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Audio Transcript How are we this morning? Excellent. All right. It's my privilege to bring the word to you this morning, so let's get into it. Recently I read a story about a young man who never wanted to be a soldier. He had no visions of fame or ambitions of glory. When his father announced that he'd secured him an appointment to West Point, the boy protested. He wanted to be a farmer or perhaps work the river trade. But his father was not a man to be argued with, and so the 17 year old boarded a coach east. Sick with dread, he got off to a rough start. Through a clerical error, his name was copied incorrectly and it would stick permanently. He hated the academy. He finished 21st of 39 cadets, distinguished only in horsemanship and mathematics. The Mexican War found him a reluctant quartermaster, competent, but unnoticed afterward posted to lonely garrisons on the Pacific coast. Far from his wife Julia and the children he barely knew, he began to drink. In 1854, facing either court martial or resignation over his drinking, he resigned his commission in disgrace and went home with empty pockets. What followed were the worst years of his life. He tried farming on land his father in law gave him outside St. Louis, and the crops failed. He hauled firewood through the city streets in a worn army overcoat, occasionally passing former West Point classmates who looked away embarrassment. He pawned his gold watch one Christmas to buy presents for his children. He tried bill collecting and was terrible at it. He tried real estate and failed at that, too. By 1860, at 38 years old, he was working at a clerk in his younger brother's leather goods store in Galena, Illinois, earning $800 a year. He was a man whose life, by every visible measure, had failed. Then Fort Sumter fell. The quiet clerk who couldn't sell harnesses turned out to understand something that most West Point polished generals did not. The war was not about elegant maneuvers or reputation, but about pressing forward relentlessly, accepting losses and refusing to stop. Donaldson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, the Wilderness, Appomattox. The failures had taught him things that successful men never learned. What it was to be underestimated, to be written off, to keep moving even when the odds looked long. The boy who didn't want to be a soldier, the the lieutenant who resigned in shame, the farmer who failed, and his brother's store. Hiram Ulysses Grant, or as the West Point Clerk mistakenly wrote, U.S. grant, ended the war as General of the armies, the man who had saved the Union and later President of the United States. It turned out that the long road had been the training. Weeks before his death, Grant wrote the preface to his personal memoirs, saying, man proposes and God disposes. There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice. Most of us at some point will know what it is to be in our own wilderness. We will know what it is to wait, to wait through years that seem to lead nowhere, to feel forgotten by God, to look out at a landscape that gives no sign that he is at work. And we will be tempted in those years to conclude that nothing is happening, that God has misplaced us, that our life is being spent in vain. This morning, as we come to a passage in the Book of Exodus that speaks directly into that experience. It is the story of 40 silent years in the life of Moses and 400 silent years in the life of Israel. It is the story of a God who appears to all human eyes to be doing nothing. And it is the story of how, beneath that silence, he was doing everything. So if you would with me open your Bibles, please, to the Book of Exodus. And this morning we're going to finish chapter two, verses 11 to 25. One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, why do you strike your companion? He answered, who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and thought, surely the thing is known. When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well. Now, the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. The shepherds came and drove them away. But Moses stood up and saved them and watered their flock. When he came home to their father, Reuel, he said, how is it that you have come home so soon today? They said, an Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and even drew water for us and watered the flock. He said to his daughters, then where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man. And he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. She gave birth to a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he Said I have been a sojourner in a foreign land. During those many days. The king of Egypt died and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God, and God heard their groaning. And God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel and God knew. Let's pray. Father. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts this morning be acceptable in your presence. Lord, I pray, after my words are long forgotten, that your word would be remembered. Jesus name. Amen. Exodus is an epic of God's love and redemption of his people. Every scene reads like an action novel. The baby in the basket, the burning bush, the plagues, the angel of death. The parting of the Red Sea, the thunder and lightning around Mount Sinai, the covenant with the Almighty. Before we dive into our text, we must read Exodus rightly. We have to read it Christologically, that is, in relation to Jesus Christ, who is our perfect sacrifice, who saved us out of our bondage to sin and delivered us into a right relationship with God. When Jesus appeared to his disciples on the road to emmaus in Luke 24:27 Records beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. If Jesus started with Moses when describing himself, perhaps we can also we also read it historically. Scholars debate whether the Exodus took place around 1446 BC or around 1260. Good evidence exists for both dates and ancient Israel did not work with an absolute calendar the way we do. But what matters for us this morning is not the precise year, but the fact that it is history, not myth. The renowned Old Testament scholar Nahum Sarna observed that no nation would invent for itself and then faithfully transmit for thousands of years an inglorious origin story of slavery, grumbling and and idolatry. Israel did not flatter itself into existence. This happened. Exodus 2:11 to 25 sits at 1 of the great hinge moments of redemptive history. The book opens with the sons of Jacob settling in Egypt under the protection of Joseph. But there arose a new king over Egypt who did not know Joseph. What begins as refuge becomes bonding. Hebrews multiplied, and Pharaoh, fearing them, enslaved them and decreed that every male child be cast into the Nile. Into that decree Moses is born. Wes laid out for us last week that Moses mother hides him, his sister watches over him, and then Pharaoh's daughter draws him out of the water. He grows up in the palace, Stephen tells us in Acts 7:22 that he was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in his words and deeds. And that is where our passage begins. The structure that we will use this morning breaks down into four movements. Verses 11 to 14 Moses takes matters into his own hands. Verses 15 to 17 Moses flees and is shaped at a well. 18:22 Moses is welcomed and becomes a sojourner. 23 To 25 While Moses tends sheep, Israel groans and God acts. Start with 11 to 14. Moses has grown. Now the infant in the basket has become a man in Pharaoh's court, raised as Egyptian royalty. How much did he know about his true background growing up? Wes mentioned last week that Moses mother was allowed to nurse him. So did they still have a relationship? Certainly possible. There are so many unanswered questions. Did he live with a divided heart for years? Did he spend endless nights pleading with Pharaoh? Was he embarrassed by his background and didn't want to believe it? We have no idea. What we do know is that he was raised to be a prince of Egypt. But by the time he was 40, he knew exactly who he was and who his brothers and sisters truly were. Were. One day he goes out to his brothers, the Hebrews, and he looks on their burdens. And what he sees he cannot unsee. An Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own. He looks this way and that, and when he sees no one watching, he strikes. Strikes the Egyptian down and buries him in the sand. Now this raises a nagging question for me. If Moses was a member of Pharaoh's household in the royal family, so to speak, why would he have feared killing someone? Wouldn't a royal be able to kill a lowly Egyptian taskmaster with little to no reprisal? This goes into the historical context at the time. Exodus 1:8 says, now there arose a new king over Egypt who did not know Joseph. Commentators note that this likely indicates a dynastic change. A new royal house with no political or familial loyalty to the previous regime. In fact, during either time period, you believe royal houses at that time were very politically unstable, with different factions having different claims to the crown. The princess who had adopted him was almost certainly aging or dead. And the reigning pharaoh would have viewed an adopted Hebrew with suspicion, not affection. And the man Moses killed was not a slave. He was an Egyptian official, a representative of Pharaoh's economic and political authority. This is crucial. In ancient Egypt, killing a Hebrew slave was something an Egyptian could do with little consequence. But a member of the royal household killing one of Pharaoh's taskmasters. This probably would not have looked so much like murder. It would have looked like the potential beginning of an insurrection. The next day, Moses goes out and this time he finds two Hebrews fighting each other. He steps in to make peace, and the man in the wrong rounds on him with words that must have cut deeply. Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill us as you killed the Egyptian? And Moses is afraid. The secret is out. Beneath these interactions is something deeper that the New Testament helps us understand. The writer of Hebrews tells us this whole episode began in faith. By faith. Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the Reward. That's Hebrews 11:24-26. When Moses walked out of the palace, he was not slumming, he was choosing. He looked at the gold of Egypt on the one hand and the suffering of God's people in the other. And he chose the suffering. That is faith. So what went wrong? Well, it can be summed up in the next phrase. He looked this way. That a long line of preachers have lingered over those words and noticed what was missing. As Chuck Swindoll says, he looked east, he looked west, he looked over his shoulder, but he didn't look up, did he? He looked in both directions horizontally, but he left the vertical completely out of it. Moses was a man with a true call, but a glance still fixed on the ground. Here is the heart of the problem. Moses tried to bring about by his own hand what God had promised to bring about by his covenant. The deliverer was right, the cause was right, the method was wrong, and the time was not yet. And the proof is what he is in what he does next. He hides the body in the sand, as if sand could keep a secret from God. Within a day, the rumor was loose. Within a week, Pharaoh wants him dead. Three things to take from these opening verses. First, a true call from God does not exempt a man from from the discipline of God's timing. Moses had the right cause and the right collar. But he ran ahead. And it will take 40 years in the desert to refine him. Second, hidden sin is a poor investment. Sand is a thin grave. What God means to expose, no man can keep buried. Third, there is mercy for those with juvenile or immature faith. John Calvin's pastoral word on this passage is really helpful. Even the obedience of the saints, stained as it is by sin, is still sometimes acceptable to God through his mercy. So Moses runs, but God was not finished with him. He was only beginning verses 15 through 17. Verse 15 begins with collapse. However noble Moses motives may have been, when he took matters into his own hands, he was outside the will of God. And yet God still had a plan for him. This is one of the great promises of Scripture. God uses sinners for his glory. It's the only kind he has to work with. When you read the heroes of the faith, they read a lot more like a Alcoholics Anonymous meeting than a catalog of superheroes. I can almost see them in a church basement, sitting in a circle on folding chairs, sipping bad coffee, introducing themselves. Hi, I'm Abraham and I'm a liar who pimped out my wife. Hi, I'm Jacob. I'm a deceiver and I'm a thief. How? Hi, I'm Samson and I'm a lust addicted vow breaker. Hi, I'm David. I'm an adulterer and a murderer. Hi, I'm Jonah and I'm a racist runaway. Hi, I'm Peter and I'm a coward who denied my Savior. Hi, I'm Moses and I'm a murderer. When Janet and I lived in Atlanta, we had a pastor who was fond of saying that God doesn't look for ability, he looks for availability. God uses broken people because it's his strength, it's his wisdom, it's his power, and it's for his glory. God would be using Moses, but he had some seasoning yet to experience. Verse 15. When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. There's no firm consensus on where exactly Midian was, but the traditional and most widely accepted location is in northwest Arabia, east of the Gulf of Agapa, in what is now northwestern Saudi Arabia. The Midianites appear to have been a semi nomadic people, so Midian may refer to an area where the tribe ranged rather than a specific location. Calvin, commenting here, sees in Moses flight not cowardice, but the sovereign hand of God, breaking a man down before he builds him up. Calvin's instinct is that the Lord put his servant through a long banishment precisely so that he would learn humility and dependence, because the work for which he was designed was greater than human strength could compass. 40 Years of palace training had to be matched by 40 years of desert undoing. Augustine, in a different connection, spoke of being in the region of unlikeness that far country, where the soul learns who it is by losing what it had. Moses, sitting by that well is in the region of unlikeness. Verse 15 ends noting that Moses, obviously exhausted, sat down by a well. One of the beauties of Scripture is the inclusion of what so often to us seems like pointless details. But wells, as it turns out, is an important location in the Bible, specifically, if you are looking for a wife. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant meets Rebekah, Isaac's future wife, at a well. In Genesis 29, Jacob meets Rachel at a well. This time, who is Moses going to meet? Verses 16 and 17. Now, the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up to save them and watered their flock. Moses is once again faced with injustice. Has he learned anything? A group of young women have come to the well to draw water, and a group of shepherds is going to give them a hard time. Moses, again courageously rises to their defense. Already we see clues that he is learning from his past mistakes. The text does not record that he killed the shepherds, and not only that he served the young women by watering their flock. For the first time, he was learning what it was to be a deliverer. He stands firm for what is just and begins to practice true leadership, which is born out of service. It would have been unthinkable at the time for a man to perform a menial task for women. But Moses stooped to serve. And by learning to serve, he was learning to lead. For all God's leaders are servants. He, in time, the one who is the true and better. Moses would himself kneel and wash 12 pairs of dirty feet and tell his disciples that whoever wants to be great must be a servant of all. Service is always one of the first courses in God's leadership training. Anyone who aspires to spiritual leadership, especially in the church, should begin by finding a place of humble service. If you travel to my alma mater, Wheaton College, one of the most striking little buildings on campus is the Marion E. Wade center, which houses the largest collection of C.S. Lewis writings in the world. Its namesake, Marian Wade, was an American businessman and founder of the large company Servicemaster. Wade was a man of deep faith who established a tradition called six weeks on the front lines. Every future executive at the company would spend six weeks scrubbing floors on hands and knees, doing the work of those they would later lead. Wade believed that those who refused to serve had no business leading. One of the other blessings of servant leadership is that when kids watch authentic service from their parents, it has a tendency to be passed down through the generations. The other founder of Service Master was a gentleman by the name of Ken Hanson. Ken's son, Walter Hanson, when he grew up, would move to Cleveland. He started a little church in his living room. And it grew, and it grew to about a thousand. In 10 years, the church would grow into what is now called Parkside Church. And if that name rings a bell, it would be because it's the church that Alistair Begg just retired from. It's amazing how these things pass down. Moses is being molded. Though he must feel lost and alone, God is right there, directing the most salient detail, refining his champion. God creates this dress rehearsal. The stage is a backwater. Well, the cast is seven anonymous girls, but the script is the same script that would one day be played out at the Red Sea. This is how God so often works. CS Lewis, in his collected letters, wrote that the great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's own or real life. The truth is, of course, that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life, the life God is sending one day by day, Moses thought his real life had ended at the border of Egypt. In fact, his real life was just beginning in Midian. There are seasons of our lives where it seems to have been derailed, where the calling we thought we had has collapsed and we find ourselves sitting by a well in some unfamiliar place. The temptation is to read those seasons as God's absence. But this text invites us to read them as God's curriculum. The God who is going to deliver Israel is at this very moment teaching his deliverer how to stand up for seven helpless women at a watering trough. Nothing in your wilderness is wasted. Turn to verses 18 to 22. The daughters return home and their father called Ruel here or Jethro elsewhere, most likely the same man. So don't get confused. Very common at the time for there to be multiple names for somebody. And he asked why they're early, and they say, an Egyptian delivered us. It's a quietly ironic line. Moses has gone out to deliver Hebrews and was rejected as a meddling Egyptian. He flees to Midian and is received as a generous Egyptian. The man cannot escape his identity, and yet his identity is not what God will make of it. Ruel rebukes his daughters for leaving the man unhosted. Call him that. He may eat bread and Moses is brought in. Verse 21 simply says Moses was content to dwell with the man. The Hebrew verb here ya all carries the sense of consenting, of being willing, even of resigning oneself. Moses is not striving anymore. He has come to the end of his striving. He sits down and he stays. The Book of Acts tells us that 40 years passed between Moses flight to Midian and his encounter with God at the burning bush. D.L. Moody is often quoted as saying Moses spent 40 years in Egypt learning to be something. 40 Years in the desert learning to be nothing. And 40 years in the wilderness proving God to be everything. Philip Reichen notes that whenever we are tempted to grow impatient with God's timetable for our lives, we should remember Moses, who spent two years of preparation for every year of ministry. Zipporah is given to Moses as a wife and a son is born. Moses names him Gershom new meaning I have become an alien in a foreign land. The name comes from the Hebrew verb garash, which means to drive out or expel. It may refer to Moses own experience of being driven out of Egypt. It also sounds like the Hebrew words ger and sham, which is a pun that means an alien there. Every time Moses speaks his son's name, he confesses that he does not belong. Midian is not home. Egypt is not home. He is a man between worlds. The Puritans loved this theme of sojourning. John Owen described the believer as a stranger and a pilgrim traveling through a country not his own, with his heart fixed on a city whose builder and maker is God. Jonathan Edwards preached a famous sermon called the Christian Pilgrim, in which he said that the true Christian travels on through this world as a wayfaring man and looks not upon any of the enjoyments of this world as his own. GK Chesterton, with his usual paradox, put it this way. How can we contrive to be at once astonished at the world and and yet at home in it? The answer of Scripture is that we cannot. Not fully, not yet. We are pilgrims. Gershom is the name of every saint. But notice Moses, sojourning is not a punishment, it is a preparation. RC Sproul emphasized that the entire 40 year sojourn in Midian was God's way of thinking. Moses for leadership, a man trained only in Pharaoh's court could not lead Israel through Pharaoh's wilderness. But a man who had himself become a shepherd of sheep in that very wilderness could one day shepherd God's people through it. The geography of Midian is the geography of the Exodus. Route. The skills Moses learned watering Reuel's flock are the skills he would use leading Israel's flock. God was not killing time. God was forging an instrument. And Moses doesn't know he names his son after his displacement. He doesn't name him soon to be deliverer or heir of promise. He names him Sojourner. The man cannot see what God is doing. Alistair Begg has spoken movingly of how God's people are very often in the dark about the brightness of God's plan for them. Moses is in the dark, but the brightness is gathering. If you are a Christian, you are a Gershom. You are a sojourner in a foreign land. The disquiet you feel, the restlessness, the sense that this world is not home is not a defect of your discipleship. It is a feature of it. CS Lewis spoke of this often when he talked about the pilgrim longing in Mere Christianity. He wrote, if we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world. The long ordinary years in which it seems nothing of eternal weight is happening to you are very likely the years in which God is doing his deepest work. Verses 23 and 20 through 25. And now the camera pulls back, just like in a movie. We get a break from the action in Midian and the screen flashes. Meanwhile, back in Egypt. Verse 23. During those many days, the king of Egypt died and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. 40 Years have passed. A Pharaoh has died, another has come. Nothing has changed for Israel. They are still in chains. Bricks still must be made, whips still fall. And from those brick fields raises a sound. The text uses the strongest words in Hebrew for it. A groaning, a crying, a shrieking that goes up out of the dust. Where does the cry go? To all human eyes, the cry goes nowhere. Pharaoh doesn't hear it. The Egyptians don't hear it. Moses doesn't hear it. And then come four of the most precious verbs in the Old Testament. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God, and God heard their groaning. And God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel, and God knew. God heard. God remembered. God saw. God knew. John Piper has called these four verbs the Gospel before the Gospel, the announcement hundreds of years before Bethlehem that the God of heaven is not a deistic clock maker, but a covenant father who hears the groaning of his enslaved children. Each verb carries a war world. God heard, not merely overheard, the Hebrew implies attentive, responsive, hearing the cry that no human ear answered, the cry that seemed to die in the air over the Egyptian sky. The cry arrived at the throne of heaven. The silence of God is never the deafness of God. When his people cry, he hears with the ears of a father. God remembered. This does not mean that God had forgotten and now recalled. To remember in the covenantal sense is to act upon a prior commitment. When Scripture says God remembered Noah, the next thing is that the waters subside. When it says he remembered Hannah, the next thing is that she conceives. When it says he remembered his covenant with Abraham, the next thing is the Exodus. God's remembrance is the prelude to his deliverance, the covenant he made 400 years before. I will be a God to you and to your offspring after you has not faded. He was about to honor it. God saw. The verb is the same verb used in Genesis 1. And God saw that it was good. It is the verb of attentive, evaluating, sight. He saw the bruises, he saw the broken backs. He saw the widows, the unburied babies. There is no suffering of his people that is hidden from him. The Scottish divine Samuel Rutherford, writing from his imprisonment in Aberdeen, often returned to the image of God as the watchman over Israel, who never slumbers, whose people's tears are gathered in heaven long before they fall to the ground. God sees and God knew. Interestingly, the verb stands alone in the Hebrew. There is no object God knew. Some translations may supply one. God knew their condition, but the Hebrew leaves it bare. Why? Perhaps because what God knows here is larger than any object can contain. He knows their pain, he knows their bondage, he knows their names, and he knows what he is about to do. Jonathan Edwards taught that every act of God in history is the unfolding of a purpose conceived before time began. God knew. While Moses sits in Midian thinking he had been forgotten, and while Israel cries in Egypt, thinking that they have been forgotten, neither has been forgotten. God is doing two things at once. In Midian, he is shaping his deliverer. In Egypt, he is hearing their cries. The two threads are converging towards a burning bush in the next chapter. But neither Moses nor Israel can see it. Yet Augustine in his Confessions, wrote this sentence. Thou, O Lord, wert more inward to me than my most inward part and higher than my highest. That is the God of Exodus 2. He is closer to Israel's groaning than the chains on their wrists. He is closer to Moses weariness than the dust on his sandals. He is not far off. He is not distracted, he is at work. Four thoughts to close. First, be still and know that he is God. What we are very often is people who run ahead of God. Moses is not alone in this. Abraham had the promise of a son and and couldn't wait until he took Hagar. And the household of faith has lived with the consequences ever since. Jacob had the blessing already promised to him, but couldn't wait, and so he stole it with a goatskin and a lie. Peter had a lord he loved and couldn't bear to see him arrested. So he drew a sword in Gethsemane and cut off a man's ear. The pattern is older than Moses, and it is as new as this morning. The right cause can be pursued in the wrong way and the wrong time. Bradley Gray puts it bluntly. Nothing good happens when you get ahead of God and take matters into your own hands. Second, the silence of God is not the absence of God. 40 Years passed in Midian and 400 years in Egypt before God spoke from the bush. But not one of those years was empty. God was hearing, he was remembering. He was seeing, he was knowing. If your life feels like a wilderness right now, if you have been sitting by your own well in Midian waiting for a word from heaven that just doesn't come, take this passage and press it to your heart. The silence is not absence. The God who shaped Moses in obscurity is shaping you now. In his 1967 book Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders quoted this anonymous poem. When God wants to drill a man and thrill a man, and skill a man. When God wants to mold a man to play the noblest part, when he yearns with all his heart to create so great and bold a man that all the world shall be amazed. Watch his methods, watch his ways, how he ruthlessly perfects whom he royally elects. How his hammer he hammers him and hurts him and with mighty blows converts him into trial shapes of clay which only God understands. While his tortured heart is crying and he lifts beseeching hands, how he bends but never breaks when his good he undertakes, how he uses whom he chooses and with every purpose him by every act induces him to try his splendor out. God knows what he's about. Third, your sojourning has a destination. Moses named his son Gershom because he felt the foreignness of his life. But the foreignness was not the end of the story. It was the prelude to a calling. The writer of Hebrews tells us that all the saints acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. They desired a better country. That is a heavenly one. Your pilgrimage is not a pointless one wandering. It is a movement towards a country God has prepared for you. Fourth, and most importantly, the God who heard Israel has heard you in a fuller way still. The end of Exodus 2 is a foreshadowing. The four verbs heard, remembered, saw new, find their final fulfillment not at Sinai, but at Calvary. There the Father heard the cries of his people. There he remembered the covenant he had made before the foundations of the world. There he saw his Son lifted up between heaven and earth, bearing the groaning of every enslaved soul in his own body. And there he knew in a way only the triune God could know the cost of redeeming a people for himself. If God heard Israel groaning under Pharaoh and he sent Moses, how much more has he heard your groaning and sent his son? The exodus from Egypt is the shadow. The exodus from sin and death is the substance. And the same four verbs hover over the cross. Today God hears your cries that come up from the dust of this fallen world. God remembers his covenant with you. God sees you right now in this room, in your struggle, in your brokenness. And God knows exactly what he's doing. Let's pray. Father, thank you for this text. Father, thank you for your covenant with us. That you know us, that you love us, that you see us, that no prayer goes unheard, no silence is a waste. And that wherever we are in our life, whatever burdens we are carrying, that you're right here. That you are molding us and you are creating us in just the way that you had planned for us before the creation of the world. Thank you for who you are. In Jesus name, amen. The post Moses Flees to Midian – Exodus 2: 11-25 appeared first on Red Village Church.

