Podcasts about pastor amy

If you've been feeling lost, stuck, disconnected, or unsure of your purpose, this message will help you discover why so many people drift through life without direction. In this study of Book of Joshua chapter 1, we explore how fear, distraction, and independence can keep us from moving forward into the life God has called us to live. Learn how to overcome fear, find your purpose, gain clarity, and get back on mission when life feels confusing or overwhelming. Whether you're searching for meaning in life, trying to find direction, struggling with anxiety about the future, or wondering what your next step is, this message offers practical biblical insight and encouragement. Discover how to stop drifting, start growing, and move forward with courage, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose

God's faithfulness is found over the long haul. With more years and experience often comes more perspective of God's goodness. Listen as Pastor Amy expounds upon another testimony from our community, focusing on the faith and hope that comes from the difficulties of life.

In a world full of noise, distraction, and nonstop schedules, Jesus invites us into a different rhythm: solitude. Through intentional moments of quiet with God, we learn to slow down, confront the lies shaping us, hear God's voice through Scripture, and experience His presence. Solitude isn't escape—it's making space to be filled by God so we can live, love, and lead from a healthy soul. Ultimately, Jesus invites every weary person to come to Him and find true rest.

Give God One Year: Prayer | Pastor Amy Smith by City of Life Church

Are you a chicken or an eagle? Pastor Amy explores Colossians 3, inviting listeners to embrace their identity in Christ. She explains that believers are raised and seated with Jesus, and uses the eagle-and-chicken story to illustrate how we can live below our true calling if we focus on earthly things. 

In this message, Pastor Amy walks through a familiar tension we all feel. The question of where we truly belong, and reframes it through the lens of Romans 8. Rather than seeing belonging as something we earn or grow into, she unpacks the reality of adoption, showing that in Christ we are already brought fully into the family of God. This shift doesn't just change how we see ourselves, it reshapes how we live, relate to others, and experience God as our Father.

Following the way of Jesus is not about intensity; it's about consistency. We trust in the slow work of God — in our instability, in our trials, in our heartaches. We patiently persevere with Jesus (and in community!), knowing that He is with us and for us in the race of life. Listen as Pastor Amy continues our Playing with Fire series, focusing on a life of perseverance!

Have you ever wondered how to deal with conflict in relationships or how to have hard conversations without everything turning into a fight, this message is for you. Growth in relationships often comes through discomfort, honesty, and learning to face the moments we usually try to avoid. This sermon explores why relationships can hurt and still make us stronger, and how those difficult moments can lead to deeper connection and trust. It also speaks to anyone who feels overlooked, struggles with people-pleasing, or wonders how to find real friends who challenge them to grow. Instead of chasing shallow connections or followers, we'll look at how to build meaningful relationships rooted in humility, honesty, and mutual support. If you want to grow emotionally and relationally even when it's uncomfortable this message will help you take the next step.

Getting Serious About Growth Struggling with life's unfair moments, personal growth, or emotional maturity? In this live message, we tackle why hardship and discipline aren't punishment... They're essential to character development, resilience, and purpose. Discover how to move beyond a victim mindset, embrace challenge, and unlock meaningful growth even when life doesn't go your way. We explore practical steps for emotional regulation, overcoming stagnation, and finding lasting transformation in your faith and everyday life. Whether you're wrestling with disappointment, seeking deeper meaning, or striving for maturity, this talk offers encouragement to keep growing and pressing forward.

