Podcasts about missional

Learn how mastering your anxiety with simple, God-given tools like deep breathing can transform your leadership in the moments that matter most.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Audrey Davidheiser in Ep. 284, How to Respond Thoughtfully Instead of Reacting:"If you feel anxious or rushed or concerned or fearful, deep breaths. Because taking deep breaths from the belly is just a natural way that God has instilled in our brain, that it just kind of resets the nervous system and it allows ourselves to come back up online."THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Leaders reset their nervous system by taking deep, belly breaths when feeling anxious or stressed.Leaders make wiser decisions when they calm themselves before responding to difficult situations.Leaders enhance their effectiveness by admitting their own anxiety instead of denying it.Leaders move from reactive anger to thoughtful action by recognizing when they are emotionally “activated.”Leaders cultivate calm as a leadership skill to better focus on their mission and serve others.Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Because Christ has come, you should set your hope in Him.Advent Series Description: Advent is the season of the year when Christians reflect upon the coming of Jesus. Our Savior's lowly incarnation & birth at Christmastime was the fulfillment of prophetic hopes the Scriptures had been sounding for centuries. In this series, we explore four key prophetic passages that reveal Christ and point to the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.To begin the Advent season, we consider the prophecy of Isaiah 40:1-11, a passage that encourages us to set our hope on Christ. Because Christ has come, you should set your hope in Him.

Pastor Ellis White

Wonder Project Trial Here: https://watch.thewonderproject.com/Ruslan0:00 - Intro5:01 - Processing public criticism and owning past mistakes10:01 - The shift from pulpit to platform in Christian influence15:01 - Influence, calling, and church vs. digital ministry20:01 - The slow unraveling: small decisions and hidden struggles25:01 - Addiction, honesty, and the power of community30:01 - Lust, identity, and deeper conversations in the church35:01 - Being in culture but not of it: Hillsong's approach40:01 - Preaching style, clarity, and explaining Christian language45:01 - Cultural confusion and clarifying theology in the church50:01 - Addressing abortion publicly and the tension of clarity55:01 - Political shifts, BLM, and navigating ideological changes1:00:01 - Complexity of activism and getting pulled by extremes1:05:01 - Pastoral pressure vs. public commentary platforms1:10:00 - Clarifying discernment vs. gossip in Christian media1:15:04 - Ruslan's shift from commentary to conversations1:20:00 - Reflections on thumbnails, clickbait, and platform responsibility1:25:00 - Reaching out to Transformation Church and Mike Todd1:30:00 - Mega churches, criticism, and the complexity of church size1:35:00 - Losing close friendships and processing heartbreak1:40:00 - Making amends and living a life of repentance1:45:00 - Pastoral qualification, disqualification, and accountability1:50:00 - Critiquing assumptions about mega churches and small church superiority1:55:00 - Revival, discipleship, and church size nuance2:00:00 - Different roles and preferences in the body of Christ2:05:00 - Missional use of basketball and NYC ministry strategy2:10:00 - Evangelism, presence, and the power of listening2:15:00 - What God is doing through media and new Christian voices2:20:00 - Final thoughts on redemption, unity, and moving forward

Heeding warnings is a pathway to wisdom.From the earliest moments of childhood, warnings play a vital role in developing maturity and wisdom. While warnings might not feel good in the moment, we instinctively understand their importance. In this sermon, we examine three warnings Jesus offers as he concludes the Sermon on the Mount.

Pastor Ellis White

For the last 40 years or so Miles Galla-Rini has been a believer. But he wasn't always committed to a walk in Christ. In this one-on-one conversation he recounts his various struggles with drugs and despair and purposelessness, and then how Jesus Christ turned his life around. But it wasn't a one-time deliverance, a once-and-done crisis event. Following Jesus, for Miles, was and is a daily commitment. Today he runs his roofing company in So Cal and uses it as an avenue for missional engagement. Oh, and we also talk about spiritual gifts and their operations. Come and think with us about a personal pursuit of Jesus.