In today's episode of 15:14, Kevin Carson, Executive Director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, is joined by Jonathan Holmes, the new Executive Director of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF). Jonathan brings years of experience serving in pastoral ministry, counseling ministry, and organizational leadership through Parkside Church and Fieldstone Counseling, along with a deep commitment to strengthening the church's ministry of personal care. In this conversation, Kevin and Jonathan reflect on the historic role CCEF has played within the biblical counseling movement and discuss Jonathan's vision for the next season of ministry at CCEF. Jonathan shares how CCEF's mission to “restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the local church” continues to shape the organization's priorities, particularly the desire to equip ordinary believers in churches for wise, personal ministry. Together, they discuss the importance of connecting the riches of Scripture to the troubles of everyday life and helping churches cultivate meaningful, relational care. Kevin and Jonathan also explore the balance between theological depth and relational warmth in counseling ministry. Jonathan emphasizes that biblical counseling is not merely the transfer of information or expertise, but a ministry of presence, compassion, wisdom, and faithful conversation rooted in God's Word. Drawing from the influence of the late David Powlison and longtime CCEF faculty such as Ed Welch, the conversation highlights the importance of patient, church-centered ministry that walks with people through suffering and sanctification over time. Additionally, they discuss the opportunities and challenges facing biblical counseling organizations today, the need for accessible training for pastors and church members, and the growing global impact of biblical counseling ministry. Jonathan shares his hope that CCEF will continue serving as a trusted voice that mines the treasures of Scripture for the struggles of life while strengthening the local church's role in soul care. Rooted in a shared love for the local church and confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture, this episode encourages pastors, counselors, and church members alike to pursue faithful, compassionate ministry that brings the hope of Christ into the realities of everyday life. You can learn more about CCEF at https://www.ccef.org.   FROM OUR SPONSOR:  To learn more about an undergraduate degree in biblical counseling, go to BoyceCollege.com/1514. For more information on the Biblical Counseling and Master of Divinity degree in 60 months, go to BoyceCollege.com/five. Support 15:14 – A Podcast of the Biblical Counseling Coalition today at biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/donate.