How do we rebuild the social fabric of our neighborhoods and congregations in an age of disconnection and division? In this episode, Pastor Amy Schenkel joins Corey to talk about what it means to be a "weaver" in your own community. From a front-yard picnic table that became a neighborhood gathering place to decades of church planting in downtown Grand Rapids, Amy brings a grounded, practical theology of neighboring that cuts across political and religious lines. Along the way, she and Corey explore the difference between curiosity and contentiousness, how congregations survive painful splits, and why "mission" might be the one thing that unites people who agree on very little else. Amy is a pastor and ministries coordinator at Neland Avenue Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a regional mission leader who has also served as North American and U.S. Director of Resonate Global Mission. She's a trained missiologist, a church planting veteran, and a certified speaker with the Weave Speakers Bureau. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey's Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Neighboring as a Practice: Neighboring doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality, imagination, and a willingness to show up consistently for the people around you. The Front-Yard Principle: A picnic table in the front yard rather than the backyard signals openness. Shared space that's accessible but not invasive invites connection without pressure. Missional Imagination: There's no curriculum for how your church or community should engage its neighborhood. It requires listening, creativity, and the willingness to try things and sometimes fail. Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): Instead of cataloguing what's broken in a neighborhood, start by identifying what's already there: the gifts, talents, and resources people bring. Let the community lead its own renewal. Mission as Common Ground: Churches and communities can disagree deeply about politics and theology while still uniting around a shared calling to love their neighbors. Mission can hold together what ideology pulls apart. Curiosity Over Contentiousness: Everyone is an expert in something you know nothing about. Approaching others with genuine curiosity rather than a prepared rebuttal changes the entire nature of a conversation. The Non-Anxious Presence: When a community faces painful decisions, the most valuable thing a leader can bring is a calm, non-anxious presence. It lowers the temperature and makes honest dialogue possible. Broken Open: Weave identifies people who have been "broken open" by loss or hardship as some of the most effective community weavers. Suffering, when it doesn't harden us, can deepen our compassion for those on the margins. Dispositional Preparation: The preparation that matters most before a hard conversation isn't rehearsing your rebuttals. It's working on your own disposition, arriving curious, open, and genuinely willing to hear. The Image of God Principle: Even when a relationship feels impossibly strained, there's a way through. Lisa Sharon Harper's prayer, "The image of God in me loves the image of God in you," offers a floor to stand on when everything else feels unstable. About Our Guest Pastor Amy Schenkel is a pastor and ministries coordinator at Neland Avenue Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she works to help one congregation connect more deeply with its neighborhood. A graduate of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary, Amy was among the first women ordained in her classis within her denomination. Amy served for years with Resonate Global Mission, including as U.S. and North American Director, overseeing church planting and local mission engagement across the continent. Her work has always centered on a question at the heart of reformed missiology: how do ordinary people, in ordinary vocations, become agents of renewal in their communities? She and her husband Henry church-planted together in downtown Grand Rapids starting around 2000, learning early that a faith community rooted in a neighborhood has to think beyond Sunday mornings. Today she brings that same missional imagination to her work with individual congregations and with Weave: The Social Fabric Project, where she is a certified speaker available to address both secular and faith-based audiences. Links and Resources Weave: The Social Fabric Project weavers.org The Colossian Forum (recommended by Amy for congregations navigating conflict) colossianforum.org Lisa Sharon Harper (referenced in conversation) The Very Good Gospel and Fortune — both highly recommended by Amy lisasharonharper.com Amy Schenkel LinkedIn: Pastor Amy Schenkel Available through the Weave Speakers Bureau: weavers.org/speakers Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today's conversation possible. Gratitude as well to Village Square for coming alongside us in this work and helping foster better civic dialogue. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.

How do we rebuild the social fabric of our neighborhoods and congregations in an age of disconnection and division? In this episode, Pastor Amy Schenkel joins Corey to talk about what it means to be a "weaver" in your own community. From a front-yard picnic table that became a neighborhood gathering place to decades of church planting in downtown Grand Rapids, Amy brings a grounded, practical theology of neighboring that cuts across political and religious lines. Along the way, she and Corey explore the difference between curiosity and contentiousness, how congregations survive painful splits, and why "mission" might be the one thing that unites people who agree on very little else. Amy is a pastor and ministries coordinator at Neland Avenue Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a regional mission leader who has also served as North American and U.S. Director of Resonate Global Mission. She's a trained missiologist, a church planting veteran, and a certified speaker with the Weave Speakers Bureau. Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey's Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Key Takeaways Neighboring as a Practice: Neighboring doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality, imagination, and a willingness to show up consistently for the people around you. The Front-Yard Principle: A picnic table in the front yard rather than the backyard signals openness. Shared space that's accessible but not invasive invites connection without pressure. Missional Imagination: There's no curriculum for how your church or community should engage its neighborhood. It requires listening, creativity, and the willingness to try things and sometimes fail. Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): Instead of cataloguing what's broken in a neighborhood, start by identifying what's already there: the gifts, talents, and resources people bring. Let the community lead its own renewal. Mission as Common Ground: Churches and communities can disagree deeply about politics and theology while still uniting around a shared calling to love their neighbors. Mission can hold together what ideology pulls apart. Curiosity Over Contentiousness: Everyone is an expert in something you know nothing about. Approaching others with genuine curiosity rather than a prepared rebuttal changes the entire nature of a conversation. The Non-Anxious Presence: When a community faces painful decisions, the most valuable thing a leader can bring is a calm, non-anxious presence. It lowers the temperature and makes honest dialogue possible. Broken Open: Weave identifies people who have been "broken open" by loss or hardship as some of the most effective community weavers. Suffering, when it doesn't harden us, can deepen our compassion for those on the margins. Dispositional Preparation: The preparation that matters most before a hard conversation isn't rehearsing your rebuttals. It's working on your own disposition, arriving curious, open, and genuinely willing to hear. The Image of God Principle: Even when a relationship feels impossibly strained, there's a way through. Lisa Sharon Harper's prayer, "The image of God in me loves the image of God in you," offers a floor to stand on when everything else feels unstable. About Our Guest Pastor Amy Schenkel is a pastor and ministries coordinator at Neland Avenue Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she works to help one congregation connect more deeply with its neighborhood. A graduate of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary, Amy was among the first women ordained in her classis within her denomination. Amy served for years with Resonate Global Mission, including as U.S. and North American Director, overseeing church planting and local mission engagement across the continent. Her work has always centered on a question at the heart of reformed missiology: how do ordinary people, in ordinary vocations, become agents of renewal in their communities? She and her husband Henry church-planted together in downtown Grand Rapids starting around 2000, learning early that a faith community rooted in a neighborhood has to think beyond Sunday mornings. Today she brings that same missional imagination to her work with individual congregations and with Weave: The Social Fabric Project, where she is a certified speaker available to address both secular and faith-based audiences. Links and Resources Weave: The Social Fabric Project weavers.org The Colossian Forum (recommended by Amy for congregations navigating conflict) colossianforum.org Lisa Sharon Harper (referenced in conversation) The Very Good Gospel and Fortune — both highly recommended by Amy lisasharonharper.com Amy Schenkel LinkedIn: Pastor Amy Schenkel Available through the Weave Speakers Bureau: weavers.org/speakers Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center for making today's conversation possible. Gratitude as well to Village Square for coming alongside us in this work and helping foster better civic dialogue. Links and additional resources: Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group Clarity, charity, and conviction can live in the same room.