Learn how breaking out of your comfort zone and embracing new perspectives can transform your leadership and help dismantle bias in your church.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Erin Devers in Ep. 282, The Cost of Bias in the Church:“One of the strategies for reducing bias is to go bigger, to widen your perspective.”THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:People tend to hold onto their biases because they find comfort and safety in the familiar.Leaders confuse discomfort with genuine danger, which prevents them from widening their perspectives.Leaders can intentionally broaden their outlook by seeking out diverse voices and saying yes to experiences that feel scary.Leaders maintain vibrancy and effectiveness by practicing humility and curiosity rather than clinging to expertise.Interacting with people from different backgrounds energizes leaders and equips them to lead change more confidently.Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Acts 1:1-14 - World Changers  |  Series: Beyond 2025 |  Vance Pitman, Guest Speaker |  Preached 11-16-25 10:45am   Tag: Beyond, Mission, Mission Trip, Pray, Give, Go, Servant, Serve, Community, Globe, Global, Ministry, Missional, Church Plant, Send, Pray, World, Planter

Acts 1:1-14 - World Changers  |  Series: Beyond 2025 |  Vance Pitman, Guest Speaker |  Preached 11-16-25 10:45am   Tag: Beyond, Mission, Mission Trip, Pray, Give, Go, Servant, Serve, Community, Globe, Global, Ministry, Missional, Church Plant, Send, Pray, World, Planter

Christian maturity is a journey, not a destination.Every human being recognizes at some level that life is a journey full of ups and downs. Yet we're prone to seek out quick fixes and easy solutions. In this sermon, we explore Jesus's teaching that discipleship is a long, slow journey from pride to humility; from fear to faith, and from apathy to love.

Join lead pastor, Terry Ishee as he leads our 2025 missional greenhouse.

Guest Speaker: Caleb Bagdanov

Jonah 1:1-3 Theme: God desires and will bring about the salvation of people from all the tribes and nations 1) Know that God is a missional God 2) Participate in the mission of God

Jews for Jesus helps Jewish people come to know Jesus, the Jewish Messiah. What's fascinating is how Jews for Jesus has not only remained committed to that mission of sharing the hope of the Jewish Messiah, but has also adapted as the world around it has changed. As ministry leaders, we face the tension between time-honored tradition and the need for fresh approaches—and the story of Jews for Jesus offers some compelling lessons in adaptive leadership.In this episode, Aaron Abramson, CEO of Jews for Jesus and author of Mission Design, shares how Jews for Jesus has reimagined its strategies for sharing the gospel, as well as how leaders can cultivate a posture of learning and flexibility without compromising core convictions.  THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Jews for Jesus began as a movement to share the gospel with Jewish people, focusing on presenting the message in accessible and relevant ways.Aaron Abramson clarifies that believing in Jesus as the Messiah does not require abandoning Jewish identity.The earliest followers of Jesus were Jewish, and the concept of Gentiles joining Jesus was initially controversial in the early church.Markus Watson asks Aaron Abramson to share his own journey of faith and what led him to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.Religious and cultural barriers often make it challenging for Jewish people to consider faith in Jesus.Jews for Jesus historically used bold street evangelism, including handing out creative broadsides and literature on college campuses.Aaron Abramson observes that the primary strategy for evangelism shifted as cultural contexts and modes of communication changed.The rise of digital communication made traditional street evangelism less effective for connecting with Jewish people.Aaron Abramson describes pivoting to a process of empathetic listening and learning from the communities he was trying to reach.Teams at Jews for Jesus began to adopt audience-centric communication, tailoring their approach for different Jewish communities and subgroups.Aaron Abramson explains the development of new outreach models, such as setting up coffee shops and arts ministries as relational spaces.Ministry teams use design thinking, prototyping, and iteration to refine new strategies and measure their impact.Changing methodologies and staying adaptive allow Jews for Jesus to remain effective in reaching diverse Jewish audiences.Markus Watson highlights the importance of continually learning and adapting, affirming that keeping a posture of learning leads to meaningful change.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Jews for Jesus website“So Be It” Youtube channelBooks mentioned:Mission Design, by Aaron AbramasonCenter Church, by Tim KellerRelated episodes:187: Tackling Adaptive Challenges in Church Leadership, with Angie Ward264: Building a Future-Focused Church, with Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Raymond ChSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Get Becoming Leaders of Shalom for free HERE.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

1 Timothy 6:17–19 - How to “Be Rich”  |  Series: Beyond 2025 |  Sam Holm, Lead Pastor  |  Preached 11-09-25 10:45am   Tag: Beyond, Mission, Mission Trip, Pray, Give, Go, Servant, Serve, Community, Globe, Global, Ministry, Missional, Steward, Stewardship, Tithe, Give, Giving, Sacrifice, Wisdom, Money

Mission Sunday is a recalibration. It's an opportunity for our church family to remember what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. In this message, Pastor Jordan uses the great commission in Matthew 28 to remind us that true discipleship is missional.