JOHN 5:24 | YOU CAN TRUST HIM ILLUSTRATION : Have you ever heard someone speak, and you didn't really know the person, but based on how they talked you just felt like they were trustworthy? For me, it's a preacher named Alistair Begg. He pastor Parkside Church in Cleveland, OH for over 40 years until…

According to one Barna study, the average pastor lasts only five years at a given church—often leaving just when, statistically speaking, he would be approaching his greatest period of usefulness. In a world of such short pastoral tenures, what does it look like to minister in the same place for not just years but decades? In this informal talk to pastors, Alistair Begg reflects on his forty-two years of pastoral ministry at Cleveland's Parkside Church, sharing lessons learned about both the dangers and the delights of what D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones called “the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called.”

According to one Barna study, the average pastor lasts only five years at a given church—often leaving just when, statistically speaking, he would be approaching his greatest period of usefulness. In a world of such short pastoral tenures, what does it look like to minister in the same place for not just years but decades? In this informal talk to pastors, Alistair Begg reflects on his forty-two years of pastoral ministry at Cleveland's Parkside Church, sharing lessons learned about both the dangers and the delights of what D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones called “the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called.”

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference, Jonathan Holmes unpacks what it means to pursue true rest in ministry. Framed around four key movements—the problem with rest, the answer to rest, how to rest personally, and how to build cultures of rest—this session offers practical and theological insight for leaders who want to lead from a place of peace rather than burnout. Jonathan Holmes is the Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling. He previously served for fifteen years on the pastoral teams of Parkside Church and Parkside Green. Jonathan graduated from The Master's University with degrees in Biblical Counseling and History and his MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author and contributor to a number of books including, The Company We Keep, Counsel for Couples, Rescue Skills, and Rescue Plan. He and his wife, Jennifer, have four daughters. When The Fire Goes Out: Finding Comfort in Ministry by Isaiah Marshall Caring for Your Soul as a Youth Minister by Mark Upton Burnout: The Cost of Caring by Christina Maslach Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Timothy Keller  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

According to one Barna study, the average pastor lasts only five years at a given church—often leaving just when, statistically speaking, he would be approaching his greatest period of usefulness. In a world of such short pastoral tenures, what does it look like to minister in the same place for not just years but decades? In this informal talk to pastors, Alistair Begg reflects on his forty-two years of pastoral ministry at Cleveland's Parkside Church, sharing lessons learned about both the dangers and the delights of what D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones called "the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called."

Alistair Begg is the Bible teacher on Truth For Life, a daily and weekend program that brings the exposition of Scripture to a global audience through radio, podcast, and a wide range of digital and streaming platforms. Since its launch in 1995, Truth For Life has featured teaching drawn from Alistair's decades of faithful preaching at Parkside Church, where he served as senior pastor from 1983 until 2025.He joins Scott and Chris on Thinking With Your Bible for a conversation about his background, Truth for Life, having healthy relationships as a pastor, and more.In this episode, you'll hear:Alistair' background and call to ministryThe history of Truth for LifeThe importance of friendships in ministryHis encouragement for young men in ministryAlistair's Book Recommendations:Collected Shorter Writings of J.I. PackerBruce Milne BooksLife of Lloyd-JonesCollected Writings of John MurrayDavid Wells BooksWe pray this episode is a blessing to you!

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Jonathan Holmes offers a gospel-centered framework for engaging in conversations about gender. He begins with two cultural observations that shape how we think about identity today and then outlines five key problems with modern-day identity formation. With clarity and compassion, Jonathan equips ministry leaders to speak truthfully and graciously into one of the most complex topics facing today's teens.Jonathan Holmes is the Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling. He previously served for fifteen years on the pastoral teams of Parkside Church and Parkside Green. Jonathan graduated from The Master's University with degrees in Biblical Counseling and History and his MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author and contributor to a number of books including, The Company We Keep, Counsel for Couples, Rescue Skills, and Rescue Plan.Rooted Resources:Rooted Recommends: Preston and Jackie Hill Perry on Gender Identity, Biblical Womanhood, and Girly GirlsSex, Gender, & SexualityFollow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updatesListen to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