Over the past few weeks, we've explored the ways God speaks to His people. But, what do we do when God doesn't speak? When He doesn't answer a prayer? Listen as Pastor Amy looks at examples of God's silence in Scripture, both dismantling the falsehoods we believe about silence and teaching us how to engage with God in the midst of it.

When The Spirit Moves Series - Week 3. "Where we see dry bones, God sees what they can become." No matter how bleak things appear, God has the power to do the impossible. Pastor Amy continues the series "When the Spirit Moves," focusing on the symbolism of wind as a representation of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament.

As we continue learning how to tune ourselves to God's voice, we also grow in discerning what is true. When it comes to our decisions, beliefs, and purpose, we need to rely on Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and our community for discernment. Listen as Pastor Amy and Pastor Brent explore what Godly discernment looks like in everyday life.

Pastor Amy challenges listeners to re-evaluate their prayer lives, emphasizing that the nature of our prayers directly reflects our belief in God's power and willingness to act. Drawing from Acts chapter 4, she highlights how the early church, facing persecution, prayed not for safety, but for greater boldness to speak God's word. This radical approach to prayer led to powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit and transformed lives.Discover how shifting from small, self-focused requests to audacious, faith-filled petitions can unlock divine intervention and bring about profound change in your life, your community, and the world.If you're new to 7 City Church, we'd love to get to know you and help you take your next step. You can find our digital connect card and discover ways to get connected at 7city.info.Join us in person on Sundays at 9:30 or 11:00 AM at 2900 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX.Connect with us throughout the week on social media:Facebook | YouTube: 7 City ChurchInstagram | TikTok: @7citychurch

Pastor Amy challenges listeners to re-evaluate their prayer lives, emphasizing that the nature of our prayers directly reflects our belief in God's power and willingness to act. Drawing from Acts chapter 4, she highlights how the early church, facing persecution, prayed not for safety, but for greater boldness to speak God's word. This radical approach to prayer led to powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit and transformed lives.Discover how shifting from small, self-focused requests to audacious, faith-filled petitions can unlock divine intervention and bring about profound change in your life, your community, and the world.If you're new to 7 City Church, we'd love to get to know you and help you take your next step. You can find our digital connect card and discover ways to get connected at 7city.info.Join us in person on Sundays at 9:30 or 11:00 AM at 2900 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX.Connect with us throughout the week on social media:Facebook | YouTube: 7 City ChurchInstagram | TikTok: @7citychurch

In the lineage of Jesus, we find yet another unexpected woman with a story of redemption. Bathsheba may be a victim of King David's sinful desires, but God still uses her to bring Salvation to the world. Listen as Pastor Brent and Pastor Amy dive into our final story in these sermon series.

This Christmas week Pastor Amy Visconti takes us into one of the most powerful and overlooked lines in the Christmas story Luke 2:19. Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Through a personal story about missing a once in a lifetime moment on camera Pastor Amy shows why the deepest memories are not captured by a screen but engraved by the Spirit. You will learn how God loves to call ordinary people into extraordinary kingdom work why being favored does not mean a hardship free life and how to shift your perspective so you do not miss the blessings God is already giving you. This message is a practical guide for slowing down reflecting meditating on Scripture and building a habit of pondering so you can walk through this season blessed not bitter.

How does Jesus view children? He welcomes them, teaches through them, and protects them.

