo to shopremi.com/EXFILES and use code EXFILES at checkout for 50% off with Remi Club Subscribe & Save. Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code EXFILES at https://www.cowboycolostrum.com/EXFILESOllie. Feed the Obsession. Go to ollie.com/exfiles and use code exfiles to get 70% off your first box!Sign up for the vault at Exorcistfiles.supercast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.