Today, on Karl and Crew, we discussed the importance of not being silent when sharing the gospel. We then turned to the phone lines and asked a listener the question, “When did you speak up about the good news and God used it to change a life?” We then had Alistair Begg join us to discuss his evangelistic book, “The Man in the Middle.” Alistair is the Senior Pastor of Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He can be heard daily on the national radio program Truth for Life. Then Dr. Mark Jobe joined us to discuss the boldness to answer God's call and surrender to Him. Dr. Jobe is the 10th President of the Moody Bible Institute. He is the Founding Pastor of the New Life Community Church in Chicago and the founder of New Life Centers. He is also the host of the podcast and program "Bold Steps," which airs weekdays at 1:00 p.m. CT on Moody Radio. Then Dr. Donald Sweeting joined us to briefly tell us a little bit about the topic he’ll be speaking on at The Summit on Israel and the Last Days Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8, “The World is going Crazy. Will the Church Follow? We Can’t.” He also spoke about the connection between Israel and the Jewish people. Dr. Sweeting is the recent President and Chancellor at Colorado Christian University. He is a noted educator, minister, academic, and author. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Call Segment [08:20 ] Dr. Mark Jobe Interview [22:24 ] Dr. Donald Sweeting Interview [41:06 ] Alistair Begg Interview [57:17 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we discussed the importance of not being silent when sharing the gospel. We then turned to the phone lines and asked a listener the question, “When did you speak up about the good news and God used it to change a life?” We then had Alistair Begg join us to discuss his evangelistic book, “The Man in the Middle.” Alistair is the Senior Pastor of Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He can be heard daily on the national radio program Truth for Life. Then Dr. Mark Jobe joined us to discuss the boldness to answer God's call and surrender to Him. Dr. Jobe is the 10th President of the Moody Bible Institute. He is the Founding Pastor of the New Life Community Church in Chicago and the founder of New Life Centers. He is also the host of the podcast and program "Bold Steps," which airs weekdays at 1:00 p.m. CT on Moody Radio. Then Dr. Donald Sweeting joined us to briefly tell us a little bit about the topic he’ll be speaking on at The Summit on Israel and the Last Days Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8, “The World is going Crazy. Will the Church Follow? We Can’t.” He also spoke about the connection between Israel and the Jewish people. Dr. Sweeting is the recent President and Chancellor at Colorado Christian University. He is a noted educator, minister, academic, and author. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Call Segment [08:20 ] Dr. Mark Jobe Interview [22:24 ] Dr. Donald Sweeting Interview [41:06 ] Alistair Begg Interview [57:17 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we discussed the importance of not being silent when sharing the gospel. We then turned to the phone lines and asked a listener the question, “When did you speak up about the good news and God used it to change a life?” We then had Alistair Begg join us to discuss his evangelistic book, “The Man in the Middle.” Alistair is the Senior Pastor of Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He can be heard daily on the national radio program Truth for Life. Then Dr. Mark Jobe joined us to discuss the boldness to answer God's call and surrender to Him. Dr. Jobe is the 10th President of the Moody Bible Institute. He is the Founding Pastor of the New Life Community Church in Chicago and the founder of New Life Centers. He is also the host of the podcast and program "Bold Steps," which airs weekdays at 1:00 p.m. CT on Moody Radio. Then Dr. Donald Sweeting joined us to briefly tell us a little bit about the topic he’ll be speaking on at The Summit on Israel and the Last Days Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8, “The World is going Crazy. Will the Church Follow? We Can’t.” He also spoke about the connection between Israel and the Jewish people. Dr. Sweeting is the recent President and Chancellor at Colorado Christian University. He is a noted educator, minister, academic, and author. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Call Segment [08:20 ] Dr. Mark Jobe Interview [22:24 ] Dr. Donald Sweeting Interview [41:06 ] Alistair Begg Interview [57:17 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we discussed the importance of not being silent when sharing the gospel. We then turned to the phone lines and asked a listener the question, “When did you speak up about the good news and God used it to change a life?” We then had Alistair Begg join us to discuss his evangelistic book, “The Man in the Middle.” Alistair is the Senior Pastor of Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He can be heard daily on the national radio program Truth for Life. Then Dr. Mark Jobe joined us to discuss the boldness to answer God's call and surrender to Him. Dr. Jobe is the 10th President of the Moody Bible Institute. He is the Founding Pastor of the New Life Community Church in Chicago and the founder of New Life Centers. He is also the host of the podcast and program "Bold Steps," which airs weekdays at 1:00 p.m. CT on Moody Radio. Then Dr. Donald Sweeting joined us to briefly tell us a little bit about the topic he’ll be speaking on at The Summit on Israel and the Last Days Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8, “The World is going Crazy. Will the Church Follow? We Can’t.” He also spoke about the connection between Israel and the Jewish people. Dr. Sweeting is the recent President and Chancellor at Colorado Christian University. He is a noted educator, minister, academic, and author. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Call Segment [08:20 ] Dr. Mark Jobe Interview [22:24 ] Dr. Donald Sweeting Interview [41:06 ] Alistair Begg Interview [57:17 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we discussed the importance of not being silent when sharing the gospel. We then turned to the phone lines and asked a listener the question, “When did you speak up about the good news and God used it to change a life?” We then had Alistair Begg join us to discuss his evangelistic book, “The Man in the Middle.” Alistair is the Senior Pastor of Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He can be heard daily on the national radio program Truth for Life. Then Dr. Mark Jobe joined us to discuss the boldness to answer God's call and surrender to Him. Dr. Jobe is the 10th President of the Moody Bible Institute. He is the Founding Pastor of the New Life Community Church in Chicago and the founder of New Life Centers. He is also the host of the podcast and program "Bold Steps," which airs weekdays at 1:00 p.m. CT on Moody Radio. Then Dr. Donald Sweeting joined us to briefly tell us a little bit about the topic he’ll be speaking on at The Summit on Israel and the Last Days Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8, “The World is going Crazy. Will the Church Follow? We Can’t.” He also spoke about the connection between Israel and the Jewish people. Dr. Sweeting is the recent President and Chancellor at Colorado Christian University. He is a noted educator, minister, academic, and author. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Call Segment [08:20 ] Dr. Mark Jobe Interview [22:24 ] Dr. Donald Sweeting Interview [41:06 ] Alistair Begg Interview [57:17 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we discussed the importance of not being silent when sharing the gospel. We then turned to the phone lines and asked a listener the question, “When did you speak up about the good news and God used it to change a life?” We then had Alistair Begg join us to discuss his evangelistic book, “The Man in the Middle.” Alistair is the Senior Pastor of Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He can be heard daily on the national radio program Truth for Life. Then Dr. Mark Jobe joined us to discuss the boldness to answer God's call and surrender to Him. Dr. Jobe is the 10th President of the Moody Bible Institute. He is the Founding Pastor of the New Life Community Church in Chicago and the founder of New Life Centers. He is also the host of the podcast and program "Bold Steps," which airs weekdays at 1:00 p.m. CT on Moody Radio. Then Dr. Donald Sweeting joined us to briefly tell us a little bit about the topic he’ll be speaking on at The Summit on Israel and the Last Days Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8, “The World is going Crazy. Will the Church Follow? We Can’t.” He also spoke about the connection between Israel and the Jewish people. Dr. Sweeting is the recent President and Chancellor at Colorado Christian University. He is a noted educator, minister, academic, and author. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Call Segment [08:20 ] Dr. Mark Jobe Interview [22:24 ] Dr. Donald Sweeting Interview [41:06 ] Alistair Begg Interview [57:17 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we discussed the importance of not being silent when sharing the gospel. We then turned to the phone lines and asked a listener the question, “When did you speak up about the good news and God used it to change a life?” We then had Alistair Begg join us to discuss his evangelistic book, “The Man in the Middle.” Alistair is the Senior Pastor of Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He can be heard daily on the national radio program Truth for Life. Then Dr. Mark Jobe joined us to discuss the boldness to answer God's call and surrender to Him. Dr. Jobe is the 10th President of the Moody Bible Institute. He is the Founding Pastor of the New Life Community Church in Chicago and the founder of New Life Centers. He is also the host of the podcast and program "Bold Steps," which airs weekdays at 1:00 p.m. CT on Moody Radio. Then Dr. Donald Sweeting joined us to briefly tell us a little bit about the topic he’ll be speaking on at The Summit on Israel and the Last Days Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8, “The World is going Crazy. Will the Church Follow? We Can’t.” He also spoke about the connection between Israel and the Jewish people. Dr. Sweeting is the recent President and Chancellor at Colorado Christian University. He is a noted educator, minister, academic, and author. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Call Segment [08:20 ] Dr. Mark Jobe Interview [22:24 ] Dr. Donald Sweeting Interview [41:06 ] Alistair Begg Interview [57:17 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate Akin interviews Pastor Alistair Begg. They talk about the development of his theological convictions, his time at Charlotte Chapel in Scotland, longevity in ministry and marriage, personal evangelism, and more. They also discuss the viral moment of Begg's sermon about "The Man on the Middle Cross" and the upcoming book inspired by that message. Alistair began in pastoral ministry in 1975 and served as senior pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio from 1983 until 2025. He is also the Bible teacher at Truth for Life. 

For the rest of this season, we are releasing the Main Session messages from this year's CGN International Conference.This year's conference was held at Reliance Church in Temecula, CA - and the Theme was: “The Way Forward: Ministry According to Jesus” - in which we studied through the' “Upper-Room Discourse” in John 13-17.The fourth message of the conference was taught by Pastor Alistair Begg. From 1983 to 2025, Alistair served as Senior Pastor of Parkside Church, near Cleveland, Ohio. His Bible teaching ministry, Truth for Life, can be heard on radio stations around the world, as well as other media platforms.The text of this message is John 15:26 and 16:7-15, and it is titled: “The Spirit of Truth."

For the remainder of this season, we are releasing the Main Session messages from this year's CGN International Conference.This year's conference was held at Reliance Church in Temecula, CA - and the Theme was: “The Way Forward: Ministry According to Jesus” - in which we studied through the' “Upper-Room Discourse” in John 13-17.The third message of the conference was taught by Pastor Alistair Begg. From 1983-2025, Alistair served as Senior Pastor of Parkside Church, near Cleveland, Ohio. His Bible teaching ministry, Truth for Life, can be heard on radio stations around the world, as well as other media platforms.The text of this message is John 15:14-16, and it is titled: “Chosen and Fruitful.”

Alistair Begg from the Truth For Life radio program spends the hour with us. In delightful fashion, Pastor Begg delves into his recent retirement after 42 years as Senior Pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, his Philadelphia roots, the 2026 World Cup, Scottish accents, and a key question his bride of nearly 50 years (this Saturday 8/16/25 is their anniversary!) asks when mentoring a woman about the man she is interested in / dating. Truth For Life is WFIL's Ministry of the Month for August, (heard weekdays right after the Tim DeMoss Show at 5pm, at 530am, and several times over the weekend). Listeners are welcome to a free download of the Name Above All Names e-book & study guide by Pastor Begg (co-written with his "big brother" in the faith, Sinclair Ferguson). The free download automatically enters listeners to win Alistair's brand new book, God of the Ordinary: A Study in the Book of Ruth. Pastor Begg shares about both prizes during our conversation as well. Sports clips (both courtesy of NBC Sports Philly's YouTube page):Rob Thomson (Philadelphia Phillies manager)Tajuan Walker (Philadelphia Phillies pitcher)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio. We are also joined by Benjamin Quinn, Associate Professor of Theology SEBTS and the Director of the Center for Faith and Culture at SEBTS. We explore Dr. Begg's journey into pastoral ministry, the importance of cultural awareness in preaching, and the necessity of reading widely. Dr. Begg shares insights on navigating modern challenges in ministry and the significance of understanding cultural contexts. The discussion emphasizes the need for pastors to remain grounded in scripture while being aware of the world around them. 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.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, Dr. Alistair Begg shares insights from his 42 years of pastoral ministry at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio. He discusses the importance of endurance in ministry, balancing family life with church responsibilities, and the lessons learned over a lifetime of ministry. Dr. Begg also offers practical advice for young pastors on sermon preparation. His reflections provide valuable guidance for both seasoned and aspiring leaders in the church. 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.

Most pastors have experienced a Sunday (or many!) when they aren't on the same page as the praise musicians. This disconnect can result in discontinuity between the pulpit and music ministry, frustrating both the pastor and the worship team. In this breakout, Parkside Church's Jonathan Albright considers several practical music ministry scenarios and identifies key principles that lead to unified, intentional ministry between the pastor and praise team.

In this Basics 2025 question-and-answer session, Parkside Church's Matt Ross poses attendees' questions to Alistair Begg and fellow speakers Willie Philip and Richard Pratt. How do prospective ministers discern their sense of calling? How can pastors preach the Old Testament Christologically and still remain faithful to the text? What particular dangers does the church face in our politically divisive cultural climate? Hear answers to these questions and others as you listen in on the conversation.

Most pastors have experienced a Sunday (or many!) when they aren't on the same page as the praise musicians. This disconnect can result in discontinuity between the pulpit and music ministry, frustrating both the pastor and the worship team. In this breakout, Parkside Church's Jonathan Albright considers several practical music ministry scenarios and identifies key principles that lead to unified, intentional ministry between the pastor and praise team.

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Holmes, author of Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ. We discuss the challenges kids face in today's culture, from performance-driven identities to issues of gender and peer pressure. Jonathan shares practical insights for parents, youth leaders, and mentors on fostering gospel-centered conversations and guiding children toward a secure, Christ-centered identity. Whether you're a parent or someone invested in the spiritual growth of the next generation, this conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement. Jonathan Holmes, MA, is the Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling. He previously served for fifteen years on the pastoral teams of Parkside Church and Parkside Green. He is the author of several books, including Counsel for Couples, Rescue Skills, and Rescue Plan. Jonathan serves as a visiting faculty member and on the board of trustees for CCEF (Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation), as well as an instructor at Westminster Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Jennifer, have four daughters. https://www.ryleyheppner.com https://www.instagram.com/ryleyheppner/ For all collaboration requests (speaking, advertising, etc.) go to: https://www.ryleyheppner.com/collaboration

2025 marks the thirtieth anniversary of Truth For Life, the fiftieth year of Alistair Begg's ordained ministry, and his final year serving as the senior pastor at Parkside Church. In this special interview, Alistair sits down with host Bob Lepine to look back over the last three decades of radio ministry and forward to his hopes for himself and Truth For Life in the future. Listen in, celebrate God's blessings over the years, and discover what may be in store during Truth For Life's fourth decade!

We speak to Alistair Begg about pastors, suffering, humility and surviving long term in ministry.Alistair Begg is in Australia speaking at the Church Missionary Society conference in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Alistair has served the people of Cleveland Ohio for 42 years at Parkside Church and has a global impact through the influential Truth for Life Ministry. We go backstage with Alistair to discuss:His teaching on 1 Peter, focusing on suffering, perseverance, trials, humility and standing firm in God's grace.Reflections on 40+ years of pastoral ministry and lessons learned along the way.Insights into global mission and the long-term commitment of missionaries.His upcoming transition after more than four decades of leadership.The impact of Australia on his ministry in the US, including his close friendship with former Moore College Principal John Woodhouse.Insights into preparing for life after pastoral leadership as he approaches his final months as senior pastor.The Church Cohttp://www.thechurchco.com is an excellent website and app platform built specifically for churches. Support the show--Become a regular financial supporter of The Pastor's Heart via Patreon.

It's Friday, September 13th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Spanish Evangelicals ask Nicaragua to revoke closure of churches This summer, the Nicaraguan regime, led by President Daniel Ortega, has shut down 1,500 independent Evangelical and Catholic groups, churches, and non-governmental organizations, reports Evangelical Focus. In view of this dire situation, the Spanish Evangelical Alliance made a formal complaint to the Nicaraguan government. In a letter sent to the Nicaraguan consulate in Spain, they wrote, “We ask you most respectfully and firmly to not only stop, but to reverse your harassment and demolition of freedoms in Nicaragua. Although you may not realize it, the first to suffer is the government itself and the country as a whole.” According to Open Doors, Nicaragua is the 30th most difficult country worldwide in which to be a Christian Psalm 9:9 says, “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” ABC's bias revealed during debate Did ABC have its thumb on the scale of fairness during the presidential debate this past Tuesday night in Philadelphia? First, Trump was the only candidate whom David Muir and Linsey Davis, the ABC co-anchors, targeted for multiple follow-up questions.  While CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash chose not to correct any misstatements by the candidates during Trump's debate with Biden in June, the ABC co-anchors instead challenged statements that Trump made about abortion, immigration, the 2020 election, and violent crime, reports the Associated Press. Kamala Harris was not once asked a follow-up question. It seemed as though it were a three-on-one debate instead of a one-on-one debate. During a discussion of abortion, Trump claimed that Democrats supported killing babies after they were born. TRUMP: “Her vice presidential pick says, ‘Abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine.' He also says execution after birth, it's execution, no longer abortion, because the baby is born is okay. And that's not okay with me.” ABC co-anchor Linsey Davis said this in a rebuttal. DAVIS: “There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it was born. Madam Vice President, I want to get your response to President Trump.” After years of publicly not admitting to his defeat to Biden in the 2020 election, ABC co-anchor David Muir pointed out that Trump had recently, on three separate occasions, seemingly conceded he had lost. Trump replied that he had been sarcastic in making those recent remarks. Muir offered this rebuttal. MUIR: “I did watch all of these pieces of video. I didn't detect the sarcasm. ‘Lost by whisker.' ‘We didn't quite make it.' And we should just point out here as clarification, and you know this, you and your allies, 60 cases in front of many judges, many of them Republican. ” TRUMP: “No judge looked at it. Many judges said we didn't have standing. That's the other thing. They said we didn't have standing. A technicality. Can you imagine a system where a person in an election doesn't have standing? The President of the United States doesn't have standing? That's how we lost. If you look at the facts, and I'd love to have you do a special on it. I'll show you Georgia, and I'll show you Wisconsin, and I'll show you Pennsylvania. “We have so many facts and statistics, but you know what? That doesn't matter, because we have to solve the problem that we have right now. That's old news. And the problem that we have right now is we have a nation in decline, and they have put it into decline. We have a nation that is dying, David.” MUIR: “Mr. President, thank you. Vice President Harris, you heard the President there tonight. He said he didn't say that he lost by a whisker. So, he still believes he did not lose the election that was won by President Biden and yourself. But I do want to ask you about something that's come up in the last couple of days. Mr. President, thank you. Vice President Harris.” After Trump claimed that crime had gone up during the Biden administration because of their open border policy which let in criminals, Muir claimed that violent crime had gone down in America. Listen. TRUMP: “Millions of people let in. All over the world crime is down. All over the world, except here, crime here is up and through the roof, despite their fraudulent statements that they made. Crime in this country is through the roof. We have a new form of crime. It's called ‘migrant crime,' and it's happening at levels that nobody thought possible.” MUIR: “President Trump, as you know, the FBI, says overall, violent crime is actually coming down in this country.” TRUMP: “Excuse me, the FBI defraud. They were defrauding statements. They didn't include the worst cities. They didn't include the cities with the worst crime. It was a fraud, just like their number of 818,000 jobs that they said they created turned out to be a fraud.” MUIR: “President Trump, thank you. I'll let you respond. Vice President Harris.” HARRIS: “Well, I…” After Trump repeated a report that illegal immigrants were killing and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, David Muir weighed in once again. MUIR: “Want to clarify here. You bring up Springfield, Ohio, and ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.” TRUMP:  “Well, I've seen people on television.” MUIR: “Let me just say here.” TRUMP: “The people on television saying my dog was taken and used for food. So, maybe he said that. And maybe that's a good thing to say for a city manager.” MUIR: “I'm not taking this from television.” TRUMP: “But people on television said my pets were eaten by the people that went there.” MUIR: “Again, the Springfield city manager says there's no evidence of that.” TRUMP: “We'll find out.” MUIR: “Vice President, I'll let you respond to the rest of what you've heard.” Trump turns down another debate Not surprisingly, on Thursday, former President Donald Trump said he would not participate in another election debate against his rival Vice President Kamala Harris, reports NewsMax. After participating in a debate against President Joe Biden in June and Harris this past Tuesday, he wrote this on Truth Social: "There will be no third debate!" He also said that Kamala “and Crooked Joe have destroyed our country, with millions of criminals and mentally deranged people pouring into the USA, totally unchecked and unvetted, and with inflation bankrupting our Middle Class. ... Kamala should focus on what she should have done during the last almost four-year period." Alistair Begg announces plans to retire Author and pastor Alistair Begg has announced plans to retire as the senior pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, on September14, 2025, five decades after entering into the ministry, reports The Christian Post. The voice behind the radio teaching ministry Truth for Life, the 72-year-old Scottish pastor has served as Parkside Church's senior pastor since 1983. Begg said, "It is not precipitous. It's not driven by anything of which I am personally aware, other than my ambition to pass the baton safely into the hands of my successor." Earlier this year, Begg sparked controversy after refusing to repent for comments he made in a 2023 podcast in which he advised a grandmother to attend her grandson's marriage to a trans-identified person as an act of love. ‘CHiPs' star Erik Estrada works undercover to arrest child sexual predators And finally, actor Erik Estrada is known for his many decades starring in TV shows and movies, but the “CHiPs” star has also forged a path as a law enforcement official who works undercover to stop child sex predators, reports FaithWire.com. Estrada, age 75, recently told Fox News about his journey from Hollywood into policing. ESTRADA: “I got exposed to child internet pornography by the sheriff and his task force. They call themselves the Blue Ridge Thunder Task Force. “I got so upset when I saw what I saw because my daughter was seven at the time. It really upset me, and then I got angry. Made me mad.” Today, he works with law enforcement where he entraps deviants by using fake identities to try and snag them before they can hurt kids. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in Me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, September 13th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

10 Prayers for a Volatile Election Season Protestia on X: "Alistair Begg announces he's retiring from senior pastor at Parkside Church, will begin search for replacement https://t.co/Wst9Uz8lnf" Pastor Mark Driscoll on X: "As a father, this is not only one of the most important duties you have, but also one of the most enjoyable. Protect your daughters! https://t.co/EwbPhUn3cI"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final sermon in our summer series is one for every pastor and church member to remember that affection for Jesus and from Jesus ought to permeate our thinking and motivate our Christian living. Sinclair Ferguson goes for the heart in this message from Basics 2024 at Parkside Church titled, “Affection.” For info on Basics 2025 or to hear messages from past conferences, please visit https://www.basicsconference.org

GUEST: JUSTIN PETERS, preacher/evangelistIn case you haven't heard the controversy that is being hotly debated in Christian circles, pastor Alistair Begg, who leads Parkside Church in Cleveland but who is even more well-known for his daily radio program Truth For Life, which features his preaching and is heard by millions around the world, said in an interview that he received a letter from a grandmother asking whether she should attend her grandson's wedding to a transgender person.Here is the transcript of Begg's advice to the grandmother:I asked the grandmother, “Does your grandson understand your belief in Jesus?”“Yes.” “Does your grandson understand that your belief in Jesus makes it such that you can't countenance in any affirming way the choices that he has made in life?”“Yes.”I said, “Well then, okay. As long as he knows that, then I suggest that you do go to the ceremony. And I suggest that you buy them a gift.”“Oh,” she said, “what?” She was caught off guard.I said, “Well, here's the thing: your love for them may catch them off guard, but your absence will simply reinforce the fact that they said, ‘These people are what I always thought: judgmental, critical, unprepared to countenance anything.'”Loving and engaging with non-believers is prescribed by Scripture but attending a ceremony that openly rejects God's design for marriage? For the vast majority of theologically conservative Christians, this was a line that ought not be crossed.We reported last week that American Family Radio, after discussion with Truth for Life representatives, has removed the program from their network. And this week, it has been reported that Begg will no longer be speaking at Shepherds' Conference, a worldwide event for pastors held at John MacArthur's church in March.To his credit, Alistair Begg responded to the controversy in a full 40-minute message to his church this past Sunday night. We encourage you to watch it here.This weekend on The Christian Worldview, preacher and evangelist Justin Peters will again join us to discuss whether Alistair Begg's response was faithful to Scripture.------------------------Register for The Overcomer Course

Domestic violence does not always include intoxication and assault.  It takes on many different forms; and in churches (just like everywhere else), it's happening right under our noses.  Erin Norton, former victim of domestic abuse,  joins the podcast to talk all things domestic violence, including many commonly held misconceptions.  She's advocated  for victims in varying capacities for 7 years.  Given her love for the church and strong belief in the gospel of Jesus, she also has an invested interest in helping Christians see how centuries of misapplying various part of the bible, especially pertaining to marriage, has left many people [mostly women] unnecessarily vulnerable to abuse. Sitting with hosts Lynne Stroy and Joey Svendsen, the three also manage to fit in some discourse on single-parenting and the infamous "Will Smith slap."At the top of the episode, fellow Seacoaster and regular to the podcast, Julie Hiott, shares her personal story of being abused in her marriage. Domestic Violence Emergency ContactsNational Hotline:  800-799-7233 or Text START to 88788Local Shelter (Charleston, SC) and Resource: My Sister's House 1-800-273-HOPEErin Norton is Director of EmpowHer, a Christian women's empowerment ministry at the College of Charleston, Campus Ministry director for the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery at the Citadel, Director of Worship at Parkside Church, Pursuing a Master's in Divinity at Dubuque Theological Seminary, currently scheduling and teaching church wide trainings for church leaders interested in learning more about domestic violence.In this episodeErin Norton / EmpowHer / Church Julie Hiott / FacebookLynne Stroy, host / InstagramJoey Svendsen, host / InstagramStay ConnectedWebsite | Facebook Discussion Page | YouTubeExecutive Producer: Josh SurrattProducer/Editor: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: JT PriceSound Engineer: Katelyn VandiverMusic, including theme song: Joel T. Hamilton Music

GUEST: JUSTIN PETERS, evangelist and preacherIt can be confusing and even destabilizing when a pastor or Christian leader who has been orthodox in his teaching for decades says something that seems to compromise God's Word.Such occurred recently with revered pastor Alistair Begg. Begg, who is from Scotland but leads Parkside Church in Cleveland, is the Bible teacher on the popular radio ministry, Truth for Life. In an episode in September 2023, Truth for Life host Bob Lepine was interviewing pastor Begg about his new book, The Christian Manifesto, which seeks to help Christians live out Jesus' “Sermon on the Plain” (Luke 6) in a 21st century brave new world context.Begg brought up the example of what he said to a grandmother who had contacted him about whether to attend her grandson's “wedding” to a “transgender” person (the quotes being added because God defines a wedding as between one man and one woman and no one can “trans” their gender).We'll play the audio of pastor Begg's response, but in short, he suggested the grandmother attend the ceremony and buy the couple a gift with the purpose to keep the lines of engagement and gospel-witness open with her grandson.Those in theologically conservative circles collectively choked on his response while theological liberals said “this is the way”.The important question is: What is God's will for Christians with an issue like this? It is a matter of right vs wrong or an issue of personal conscience?Preacher and evangelist Justin Peters will join us this weekend and point to key passages of Scripture that help us make wise, God-honoring decisions.---------------------------Registration Open for The Overcomer CourseJune 21-24, 2024

Dan Larison has been an Assistant Pastor for 18 years. He joined the Parkside pastoral team in September 2005 but he and his wife, Pam, have been members of the church since 1998. Dan's responsibilities include overseeing their missionaries, managing their small groups, and is a mentor in their Residency program. Dan hails from Cincinnati and attended Adrian College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and Pam have five children. 

Are you in awe of God-- With the old year drawing to a close and the new year set to commence, Alistair Begg reflects on the past twelve months of Bible study at Parkside Church, underscoring the importance of thinking Christianly in an ever-changing world. The apostle Paul proclaimed the wonders of God to be unfathomable. With this truth in mind, rather than accommodating the surrounding culture's focus on self, we're encouraged to give all glory to God alone.

Are you in awe of God? With the old year drawing to a close and the new year set to commence, Alistair Begg reflects on the past twelve months of Bible study at Parkside Church, underscoring the importance of thinking Christianly in an ever-changing world. The apostle Paul proclaimed the wonders of God to be unfathomable. With this truth in mind, rather than accommodating the surrounding culture's focus on self, we're encouraged to give all glory to God alone.