This Reformation Sunday, Pastor Amy reminds us that faith isnt finished until its lived. The call to execute faith means acting on conviction, following through with courage, and living what we believe. Just as Martin Luther stepped out in bold obedience to Gods truth, we are called to embody faith in tangible ways to serve, speak, and love with purpose. Jesus didnt come to start a debate; Jesus came to carry out Gods mission of love. Disciples dont just believe the Gospel they do it. https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46163/note-244774.html

This week, we launched our new series, WWJD?—not just to admire how Jesus lived, but to learn how to live like Him. We began by asking: What would Jesus do when it comes to grief? In John 11, Jesus loses a close friend—Lazarus. He doesn't ignore the pain or rush past it. Instead, He walks straight into the moment with patience, compassion, and truth. He weeps, He listens, He comforts. He reminds us that grief and faith can coexist. And then, He reveals our true hope: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Like Jesus, we are invited to grieve honestly, wait patiently, cling to hope, and stay close to the Father. He meets us in our sorrow—not from a distance, but right in the middle of it. Missed Sunday? Catch up on this week's message from our WWJD? series — all about finding hope and next steps when grieving loss. Read the sermon notes here: Daily Devotional Grief Resources

This week, Pastor Amy invites us to rediscover the gift of holy curiosity. Far from being weakness, curiosity was central to Jesus way of engaging people asking questions, listening deeply, and making space for transformation. From Nicodemus late-night questions to the Samaritan woman at the well and Thomas honest doubts, curiosity opened doors for faith, healing, and trust. What would it look like for us to live with the same posture to lead with openness, wonder, and a willingness to be changed by Gods love? https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46163/note-244761.html

Summer At The Movies: Wicked | Pastor Amy Smith by City of Life Church

Have you ever caught yourself talking about someone instead of talking to them? This message, rooted in James 3 and a scene from Grease, confronts the subtle but serious sin of gossip. Our words hold power—they can either heal or harm. We're called to speak life, not spread rumors. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can develop self-control, repent where needed, and choose words that build others up and point them to Jesus.

Pastor Amy Zeittlow, Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Candice Wassell Faith Lutheran Church O'Fallon, IL check out our website: https://www.faithofallon.org/ If you would like to support the ministry of Faith Lutheran Church: https://www.faithofallon.org/

Jesus First Jesus Always: Mother's Day | Pastor Amy Smith by City of Life Church

Rachel and Leah's story in Genesis 29–30 shows how envy can turn sisters into rivals. One longed for love, the other for children—each believing they needed what the other had to feel valuable. Envy convinces us we're lacking and makes it hard to celebrate others. But God offers a better way. Envy says, “I want what you have,” but contentment says, “I trust what God has given.” Through repentance and gratitude, God uproots envy from our hearts. Like Leah, when we say, “This time I will praise the Lord,” our hearts shift. The Gospel reminds us—our worth is secure in Christ.

In Mark 14:1–11, we see a woman pour out costly perfume on Jesus, sparking outrage from others—but Jesus calls it beautiful. Her motive was pure love, while Judas's was selfish gain. As Passover approached, Jesus was preparing to be the true Passover Lamb, giving His life to save us. The woman's worship was a response to His worth, not a performance. This sermon challenges believers to evaluate their own motives in following Jesus. Is it love? Gratitude? Or something else? In response, we are invited to repent and return to the heart of worship—where it's all about Jesus.

In this week's episode of The Generation Podcast, Pastor Ryan is joined by a very special guest—his wife, Pastor Amy! Together, they discuss the importance of prioritizing your marriage above everything else, including kids, and how a strong, God-centered relationship sets the foundation for a thriving family.But that's not all! Pastor Ryan and Pastor Amy also tackle your most-asked questions from Instagram, diving into topics like disciplining children with love, keeping date nights a priority, handling in-laws with grace, and raising kids in a Christ-centered home.Don't miss this powerful and practical conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement, and a few fun surprises along the way!

In this week's episode of The Generation Podcast, Pastor Ryan is joined by a very special guest—his wife, Pastor Amy! Together, they take a trip down memory lane, sharing the story of how they first met, the early days of their relationship, and the realities of a Godly marriage.But that's not all! Pastor Ryan and Pastor Amy also answer your most asked questions from Instagram, diving into topics like faith, relationships, and building a Christ-centered marriage.Don't miss this heartfelt and insightful conversation packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a few fun surprises along the way!

My Roman Empire Part 1 | Pastor Amy Smith by City of Life Church

For our January ALLIN, Pastor Amy explored the moments of consecration from Joshua 4-5 as the Israelites crossed over into the Promised Land. There is a Promised Land rest available for us as believers and leaders that aligns our position, provision, pace and plans to heaven's.