Podcasts about pastor clay

This message explores the Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness—not as cultural niceness, but as Spirit-led, transformational love. Pastor Clay unpacks how biblical kindness confronts pride, restores shame, and cuts to heal. Through the life of Jesus, we see that true kindness doesn't avoid hard truth—it leads people into repentance, freedom, and wholeness. Mercy Culture Church exists to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. For more information on ways you can be a part of it, follow us on social media @mercyculture or visit us at mercyculture.com Share the link and invite a friend to join this service.

Join Pastor Clay NeSmith as he kicks off "Stretch Month" at Valorous Church with a powerful message about expanding our vision and expectations for what God wants to do through us. Drawing from Isaiah 54, Pastor Clay challenges the congregation to move beyond comfort zones and embrace their calling to invite others into God's family. This inspiring message explores three key principles: enlarging our expectations, expecting God's expansion, and embracing our true identity in Christ. Perfect for anyone seeking to understand their purpose in God's kingdom and how to make a meaningful impact in their community.

Pastor Clay and Eric met up for one final episode of the Cut for Time Podcast before Pastor Clay moves to Grand Forks to serve Zion UMC. Together they discuss how this Emerge sermon series has taken on a bigger meaning and how Sunday's sermon in particular spoke to our transitional moments. Thank you for listening over the past four years! Both Pastor Clay and Eric have had so much fun recording together and having you join us for the conversations. Connect with the Canton UMC!

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Clay NeSmith continues the "Things That Jesus Never Said" series by addressing one of culture's most popular pieces of advice: "Just follow your heart." Drawing from Jeremiah 17 and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Pastor Clay reveals why our hearts can deceive us and lead us astray, and instead calls us to follow Jesus who can transform our hearts.Whether you're facing difficult decisions, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, or struggling to know God's will for your life, this message offers biblical wisdom for finding true direction and lasting joy that doesn't depend on your circumstances.

Pastor Clay NeSmith addresses a commonly misunderstood teaching of Jesus by examining a verse often taken out of context – Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge others and you will not be judged". Pastor Clay explains that Jesus wasn't forbidding all judgment, but rather teaching us to judge with the right heart, for the right reasons, and to the right people. Drawing connections to 1 Corinthians 5, he clarifies the biblical responsibility of church members to lovingly speak truth into each other's lives while maintaining humility. This message challenges believers to create a restorative community where authentic relationships can thrive and hearts can be healed.

In this episode, Pastor Clay continues our impactful series, “Following the Way.” Though this message was shared on Mother's Day, it's not a holiday-specific sermon—it's a powerful exploration of what it means to walk in the way of Jesus in our everyday lives. Tune in for a meaningful word that will challenge, encourage, and guide you forward on your faith journey. ➡️ Don't forget to follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Eric and Pastor Clay sat down to discuss Sunday's message from our Emerge series. They talked about the timing of this message coinciding with Graduate Recognition Sunday and also some of the history of the Canton UMC and its ability to find God in what comes next. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Eric and Pastor Clay are back after a long break to check in about Lent, some developments in the life of the Canton UMC, and to discuss our new message series. Eric also asks about the details of the resurrection stories, and we all learn that there is no way to plot out and logic our way through the differences among the gospels. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay NeSmith kicks off a new series titled "Things That Jesus Never Said" by addressing a common misconception about the Christian life. In this powerful message, Pastor Clay explains that Jesus never promised a trouble-free life for believers, but instead offered us peace in the midst of our hardships. Drawing from John 16:33 and sharing personal stories from church members, he demonstrates how we can experience God's peace through a personal relationship with Christ and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, despite life's challenges and difficulties. This inspiring sermon reminds us that while trouble is certain in this broken world, triumph through Christ is equally certain for those who trust Him.

In this powerful Easter teaching, Pastor Clay NeSmith shares how the resurrection of Jesus Christ can transform our lives by replacing pain and disappointment with purpose and hope. Drawing from Luke 24, he explores how the women who visited Jesus' tomb came expecting to find death but instead discovered the promise of new life. Pastor Clay weaves personal testimony about his own faith journey with biblical teaching about God's promises, emphasizing that no matter what circumstances we face, the resurrection offers us a living hope and renewed purpose. The sermon concludes with an invitation for listeners to embrace the life-changing power of the resurrection.

In this Palm Sunday sermon, Pastor Clay NeSmith explores the significance of Jesus's final week before crucifixion through three powerful object lessons: Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem, Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, and the cursing of the fruitless fig tree. Pastor Clay teaches how these events reveal God's purpose for His people - not just to receive salvation for heaven's sake, but to live fruitful lives that reflect God's glory to the world. He reminds us that Jesus came first as a suffering servant to establish peace with God and will return as the victorious King. This inspiring message challenges believers to discover their purpose and produce spiritual fruit rather than merely having the appearance of faith.

