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DateAugust 24, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore how handwritten letters—from a principal's encouraging notes to students to the Apostle Paul's letters to early Christians—remind us of our true identity and purpose. Through Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we discover a profound truth: we are God's accomplishment (poiēma), masterpieces created not by our own achievements but through divine grace. This identity frees us to participate in God's work of mending what's broken in our world, one faithful act at a time. Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10.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.
I sit down with Dave Mills for a second conversation to explore how the Founder's Table Network is reconnecting entrepreneurs and local churches through creative dinners and discipleship. Hear how business breakthroughs, baptisms, and fresh Kingdom innovation are sparking when entrepreneurs feel truly seen and valued.You'll also hear Dave's reflections on engaging Gen Z, navigating the rise of AI with wisdom, and embracing faith like a child as we experiment with God's assignments. This conversation is an inspiring look at what's possible when the marketplace and the church move together in step with Holy Spirit.Mentioned in the Episode:Founders Table Network: https://www.founderstablenetwork.org/Grace Under Pressure: https://shaebynes.com/gupbook
Starting with validating the individual missionary candidate's missionary call through hands-on oversight and observation, the church equips him or her to be sent. Character, convictions, and proven competencies to do the work of a missionary are worked out in the laboratory of local church ministry. The local church helps identify the field, the missions agency partner, and other supporting churches and individuals. The local church leads in shepherding the missionary in every aspect of their life and ministry on the field. The church also helps re-entry and reintegration to life "back home" when the missionary returns from the field. Seven characteristics of a good sending church conclude this episode.
Listen to the archived services of Community Baptist Temple in Akron, OH
Podcast listeners may recognize the voice of this episode's guest—Jim Schneider, executive director of VCY America and host of Crosstalk, a nationwide live call-in program examining issues of concern for Christians. After a brief glimpse at the global scope of his organization, he and host Dr. Matt Davis share common experiences and the challenges of call-in programs. They examine how VCY's mission statement guides program choices, and Jim quotes a principle he once heard: What we won them with, we have won them to. Thus, the desired goal directs decisions. He candidly states that VCY is not entertainment, though it has elements of it, which naturally leads them to discuss VCY's music standards. Jim explains their parameters: music that is theologically correct with “no contradiction between words and rhythm; “music that moves the heart;” traditional, sacred music. Nonetheless, both men acknowledge that change is inevitable, that there must be a balance with change, and that it helps ministries “hold the line” when others do the same.
Have you ever struggled with ways to improve your missions ministry? In this episode, the team discusses ways to build your churches missions program. Missions isn't just an optional program but very heartbeat of the church's calling to fulfill the Great Commission. Viewing missions support as an eternal investment rather than an expense, they encourage churches to integrate missions awareness into preaching, teaching, and regular congregational life.
Today we continued a series from the archives–If we don't process the “stuff” from people and keep our hearts soft, then we aren't really operating out of the flow of the Holy Spirit. Scripture directs us in how to keep our heart pure with other people. Bear with one another. Forgive each other, just as the Lord forgave us. Put on love, the perfect bond of unity.
Join us each Sunday for services at 8:30 or 11AM. We broadcast our 11AM service on Facebook and Youtube under West Mobile Baptist Church.
DateAugust 17, 2025SynopsisIn this service, we witnessed The Local Church officially becoming a United Methodist congregation through a powerful chartering ceremony. Bishop Connie Shelton illuminated how God's creative work continues through local communities, reminding us that we are all "co-creators" with the Divine in bringing healing and wholeness to our neighborhoods. The service celebrated both the formal constitution and the confirmation of seven young people, embodying the church's core message that everyone belongs and is beloved. From Genesis 1:1-5 to Ezekiel 17:22-24, scripture grounded this celebration of new beginnings and inclusive community.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.