Ao estarmos centrados no Evangelho, alegramo-nos não com o crescimento numérico de uma determinada igreja local, mas com o avanço do Evangelho em todo o mundo. Neste fim de semana, nos alegramos imensamente em receber pastores e plantadores de diversas cidades do Brasil e em ver o que Deus está fazendo não apenas em nossa igreja local, mas em Sua Igreja em nossa nação. Foram três dias intensos de muita comunhão e edificação. Fomos ministrados pelos pastores Cristiano Gaspar, Filipe Niel, Igor Miguel e Thiago Guerra sobre a natureza, a vida e a vocação da Igreja. Nossa oração é para que o Senhor continue equipando os santos para o cumprimento do Seu bom propósito, fortalecendo-os e encorajando-os. Que nossas igrejas continuem sendo para a glória de Deus, para os interesses de Cristo, para a edificação da Igreja e para o bem de todo o mundo. Visite nosso site: http://familiadosquecreem.com Compre nossos livros e produtos: http://familiadosquecreem.com/loja Contribua financeiramente: http://familiadosquecreem.com.br/contribuir Ouça nossas músicas: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6aPdiaGuHcyDVGzvZV4LHy Siga-nos no Instagram: http://instagram.com/familiadosquecreem Curta-nos no Facebook: http://facebook.com/familiadosquecreem Siga-nos no Twitter: http://twitter.com/familiadqc

1 Timothy 6:17–19 - How to “Be Rich”  |  Series: Beyond 2025 |  Sam Holm, Lead Pastor  |  Preached 11-09-25 10:45am   Tag: Beyond, Mission, Mission Trip, Pray, Give, Go, Servant, Serve, Community, Globe, Global, Ministry, Missional, Steward, Stewardship, Tithe, Give, Giving, Sacrifice, Wisdom, Money

Your heart follows what you treasure.Worry and anxiety seem to mark our cultural moment. Yet when we truly understand the character of the Father in heaven, worry is abated. That's what Jesus wants his hearers to understand. In this sermon, guest preacher Dr. Jonathan Pennington explores Jesus' teaching on treasure, worry, and why we can rest in the Father's good care.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Explore how real transformation in spiritual leadership begins with listening deeply to your community and letting curiosity—not certainty—shape your mission.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Shannon Kiser in Ep. 280, Empowering Leaders for Creative Mission:“Fresh expressions always start with listening and being attentive to who God is putting on your heart.”THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Leaders cultivate fresh expressions of church by listening deeply to their communities.Adaptive leadership emerges when leaders prioritize curiosity about people over quick solutions.Experiments in ministry prompt learning rather than simply measuring success or failure.New missional creativity grows out of attentive relationships, not just innovative ideas.Leaders empower others by embracing humility and care before offering expertise or vision.Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Why does God allow pain and suffering? It's one of the most frequently asked questions about God and one that keeps many from choosing to follow Him. Unfortunately, the Bible doesn't offer clear and concise answers to every question we have about suffering. Suffering is unpredictable, messy, and deeply personal. The good news is that Scripture offers us stories of real people who live through suffering and still draw near to God despite not having all their questions answered. Acts 27 is one of those stories. After years of trials and suffering , Paul finds himself in the middle of a violent storm as he sails to Rome. Through Paul's experience and example, we uncover some profound truths that will help us to live well in the midst of suffering in our own lives.

November 4, 2025 Covenantal Missional Life and Family Matthew 28:18-20; Genesis 22:15-18 Dan Iverson Tuesday AM Men's Bible Study Series: The God of Promise—Covenant Theology from Genesis to Revelation

Mission Sunday is a recalibration. It's an opportunity for our church family to remember what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. In this message, Pastor Jordan uses the great commission in Matthew 28 to remind us that true discipleship is missional.

You must kill your need to be seen.Every human being is born with the God-given desire to be seen. The problem is that this desire is easily distorted. We often want others to notice us for the wrong reasons: self-centered approval, building a reputation, or being seen as better than others. In this sermon, we explore how, through Christ, we receive what we long for — to be deeply seen and deeply loved by the Father.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

John didn't try to convince anyone about Jesus — he just pointed and said, “Look, the Lamb of God.”In a world full of noise, opinions, and endless content about faith, we can forget that Jesus never called people to arguetheir way to belief. He simply invited them to experience Him.When the disciples asked where He was staying, Jesus said, “Come, and you will see.” That invitation still stands today. It's not about collecting more sermons, podcasts, or hot takes — it's about living a life that shows people who He is.Missional living means embodying the message, not just repeating it. It's learning how to point others toward the presence of Jesus in our everyday lives — through how we love, serve, and respond.Because people don't just need another explanation about God — they need an encounter with Him.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 In the second hour, Kerby will speak with Greg Jao about the upcoming InterVarsity conference Urbana 25. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking for just the Highlights? Follow us on Spotify at Point of View Highlights and get weekly highlights […]

You were meant to live a life of ethical beauty. Jesus shows us how.How should I live? It's one of the most important questions in life. Every human being is a moral creature; the problem is that we don't all agree on morality. But what if there was an objective moral standard that's true in all times and places? That's exactly what Scripture gives us - and it's exactly what our conscience needs. In this sermon, we explore how faith in Jesus makes it possible to live a life of ethical beauty.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Speaker: Jason Malone

Speaker: Charlie Boyd

Speaker: Jason Malone

Speaker: Charlie Boyd

Speaker: Jason Malone

Jeff Harrison

At North Park Baptist Church, we are, and we aspire to be, a church that fulfills its mission to share the gospel with others so that they might be reconciled with God. In today's message, Pastor Phil teaches us on 2 Corinthians 5:11-20, and our mission of reconciliation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Faith Baptist Church in Hamilton, NJ. Pastor Lance Walker is the Senior Pastor. Visit us at www.fbcchurch.org

Discover why leading in today's church means listening deeply to people's questions, griefs, and dreams—before ever stepping into the pulpit.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Mark Glanville in Ep. 278, Preaching in Today's Post-Christian World:"People are walking to church now, not with the Bible under their arm, but with complex and genuine questions, with hopes, with dreams, with griefs on their heart, sometimes with a complex relationship with the Bible itself.”THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Church leaders face the complexity of guiding people who bring diverse backgrounds, questions, hopes, dreams, and griefs.Pastoral leaders prioritize listening to the congregation before offering teaching or guidance.Leaders shape sermons and leadership approaches by engaging deeply with people's real-life experiences and struggles.Adaptive leadership requires creating community among people who differ in their spiritual journeys and relationships with scripture.Effective preaching and leadership begin with meaningful relationships and conversations, not just expertise or information delivery.Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

The good life is found on the narrow way. “All men seek happiness.” So said the French philosopher Blaise Pascal. Every human being has a longing for satisfaction, fulfillment, wholeness. What does Jesus have to say about happiness? In this sermon, we explore how Jesus's words in the Sermon on the Mount reveal the path to genuine happiness and flourishing.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Thanks for joining us in week 3 of our Missions Month series. Stay Connected: Website: https://www.lstones.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lstoneschurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lstoneschurch

As ministry leaders, we often imagine that building trust is the ultimate goal—once we have it, the road to transformation should be clear. But what happens when trust alone isn't enough? The truth is, trust is only the starting point. Moving beyond it requires us to invest our trust in ways that actually make change possible, even when it means taking risks and facing loss together.In this episode, Tod Bolsinger, author of Invest in Transformation: Quit Relying on Trust, shares why trust is essential but insufficient for transformative leadership, how we can begin to discern our congregation's unique calling, and what it takes to wisely invest trust as we guide people through the challenges of adaptive change.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Tod Bolsinger asserts that there is no transformation without trust.Leadership requires energizing a community toward its own transformation for the sake of a shared mission.People will not trust a leader to guide them through difficult change if they don't trust them with current, familiar responsibilities.Leaders build trust through both trustworthy character and technical competence.Relational congruence means consistently showing up as the same person in all relationships, reinforcing trust.Even leaders of good character need to be experienced by others as trustworthy in daily interactions.Technical competence in areas such as scripture, soul care, and organizational skills is non-negotiable for pastoral leaders.Trust is the bank account that leaders must invest (and spend) when leading adaptive or transformational change.When transformation is pursued, trust levels may decrease as change creates uncertainty and resistance.Tod Bolsinger notes that maintaining trust means not squandering it on trivial matters, but instead strategically investing it in real transformation.The process of transformation begins with clarifying a congregation's unique charism—its distinctive gift to the broader community.Charism emerges from actual values and stories, not from aspirational wish lists or debates about what a church “should” be.Discerning a congregation's charism requires telling stories about the times they were most proud of the church.Identifying a congregation's charism is followed by asking how it can address the pain points of the community, thus connecting internal giftedness with external needs.Transformation always involves loss, and truly adaptive change means some may leave, but new vibrancy and alignment with mission can develop as a result.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Church Leadership InstituteBooks mentioned:Invest in Transformation: Quit Relying on Trust, by Tod BolsingerRelated episodes:230. The Power of an 8-word Mission Statement, with Tod Bolsinger264. Building a Future-Focused Church, with Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Raymond Chang272. Beyond Church Revitalization, with Josh HaydenSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Get Becoming Leaders of Shalom for free HERE.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Because the kingdom of heaven is at hand, you should drop everything and follow Jesus.Every human being is a follower of someone or something. At the end of Matthew 4, Jesus announces that the kingdom of heaven is near and calls his first disciples to follow him. In this sermon, we examine what it means to drop everything and follow Jesus in light of the kingdom of heaven.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Nathan Raynor

Summary In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, John and Jesse host Rev. Pam Carter, Wanda Musgrave and Rev. Wayner Dickert who discuss the complex realities of Haiti, the legacy of Dr. Maklin Eugene, and the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. They share personal stories of connection, resilience, and the ongoing challenges faced by the Haitian people. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building relationships, learning from failures, and continuing the work that Dr. Eugene started, even in his absence. The guests reflect on their experiences in Haiti, the joy found in the communities, and the hope for the future as they honor Dr. Eugene's legacy. Dr. Eugene Maklin: A Tireless Healer, Visionary Leader, and Beloved Friend Partners 4 Hope

Bryan Stecker shares his journey from business to ministry, why the Lutheran voice matters online, and how the sacraments and entrepreneurial spirit can shape the future of the church. Plus, how do we stay both confessional and missional as a church body. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Today's episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.Thanks to this week's sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.For only $40 a month, you can help change a child's life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we're using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.Bryan Stecker's ChallengeAdd one spiritual discipline into your weekly rhythm. It could be prayer, fasting, or something else. Start small, be consistent, and see how God uses it to shape your discipleship.Are You Following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don't know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it's free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.Resources Mentioned in the Episode · Red Letter Living resources · On The Line Podcast: https://ontheline.net · Lutheran Institute of Theology: https://lutheraninstitute.org · The Lutheran Confessions (Small Catechism, Large Catechism, Formula of Concord) · Jordan Peterson · Bishop Robert Barron · Pints with Aquinas · Byran Wolfmueller · Voices of the LCMS VideosSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Learn how transformational leaders can unlock real change by listening deeply to their neighborhoods—before making big plans for the future.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Josh Hayden in Ep. 272, Beyond Church Revitalization."Remissioning leaders have to do the steady work of exegeting the neighborhood, and doing the exegesis work of the church before they make big plans about what success or flourishing looks like for our church or our neighbors."THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Remissioning leaders exegete both their neighborhoods and their churches before making big plans for success or flourishing.Leaders develop a deep understanding of their community by listening, observing, and engaging with the local context.Churches resist imposing ideas by prioritizing understanding over assumptions when entering a neighborhood.Teams uncover the unique strengths and pain points of their neighborhoods by spending devoted time within them.Faith communities help neighborhoods flourish when they build connections and respond to local needs in the name of Jesus.Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Because Jesus resisted temptation, you can too.Temptation isn't a religious thing; it's a human thing. Every human being recognizes that there are things they are tempted by. But what's the solution? In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus himself is tempted, yet he fully resists. In this sermon, we explore the fact that because Jesus resisted temptation, you can too.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

October 5, 2025

Three LCMS pastors,Tim Niekerk, Scott Giger, and Brad Hubbard, share how their congregations are growing amid Synod decline, why confessional and missional belong together, and how to raise more leaders without losing our Lutheran soul. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Today's episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.Thanks to this week's sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.For only $40 a month, you can help change a child's life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we're using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.The LCN Pastors' Challenge (this week)· Encourage a church worker who needs it (text/call someone today).· Keep the main thing the main thing: lead with love, preach Christ, meet people where they are.· Know your community: identify one tangible need outside your walls and serve it in Jesus' name.Are You Following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don't know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it's free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.Watch the Entire Season on YouTube We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.Resources Mentioned in the Episode · Salem Lutheran Church (Tomball, TX) — Tim Niekerk · Cornerstone Lutheran Church (Central Indiana) — Scott Giger · St. Lorenz Lutheran Church (Frankenmuth, MI) — Brad Hubbard · LCMS Youth Gathering (New Orleans) · Best Practices Heartland Conference · Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix · King of Kings (Omaha, NE) · “Voices of the LCMS” VideosSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In previous eras, people fought and died for their views of baptism. But in our era, it's often seen as a religious ritual that has little practical significance. In Matthew 3, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, demonstrating that he has come to identify with sinful humanity. In this sermon, we explore the significance of Jesus' baptism and how, in Christian baptism, the Christian receives the gift of the Spirit, the intercession of the Son, and the loving voice of the Father.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.