Scripture: Luke 23:44-48 & John 19:30 Series: Seven Statements from the Cross In the final message from this series, Pastor Clay helps us explore the last two statements Jesus makes from the cross. With a resolute trust in God, Jesus surrenders his life for us. As we go through the dark valleys of life, we can trust God as Jesus did and put our own spirits in God's hands. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay NeSmith continues the teaching series "Who is Jesus" by exploring what it means to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Using the metaphor of the vine and branches from John 15, Pastor Clay explains how Jesus is not only our salvation, but also the source of a fruitful relationship with God. He emphasizes that relationships come with responsibilities, and believers must intentionally maintain their connection to Christ to produce the fruit God desires in their lives. This sermon challenges listeners to examine what might be hindering their relationship with God and encourages them to remain connected to both Christ and the local church to fulfill their God-given mission.

While Eric is on a work trip, Pastor Clay met up with Rev. Stephanie Schneider to discuss last week's podcast, Sunday's message, and how the Church operates best when it is a family. Connect with the Canton UMC!

In this installment of the "Who is Jesus?" teaching series, Pastor Clay NeSmith explores the biblical concept of Jesus as the cornerstone. Drawing from Ephesians 2 and Matthew 16, Pastor Clay explains how Jesus stabilizes our faith, aligns our lives, and empowers believers to be God's expression in the world. Learn why Christ is essential as the foundation of both your personal faith and the collective church.

Pastor Clay and Eric sat down together to discuss Sunday's message and our progress in this series so far. Last week started with Jesus asking God to forgive "them" because they did not know what they were doing, and this week shows us what that forgiveness looks like in action. A penitent thief on the cross cries to Jesus to be remembered, and Jesus answers, "Surely you will be with me." How does this help us understand the nature of salvation and God's "unfair" love? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay NeSmith continues the "Who is Jesus?" teaching series. In this powerful message, Pastor Clay breaks down Acts 2:22-36, explaining how Jesus is both Messiah (Liberator) and Lord (Leader). Using the metaphor of the "sin pen," he illustrates how Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and liberate us from sin's bondage while leading us into a life of freedom through the Holy Spirit. This sermon concludes with a clear invitation to respond to Jesus through a simple three-step process: repentance, public declaration, and following the Holy Spirit's leadership.

Scripture: Luke 23:39-43 Series: Seven Statements from the Cross It does seem like there are things we get too old to do, but this scripture does help us "never say never." The penitent thief on the cross probably thought it was too late to confess his sins and experience the forgiveness of Christ, yet Jesus extended grace and forgiveness to him. What do you think it is "too late"  to do? This week, Pastor Clay helps us explore the second of Jesus' seven statements from the cross.  Connect with the Canton UMC!

Eric and Pastor Clay met up to talk about the beginning of the Lenten season and the first message in our series about Jesus' Seven Statements from the Cross. The first statement, "Father, forgive them" gave them much to discuss. What do you love about the season of Lent? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Week 2 of THE GOSPEL OF LIFE with our friend, Pastor Clay Scroggins. Pastor Clay reminds us that the foundation of the Christian life is not religion, but a relationship with Jesus.

Join Pastor Clay NeSmith as he kicks off a new teaching series titled "Who is Jesus?" He explores the foundational importance of placing our faith in the right object—Jesus Christ. Using Hebrews 11-12 as his primary text, Pastor Clay explains how Jesus is both the author and perfecter of our faith. He demonstrates how faith is like a tool that can be either destructive or constructive depending on where it's directed.

Eric and Pastor Clay sat down to discuss the Loving Large series and how we celebrate love in our relationships. They both agree that Valentine's Day is a bit overrated but showing love in all relationships is important. Pastor Clay also shared an alternate opening to his sermon from Sunday making the point that we are not supposed to be a "one-hit-wonder" when it comes to showing God's love. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay NeSmith explores the biblical concept of hospitality through the lens of Abraham's story in Genesis 18. In this third installment of the "Love Is" series, he explains how true hospitality looks for opportunities to connect with others, meets people where they are, and gives its best. Drawing from both Old and New Testament examples, Pastor Clay shows how hospitality isn't just about serving food or being nice—it's about intentionally creating environments where people can encounter God's love and have their lives transformed.

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-40 Series: Loving Large As we bring this series to a close, Pastor Clay draws our attention to Jesus' teaching on the impact that putting love into action can have. The difference between the sheep and the goats that Jesus discusses in Matthew 25 is the difference between who showed love and kindness and who did not. How is it that we desire to live? Connect with the Canton UMC!

In this powerful message, Pastor Clay NeSmith kicks off the "Love Is" series by exploring what it means for love to be contagious. Drawing from John 3:16 and 1 John 4, he breaks down how God's love is generous, courageous, and purposeful. Through the story of Jesus's encounter with the woman caught in adultery, Pastor Clay illustrates how true love goes beyond mere feelings to demonstrate courage in difficult situations.