Catalyst Church NWA Pastor Nate Sweeney (Lead Pastor)
These conversations took place at our Juneteenth Crawl this year. The first part is an interview with Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier and Rev. Dr. Katie Sundermeier of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta sharing how their church is involved in justice work. Then, Dr. Debbie Stevens, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, shares about the integral work of mental health especially for the BIPOC community. We hope these conversations remind you that there is hope and there is help! Even now, there is justice work happening in local contexts all around. Join in the conversation on our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn to let us know your thoughts on this episode!Executive Producer - Latasha MorrisonProducer - Sarah ConnatserLinks:Become a Donor of Be the BridgeConnect with Be the Bridge:Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramBTB YouTubeJoin the online community BTB ConnectConnect with Latasha Morrison:FacebookInstagramNot all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.
We shouldn't expect significant growth in Christian maturity if we're only growing alone. Today, R.C. Sproul stresses the importance of being actively involved in a local Christian church. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/are-you-a-member-of-a-local-church/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Today we pulled an episode from the archives–Forgiveness is not intellectual. It is an opening of our spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to wash through us and out to others the same forgiveness that we so desperately depend on. One of the greatest things that has to happen in leaders is the ability to maintain a clean heart by really forgiving people and releasing them from their offenses.
DateAugust 10, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we wrestle with that universal ache of unfinished business—from summer bucket lists to life's deeper longings. Drawing from personal experience and the ancient wisdom of Hebrews 11, we discover something liberating: faith isn't about checking off every box, but about trusting God in the midst of our incompleteness. Through the story of Abraham and Sarah, we learn that the divine often shows up not in our achievements, but in life's ordinary, unpolished moments—transforming our "undone" into holy ground where grace and humanity meet. (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16)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.
In this sermon, Pastor Philip gives a biblical vision for discipleship ministry at Harvest Plains Church, showing how discipleship is meant to be a group project (Eph. 4:11-16), a way of life (Deut. 6:4-9; Acts 2:42-47), and an imitation game (Titus 2:1-6). We hope you enjoyed this sermon! To learn more about our ministry, you can visit us at the Harvest Plains website.Harvest Plains Church is a small church plant located in Mapleton, North Dakota. Our heart is to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our local communities, and to build disciples with Bible-centered preaching. If you're near Mapleton or the Fargo/Moorhead area, we'd love to have you join us!
A teaching on how to raise disciples and start a cell in your community and in your house. You are called not only to preach the gospel but also to disciple men for the growth of the kingdom.
Pastor Jack emphasizes that being actively involved in a local church—through serving, giving, and prioritizing God over work and worldly concerns—is essential to spiritual growth, divine promotion, and fulfilling God's purpose.
The Patriarchy Podcast | The Great Commission or the Great Guilt Trip? How to Do Missions Without Destroying Your Family Are you a real Christian if you haven’t sold your house, moved overseas, and blogged about orphans from a hammock? In this episode, Pastor Joseph Spurgeon sits down with Alex Kocman (ABWE) to talk missions—real missions. Not the kind that wrecks homes and shames ordinary men, but the kind that builds families, churches, and nations. They expose the guilt-driven radicalism of modern missions and offer a biblically grounded, manly alternative.
Guest Ian Ferguson returns for his second visit to the podcast, accompanied this time by business partner Glenn Aldridge of CoSurge CPAs, a firm that provides audit leadership for other CPA businesses nationwide. Host Dr. Matt Davis steers their discussion through narration of their firm's merger and determination of core values (succinctly stated in an acronym for Surge), posing such questions as what could undermine the ethics of leadership, how they ethically balance client interests, and what makes their work worthwhile. Both men affirm that “stewardship is about more than resources.” They explain their superior model of work-life balance which sets them apart and how collaboration is possible despite 100% remote interaction through a virtual central office. Most importantly, they stress that they aren't focused on being the biggest CPA firm, but on taking care of their families. “We want to equip our people to do what God has called them to do whether it's accounting or something else,” says Mr. Aldridge, a perspective which Dr. Davis asserts is “exactly what Maranatha is all about.”
Today we continued a series from the archives–How much pressure should you allow a hand to put on your bow? How much pressure are you allowing the hand of money, sex, recognition, and success to put on your bow? Those hands really do mark us.
