Podcasts about local church

The church is alive and well in Ukraine despite the war. Today, the team in Ukraine shares an update! Our brothers and sisters still need a miracle, but their hope is fixed on Jesus, and the church is full of new believers. They could focus on their own safety or personal loss, but instead, their hearts are full of gratitude for what God is doing and for how many people are coming to know Jesus.

DateOctober 26, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we scratch the record on apathy and tune our ears to the Spirit's invitation to dream again. We confront the haunting script that “nothing matters” and pivot toward a defiant, embodied hope—where God restores what locusts devour and empowers all people to imagine and co-create a more just, beautiful world. Expect honest lament, bold re-imagining, and a summons to actionable faith that interrupts despair with possibility.About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Matthew 18:7-20

Pastor Josh Laryea; a preacher of the Gospel of the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.Kindly Listen to this edition of Grace PillsTitle: My Local Church and I (Ministry in the Local Church) | Giving A | Part 13C (LXXXVI) | Grace Pills | w/ Pastor Josh Laryea

Pastor Matt preached this message in October 2025 on the reasons why staying with and going deep in a local church is crucial for all believers. Sojourn is a church committed to the gospel in the context of family living on mission to the city of Portland and our world. For more info, visit our website, ⁠⁠sojournpdx.org,⁠⁠ or follow us on social media:@SojournPDX on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠

Rejoice, pray, give thanks, and never quench God's Spirit. Paul's closing words to the Thessalonians offer timeless principles for every believer. Rick Hughes unpacks four divine mandates that sustain spiritual stability—rejoicing in every circumstance, praying consistently, giving thanks in all things, and keeping the Holy Spirit's power active. These truths form the framework for peace, gratitude, and effectiveness in the Christian life based on thinking, not emotion. Download Transcript: https://rhem.pub/divine-order-84f39a

Katie Polski joins the podcast to discuss her book "Beyond the Back Row: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Local Church for Your Family." Kyle and Katie discuss stirring an affection for The Church among our children and teens. They talk about some of the reasons church attendance has declined in importance while also warning against it becoming a legalistic endeavor. Listen in to gain some great insight on the importance of The Church and how we can help our kids not only see the importance but also develop a love for The Church themselves.

When you stand for Truth, suffering may come with it. When that suffering meets you, will you stop standing for Truth? Will you let a “slap” silence you? We cannot allow others' opposition to keep us from boldly and clearly speaking Truth.

Pastor Josh Laryea; a preacher of the Gospel of the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.Kindly Listen to this edition of Grace PillsTitle: My Local Church and I (Ministry in the Local Church) | Part 13B (LXXXV) | Grace Pills | w/ Pastor Josh Laryea

DateOctober 19, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we confront the haunting fear that darkness will devour us. Through Jacob's midnight wrestling match with God, we discover that darkness isn't something to run from—it's a doorway to transformation. Wrestling with God in our darkest moments isn't a sign of faithlessness, but an invitation to experience divine presence and emerge changed, even if limping. Based on Genesis 32:22-31, with references to Barbara Brown Taylor's wisdom on sacred darkness and Kate Bowler's reflections on blessing through struggle.About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Special guest, John Easter shares the Word and his heart for the sending movement of world missions and the critical infrastructure of the local church. 

What if the secret to experiencing genuine joy and spiritual growth isn't found in isolation, but in something we often take for granted—deep commitment to our local church? This powerful message by Pastor Tommy Carr from 1 Peter 2 challenges us to see the church not as an event we attend, but as a spiritual community where we're being built together as 'living stones' with Christ as our cornerstone. The imagery is striking: just as individual coals lose their heat when separated from the fire, we cannot grow spiritually in isolation. We're reminded that the church, when functioning properly, is the hope of the world—an alternative community that demonstrates God's love through radical forgiveness, selfless service, and generous giving. The call here isn't just about showing up; it's about digging deep, bearing one another's burdens, and allowing our rough edges to be smoothed as we rub shoulders with fellow believers. When we commit deeply to Christian community, we discover something profound: we're not just consumers looking for the perfect spiritual experience, but covenant people called to be Christ's presence in a broken world. The question that echoes throughout is both convicting and inspiring—what would our church look like if every member was just like me in commitment, sacrifice, and love?