Eric and Pastor Clay met up to discuss last week's message about putting our love into action and also dove one more time into United Methodist history. How did we get here and how does it help us know where to go from here? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay NeSmith explores how to thrive with God's word in our lives through the lens of Jeremiah 29 and Jesus's parable of the sower. Drawing parallels between good soil and the condition of our hearts, Pastor Clay explains how God's vision, proper stewardship, and commitment are essential for producing a spiritual harvest. He emphasizes that God has good plans for His people, but these plans require the right heart conditions to flourish. Using the historical context of Israel's Babylonian captivity, Pastor Clay illustrates how God sometimes uses challenging seasons to recalibrate our hearts for greater purpose.

Pastor Clay and Eric are back after sick kids and weird work schedules to dig into our sermon series on the Five Marks of United Methodism. During their conversation, they cover prayer - which was the topic of last week's sermon - as well as the rationale behind this series. They also discuss some of the distinctives of the United Methodist church. What do you love about your church denomination? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Join Pastor Clay NeSmith as he explores the keys to enduring in your faith journey, drawing inspiration from Paul's letters and Hebrews 12. Through powerful examples of Biblical role models like Abel, Noah, and Moses, Pastor Clay shares four essential principles for finishing strong in your faith: following godly examples, removing unnecessary burdens, keeping focus on Jesus, and embracing divine discipline. With personal stories and practical wisdom, this message encourages believers to run their race of faith with perseverance and purpose, no matter what challenges they face.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Series: The 5 Marks of a United Methodist When we hear the call to "pray without ceasing," we can end up confused or so sure that such a task is impossible that we simply lay it aside. But we can't afford to do that. Prayer matters simply too much. Drawing on the teaching of John Wesley, Pastor Clay helps us think about what it means to have our hearts lifted to God and why it matters for us today. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Welcome back to a more normal-ish episode of the Cut for Time Podcast! As we begin a new message series at the church, Pastor Clay walks through some of the reasoning and rationale for why this series is up first in 2025 and then lays a foundation in the history of John Wesley, the Methodist Movement, and the United Methodist Church. How does this foundation help us build our faith today? Connect with the Canton UMC!

Join Pastor Clay NeSmith as he kicks off the new year with an inspiring message about thriving in 2025 through God's calling. Drawing from 1 Peter 2 and the story of Exodus, Pastor Clay explains how believers are God's masterpiece, created for good works and called to be His treasured possession. Learn how God not only rescues us but refines us through His Word, His Spirit, and community to become representatives of His kingdom. This powerful sermon reminds us that we're not just meant to survive, but to thrive as we fulfill our divine purpose.

Join Pastor Clay NeSmith as he kicks off the "Thrive in 25" teaching series with a powerful message about the significance of water baptism. He explains how baptism creates a meaningful personal memory, demonstrates commitment to the church community, and serves as a testament to God's transformative power. Through scripture references from Philippians, Romans, and Ephesians, Pastor Clay unpacks the deeper meaning behind this sacred practice and extends an invitation to those considering taking this important step of faith.

Pastor Clay and his friends are back for the 4th Week of Advent to discuss what some of the touchstones of the holidays are for them. This goes with our week on touch and feeling, so what are some of the touchstones and traditions that make it feel like Christmas? Guests on the Podcast: Rev. Stephanie Schneider: Village Baptist & First Baptist, Glens Falls & Ft. Edward, NY Rev. Peggy Hanson: Madison UMC, Madison SD Rev. Teresa Whetsel: Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND Beata Ferris: Discipleship Coordinator at Pierre First UMC, Pierre, SD Eric Stearns: Lay Leader at Canton UMC, Canton, SD Connect with the Canton UMC!

In this inspiring message, Pastor Clay NeSmith explores the story of Elizabeth from Luke Chapter 1, revealing powerful lessons about positioning ourselves to be a blessing to others. Through Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy in her old age and her joyful celebration of Mary's news, Pastor Clay teaches how we can receive God's blessings and share them with others. He emphasizes three key principles: believing God over circumstances, celebrating others' blessings without jealousy, and sharing what God has placed in our hands. This timely Christmas message reminds us that God's kindness is meant to flow through us to impact the world around us.

Pastor Clay NeSmith shares how to break free from bitterness and choose a better path, especially during the Christmas season. Drawing from the story of Joseph and Mary, he explores how we can follow God's example of extending forgiveness even when it's difficult. Pastor Clay shares personal experiences, including powerful testimonies from a prison ministry graduation, to illustrate how releasing bitterness can transform lives. Learn practical steps to overcome offense, extend forgiveness, and experience the fruit of the Spirit instead of letting bitterness take root in your heart.