Because it is Christmastime, Julie has a rich discussion on Christianity, Jesus, and the Bible with Reverend Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland Ohio and host of the Truth for Life Christian radio ministry. Check out other Julie Hartman videos: https://www.youtube.com/@juliehartman Follow Julie Hartman on social media: Website: https://juliehartmanshow.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julierhartman/ X: https://twitter.com/JulieRHartman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know the Christmas season has arrived by the carols wafting through stores and over the airways. Songs have always played an important role in the Christmas story. Pastor Alistair Begg, senior pastor of Parkside Church and teacher on Truth for Life, will introduce us to four songs sung at the very first Christmas.  May their message be as life-changing for you as it was for those who first met the baby in the manger! 

On this week's episode of the Retire Y'all Podcast, Adam is joined by Pastor Colin Kerr, the founder of Parkside Church. Listen along as Adam and Colin discuss the following: Religion and Politics: An in-depth look into their different world views Parkside Church and the pandemic The LGBTQ community within the church Political hopes for the next 8 years in America

On this episode of The Narrative, Alistair Begg, senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland and a daily contributor on the Truth for Life Ministries radio program, joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Director of CCV's Church Ambassador Network Chris Lightfoot to chat about faith, freedom, the Gospel, and the November election. If you've never heard Alistair speak before, you'll want to listen not only for his Scottish accent, but also for his profound wisdom and encouragement on how Christians should be approaching the life issue this fall. Don't forget to check out CCV.org/Vote for free nonpartisan election resources. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The headlines tell us anxiety is on the rise. Is your family wrestling with anxiety? Counselor Jonathan Holmes helps us calm our anxious kids (and calm our own hearts too). How can you tell the difference between worry and anxiety? When does your child need help from a counselor? We'll talk about this and more in today's encouraging conversation about: 2:00 What are statistics revealing about anxiety before and after Covid? 3:20 The relationship between worry and anxiety and stress 4:30 How can you tell if your child has a disorder that needs to be treated? l 6:10 Are physical ailments actually signs of anxiety? 7:50 At our counseling center, we're seeing so many children like... 10:35 Anxious kids...anxious parents? 13:50 Sleep recommendations for kids and teens 16:20 Non-medical interventions for anxiety proven to work 18:20 Find out why your teen is spending so much time with TikTok or Instagram 21:00 What Jesus said about worry 24:00 Connect with your child through walking and talking Jonathan Holmes is the founder and executive director of Fieldstone Counseling. He previously served for 15 years on the pastoral teams of Parkside Church and Parkside Green. He has a degree in Biblical counseling and his MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He's the author and contributor to a number of books including the Company We Keep, Counsel for Couples and Rescue Skills. He and his wife Jennifer have four daughters. Learn more about Jonathan Holmes at fieldstonecounseling.org Check out his books at amazon.com/Company-We-Keep-Biblical-Friendship Spending too much time scrolling? Check out Arlene's book Calm, Cool, and Connected: 5 Digital Habits for a More Balanced Life. More Resources for Your Family: Arlene's Free Marriage Webinar -- Get Unstuck in Your Marriage. If you feel stuck in a rut or you've just lost that lovin' feeling, register for Arlene's free marriage webinar here. Subscribe to Arlene's free email list for a monthly resource to help your home. happyhomeuniversity.com/subscribe Watch a VIDEO clip from the podcast on Arlene's new Happy Home YouTube Channel youtube.com/@arlenehappyhome Special thanks to HireMyMom.com

About JasonJason spent the first decade and a half of his career traveling widely as a speaker. In 2015, he and his wife Andrea moved to Fishers, IN to launch Parkside Church with an amazing group of people. Today, he continues to lead at the church and has recently written his first book, From Your Biggest Fan, about his passion to help others discover their God-given potential. He and Andrea live in the Indianapolis area with their three young children.Jason shared so much good wisdom.  Maybe we've been doing it all wrong.  Maybe instead of looking so deep inside ourselves to find our potential, we should start by helping those around us find theirs.Connect with JasonWebsite:https://biggestfanleaders.comSocial Media:http://instagram.com/jasonmpattersonhttp://facebook.com/jasonmpattersonFrom Your Biggest Fan:Order Jason's new book HERE.Connect with ErinIG @erincucciowww.erincuccio.comOrder Unraveled- Finding the Lovely When Life Comes Undonebook.erincuccio.comJoin my COMMUNITY https://hello.erincuccio.com/ You'll receive exclusive content right to your mobile device, and the best part is it's FREE.

On this episode of This vs. That, we sit down with Jonathan Holmes, the founder and executive director of Fieldstone Counseling and pastor of counseling for Parkside Church. We delve into the topic of releasing friendships in a godly way versus sinfully walking away from friends. Jonathan shares his insights on the value of friendship in the body of Christ and why there seems to be a crisis of friendship within the church. We discuss discernment, boundaries, and when it may be necessary to walk away or even run from a toxic relationship. Join us for this insightful conversation on navigating the complexities of friendship in a Christ-like way. ----- At Anchored Hope, we're committed to excellence. We believe that compassionate, biblically grounded, clinically informed counseling shouldn't be hard to find. That's why we are also committed to affordability and accessibility. To do this as a nonprofit, however, requires us to lock arms with people who care about the mental, emotional, and spiritual crisis happening all around us. If this is you, we need your help. This month we launched a brand new giving campaign and we are seeking to find a hundred people willing to give so that others might live. Whether it's $5 or a thousand dollars, we need your help. These proceeds go to men, women and families, pastors, ministry leaders, and missionaries across the globe in need of counseling care today. In order to join us, go to anchoredhope.co/give and join the cause for accessible, affordable, and excellent counseling care today. ----- This vs. That is a podcast of Anchored Hope. Anchored Hope provides practical help to those hurting by anchoring their hope in Jesus and helping others gain a better understanding of his promises. We offer reputable, biblical counsel to those suffering or experiencing difficult seasons. Our counselors are highly trained and bring a vast experience in addressing the various issues of life. To meet with a counselor, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠anchoredhope.co⁠⁠⁠⁠ and schedule an appointment today.

Britton and John review what they learned at the 2023 Basics Conference at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Basics is a conference for men in ministry, hosted by Alistair Begg and included pastors Hershael York and Colin Smith. To learn more about the Tabernacle visit us online at: thetabchurch.com. 

Jason spent the first decade and a half of his career traveling widely as a speaker. In 2015, Jason and his wife, Andrea, moved to Fishers, IN to launch Parkside Church with an amazing group of people. Today, he continues to lead at the church and has recently written his first book, From Your Biggest Fan, about his passion to help others discover their God-given potential. He and Andrea live in the Indianapolis area with their three young children.

Jason spent the first decade and a half of his career traveling widely as a speaker. In 2015, Jason and his wife, Andrea, moved to Fishers, IN to launch Parkside Church with an amazing group of people. Today, he continues to lead at the church and has recently written his first book, From Your Biggest Fan, about his passion to help others discover their God-given potential. He and Andrea live in the Indianapolis area with their three young children.

Jason spent the first decade and a half of his career traveling widely as a speaker. In 2015, Jason and his wife, Andrea, moved to Fishers, IN to launch Parkside Church with an amazing group of people. Today, he continues to lead at the church and has recently written his first book, From Your Biggest Fan, about his passion to help others discover their God-given potential. He and Andrea live in the Indianapolis area with their three young children.

Rev Colin Kerr is the pastor of Parkside Church in Charleston SC and an all around interesting guys. We talk the church, spirituality and when your social media brings out the trolls! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

About JasonJason spent the first decade and a half of his career traveling widely as a speaker. In 2015, he and his wife Andrea moved to Fishers, IN to launch Parkside Church with an amazing group of people. Today, he continues to lead at the church and has recently written his first book, From Your Biggest Fan, about his passion to help others discover their God-given potential. He and Andrea live in the Indianapolis area with their three young children. Jason shared so much good wisdom.  Maybe we've been doing it all wrong.  Maybe instead of looking so deep inside ourselves to find our potential, we should start by helping those around us find theirs. Connect with JasonWebsite:https://biggestfanleaders.comSocial Media:http://instagram.com/jasonmpattersonhttp://facebook.com/jasonmpattersonFrom Your Biggest Fan:Order Jason's new book HERE.Also, get to know Erin Cuccio a bit better by checking out her writing HERE.Finally, be sure to SUBSCRIBE and SHARE!  Make sure you don't miss a thing by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform and share so that all your friends can find us too!