Ephesians 4:11-16 The church is designed to be a body made up of many members who build one another up into maturity and the fullness of Christ. We are also called to imitate others who are following Christ and disciple others in such a way that they also can disciple others.

In our continuing series ‘The Ordinary Path to Extraordinary Grace’ we discover a beautiful purpose of the local church; The Purpose of Discipleship. The church is not a building with a street address but rather the group of people who meet together to worship, learn, love and serve. All the ordinances and practices within the local church are part of the discipleship process. We are discipled so that we can disciple others.

The difference between being a church attender and a church member is commitment. Church is not about buildings but about people: people who are followers of Christ who join together to represent Christ in each locality. When the church began and grew rapidly in the first century, the newborn Christians immediately became part of a church family (Acts 2:41,46-47).  Something that we see in theses verse is that church was part of their daily lives and that the church community grew daily. Church was about constantly living together as a family rather than just pitching up for an event on one day a week. Church is God's great idea, not just for individuals to be saved in isolation, but to bring every believer into a united body that reflects His character and carries out His mission on earth. Church is what Jesus loved so much that He died that the church may live. Church is what Jesus promised to build through all generations and despite all forms of opposition and persecution (Matthew 16:18). We see some important points on why everybody needs to be an active member of a local church: 1. Being committed to the church is obeying the commands of scripture (Hebrews 10:25; John 13:35; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 1:22; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5; Romans 12:10; Romans 14:13; James 4:11; Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 4:32; Hebrews 3:13) 2. Being committed to being part the church shows that there is power in unity (Acts 2:1; Acts 4:32; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Psalm 133:1) 3. Being committed to the church will help you grow in your faith (Ephesians 4:12-13; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:4-8) 4. Being committed to the church will bring great conquest (Ephesians 3:10-11; Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 7:9; Ephesians 3:20-21) Apply  1. Being committed to the church is obeying the commands of scripture (Hebrews 10:25). This isn't just about attending services, it's about belonging and participating in a community where we encourage, serve, and grow together. The New Testament has many commands about how to treat one , another as fellow members of the church, i.e. “Love one another” (John 13:35); “Serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13); “Love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22); “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21); Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5); “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10); “Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13); “Do not slander one another” (James 4:11); “Be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2); “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32); “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). If you asked ChatGPT “If you were the devil what would you do to keep people away from Church?” it says:  - Encourage a constant “too busy” culture — work, kids' activities, side-projects — so skipping worship is normalised and feels responsible.  - Emphasise “I can pray/read at home — I don't need church” until community atrophy is normal.  - Amplify stories of hypocrisy, hurt, or abuse so people assume church always harms.  - Allow services to become routine, bland, or like an obligation—no discipleship, no engagement, just “attendance.”  - Promote entertainment, friendship networks, or causes that substitute for church belonging.  - Spread half-truths or relativism that dilute core gospel truths so church seems unnecessary or irrelevant.  - Make faith seem like a rules game — either you're perfect or you don't belong — causing people to avoid church rather than confess.  - Encourage small compromises that add up — one missed Sunday, then two, then a season — until leaving is easy So, then we all need to obey the many commands of Scripture about being part of the church.  2. Being committed to being part the church shows that there is power in unity. The Holy Spirit was poured out with great power on the Day of Pentecost when the disciples were all in one place (Acts 2:1; Acts 4:32). All this was an answer to the prayer of Jesus (John 17:20-23). We all have our part to play in keeping unity in the church at all levels and between all individuals and groups (1 Corinthians 1:10). When we each take responsibility to be part of the answer and not a creator of divisions, we will discover the power of unity (Psalm 133:1). 3. Being committed to the church will help you grow in your faith. We need to be built up in our faith and developed to be a fruitful disciple. The apostle Paul makes clear the work of God-called leaders (Ephesians 4:12-13). There are so many benefits of belonging to a church family as it helps you to: focus on God; face life problems with support; strength your faith; find your place to make a difference; fulfil your life mission; build the church. Every Christian has something to give to the church to help others (1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:4-8). Each believer has unique gifts that build up the rest. When you separate from the body, you lose both the strength of others and the opportunity to strengthen them.  4. Being committed to the church will bring great conquest. What we can achieve together is far more powerful than what we can achieve on our own (Ephesians 3:10-11). The Kingdom of darkness will be brought down when the church of Christ stands up in unity and Christ given authority. Being a committed part of the church is one of the greatest opportunities for us to live purpose driven lives together in local church families and to be part of a vast company of fellow followers of Christ around the world in each nation and locality. Together we can model and advance the Kingdom of God on earth. We can be confident that God is at work (Ephesians 5:27). One day Jesus is coming back for such a beautiful church. One day we will see in heaven what God has accomplished (Revelation 7:9). What a privilege it will be, to be with the church from all nations and generations in heaven. But equally it is a privilege, and a responsibility, to be part of the greatest society on earth (Ephesians 3:20-21).  

This episode's guest hails from Maranatha's inception. In fact, he met the Brothers of the Holy Cross who sold the campus to MBU. Dr. Bob Griffin reflects on the early days—transferring from Pillsbury, meeting his wife (plus how a bowl of melted ice cream landed in his lap), and the quandary of what to do after graduation. Bob defines his mission as willingness to be a servant, and host Dr. Matt Davis prompts him to explain how the Lord employs desires, preparation, and counsel to direct His will. Bob mentions his US Navy chaplaincy that ended before it began and how an inner-city boy pastored a rural church with 13 members, six of whom died within a year. They discuss unexpected opportunities to advance his education, how the Lord sustained when Bob's wife developed a terminal condition. Bob recounts poignant financial extremities and how the Lord surprised them, how his wife's illness triggered new pursuits, and now how the Lord allows continued opportunities to serve despite a stroke. A servant has no will, Bob states. Humility is key, which results in peace.

Sermon Title: Reasons to Be More Involved in Local Church MinistrySpeaker: Ptr. Vher SaballaDate: February 15, 2023Service: Midweek Prayer Meeting ServiceIlocano Preaching

False Belief: If we were really living right—how Jesus wants us to live—then we wouldn't have enemies.The truth is, we can't deny that we have opposition. But Jesus told us to love our enemies. Loving them does not mean embracing their ideologies or helping them carry out their mission. You love them by being kind, treating them as humans made in the image of God, and speaking truth in a way that never compromises it.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on the challenge of being content in Christ, the sixth of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 6:2-21 and Jeremiah 2:12-13.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on Christlike character as the goal of the disciple's life as the fifth of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 3-4.

Brian Davis various Video - entire service

DateOctober 12, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we confront the haunting narrative of isolation and loneliness plaguing our modern world. Pastor Meg Greto challenges the "pandemic of loneliness" by diving into Jeremiah's powerful letter to the exiles, revealing God's unexpected prescription for healing: plant gardens, build community, and seek the shalom (complete peace and flourishing) of the place where you are. Through practical actions and deep connection to both land and neighbor, we discover that God's story always calls us from isolation into beloved community. Scripture references: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7.About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Rooted Community Church First Birthday CelebrationGrace Point Church and Rooted Community church came together to celebrate Rooted's first birthday. As part of the celebration we presented a large gift to a new church plant: The Local Church in Overland Park, KS. May we always be kingdom-building, Christ-minded churches. 

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on having a posture of prayer as the fourth of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat.Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 1-2; Acts 1:13-14; 2:42; 6:4; 19:13-20; Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4; and Philippians 4:4-7.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on the difference between living from a foundation of fear versus a foundation of love as the third of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Corinthians 5:14; John 13:34-35; 14:2; 15:1-13; and 1 John 4:8, 16, 18-19.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on the disciple's motto—that Jesus has come into the world to save sinners, "of whom I am the chief"—for the second of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 1:1, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; and Isaiah 6.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on the definition of a true disciple for the first of six talks at Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Matthew 4:19; 28:18-20.

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the importance of self-examination. They explore how self-examination is not merely a self-focused endeavor but a process that involves God and others. The conversation highlights the benefits of self-examination, including personal growth, awareness of one's weaknesses, and the recognition of God's grace. They also address common pitfalls, such as self-shaming and misguided approaches, and emphasize the need to also look for the good as part of the biblical self-examination process. Mentioned in this episode: Registration for courses is now open for the January 2026 term! This term we'll be offering Helping Relationships with Ed Welch, Scripture for Life & Ministry with Aaron Sironi, and Counseling in the Local Church with Michael Gembola. If you're looking for an opportunity for personal growth along with training to better serve those around you, we want to invite you to join us. You can learn more at ccef.org/school.