Welcome back to the Cut for Time Podcast at the Canton United Methodist Church. As we continue our sermon series focused on how our sensory experiences focus us on the birth of Christ, we turn to our sense of hearing. This week, you'll hear from Pastor Clay and his panel about their favorite Christmas songs. Guests on the Podcast: Rev. Stephanie Schneider: Village Baptist & First Baptist, Glens Falls & Ft. Edward, NY Rev. Peggy Hanson: Madison UMC, Madison SD Rev. Teresa Whetsel: Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND Beata Ferris: Discipleship Coordinator at Pierre First UMC, Pierre, SD Eric Stearns: Lay Leader at Canton UMC, Canton, SD Check out a playlist based on today's episode! Connect with the Canton UMC!

Welcome to the Season of Advent at the Canton UMC! Advent is a season of the senses, and our sermon series is focused on how our sensory experiences focus us on the birth of Christ. This week you'll be introduced to several of Pastor Clay's friends and ministry colleagues who will all share an experience of Christmas sights that is impactful for them. Guests on the Podcast: Rev. Stephanie Schneider: Village Baptist & First Baptist, Glens Falls & Ft. Edward, NY; Rev. Peggy Hanson: Madison UMC, Madison SD; Rev. Teresa Whetsel: Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND; Beata Ferris: Discipleship Coordinator at Pierre First UMC, Pierre, SD; Eric Stearns: Lay Leader at Canton UMC, Canton, SD. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Pastor Clay NeSmith shares a powerful message about facing life's unexpected challenges through the lens of the Christmas story. Drawing parallels between the biblical characters who encountered unexpected circumstances - Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men - he teaches how to turn challenges into miracles through faith, listening to God's word, and taking action. Using the original Christmas narrative as a foundation, Pastor Clay encourages viewers to face their own unexpected situations with courage, faith, and the understanding that God can turn any challenge into an amazing testimony.

Pastor Clay and Eric are back together for an episode of the Cut for Time Podcast! In this episode, they talk about all the time we have spent talking about prayer this year, yet this sermon was so different as we focused on concept and not content. Prayer was a priority for the early church and should remain a priority for us. How can you prioritize prayer today? Connect with the Canton UMC!

At the end of his message on Sunday, Pastor Clay told a story about a Koinonia Group that started at Sioux Falls Seminary and has endured for ten years. This meant that he got to sit down with a dear friend of his from seminary, Rev. Stephanie Schneider, to talk about the group, their seminary experiences, and the elements that make for true koinonia. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Eric and Pastor Clay are back to discuss our Devoted series and the practice of Communion. Both of them will share a time when "Jesus happened" to them during communion and explore the history, theology, and background of our practice of communion. When has communion been meaningful for you? Connect with the Canton UMC!

In this final message of the series, Pastor Clay explores David's response to overwhelming loss in  the book of 1 Samuel, and how he finds strength in God during a crisis. Learn how to avoid three common traps that can derail our trust and discover how faith leads to rescue and restoration.

Pastor Clay and Eric are back again for an episode of the Cut for Time Podcast focusing on the laws God had given the people around worship and what we experience nowadays. Is this what God intended? They also talked about Pastor Clay's message from Sunday and the provision of God. How have you experienced God's provision? Connect with the Canton UMC!

On Sunday, Pastor Clay talked about God giving Moses/Israel the law, beginning with the Ten Commandments. But rather than dig in through all ten of the commandments in one sermon, we focused on the concept of the law. Eric and Pastor Clay met up to talk about the details of the Ten Commandments. What commandment do you struggle to follow? Connect with the Canton UMC!

As we kick off our latest series, 'Trust Issues', Pastor Clay examines how Ananias throughout Acts 9 builds trust with God by listening, confronting doubt, and taking risks. Discover how these steps can guide us in our own trust challenges.

In this message, Pastor Clay Ingram from Mercy Culture Dallas unpacks the message 'Faithfulness Pleases The Lord' using the narrative of David and Saul from 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. He discusses the biblical story where Saul, pursued by the Philistines, falls on his spear and how David responds faithfully despite being in the 'in-between' of God's promise. Pastor Clay explores the concept of favor, encouraging believers to focus on faithfulness and trust in God's timing instead of pursuing favor. He emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful, seeking Jesus above all, regardless of circumstances. Through reflecting on humility and discipleship, Pastor Clay calls the congregation to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus, reinforcing that God exalts the humble in due time.

And we're back! Hold onto your hats for this one, friends, as Pastor Clay and Eric recap an entire summer of preaching and dig into Pastor Clay's sermon from Sunday, which started our series on Moses. His birth was wild, and clearly God is up to something. But the story is just beginning. Connect with the Canton UMC!

Learn more about Mission Church at www.missionlasvegas.com

The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Senior Pastors, Landon and Heather Schott or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit mercyculture.com.