In this powerful episode of The Directed Life, Mattie Montgomery, former lead singer of the band For Today and now pastor, evangelist, and mentor to cultural leaders shares his wild journey from the mosh pit to the pulpit. He tells jaw-dropping stories of leading Satanists to Jesus, preaching in demonic strongholds, and planting a church that wages war through love, truth, and obedience. Mattie unpacks the real meaning of ecclesia, why many churches have lost their authority, and how the local church is God's weapon to dismantle darkness. It's more than a conversation, it's a call to war.
Pastor Jack teaches that God designed the church not just as a place to attend, but as a vital, spiritual community where believers grow, serve, and worship together—emphasizing that being part of a local church is essential to fulfilling our calling, developing our faith, and living out the Christian life in unity with others.
Today, we are pleased to share an audio essay written and read by Megan Hill entitled "7 Tips to Help Introverts Connect at Church." Megan Hill serves as the managing editor for the Gospel Coalition. She is also the author of 'A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church' from Crossway. Read the essay here. Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!
Our spiritual development cannot thrive apart from our involvement in the local church. Unfortunately, other commitments often compete for many families time these days. In this episode from the archives, Carole and Pastor Dean Inserra discuss why active participation in a church community is crucial—not only for your children's godly development but for the health of the entire family.In this episode, you'll hear about:Ways to encourage your children to be in a youth groupHow we can support and encourage our pastorsTips for picking a church that fits your familyThe detriments to “unchurched spirituality”RESOURCES+Build Your Family's Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Try CTCMath-Half Price DiscountUnplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children Bundle
In this episode, Ekkie and Nathaniel discuss why every believer should love the local church and gathering with the saints on the Lord's day.------------------------------------------------------------Would you consider supporting our ministry at just $1 a month?Copy and Paste the URL:https://buy.stripe.com/5kQfZh7Zu9329JJel27IY00Email us at:truthbeknownpodcast@gmail.comYouTubehandle: @truthbeknownpodcastThis podcast is a theologically driven, gospel-centered program serving the body of Christ by bringing biblical truth boldly, candidly, and unapologetically to bear on various doctrines as well as current issues relevant to Christian life today.
Today we pulled an episode from the archives–A bow and an arrow work together as one. They are two pieces that make up one instrument. A bow is just a wall ornament unless you have an arrow to go with it. An arrow must be sharp. An arrow must be straight. An arrow must be aimed. We are arrows in the hands of a warrior. Whose hand is on your bow?
As you listen to this message, we pray it will feed your faith, and encourage you to trust God with all your heart.
As you listen to this message, we pray it will feed your faith, and encourage you to trust God with all your heart.
In this episode, Ekkie and Nathaniel discuss why every believer should love the local church and gathering with the saints on the Lord's day.------------------------------------------------------------Would you consider supporting our ministry at just $1 a month?Copy and Paste the URL:https://buy.stripe.com/5kQfZh7Zu9329JJel27IY00Email us at:truthbeknownpodcast@gmail.comYouTubehandle: @truthbeknownpodcastThis podcast is a theologically driven, gospel-centered program serving the body of Christ by bringing biblical truth boldly, candidly, and unapologetically to bear on various doctrines as well as current issues relevant to Christian life today.
7/27/25 Series: The Bible TogetherPart 7: The Gospel and the Local Church [Acts 2:14-47]Speaker: Phillip SantillanClarity Church gathers every Sunday at 10:00am at Edinbrook Elementary School in Brooklyn Park, MN
Pastor Cham shares on how impartation received can be maximised for the local church.
One of the most essential places for your spiritual growth is the local church. Outside of your home, the local church is the dearest place on earth for a believer because it's where God's people gather to worship, grow, and serve together. The church is not a building but a body of believers, whether it's two gathered for fellowship or two thousand in an auditorium. Read, Watch, Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/day-16-teen-devotion-your-local-church/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.
Matt Mann, missionary to Botswana and now South Africa, shares how God has been growing his church in Africa. Matt shares the power of the local church and how powerful it is when the local church is on mission with God.