In this conversation, Joby Martin discusses the crisis of manhood in today's society and the importance of defining biblical masculinity. He emphasizes the need for men to take responsibility in their families, churches, and communities, and the role of humility in leadership. The discussion also covers the significance of being watchful, setting guardrails against temptation, and the power of community support in overcoming struggles. Joby encourages men to find purpose and adventure in their lives while maintaining accountability and confession as essential practices for growth and healing.   COME TO OUR DEEP CLEAN RETREAT (8 SPOTS ONLY)   Join Deep Clean Inner Circle - The Brotherhood You Neeed (+ get coached by Sathiya) For Less Than $2/day   Know More About Pr. Joby:  Click here to access Joby's website   Chapters:  (00:00) The Crisis of Manhood (03:08) Defining Biblical Masculinity (05:59) The Call to Be Watchful (08:54) Taking Responsibility as Men (11:53) Serving in the Local Church (14:58) Struggling with Sin and Accountability (18:01) The Role of Pride in Manhood (21:00) The Importance of Humility (23:44) Guardrails Against Temptation (26:43) The Pathway of Integrity (31:10) Navigating Temptation and Entertainment Choices (34:12) The Importance of Love and Patience in Relationships (37:41) Engagement and the Call to Marry Quickly (38:38) Provider, Protector, and Pursuing Purpose (43:57) Finding Adventure and Healthy Outlets (48:52) The Role of Community and Accountability (51:12) Walking in Humility and Divine Enablement

DateOctober 5, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, the first of our Scary Stories sermon series, we confront the haunting narrative that "might makes right" and discover a profound alternative: God's power is made perfect in weakness. Through the ancient prophet Habakkuk's honest laments and patient waiting, we learn that true strength isn't found in domination or self-reliance, but in admitting our need for God. When we embrace our human limitations instead of denying, distracting, or deflecting from them, we tap into a divine power that transforms both us and the world around us.ReferencesScripture: Habbakuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

This week Dr. John Warlow, a friend of Sarah and Nick's, shares his heartfelt insights on spiritual connection, soul care, and the journey towards holistic health, drawing from his personal experiences and biblical frameworks. You can find out more about Dr. Warlow's work at https://www.livingwholeness.org.If you would like to reach out or know more about Jesus, please visit curatechurch.com or email hello@curatechurch.com. We'd love to connect and help you in your journey of faith.

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig discusses the significance of joining a local church rather than merely attending. He emphasizes the accountability, community, and spiritual growth that come from being an active member of a church. The conversation explores the biblical basis for church membership, the role of the church in a believer's life, and practical reasons for committing to a local church. Thompson encourages listeners to engage deeply with their church community, highlighting that church is not just a building but a gathering of believers committed to worship, service, and mutual support.TakeawaysYou should join a church for the accountability it brings.Your excuses for not joining a church do not stand up to scripture.The church is made up of people, not a building.The church should regularly gather for worship.Joining a church doesn't save you, but helps you grow spiritually.We can accomplish more together than we could alone.We expose false gospels by showing true love to one another.It's not just about you; you have something to give to the church.The church is the bride of Christ, and we should honor it.You need to find a church to join, not just attend.Sound Bites“We can accomplish more together than alone.”“We expose false gospels by showing true love.”“The church is the bride of Christ.”Chapters00:00The Importance of Church Membership11:14Understanding the Biblical Basis for Church Membership20:36Reasons to Join a Local Church

This is our final week of previewing studies Media Gratiae has produced through the years. If you have been through Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically, or Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty, you have seen Jordan Thomas. He contributed to the interview segments of those two studies. When we started producing smaller studies, we knew we wanted Jordan to make one. We approached him and asked for a topic or passage he felt was needed in today's church. He unhesitatingly answered that a study on treasuring Christ corporately would be the topic of his choosing. The resulting study is Christ Our Treasure: Enjoying the Preeminence of Jesus in the Local Church. Jordan wanted to create this study based on the belief that many Christians in our modern, individualistic culture have lost their grasp on the value of the local church. Through this eight-week study, he aims to teach congregations —the local expressions of Christ's bride —how to treasure Christ as a body. As with our other studies, Christ Our Treasure consists of video sermons and a workbook. The workbook is the heart of this study. To learn more about the study, follow the links below: Show Notes: Christ Our Treasure: Enjoying the Preeminence of Jesus in the Local Church https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/christ-our-treasure The Nature and Practice of True-Hearted Discipleship https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/true-hearted-discipleship Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-media-gratiae-online-course Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty Workbook https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-workbook

Pastor Jose Zayas pastors a church in Portland, OR, but he has a strong calling on his life for evangelism. Today we talk about how to equip the local church to reach people for Jesus. We talk about creating a culture of evangelism in the church by encouraging members to share their faith and inviting people into their homes for discussion and connection. We also talk about Pastor Jose's process for putting together an evangelistic sermon.

In a culture that is rife with divisions, the Christian church needs to learn when and how to be unified. Danny and Phil present the unifying foundation of the Bible, and the functional unity of each believer using his or her spiritual gifts to build up the body.Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon#Unityinthebody #whatarespiritualgifts #discoveringmygifts #standingfortruth #Spiritualgiftinginthechurch #spiritualgiftsindailylife #exercisinggiftsforchurch #giftassessmentandtheology #spiritualgiftsandChristianmaturity#podcast #vlog#bible#assuredbygrace #nbbc

Delve into this episode as host Dr. Matt Davis and MBU graduate Jonathan Gilliam chat about a range of topics from cross-country running to marriage, from Jonathan's current camp staff responsibilities to God's calling. Tapping into his recent graduation, they address his college expectations and what aspects prepared him for life. Jonathan appreciates his extension involvement in a small church and highlights his internship, which challenged him to devote time daily in silent reflection. When Dr. Davis asks, “What would you tell your younger self as a student, if you had the chance,” Jonathan thoughtful responds, “How to interact with suffering.” Diagnosed with Chron's disease as a teen and having had potentially fatal complications from it, he judiciously comments that he would not mourn those difficulties or seek immediate release because, he concludes, trials are often the means of growth and sanctification.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by JT English, the lead pastor of Storyline Church. We discuss the significance of discipleship in the local church, the concept of deep discipleship, and the importance of holistic growth in Christian education. Our discussion emphasizes the need for local churches to implement effective discipleship strategies and provides resources for pastors to strengthen their initiatives. Resources in this episode: Deep Discipleship by J.T. English - https://a.co/d/8yc34Gq We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

Fire your bow. This is not a time to sit back and be a spectator. Be intentional. Engage. Study so you can understand the questions being asked and answer them from a biblically principled, sound worldview. Charlie Kirk said, “Courage is easy; it's just saying yes.” Say yes, and let courage rise in your spirit.

DateSeptember 28, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we reimagine salvation not as a fear-driven, one-and-done transaction but as God's healing and wholeness breaking into real life—personal and communal, present and active. We move from private assurance to public restoration, learning to “work out” salvation together through justice, mercy, and everyday mending. Where the world feels frayed, we become agents of repair, embodying Jesus' pattern of healing, belonging, and restitution—here and now. Scripture: Luke 18:42; Mark 5:34; Luke 19:8–9; Philippians 2:12–13.About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast, Hank answers the following questions:In Deuteronomy 14:28-29, God instructs the people on what to do with the tithe at the end of every three years. Why don't churches today follow this practice? Kim - Rural Hall, NC (3:09)Who was Melchizedek? Antonio - Bakersfield, CA (5:22)Is meeting the Lord in the air from 1 Thessalonians 4:17 meant to be understood metaphorically, or literally? Mark - Baltimore, MD (7:31)What do you believe the last day will look like? Will there be a rapture? Nick - St. Louis, MO (15:10)What is your opinion of the Local Church and Witness Lee? Nick - St. Louis, MO (19:16)Are fallen angels and demons the same thing? If not, where do demons come from? Rick - Meriden, CT (21:08)Is the Mark of the Beast literal? Sarah - Omaha, NE (22:39)

This week is all about the Local Church and the foundational documents that define our covenant with one another.