When the majority of your meetings are spontaneous or as needed, something else besides you is driving the vision. Today we dove far back into the archives to the first series we did called The Art of the Meeting. Many leaders make fatal errors or don't act quickly because they are simply operating on old information. Who you are meeting with is important. Do that on purpose every time. If you stay in contact with all the different soils in your church, you will hit water every time.
Rajeev Tiwari, Director of Student Ministries at The Local Church, preaches a sermon on what sabbath is and how we can enter into it.
Send us a textJoin us as we dive deeper into what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. In light of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, we'll explore what a disciple looks like and how being discipled can transform every part of your life.
Today we dove far back into the archives to the first series we did called The Art of the Meeting. When we take the time to set the atmosphere, it tells people that they are important and have been invited to something important. Comfortable chairs and favorable lighting can make all the difference in people's ability to receive and engage in a meeting. Preparing questions ahead of time to promote engagement and discussion is a must during preparation. And ending with clear action items helps people know what is happening next and that the time together was valuable.
Today we dove far back into the archives to the first series we did called The Art of the Meeting. Bible experts suggest that Jesus spent 73% of His time with small groups in strategic situations. Who are you meeting with, how often are you meeting, why do you meet, and what is your meeting culture. The answers to those questions are critical to the forward momentum of your church vision.
The Importance of Leadership in the Local Church
In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the hosts discuss their experiences at Hope Bible Church in Oakville, Ontario and their participation in a biblical counseling conference. They are joined by Nathan Penny, Pastor of Soul Care Ministries at Hope Bible Church. The conversation revolves around the development and expansion of the biblical counseling movement in Canada, the current state of biblical counseling across Canadian provinces, and the importance of training and equipping leaders to create a sustainable care framework within churches. Nathan highlights the unique challenges and successes of implementing a biblical counseling culture in a large church and underscores the importance of teamwork, including the pivotal role of women in the ministry. The episode also touches on the broader vision of the Biblical Counseling Coalition in Canada to ensure local access to biblical care and counseling and the importance of personal health and fitness for ministry effectiveness.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:41 Guest Introduction: Nathan Penny00:48 Biblical Counseling Movement in Canada03:24 Challenges and Isolation in Counseling05:04 Conference and Resource Sharing06:26 Equipping and Training at Hope Bible Church09:40 Addressing Counseling Needs and Reevaluation12:59 Creating a Culture of Care in the Church14:00 Empowering Women in Ministry14:40 The Power of Teamwork in Counseling16:15 Training Together for Effective Ministry18:19 Starting a Counseling Process19:49 Vision for Biblical Counseling in Canada25:07 The Importance of Health and Fitness for Ministry Leaders27:23 Trusting God with Our Insufficiencies28:46 Final Thoughts and GratitudeEpisode MentionsHope Bible Church Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition Equipped to Counsel Curriculum
A mark of maturity is being more disciplined and governed by what you believe than by what you feel. We need emotions, but we can't be emotionally driven. Feelings are real, but they're also temporary—and they can compromise good decisions. People who haven't developed their faith often let their feelings shape their beliefs. But those who operate in a spirit of faith are consistent in not allowing their emotions to lead them.
This week, Jason and Shelby are joined by worship leader and songwriter Bekah (White) Williams, the voice behind powerful worship anthems like "Rest On Us" and "Make Room."From touring with Green Day and opening for Fergie, to laying it all down and finding her place in the local church, Bekah shares her raw, redemptive journey of faith. She opens up about how discovering whose she was in Christ unlocked her holy roar in worship—and changed everything.This is a story of surrender, purpose, and the power of identity in Jesus. If you need inspiration, clarity, or just a reminder that God can use every part of your story, this episode is for you.
Jonathan Griffiths is pastor of Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, Canada and leads Encounter the Truth, a media ministry that broadcasts on radio and podcasts across the U.S. and Canada. In his recent book, Gathered for Good: God's Good Design for the Local Church, he addresses the need for in-person gathering with empathy and authority, and encourages believers to commit to their local church community as a way to deepen their spiritual growth. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content at patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices