Church in Illinois, United States
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5 episodes with willow creek church
5 episodes with willow creek church
4 episodes with willow creek church
2 episodes with willow creek church
2 episodes with willow creek church
2 episodes with willow creek church
2 episodes with willow creek church
2 episodes with willow creek church
On today's program, Willow Creek Pastor Dave Dummit announced this week he is stepping down as leader of the influential Chicagoland megachurch. Leaders have also named his successor. And, revenue is down for Steven Furtick's Elevation Church, while in-person membership is flat. We'll take a closer look at the church's 2024 annual report. Plus, the state of the church—Barna Group released its new report showing men have outpaced women in church attendance, reversing a longstanding trend. We'll have details. But first, more churches are leaving what's known as ‘the Network,' led by Steve Morgan. Nearly half of the congregations that have been associated with a “Network” of churches overseen by Pastor Steve Morgan have either publicly announced their departure or removed any reference to the network from their websites. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Bob Smietana, Shannon Cuthrell, Diana Chandler, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell. A special thanks to Baptist Press for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you. MANUSCRIPT: FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I'm Warren Smith, coming to you this week from Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: And I'm Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado, and we'd like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today's program, Willow Creek Pastor Dave Dummit announced this week he is stepping down as leader of the influential Chicagoland megachurch. Leaders have also named his successor. And, revenue is down for Steven Furtick's Elevation Church, while in-person membership is flat. We'll take a closer look at the church's 2024 annual report. Plus, the state of the church—Barna Group released its new report showing men have outpaced women in church attendance, reversing a longstanding trend. We'll have details. Natasha: But first, more churches are leaving what's known as ‘the Network,' led by Steve Morgan. Warren: Nearly half of the congregations that have been associated with a “Network” of churches overseen by Pastor Steve Morgan have either publicly announced their departure or removed any reference to the network from their websites. MinistryWatch began reporting about Morgan in 2022 when a watchdog group called “Leaving the Network” issued an eight-point “call to action,” including an independent investigation of the group. Morgan, who was originally part of the Vineyard Association of Churches, left that group in 2006 and formed his own network. At one point, the network included 26 churches in the U.S., U.K., and Taiwan. Morgan is still the lead pastor of Joshua Church in Austin, Texas. Natasha: Why were churches leaving? Warren: One of the concerns that “Leaving the Network” has raised is that Morgan was arrested in 1987 for aggravated criminal sodomy of a minor, but his case was diverted. The group believes Morgan's past has been concealed from members and leaders in the network of churches. Natasha: Eleven churches no longer appear to be affiliated with the Network. MinistryWatch reported about four — Isaiah Church, Vine Church, North Pines Church, and Hosea Church — last fall. Now seven more have indicated in some way that they are no longer part of the Network. Warren: Brookfield Church in Athens, Ohio: Cedar Heights Church in State College, Penn.: Mountain Heights Church in Morgantown, W.V.: Oaks Church in Muncie, Ind.: South Grove Church in Athens, Ga.: Vida Springs Church in Gainesville, Fla.: Christland Church in College Station, Texas: Natasha: Next, Willow Creek's Pastor steps down. Warren: David Dummitt, who became pastor of Willow Creek Church at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,
Touring Life + Willow Creek Production + Christ's Church of the Valley = A Production Pro. Ivan Talamantes (Christ's Church of the Valley, Willow Creek) shares his journey from touring pro to church tech leader. He gives us insights on volunteers, gear, and the best (and worst) audio consoles in church production!In this episode you'll hear: 1:00
FILO's Aubrey Wentz talks with Shawn Williams and Jeff Boriss from Willow Creek Church about the challenges of production people and pastors working together. Learning to communicate and teach each other what it takes to make Sundays happen are key ingredients to having successful outcomes...and not hating each other. :)Show Notes:FILO Cohorts: This episode is a recording from a 2024 Summer Skills Cohort. If you are intrigued to learn more about Cohorts or if you would like to sign up for one, head to filo.org/cohorts. Jeff's FILO 2024 Breakout: Processes That Get You to Sunday Without Going CrazySubscribe to the FILO Podcast: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the FILO Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and be alerted any time we launch a new episode.Leave a review of the FILO Podcast: Your ratings and reviews help spread the word about the FILO Podcast to others. We'd appreciate your help! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Have ideas for the FILO Podcast? Email your feedback, send us your topic ideas or names of people you think we should interview! filopodcast@filo.orgFILO Emails: The best way to stay in the loop with what FILO is up to, is to sign up to receive our emails.Follow FILO on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Todd is joined by Tim Stevens, former executive pastor at Willow Creek Church. They talk about the importance of the culture on a team and the part that each of us has to play in creating it in our own sphere of influence.Show Notes:Summer Skills Cohort: Journey with like-minded technical artists for growth and support as well as meet with an industry leader for an in-depth discussion around a topic. The best part? Sharing how you're learning and growing with your group for added support and accountability. Join us for the final August session! Learn more at filo.org/cohorts. FILO Cohorts: There are a few spots left in the next 101 Cohort that launches August 15th! Register today! If that Thursday weekly Cohort doesn't work in your schedule, you can view the rest of the year's schedule on our website. Subscribe to the FILO Podcast: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the FILO Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and be alerted any time we launch a new episode.Leave a review of the FILO Podcast: Your ratings and reviews help spread the word about the FILO Podcast to others. We'd appreciate your help! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Have ideas for the FILO Podcast? Email your feedback, send us your topic ideas or names of people you think we should interview! filopodcast@filo.orgFILO Emails: The best way to stay in the loop with what FILO is up to, is to sign up to receive our emails.Follow FILO on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Todd has a chat with Kirk Denson from Willow Creek Church. They talk about the importance of developing people, not just to be better technicians but better humans.Show Notes:Summer Skills Cohort: Journey with like-minded technical artists for growth and support as well as meet with an industry leader for an in-depth discussion around a topic. The best part? Sharing how you're learning and growing with your group for added support and accountability. Join us for the final August session! Learn more at filo.org/cohorts. MxU Pop Up: Join Todd at the upcoming MxU Pop up in Dallas on August 20th. The pop ups are one day events designed to equip you with leadership training and an opportunity to engage with other worship and tech leaders in your city. Learn more at getmxu.com/pop-ups.Subscribe to the FILO Podcast: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the FILO Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and be alerted any time we launch a new episode.Leave a review of the FILO Podcast: Your ratings and reviews help spread the word about the FILO Podcast to others. We'd appreciate your help! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Have ideas for the FILO Podcast? Email your feedback, send us your topic ideas or names of people you think we should interview! filopodcast@filo.orgFILO Emails: The best way to stay in the loop with what FILO is up to, is to sign up to receive our emails.Follow FILO on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
“Did you have integrity today?” That's the question that Steve Carter, author, podcaster, and former lead teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, pictured his son asking him when allegations of sexual harassment against Bill Hybels emerged. Carter realized he couldn't go “play church.” He had to take the allegations seriously and act with integrity, which, for him, looked like resigning. On this episode of Being Human, Cuss and Carter discuss what it looks like to have integrity when mentors and institutions fail us. They talk about the heartbreak of losing beloved communities, navigating relationships when people feel betrayed, and how difficult it is to see broken systems when inside them. Carter shares how he has dealt with the weight of being misunderstood, the way some of his highest values were wielded against him, and what it was like to deal with public loss and accusation as an Enneagram Three. He and Cuss talk about the power of the resurrection and the two Greek words that became an anchor for Carter. And they discuss what propelled Carter to write Grieve, Breathe, Receive—a stunning memoir on grief and healing that recounts Carter leaving Willow Creek Church, entering a wilderness season, and enduring loss upon loss upon loss, from income and reputation to precious family members and more. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Luke: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Fred B. Craddock Steve Carter Craft & Character with Steve Carter Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith Strong Enough to Hold Us by Steve Carter The Thing Beneath the Thing: What's Hidden Inside (and What God Helps Us Do About It) by Steve Carter Willow Creek Community Church “Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs” “Cadet Prayer” Annie F. Downs Ira Glass Camino De Santiago “What Is a Verbatim?” Compassion International “Welcoming Practice” The Worst James Harden Flops “Being Human with Steve Cuss” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Produced and Edited by Matt Stevens Associate Producers: McKenzie Hill, Raed Gilliam, and Abby Perry Theme song by Dan Phelps Original Music by Andy Gullahorn Mix Engineer: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Amy Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Did you have integrity today?” That's the question that Steve Carter, author, podcaster, and former lead teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, pictured his son asking him when allegations of sexual harassment against Bill Hybels emerged. Carter realized he couldn't go “play church.” He had to take the allegations seriously and act with integrity, which, for him, looked like resigning. On this episode of Being Human, Cuss and Carter discuss what it looks like to have integrity when mentors and institutions fail us. They talk about the heartbreak of losing beloved communities, navigating relationships when people feel betrayed, and how difficult it is to see broken systems when inside them. Carter shares how he has dealt with the weight of being misunderstood, the way some of his highest values were wielded against him, and what it was like to deal with public loss and accusation as an Enneagram Three. He and Cuss talk about the power of the resurrection and the two Greek words that became an anchor for Carter. And they discuss what propelled Carter to write Grieve, Breathe, Receive—a stunning memoir on grief and healing that recounts Carter leaving Willow Creek Church, entering a wilderness season, and enduring loss upon loss upon loss, from income and reputation to precious family members and more. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Luke: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Fred B. Craddock Steve Carter Craft & Character with Steve Carter Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith Strong Enough to Hold Us by Steve Carter The Thing Beneath the Thing: What's Hidden Inside (and What God Helps Us Do About It) by Steve Carter Willow Creek Community Church “Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs” “Cadet Prayer” Annie F. Downs Ira Glass Camino De Santiago “What Is a Verbatim?” Compassion International “Welcoming Practice” The Worst James Harden Flops “Being Human with Steve Cuss” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Produced and Edited by Matt Stevens Associate Producers: McKenzie Hill, Raed Gilliam, and Abby Perry Theme song by Dan Phelps Original Music by Andy Gullahorn Mix Engineer: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Amy Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith strong enough to Hold Us (new book) ... GUEST Steve Carter ... pastor, author, podcast host ... former pastor of Willow Creek Church, Chicago, IL. Three Kinds of People You Need In Your Life ... GUEST Daniel Darling ... author of several books, including ”The Dignity Revolution,” “The Characters of Christmas: The Unlikely People Caught Up in the Story of Jesus,” and “The Characters of Easter: The Villains, Heroes, Cowards, and Crooks Who Witnessed History's Biggest Miracle (newest book)”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith strong enough to Hold Us (new book) ... GUEST Steve Carter ... pastor, author, podcast host ... former pastor of Willow Creek Church, Chicago, IL. Three Kinds of People You Need In Your Life ... GUEST Daniel Darling ... author of several books, including ”The Dignity Revolution,” “The Characters of Christmas: The Unlikely People Caught Up in the Story of Jesus,” and “The Characters of Easter: The Villains, Heroes, Cowards, and Crooks Who Witnessed History's Biggest Miracle (newest book)”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scripture for Study and Reflection:Read Romans 15: 1-6, 12-13.1. What does “hope” mean to you? Why is hope important? What is lifelike without hope?2. What is your hope for Grand Lake UMC as we go forward?3. Read Isaiah 43: 19. How does that verse make you feel? Can you seeit relating to Grand Lake UMC?4. Read Romans 8: 28. Does that verse give you hope? If so, in whatways?5. Pastor Mick talks about hope in togetherness. What does he mean bythis? Why is togetherness important? How can it give us hope?6. Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church says, “The local church is the hopeof the world.” Do you agree with that? Why/why not? How are we atGrand Lake UMC providing hope to the world?7. Pastor Mick talks about finding hope through Scripture. How do theScriptures provide hope?8. Read verse 13 again. How are we filled with joy and peace? Whatdoes this do for us? What might it also do for others around us?9. In what ways is God the true source of all our hope? What do youneed to do to tap into this hope more fully? How can you help otherstap into this source of hope?Prayer for the Week:Almighty God, you are the source of all our hope. We find hope in theway you draw us together as a community of faith, the body of Christ,your church. We find hope for all of life's ups and downs when we readthe Scriptures. More than anything, we find hope in our relationship withyou, as you fill us with joy and a peace that passes all understanding,regardless of our life circumstances. Remind us, Lord, that you are notdone with us. You are always doing something new in us, whether weperceive it or not. For this, we give you thanks and praise. May ourcollective thanks and praise fill others with hope and draw them to you ina way that advances your kingdom and gives your glory. We pray all ofthis in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and theHoly Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CW: adverse religious experiences, church-related trauma, narcissistic leadersDr. Scot McKnight is Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and Laura Barringer is an author and a Kindergarten Teacher.In this episode, they summarize their two recent books (A Church Called Tov and Pivot). In the first part, in the light of abuse related to Willow Creek Church and the Southern Baptist Convention, they describe harmful dynamics and harmful responses when abuse is brought to light. And in the second part, our primary focus for the episode, they put forward a vision for transforming church cultures. They also give tips for identifying unhealthy cultures, addressing those unhealthy cultures, and understanding deconstruction in light of these things.Team members on the episode from The Two Cities include: Dr. John Anthony Dunne and Dr. Madison Pierce.Series Disclaimer: This series explores the concept of “trauma,” its sources, and its expressions from a range of perspectives. Some of our guests are licensed mental health professionals; some are those with formative experiences of trauma; and others are those who explore trauma through various theoretical frameworks. We hope that this series provides useful information to all that enables them to begin to be trauma-informed and to love others and themselves better. Our series is by no means meant to replace the important work of one-on-one time with a trauma-informed professional. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi Friend Happy New Year 2024!I am so excited about this new Year - I am leading a workshop next week, Creating an Abundant Mom Life in 2024, on Wednesday, January 17th at 12N CDT - you can register on the Moms of Tweens and Teens website, and I'm sharing the link in the show notes here: https://momsoftweensandteens.mykajabi.com/creating-abundant-2024Kristin Bartholomew is here with me today and she is an EQ-i Certified Executive Coach and Leadership Development Specialist with over 10 years of experience in high-performance organizations, such as Willow Creek Church and Chick-fil-A. Her skill lies in helping clients see where they are blind or stuck, and moving them to a place of choice. Once a client chooses to move, she is skilled at helping them finish the change process.As a mom of 3, Kristin knows firsthand the challenges of finding the balance between chasing after professional dreams and maintaining intentional motherhood. she helps women step outside of themselves to identify ways they are being held back from the life they desire and deserve. Where you can connect with Kristin:Her websiteHer blog PodcastSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioAmazon MusicFacebookInstagramLinkedInSupport the showCheck out our Moms of Tweens and Teens website HERESign up for our Moms of Tweens and Teens newsletter HERE Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Join our Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Momsoftweensandteens Find awesome resources on MOTTs University: https://www.mottsuniversity.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen's unique needs during these pivotal years. Get on the waitlist to get all the details and to be the first to know when it opens! https://momsoftweensandteens.lpages.co/waiting-list-for-membe...
Overview Jill Monaco, who has found true freedom in Jesus, discusses discovering our identity in Christ. Being free isn't just about being free from addiction, abuse, or anxiety but about who we were created to be. It's about finding our true identity in Christ and taking control of our fear with a focus on the finished work of Christ. Monaco emphasizes that the mind of Christ sees us as a finished work and who we were supposed to be. I am so excited to share the latest episode of our show with you. In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jill Monaco, a life coach and author passionate about helping people discover who God made them to be. Here are three takeaways from our conversation: Life coaching is so much more than just setting goals. Jill explained that coaching is about listening to what the client wants to get out of the session and helping them hear God to figure out the answers to their questions. It's about unveiling the lies they believe and discovering the areas of their life they're passionate about. Cultivating a relationship with God is key to being able to give His love away to others. Jill emphasized the importance of being in His presence and receiving everything He has for us so we can give it to others. We can only give away what we have, so it's essential to continually receive from Him. Jill's book, "The Freedom Coach Model," can help readers encounter the presence of God and find freedom in Jesus. If you're looking for a resource to help you discover who God made you to be, this book is a great place to start. Timestamp Points to Listen for: [00:01:26] Finding true identity in Christ. [00:04:12] Finding freedom from sin. [00:07:55] Lies we believe. [00:11:42] Playful relationship with God. [00:14:42] Life coaching explained. [00:18:20] Reporting abuse was difficult. [00:21:58] Trauma stored in the body. [00:25:13] Forgiveness and Receiving Love. [00:29:00] Love is the key. [00:32:48] Knowing God and finding peace. This conversation is inspiring as well as thought-provoking. I highly recommend giving this episode a listen. Thank you for tuning in and supporting our show as you grow your relationship with Jesus. I am wildly cheering you on,
We're joined this week by father-daughter team, Dr. Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer, co-authors of A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing. Their book was inspired by the events at Willow Creek Church, prompting them to explore toxic church cultures and the need for change. They contrast toxic church cultures with tov cultures (tov meaning "good" in Hebrew). In toxic church cultures such as Mars Hill or Willow Creek, the marks include narcissism, fear, institution creep, false narratives, loyalty culture, celebrity culture, and a focus on leadership culture. On the other hand, tov cultures are characterized by empathy, grace, people-first approach, telling the truth, justice, service culture, and Christlikeness culture. Their book has provided language and hope for those who have experienced toxicity in churches, giving a voice to the wounded resistors. In their upcoming book, Pivot, Scot and Laura focus on the "how" of building tov cultures. We hope you'll find that this conversation continues our goal of not only exposing the characteristics of toxic church culture but also offering hope for restoration and the rebuilding of a different and healthier community of believers. Listener resources: Check out A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer Pre-order Scot and Laura's follow up book, Pivot: the Priorities, Practices and Powers that Can Transform Your Church into a Tov Culture , coming in September 2023 Read Laura Barringer's article, “Willow Creek's Core Meeting: A Response” in Christianity Today. More works referenced in this episode: Lectures on Calvinism by Abraham Kuyper; H. Richard Niebuhr; David Brooks; Organizational Culture and Leadership by Edgar Schein. If you are a Christian leader or pastor seeking a space for support, growth, and transformation for yourself or for your team, we invite you to participate in one of our cohort programs, called a Circle. To learn more and to get on the waitlist to be notified when our next Circle is offered, click here.
What do you do when you're set up to be the successor of the lead pastor of one of the biggest and most well-known churches in the world and suddenly everything comes crashing down? What do you do when it becomes clear that the beloved pastor you were meant to follow has been found to be abusive toward women—and the church's leadership fails to take responsibility for the systems that allowed that?What do you do?This is exactly the situation that Steve Carter faced. Steve was set to succeed Bill Hybels at Willow Creek Church in Chicago. And when news broke of the things Hybels had done, Steve had to make a decision. Would he stay and become complicit in the system that made Hybels' abuse possible? Or would he step away and let go of everything that to this point had given him a sense of value and meaning?Today, Steve Carter is the pastor of Forest City Church outside Chicago And the author of The Thing Beneath the Thing: What's Hidden Inside (and What God Helps Us Do About It).THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Steve Carter and Markus Watson walked the Camino de Santiago together in October 2022 as part of the Journey Home cohort led by Jon Huckins.Steve Carter met Bill Hybels while interning with Rob Bell.Steve joined the staff of Willow Creek Church and was soon tapped to succeed Bill Hybels as pastor of the church.Eventually, Steve found out (from his book editor!) that a story was going to come out about Bill Hybels.Ultimately, Steve resigned from Willow Creek because the story of Bill Hybels' history of abuse was being mishandled by the leadership. Steve felt that by staying he would have been complicit.Leaving Willow Creek was incredibly difficult and painful for Steve.It was while walking the Camino de Santiago that Steve Carter was finally able to say, “I love Bill Hybels.”Markus Watson shares about his experience of healing and transformation and healing while on the Camino de Santiago.According to Steve Carter, we need to respond to the reality of suffering in three ways:Past: Practice forgiveness for what has happened.Present: Rely on your core values—because you're not going to make everyone happy.Future: Prepare and practice for what may come.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Steve Carter:Forest City ChurchCraft and Character podcastBooks mentioned:The Thing Beneath the Thing, by Steve CarterJourney Home: A Pilgrimmage for MenLearn how to lead your church into ministry that matters. Check out my online course, Engaging God's Mission.
Todd is joined by Megan Fate Marshman, Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Church and Main Session Speaker at the upcoming FILO 2023 Conference. They talk about the importance of humility and not just understanding who God is, but who we are. Show Notes: FILO 2023 Conference: Prices go up on February 15th, 2023 on all […]
0:00 -Dan & Amy get revved up for NASCAR 12:48 - THE PURGE/THE REVOLT: Naperville assault weapon ban 26:25 - After 2 vaccines and 2 boosters, argent mask wearer JB Pitzker gets the vid! 44:28 - CEO and President of The Catholic Foundation of Northern Colorado, Deacon Steve Stemper, discusses the intersection of faith and business which will be front and center at this year's Global Leadership Summit, Aug 4-5 at Willow Creek Church, South Barrington. For more info on Global Leadership Summit 2022 visit globalleadership.org 59:06 - Noted economist Stephen Moore rebuts Pete Buttigieg's push for clean energy and electic cars. If you haven't already, check out Steve's most recent book Govzilla: How the Relentless Growth of Government Is Devouring Our Economy—And Our Freedom 01:17:15 - At the intersection of Sports, Politics and Campus Beat: UCLA in the Big Ten 01:35:31 - Senior editor at the Federalist and author of Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent, David Harsanyi, on Why Anti-Gun Zealots Can't Admit Concealed Carry Saves Lives. David is a must follow on twitter @davidharsanyi 01:52:07 - Karol Markowicz, columnist for the New York Post and contributor editor at The Spectator: Those destroying public schools don't want you thinking about alternatives. For more from Karol, follow her on twitter @karol See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Willow Creek Community Church, a Chicago megachurch that was one of the largest and most highly regarded congregations in the nation, will lay off 30% of its staff due to post-COVID-19 declines in attendance and giving. “Willow is about half of the size we were before COVID, which is right in line with churches across the country". This model of church was a much copied, but what about their church growth model going forward?
Willow Creek Community Church, a Chicago megachurch that was one of the largest and most highly regarded congregations in the nation, will lay off 30% of its staff due to post-COVID-19 declines in attendance and giving. “Willow is about half of the size we were before COVID, which is right in line with churches across the country". This model of church was a much copied, but what about their church growth model going forward?
Willow Creek Community Church, a Chicago megachurch that was one of the largest and most highly regarded congregations in the nation, will lay off 30% of its staff due to post-COVID-19 declines in attendance and giving. “Willow is about half of the size we were before COVID, which is right in line with churches across the country". This model of church was a much copied, but what about their church growth model going forward?
FrontStage BackStage with Jason Daye - Healthy Leadership for Life and Ministry
Why are so many of the changes that the Church is currently facing so dramatically different from many of the changes that we navigated over the past few decades? And, as we recognize these changes, why is it so important to address them honestly when it comes to the future of the Church? In this week's conversation on FrontStage BackStage, host Jason Daye is joined by Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach Kiley. Nancy helped found and served at Willow Creek Church for many years, and is now a teaching pastor at Soul City Church in Chicago. Samantha serves as a creative arts pastor, and together, they wrote a new book entitled, Next Sunday: an Honest Dialogue about the Future of the Church. This is a multi-generational conversation with two people who have a heart for Jesus and a heart for His Church.Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more at http://PastorServe.org/networkSome key takeaways from this conversation:Nancy Beach on leaders growing in self-awareness: "We are all capable of blind spots. We all have ways in which we don't really see, sometimes...our unhealthy self. And so I think it begins with leaders who are growing, always, in self-awareness, allowing some trusted people, whether that be a counselor or a good honest friend, to hold up a mirror to us to actually help us see what we can't seem to see ourselves.”Samantha Beach Kiley on being more effective by slowing down: “Sometimes we're quick to leap towards the next stage of repair without doing the due diligence of confession and lament”Nancy Beach on where every church should focus their energy: “You might not be so great at strategic planning, or at your vision, or fundraising, or have a magnificent building, or anything like that. But you can focus on being a more loving, welcoming, truly welcoming, church. And that is what Jesus said would most draw people to Himself anyway. So that's where I think our energy needs to go.”Samantha Beach Kiley on hope in the future Church: "I think the hope of the Church --that it could be a force of restoration in our local community, and, and in the world at large, and in our own hearts-- I just don't think there's anything like that, and people need and want that....it's unlike any other part of modern life."Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the entire Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide (Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our amazing guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how that episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your regular staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.)Love well, live well, and lead well --------Complimentary 1-hour Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesessionFollow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram
Support the show: Patreon l Glow l Episode TranscriptWhat is it like to actually practice our faith? How often do we sit in contemplation and meet God where He already is in true searching and in a truly Earthshaking moments of worship? Aaron and I discuss what it means to enter into the current of life that is practice-based worship of the Creator of all things. Guest Bio:Aaron is a liturgist, writer, and pastor in the Chicago area. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church, he created A New Liturgy- a collection of modern liturgical worship recordings. Shortly after, he started a practice-based community at Willow Creek called The Practice. His new book about a practice-based faith called The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Drowning.Guest Socials:Twitter: @AaronieqWeb: aaronniequist.comInstagram: aaronieqSpecial Music for this episode was provided by A New Liturgy from the album A New Liturgy No. 6. Tracks include: Thank You, Benediction, Please Speak More information about A New Liturgy is at anewliturgy.comYou can also find selections from all our episodes on our Spotify Playlist. I am so grateful for you and want to invite you to become a part of the beloved community being developed here. Consider becoming a Patreon supporter of the show. You'll have access to many perks as well as guaranteeing the future of these conversations; even $3/Month goes so far as this show is 100% listener supported. https://www.patreon.com/canisaythisatchurchAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Marriage has many seasons and today, Christa talks to one of her favorite couples, author and executive pastor at Willow Creek Church, Tim Stevens and his wife Faith Stevens, 2-5 Glow, about setting important marriage goals around all the seasons of marriage. As they remind us, it may seem slow at times but it goes by really fast and about how to prioritize dates, geting away, not scaring your kids away from God, and previous Enneagram coaching with Christa. E + M Collective is also open for enrollment till June 14 for those who want group coaching support and so much more. Founder's rate until June 1! IG @timastevens @fulltimemama6 Tim Stevens www.leadingsmart.com The E + M Collective Membership Head on over to enneagramandmarriage.com to check out all of our amazing freebies and resources! Instagram: @enneagramandmarriage | @enneagrammarriagepod Facebook @ enneagramandmarriage Have a specific relationship question for the show? Fill out this form to get your podcast questions answered! If you want your question shared on the E + M Podcast, send an MP4 recording to enneagramandmarriage@gmail.com. (You can use the "Voice Memos" app on your iPhone to record). Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a 5-Star review so others can find us, too right >> here
Join Willow as we celebrate Easter, 2022. Hear the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection from a new point of view, seeing that hope isn't something we need to search for actively; it's already here. When our world is shaky, we reach for hope. At times, it can feel far away—nearly impossible to grasp. This Easter, hear the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection from a new vantage point, seeing that hope isn't something we need to search out, it's already here. Come experience a hope that came near.
Albert Tate is a pastor, public speaker, podcast host and Mississippi native who accepted a call to ministry at 21 years old. Albert graduated with his Bachelor's degree from Wesley Bible College and is also working towards a Master's degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. Raised in the church, Albert began to preach at revivals and lead retreats for people eager to grow closer to Jesus. Albert followed God's lead to Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California. In 2011, Albert left Lake Avenue to found Fellowship Monrovia in Monrovia, California which has a loyal congregation and has 20,000 viewers watching its online services. He often speaks at camps, colleges and revivals. He now serves on the board of Azusa Pacific University and the advisory council of the Fuller Youth Institute. He is also deeply involved in international church planting and is a Co-Catalyst of LA Church Planting. Albert is also the teaching pastor at Willow Creek Church. Albert hosts the Albert Tate Podcast and Good News Today, a live weekday morning devotional show with thousands of daily viewers. The Albert Tate Podcast features prominent Christian leaders and voices (such as Leonce Crump, Terrell Owens, David Kinnaman, Phil Vischer, and others). Good News Today was started as an encouraging morning devotional at the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic and has evolved into a space for interactive community and a necessary reminder that God is in control in all seasons and situations, even when He seems disobedient. To purchase Alberts new book visit HowWeLoveMatters.com
Albert Tate is a pastor, public speaker, podcast host and Mississippi native who accepted a call to ministry at 21 years old. Albert graduated with his Bachelor's degree from Wesley Bible College and is also working towards a Master's degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. Raised in the church, Albert began to preach at revivals and lead retreats for people eager to grow closer to Jesus. Albert followed God's lead to Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California. In 2011, Albert left Lake Avenue to found Fellowship Monrovia in Monrovia, California which has a loyal congregation and has 20,000 viewers watching its online services. He often speaks at camps, colleges and revivals. He now serves on the board of Azusa Pacific University and the advisory council of the Fuller Youth Institute. He is also deeply involved in international church planting and is a Co-Catalyst of LA Church Planting. Albert is also the teaching pastor at Willow Creek Church. Albert hosts the Albert Tate Podcast and Good News Today, a live weekday morning devotional show with thousands of daily viewers. The Albert Tate Podcast features prominent Christian leaders and voices (such as Leonce Crump, Terrell Owens, David Kinnaman, Phil Vischer, and others). Good News Today was started as an encouraging morning devotional at the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic and has evolved into a space for interactive community and a necessary reminder that God is in control in all seasons and situations, even when He seems disobedient. To purchase Alberts new book visit HowWeLoveMatters.com
The famous WIllow Creek Church has hired the charlatan Robert Morris to teach the people to tithe -10-- of their gross income for a year, after which if they are not satsified with the returns, he will refund their tithes. This is one of the most shameless forms of false teaching in the churches today. It is a lie. It is theft. Don't believe it. Tithing under threat of a curse, as taught by these people, is a back door denial of the sufficiency of the atoning work of Christ.
I first heard about Megan Fate Marshman when our girls came home from Hume Lake Christian Camp and said, "We loved Spirit Girl!" (And Bethany wanted to BE the Spirit Girl--the one who led all the games and was so funny and fun!) Megan still works for Hume Lake as Director of Women's Ministries and is still funny and so fun, but also a great speaker and author. She pastors at Willow Creek Church and ministers at her home church, Arbor Road in S. California. At the time of this recording, Megan had been married 10 years but her dear husband passed away suddenly a few mid 2021 and we pray for her heart to heal and her life to continue to bless hundreds and thousands of her listeners.Please join me in praying for Meg as she mothers her two darling boys. Today's episode is about her latest book, Meant For Good—The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You. A must-read. Put it in your own stocking! Some of the many great quotes from Meant for Good: We want answers, God wants trust. God knows His plans for our lives; it doesn't say He will tell us those plans. We must prioritize time for intimacy with God; no one will do that for us. The purpose of prayer is not to share our agenda with God. It's to align our lives with His agenda. About Meg: As an international speaker at churches, conferences and university chapels, Megan Fate Marshman is a leading voice to this generation. She has devoted her life to loving God and overflowing His awesome love to others. Megan is currently a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and the Director of Women's Ministries at Hume Lake Christian Camps. She also shepherds women at her home church, Arbor Road. She also enjoys adventuring all over the globe with her boys speaking and sharing the love of Jesus. She authored the books “Meant for Good” and "SelfLess," and co-wrote the book, "7 Family Ministry Essentials," with Dr. Michelle Anthony. Megan also served as the Director of Student Resources for David C Cook Publishers, where she led a team in creating TruIdentity, a spiritually forming, Christ centered, and family empowered youth ministry curriculum. In February of 2021, Megan's husband, Randy Marshman, went home to be with Jesus after suffering a heart attack. For Megan, “to live is Christ, to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).” She grieves with hope and lives to become more like Christ so others may know Him more through her. Megan lives in Lakewood, California with her two boys, Foster and Jedidiah.
PCRP S4 E6 Special Needs Ministry in the Church Don interviews Natalie McKinnon on the need for special needs ministry within the Church and the missed opportunity to families that need it. 13% of Kids in public have special needs1 in 83 are on the autism spectrum7% of children 3-17 years of age have ADHD8% of children 3-17 years of age have a learning disability17% will experience communication disorder90% of these families will not attend a church regularly out of embarrassment Reach Natalie at natalie@legacysutton.com http://mintools.com/special-needs-ministry-resources.htm http://www.willowcreek.org/disabilities. Ideas for ministry at your church from Willow Creek Church,Chicago, Illinois http://www.hopeingod.org/disability http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-adastandards/ada-standards/chapter-2-scoping-requirements#221%20Assembly%20Areas http://storage.cloversites.com/christianchurchesdisabilityministry/documents/A%20Place%20For%20Me%20In%20Gods%20Family_2012.pdf. Nine lessons that will help a teacher lead a person withdevelopmental disabilities into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. http://www.unitedspinal.org/pdf/DisabilityEtiquette.pdf. General information http://www.understandingdisability.org/DisabilityEtiquette. On-line quiz http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/going_to_church_0.pdf. Booklet for children withautism about going to church http://www.autismspeaks.org http://drgrcevich.wordpress.com. A church4everychild site http://childrensministry.com/leadership/special-needs-ministry/ https://www.amazon.com/Start-Hello-Introducing-Ministry-Irresistible-ebook/dp/B019JGEG2I (freedownloadable booklet) http://www.keyministry.org http://theinclusivechurch.wordpress.com/ http://www.joniandfriends.org/ http://www.clcnetwork.org/
*Trigger warning: We discuss sexual assault in The Church and Bill Hbyels and Willow Creek Church in Chicago. Scot McKnight is a theologian, an author, and a professor at Northern Seminary in Chicago. On this episode of Chicago, we talk about his book A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing. Scott is desperate for the church to be “tov” (good) and a place for people to thrive. He uses his studies of The Bible to help others go deeper in their Christian walk. We discuss narcissism in The Church and why it is so important to share the pulpit and share platforms to destroy pride and ego. Scot knows churches can be “tov” and we have the power of The Holy Spirit within us to fight against abuse and form a culture of goodness among God's people. Connect with Scot: IG: @scotandkris Twitter:@scotmcknight Facebook: @scot.mcknight Mentioned in the episode: A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse Connect With Angie: Website: chatologie.com IG: @angiebrownelkins Twitter: @Angieelkins Facebook: @chatologieangieelkins This episode was edited and produced by Angie Elkins Media
A lighthearted chat with one of Casselberry's favorite residents, Drew Acosta! Want to help Drew by our front-line workers a meal? You can donate to his fundraiser via Cash app: $CauseWeCare All funds go towards the purchase of meals for front line workers, for example, Casselberry Fire Departments, Police Departments as well as local Casselberry clinics. Please reach out to Drew Acosta directly for more information: Djacosta75@yahoo.com For more information on the Better Man event, please visit: https://bettermanevent.com Please visit us at www.whatsupcasselberry.com Our Podcast partner: Willow Creek Church. "We exist to glorify God by declaring and demonstrating the power of the gospel, inviting people to discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus." For more information, please visit: www.willowcreekchurch.org The views and opinions expressed in this episode, are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of others involved in this episode.
Someone wins big in Casselberry! Andy and Drew learn how Jennean Hutcheson is investing hope and love into our community. To learn more about The Light House Girls or to get involved, contact Jeannean: clubs@casselberrylighthouse.com For more information on the Better Man event, please visit: https://bettermanevent.com Special Thanks to Drew Acosta for our new Intros! Please visit us at www.whatsupcasselberry.com Our Podcast partner: Willow Creek Church. "We exist to glorify God by declaring and demonstrating the power of the gospel, inviting people to discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus." For more information, please visit: www.willowcreekchurch.org The views and opinions expressed in this episode, are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of others involved in this episode.
Dr. Deborah Bauer of the Society of Historic Casselberry joins Andy & Drew this week to discuss the Save Deer Run project and many other fun facts about Casselberry. https://historiccasselberry.com For more information on the Better Man event, please visit: https://bettermanevent.com Special Thanks to Drew Acosta for our new Intros! Please visit us at www.whatsupcasselberry.com Our Podcast partner: Willow Creek Church. "We exist to glorify God by declaring and demonstrating the power of the gospel, inviting people to discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus." For more information, please visit: www.willowcreekchurch.org The views and opinions expressed in this episode, are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of others involved in this episode.
The episode features segments from interviews with Doug Prusak, (Ep42) Pastor Andre Martin, (Ep 22) and Chip Colondreo & Georgia Rivas (Ep 34.) For more information on the Better Man event, please visit: https://bettermanevent.com Special Thanks to Drew Acosta for our new Intros! Please visit us at www.whatsupcasselberry.com Our Podcast partner: Willow Creek Church. "We exist to glorify God by declaring and demonstrating the power of the gospel, inviting people to discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus." For more information, please visit: www.willowcreekchurch.org The views and opinions expressed in this episode, are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of others involved in this episode.
Part two of our conversation with Current and incoming Casselberry Elementary School PTSA Presidents, Lindsay Feist and Jennifer Hughes. http://www.casselberry.scps.k12.fl.us/ https://www.facebook.com/CasselberryPtsa/ The Society for Historic Casselberry: www.facebook.com/HistoricCasselberry For more information on the Better Man event, please visit: https://bettermanevent.com Special Thanks to Drew Acosta for our new Intros! Please visit us at www.whatsupcasselberry.com Our Podcast partner: Willow Creek Church. "We exist to glorify God by declaring and demonstrating the power of the gospel, inviting people to discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus." For more information, please visit: www.willowcreekchurch.org The views and opinions expressed in this episode, are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of others involved in this episode.
SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH YOUR PASTOR. YES, I'M YELLING. Prolific theologian and author Scot Mcknight, along with his daughter Laura Barringer, recently released a book called “TOV" (TOV means “good” in Hebrew). This book was written partly as a response to the downfall of Bill Hybels, pioneering mega-Church Pastor of Willow Creek Church; but it is also a general exhortation for all churches to promote and follow “TOV leaders,” those with fullness of total moral behavior. Co-host Chip Judd, Scot Mcknight and Joey discuss Bill Hybels' fall, toxic leadership culture in churches, and why pastors better take their damn masks off. Like, right now. Take them off. Is there a solution to all this mess? Scot says, "YES, we need more TOV leaders."SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH YOUR PASTOR. Scot Mcknight:https://twitter.com/scotmcknightChip Judd:https://chipjudd.com/category/mindshift/Joey/PWNA Instagram: www.instagram.com/joeysvendsenCurrent DonorSee: https://donorsee.com/pwnahelpsGet notifications each time we start raising money to get more information on our current opportunity to “save the day” for team humanity. Text PWNAd to 31010. Support:Join us as a patron! https://www.patreon.com/pwnapodor leave a Venmo tip right @ https://venmo.com/joey-svendsenJoin the discussion:https://www.facebook.com/groups/PWNAtalkSocials:https://twitter.com/pwnapodhttps://twitter.com/joeysvendsenhttps://www.facebook.com/PWNApodCALL 507-403-PWNA (7962): Questions, Comments, Feedback, Pushback, frustration?Air it out on our voicemail and we may air it on an episode.E-mail PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.Theme Song courtesy of Derek Minor: http://www.derekminor.comOther music originally composed by Joel Hamilton/Mechanical Riverhttps://mechanicalriver.bandcamp.com/Executive Producer of PWNApod: Jared SvendsenSupport the show
Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer join me to discuss the abuse of power in the church, creating a goodness culture, and how the western business model has negatively impacted the church. Topics they wrote about in their book A Church Called Tov. Questions Scot, Laura and I Discussed: (3:39) Your family attended and served at Willow Creek Church for a number of years. What were some strengths and weaknesses you observed while attending? (7:33) The two of you have written A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing. Laura, will you share a bit of the back story that led you to write this book? (15:47) "We form church cultures, but we are simultaneously formed by the cultures we've helped form." In relation to the church, Scot unpack that a bit for us. (18:56) What are a few early warning signs of a toxic church culture? (22:57) Something I have witnessed personally is the mis-application of Matthew 18, which you write about in Chapter 3 of the book. How is Matt. 18 mis-applied in abuse culture and how is it to be appropriately applied? (30:17) What is Tov? And how is it more than a works based goodness? (34:28) The portion that particularly struck me was how the western business model has taken root in churches. The focus has become achievement and accomplishment rather than holiness and Christlikeness. Unpack that a bit for our listeners. (42:13) As we close, what would you say is a good first step to take if you are a member of a church and are experiencing that feeling of "ugh...I think this may be happening in my church"? Quotes to Remember: "When people are confronted with their sins that are shocking, and will destroy their ministry they do certain patterns." "Good characters produce good cultures, and bad toxic characters produce toxic cultures." "If I see loyalty, constant building up, bragging about the church, and the pastor, and the musicians, I'm going to be suspicious, because they're holding people up at a level that is going to detract from Christ." "Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. It is also a term used a lot in Judaism. But it is a term that makes Christians scared." "If you are connected to Jesus, you are connected to someone who is all together tov (good), and if you spend time in the presence of someone who's all together tov, you'll be tov-er." "We would go to these training sessions led by Bill Hybels, and he called it Fill. He wanted your section to fill. It was all about inviting people in and making sure that the seats had bodies in them." SHOW NOTES cont. Related Episodes: 94: Mary DeMuth | Hope After Sexual Abuse 97: Hannah Anderson | Goodness and The Lost Art of Discernment 101: Paula LeJeune | When God's Love and Adversity Collide Connect with Scot McKnight on Twitter and at Jesus Creed Connect with Laura Barringer on Twitter ----------------------------------------------- Follow Grace Enough Podcast on IG and FB and www.graceenoughpodcast.com ------------------------------------------------
Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. On today's MinistryWatch Extra episode we present a recent conversation I had with the president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Michael Martin. In 1977, Senator Mark Hatfield convened a group of ministry leaders to meet to see how they could stave off threats by the federal government to regulate Christian ministries. Two years later, in 1979, that meeting resulted in the formation of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. The ECFA was successful in this sense: government regulators turned their attention elsewhere, and for the past 40 years we have had essentially no new regulations on the Christian non-profit sector – even though transparency advocates say reforms to the Christian non-profit space are badly needed. The ECFA has also been successful at establishing standards for financial behavior. The ECFA's “Seven Integrity Standards for Non-Profits” has become a gold standard in the Christian ministry space. It is an excellent document that sets the bar high for Christian ministries. However, the ECFA's record of enforcement of these standards over the years has been spotty. Some of the biggest frauds, scams, and scandals of the past half-century that involved Christian ministries – including the Jim and Tammy Baker/PTL scandal in the 80s, the Foundation for New Era Philanthropy in the 90s, and – more recently – scandals related to Willow Creek Church and Gospel For Asia, have all occurred while these organizations were ECFA members. But now the ECFA has a new president. Michael Martin became the president of the ECFA in 2020, after serving 9 years on the ECFA staff, including a tenure as Executive Vice President. He is both a lawyer and a Certified Public Accountant, and since 2013 he has been co-author of the annual Zondervan Minister's Tax & Financial Guide and the Zondervan Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide. Because of Covid restrictions, Michael and I had this conversation remotely. I was in my home studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Michael was in Winchester, Virginia. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database, technical, and editorial support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Christina Darnell, and Casey Sudduth.
Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. On today’s MinistryWatch Extra episode we present a recent conversation I had with the president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Michael Martin. In 1977, Senator Mark Hatfield convened a group of ministry leaders to meet to see how they could stave off threats by the federal government to regulate Christian ministries. Two years later, in 1979, that meeting resulted in the formation of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. The ECFA was successful in this sense: government regulators turned their attention elsewhere, and for the past 40 years we have had essentially no new regulations on the Christian non-profit sector – even though transparency advocates say reforms to the Christian non-profit space are badly needed. The ECFA has also been successful at establishing standards for financial behavior. The ECFA’s “Seven Integrity Standards for Non-Profits” has become a gold standard in the Christian ministry space. It is an excellent document that sets the bar high for Christian ministries. However, the ECFA’s record of enforcement of these standards over the years has been spotty. Some of the biggest frauds, scams, and scandals of the past half-century that involved Christian ministries – including the Jim and Tammy Baker/PTL scandal in the 80s, the Foundation for New Era Philanthropy in the 90s, and – more recently – scandals related to Willow Creek Church and Gospel For Asia, have all occurred while these organizations were ECFA members. But now the ECFA has a new president. Michael Martin became the president of the ECFA in 2020, after serving 9 years on the ECFA staff, including a tenure as Executive Vice President. He is both a lawyer and a Certified Public Accountant, and since 2013 he has been co-author of the annual Zondervan Minister's Tax & Financial Guide and the Zondervan Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide. Because of Covid restrictions, Michael and I had this conversation remotely. I was in my home studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Michael was in Winchester, Virginia. The producers for today’s program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database, technical, and editorial support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Christina Darnell, and Casey Sudduth.
Dave Dummitt is the Senior Pastor at Willow Creek Church in the Chicagoland area. Before serving at Willow, he had founded 2|42 Community Church, which was recognized by Outreach Magazine as one of the fastest-growing churches in the United States. Dave shares with us what it's like to take over a new church, the listening sessions that he implemented as he arrived, the mindset that everything ought to multiply, and utilizing physical campuses to serve the needs of the community during the week.
On today's program, a pastor in the popular Hillsong movement has been fired for an unspecified “moral failure.” We'll have details. Compassion International reaches a financial milestone. And we have the latest installment in our Generous Living series, the story of a young couple whose financial stewardship has motivated generosity in others. We begin today with massive staff cuts at Chicagoland's Willow Creek Church. Each week, MinistryWatch brings you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, news that we examine from a Christian worldview perspective. Our goal is to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include J.C. Derrick, Steve Rabey, Warren Smith, and Christina Darnell. Thanks to our friends at the Non-Profit Times and The Roys Report for contributing material to this week's program. Until next time, may God bless you.
On today’s program, a pastor in the popular Hillsong movement has been fired for an unspecified “moral failure.” We’ll have details. Compassion International reaches a financial milestone. And we have the latest installment in our Generous Living series, the story of a young couple whose financial stewardship has motivated generosity in others. We begin today with massive staff cuts at Chicagoland's Willow Creek Church. Each week, MinistryWatch brings you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, news that we examine from a Christian worldview perspective. Our goal is to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. The producers for today’s program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include J.C. Derrick, Steve Rabey, Warren Smith, and Christina Darnell. Thanks to our friends at the Non-Profit Times and The Roys Report for contributing material to this week’s program. Until next time, may God bless you.
If you've ever felt lost in a transition in life--whether it's a change you've initiated or a change that's come to you--then you do not want to miss this episode with Nancy Beach (http://www.nancylbeach.com/books), author, speaker and leadership coach. Nancy has shepherded me through multiple leadership transitions in my own life and has been a pioneer and trailblazer as a woman in ministry and in living out the gospel through her life, including in her role of breaking the silence of abuse and coverup with Bill Hybels at Willow Creek Church. (http://www.nancylbeach.com/blog/myresponsetotheapology) Together, Nancy and I talk about: What it feels like to "jump" out of a season and into the unknown How hard seasons prepare you for the future The three distinct seasons of transition & change Why the "neutral" zone is the most unsettling part of change How to handle loss well Also, I really do fangirl over Nancy for several minutes because that's how much she's meant to me over my entire ministry career...cannot wait for you all to learn from her and appreciate her wisdom like I have!! Resources: Transitions by William Bridges (https://www.amazon.com/Transitions-Making-Changes-Revised-Anniversary/dp/073820904X) The Way of Transitions by William Bridges (https://www.amazon.com/Way-Transition-Embracing-Difficult-Moments/dp/073820529X) The Land Between by Jeff Manion (https://www.christianbook.com/land-between-finding-god-difficult-transitions/jeff-manion/9780310318668/pd/318668?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=books-0-20%7C318668&p=1179710&dv=c&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8rT8BRCbARIsALWiOvQb4tVUq_VKAG6JsqvlMk516iHR2lFj16uVJAbkesDVPY2IF-oJ6jAaArLKEALw_wcB) Falling Upward by Richard Rohr (https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Upward-Spirituality-Halves-Life/dp/0470907754/ref=sr_1_2?crid=32VVHADLOI2QG&dchild=1&keywords=falling+upward+by+richard+rohr&qid=1603135524&s=books&sprefix=falling+upward%2Cstripbooks%2C137&sr=1-2) _Nancy Beach is most known for her groundbreaking ministry to more fully unleash the arts in the local church, and for leading artists with grace, wisdom, and skill. For over 20 years she served as the Programming Director of Willow Creek Community Church in suburban Chicago, building a community of artists who sought to create transformational moments in weekend church services. Nancy also served as a Teaching Pastor, periodically bringing the weekend message. She invested five years as a leadership team member of the Willow Creek Association, an organization that exists to envision and inspire church leaders all over the world. In over 26 countries and on 6 continents, Nancy has shared her passion, teaching at conferences and workshops. In her book, An Hour on Sunday, Nancy expresses the core vision and values which she believes are foundational to any effective arts ministry. Nancy's second book is titled: Gifted to Lead: The Art of Leading as a Woman in the Church._
In this weeks episode we will be speaking with Aaron Niequist on having A Practiced Based Faith.Aaron is a liturgist, writer, and pastor currently living in NYC. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church and Willow Creek Church, he created A New Liturgy- a collection of modern liturgical worship recordings. Shortly after, Aaron started a discipleship-focused, formational, ecumenical, practice-based community at Willow Creek called The Practice. In 2018, he released a book about a practice-based faith called The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Drowning, and he continues to create resources to help us all flesh it out, including his podcast The Eternal Current Podcast.To find out more about his work, follow Aaron on Facebook or on Twitter or Instagram @aaronieq. Also, check out his podcast The Eternal Current Podcast, as well as his liturgies at https://www.anewliturgy.com/
Adam sits down with pastor & author Megan Fate Marshman. Megan shares her story and her journey into two ministry roles - women's pastor and teaching pastor at Willow Creek Church. Adam and Megan talk about living with purpose and why what we do matters, being Jesus to people we encounter, and what good really means in our lives. Don't miss this conversation!Pre Order a copy of Adam's book Love Has A Name: amzn.to/3ejzZpp How to Be Somebody: howtobesomebody.orgMeant for Good: amzn.to/33nXg7OA Long Obedience in the Same Direction: amzn.to/31f7SDl
[ep 97] Aaron Niequist is a liturgist, writer, and pastor currently attending General Theological Seminary in NYC. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church...
Join us at http://ubcreal.org. Pastor Mark Jones provides a special Mother's Day sermon titled "Hannah's Prayer". Special thanks to Willow Creek Church, the location of our recording. Scriptures Passages: 1 Samuel 1
Welcome to the inaugural weekly edition of The MinistryWatch Podcast! On today’s program we discuss the following: 1. New revelations at Chicago-based Willow Creek Community Church. 2. A new approach coming out of Indianapolis called Purposeful Design that helps men in recovery. 3. A former chief executive at United Way of Santa Rosa County (Florida), Guyland W. Thompson, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for stealing $650,000 from the organization. 4. A look at some out-sized salaries of people associated with President Trump’s lawyer, Jay Sekulow, from several Christian ministries that Sekulow leads. 5. A milestone in the news for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 6. A development at the U.S. Supreme Court that could affect a lot of Christian ministries. 7. This year’s March for Life on the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Decision, which included a visit by President Trump. Don’t forget to check out the MinistryWatch database of the 500 largest Christian ministries in America at www.MinistryWatch.com. That database has financial information, MinistryWatch’s own rating of the financial efficiency of the ministry, and lots of other information to help you become a more effective steward of the resources God has entrusted to you. Today’s program was produced by Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. The writers include Shawn Hendricks and Steve Rabey. And your hosts for The MinistryWatch Podcast are Natasha Smith and Warren Smith. Thanks for listening, and may God bless you.
Michael's entry into comedy was almost preordained. Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids, Michigan movie theater, the projector malfunctioned. The film snapped, the house lights came on, and acting on a dare, young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage. When the theater manager tried to usher him out, the audience demanded he stay... and Michael Jr. discovered his gift. Comedian George Wallace offered Michael his first break when he took him to the legendary Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, home of Jay Leno and "The Tonight Show" staff. The club's owner slipped Michael onstage... and a week later Michael was performing at the "Just for Laughs" comedy festival in Montreal, where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on "The Tonight Show." That performance catapulted Michael's career and has resulted in additional appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central, TV One, The Late, Late Show, BET's ComicView, Jimmy Kimmel Live, SiTV, CNN, The Tom Joyner Show, The Bob and Tom Show , DayBreak USA and Bryon Allen's Comic Unleashed and ComedyTV. You'll also find him at the most prestigious comedy clubs across the nation, including The Improv, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Punchline, The Comic Strip, and Zanies Comedy Club. And, if that's not enough -- Michael's versatility takes him from major universities such as Notre Dame, the University of Massachusetts, and the University of Alabama, to church events ranging from the 60,000 member Willow Creek Church in Chicago to the 17,000 member West Angeles Church in L.A to the 10,000 member New Life Church in Colorado Springs. How can one man be equally at home in the heartland and the inner city, churches and prisons, corporate events and youth rallies? Michael calls it comedy accountability. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lol-comedy-showcase/support
Conversations Cafe: PAWS to COPEThe Conversations Cafe is a monthly event at Sip of Hope Coffee Bar, featuring education and open forum dialogue on the intersections of Mental Health within our communities. This education event is brought to you by Hope For The Day, with support from our partners in prevention, Banyan Treatment Center, Dark Matter Coffee, and Three Run Two.This week's live Conversations Cafe episode is titled “PAWS to COPE - The Power of Pets”, and is filled with discussion & education on Therapy Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Service Animals, no matter whether they are furry, feathered, or scaled.Our guests this week include a plethora of Hope for the Day Family:Jackie Carmody, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & a registered board certified Art TherapistPam Baren Kaplan, a professional pet loss grief recovery and life coachRyan Shannon, a United States Veteran and Director for Hope for the Day’s upcoming Project RED Team.Roger Rosenquist, Director of the Chicagoland chapter of Pets for VetsSandee Thomas and Tesla, Sip of Hope’s resident therapy dog team and leaders of a therapy dog ministry at Willow Creek Church in Barrington, IL.Pam’s upcoming book, titled Tails of Unconditional Love: Your Journey to the Other Side of Pet Loss Grief is available for preorder now and scheduled to be released on August 15th, 2019. You can find the Amazon preorder page via www.anthologiesofhope.com/paws (P-A-W-S)The Conversations Cafe is a monthly live podcast recording at Sip of Hope Coffee Bar featuring education and open forum dialogue on the intersections of Mental Health within our communities. This education programming is brought to you by Hope For The Day with support from our partners in prevention, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Illinois, and Banyan Treatment Center.Join the conversation. We are in this together.Don't forget to check out our companion Spotify playlist at anthologiesofhope.com/playlist.Anthologies / Rick Osowski / Hope for the Dayhttps://www.auxchicago.com/anthologies-of-hopehttps://www.anthologiesofhope.com/https://www.instagram.com/anthologiesofhope/https://www.facebook.com/anthologiesofhope/https://www.instagram.com/rosowski/https://www.hftd.org/https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheday/https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheday/https://sipofhope.com/https://www.instagram.com/sipofhope/https://www.facebook.com/sipofhope
In dieser Folge des 365 Grad Podcast unterhalten sich Hanna, Paulien und Jan über ein schwieriges Thema: Im Oktober 2017 startet die #metoo-Welle. Zahlreiche Hollywoods Superstars stehen unter dem Verdacht, ihre Macht jahrzehntelang ausgenutzt zu haben, um die Grenzen vieler Frauen ignorieren zu können. Am 23. März 2018 veröffentlicht die Chicago Tribune einen Artikel, in dem Bill Hybels ebenfalls mit solchen Vorwürfen konfrontiert wird. Der Pastor der Willow Creek Church und Initiator des Global Leadership Summit tritt am 10. April 2018 zurück. Aber wollte er das nicht eh? Was ist aus den Vorwürfen eigentlich geworden? Was können Gemeinden und Führungskräfte aus der Geschichte lernen? In der Folge weisen wir hin auf: - das Buch "Trügerische Sicherheit" von Christian Rommert - www.nina-info.de (Hilfetelefon Sexueller Mißbrauch) 365gradpodcast.de Facebook.com/365gradpodcast Instagram.com/365gradpodcast
Growing up in the church, Aaron Niequist never imagined he would experience a faith crisis—until he did. On this episode, he recalls this time of doubt and what helped him through it. Aaron and Jim also discuss reviving liturgy and the seeing faith in light of the Kingdom of Heaven. Aaron Niequist is a liturgist, writer, and pastor. After growing up in a Plymouth Brethren community, he led worship at Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, MI and Willow Creek Church in Barrington, IL. Recently, he has shifted his focus to creating ‘A New Liturgy’—a series of modern liturgical recordings. Find a conversation about this episode at the BioLogos Forum. Check out the video of A New Liturgy: Creation. Find out more about Aaron's book—The Eternal Current—on his website. Music in this episode is from Joseph McDade.
Chance the Rapper returns with a new album and an army of guest stars for ‘The Big Day.' Willow Creek Church hosted a Reconciliation Service. And Mario Kart may actually be good for your relationship.
Controlled Chaos Junior High Middle School Youth Ministry Podcast
Junior High Webcast coming up with Kurt and Justin on July 2, 11 am CST on building a magnetic middle school ministry. How you can be attractive and missional that kids are drawn too with a missional aspect. SIGN UP HERE!!!! Christ in Youth, our exclusive podcast partner!!!! For more information about Christ in Youth our Podcast Partner Email Sign-ups Places to find the podcast Our Youtube Page Controlled Chaos Blog Social Media Links Campference Go to linktr.ee/controlledchaospodcast for all our links! Intro by Andy Stanley Whose on this episode? Justin Herman Host Kurt Johnston Host Scott Rubin, Junior High Ministry EXPERT (Kurt's best friend) Mike Thomas, Why we Stayed Podcast Michele Anderson, Host Talking Squirrels Podcast Samantha, Girl World EXPERT Dr. Andrew Root, Youth Ministry Theology EXPERT Jeff Wallace, Student Leadership EXPERT Why mic skills are essential with Justin and Kurt If the audio is terrible everything is terrible no matter how good the video/graphics If the person is ill-prepared no matter how much planning it will drain the energy of the room Consider using a handheld—the audio quality is much better and you can use to your advantage with its distance Students will see a potential future for themselves in the person on the microphone Never give the mic away if you don’t know what they will say. If you don’t know whether to use a mic or not—use a mic You have to train people on how to be on a mic—it is not a natural thing Why you should tune into the CIY webcast It's on the internet, and the internet is awesome Where else do you get a half hour of training for free? This is stuff you can give to your leaders. It is not long and drawn out (only 1 hr) Everything is more significant (than the first) with this webcast It will be encouraging and give you a different way of thinking about things Scott Rubin—Director of Student Ministries at Willow Creek Church—pastoring with high school in mind Look at them and imagine where they will be in a few years What do we need to be thinking about? Identify gifts in those years and put them on that track to develop it Think ahead but do not get ahead of themselves Give them opportunities to leverage it Sometimes the disruptive kid is the leader. Talk to them about it See if there is an upperclassman that they could be and have them hang around them. Call out to them what you see in them Engage the parents in any way that you can. Some kids might not show themselves, and parents can be a great insight. With leaders moving up or not always remember where you are trying to get the students. Never forget what it is like to be a teenager Never do youth ministry alone Mike Thomas—Why we stayed podcast Everyone that has stayed/left a different story but they all have friction. How will you respond? When church and God are blended, they become upset with everything. Their whole idea is broken. Michele Anderson—talking squirrels podcast—adolescent development Early adolescence 10-13 It can help to tailor to how the schools do it Reasons for a 7th-9thministry With longer adolescence, students need more time to develop How can we give coaching on mental development Ask them hard questions—they can handle it The psychological difference between boys and girls Girls will grow faster in every way Samantha—Jr. High Girls The enemy is attacking mainly through technology. Distracting us. And taking away our identity in Jesus with something else. Women should not prove their ability by everything that men do cause men do not do that for women. Elizabeth Elliot—Let me be a Woman Topics Girls need to hear Love, Suicide/depression, homosexuality, technology Always express love Dr. Andrew Root There are so many things that students need, does God need anything? Don’t think that God needs anything But He is a God that acts for us Out of the love and inner love of the Trinity out of the surplus of their passion they reach out to share their love God chooses to become vulnerable because of his compassion, mercy, and friendship He reaches out for a desire to love and care not because he needs it Jeff Wallace—Student leadership Gather at most one a month or once a quarter They are busy (and so are their parents who drive them) Have a good plan because time is precious It is not about a shirt or a title Leadership is about keeping your word—have them value being on the leadership team. Meet the HOST! Justin Herman Go to controlledchaos.fun/Justin for all his links! Question or Show ideas? Email Justin! Controlled Chaos Podcast: A junior high ministry podcast for youth workers! Thank you for tuning in. The work youth workers do hard work, thank you! Thank you for taking the time to get a little more equipped to do Junior High or Middle School Ministry in your Youth Ministry or Student Ministry at your church. Keep it up!
Throughout Pastor Randy Frazee’s career, he has pastored 4 churches. He grew his first church in Ft. Worth from 400 members to nearly 4,000 members before joining Willow Creek Church which now has 28,000 members. Pastor Frazee then went on to Oak Hills Church in San Antonio to help grow the church from approximately 500 members to nearly 10,000 people.
Lessons from the implosion at Willow Creek Church. This is David Wheaton, host of The Christian Worldview. Willow Creek in Chicago is one of the largest and most influential evangelical churches. Founder and former senior pastor Bill Hybels innovated the “seeker sensitive” model of gearing church to non-believers or seekers. An implosion took place this past week at Willow Creek with the entire board of elders and both lead pastors resigning amidst allegations of extra-marital sin by Hybels. While there is plenty to discern about the unbiblical seeker model and its huge impact on churches, the first lesson is to pray for all involved and “take heed that we do not fall”. Hear two other lessons at TheChristianWorldview.org. And then tune in this weekend for another topic that will sharpen your worldview.
The implosion is now complete for Bill Hybels and Willow Creek Church, the highly-influential mega-church in Chicago that Hybels founded and led for four decades. However the consequences will be felt by those involved and the evangelical church at large for years to come. This week the entire board and lead pastors announced they are all resigning as new allegations came out regarding Hybels' extra-marital relationships...
Support the show: Patreon l Glow l Episode Transcript What is it like to actually practice our faith? How often do we sit in contemplation and meet God where He already is in true searching and in a truly Earthshaking moments of worship? Aaron and I discuss what it means to enter into the current of life that is practice-based worship of the Creator of all things. Guest Bio: Aaron is a liturgist, writer, and pastor in the Chicago area. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church, he created A New Liturgy- a collection of modern liturgical worship recordings. Shortly after, he started a practice-based community at Willow Creek called The Practice. His new book about a practice-based faith called The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Drowning. Guest Socials: Twitter: @Aaronieq Web: aaronniequist.com Instagram: aaronieq Special Music for this episode was provided by A New Liturgy from the album A New Liturgy No. 6. Tracks include: Thank You, Benediction, Please Speak More information about A New Liturgy is at anewliturgy.com You can also find selections from all our episodes on our Spotify Playlist. I am so grateful for you and want to invite you to become a part of the beloved community being developed here. Consider becoming a Patreon supporter of the show. You'll have access to many perks as well as guaranteeing the future of these conversations; even $1/Month goes so far as this show is 100% listener supported. https://www.patreon.com/canisaythisatchurch
Joey found some of his old premarital counseling notes. Now his chauvinistic approach to counseling couples only four years ago leaves him embarrassed. Bill Hybels, lead pastor of Willow Creek Church, steps down and it doesn't look good for him. According to Francis Chan, we should probably not talk about it. Links & Sponsors: BadChristian.com thebcclub.com Quip: quip.com/BADCHRISTIAN Tripping.com: tripping.com/BADCHRISTIAN
200churches Podcast: Ministry Encouragement for Pastors of Small Churches
Jonny is joined by Bep Reeves to talk with Pat Cimo, and Jenni & Paul Von Tobel from Willow Creek Church about their Special Friends ministry. Special Friends ministers to folks with special needs and disabilities within the Willow Creek body and Pat, Jenni, and Paul bring helpful and practical insight for how you can minister to individuals with special needs in your own context.
Published on May 2, 2013 Michael Jr Comedy Christian Church Comedian http://michaeljr.com Michael Jr Comedy Christian Church Comedian Bio (from http://michaeljr.com/about) Once in a generation, a comedian comes along who speaks to everyone. Today, that comedian is known simply as Michael Jr. Imagine a line from Bill Cosby to Jerry Seinfeld and you'll have an idea of Michael's influences. Watch him onstage and you'll see a man at ease...with himself, his audience, and his message. Listen to his voice and you'll detect a comfortable, conversational style that hides a sly sense of mischief. Hear his words and you'll laugh at the universal themes that connect us all. Hailed as one of today's most gifted comedians, Michael's entry into comedy was almost preordained. Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids, Michigan movie theater, the projector malfunctioned. The film snapped, the house lights came on, and acting on a dare, young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage. When the theater manager tried to usher him out, the audience demanded he stay...and Michael Jr. discovered his gift. Comedian George Wallace offered Michael his first break when he took him to the legendary Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, home of Jay Leno and "The Tonight Show" staff. The club's owner slipped Michael onstage...and a week later Michael was performing at the "Just for Laughs" comedy festival in Montreal, where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on "The Tonight Show." That performance catapulted Michael's career and has resulted in additional appearances on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, TV One, The Late, Late Show, BET's ComicView, Jimmy Kimmel Live, SiTV, CNN, The Tom Joyner Show, The Bob and Tom Show , DayBreak USA and Bryon Allen's Comic Unleashed and ComedyTV. You'll also find him at the most prestigious comedy clubs across the nation, including The Improv, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Punchline, The Comic Strip, and Zanies Comedy Club. And, if that's not enough — Michael's versatility takes him from major universities such as Notre Dame, the University of Massachusetts, and the University of Alabama, to church events ranging from the 60,000 member Willow Creek Church in Chicago to the 17,000 member West Angeles Church in L.A to the 10,000 member New Life Church in Colorado Springs. How can one man be equally at home in the heartland and the inner city, churches and prisons, corporate events and youth rallies? Michael calls it comedy accountability. "If I'm in a club, my material has to be clean enough to work in a church. If I'm in a pulpit, it has to be funny enough to work in a club." It is this versatility that has enabled Michael to author a children's book -- The Parts We Play, to be featured in the wildly successful comedy DVD Thou Shalt Laugh, and to have made his directorial debut with Comedy The Road Less Traveled, that is available in stores nationally, Amazon.com or www.MichaelJr.com On the home front, Michael is happily married. He and his wife are the proud parents of five beautiful children. License Standard Y ★★★COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER★★★ We do NOT own these published podcasts ,songs nor the images featured in any of the videos NOT produced by Storm Talk 365 Radio/ Storm Radio 24/7.. All rights belong to its original owner/owners. No copyright infringement intended. For promotional purposes only. www.stormtalk365radio.com https://www.spreaker.com/user/ms.bonita https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC36hcruA_LclIHbfRlreAoA?view_as=subscriber https://www.facebook.com/stormtalkradio247/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/stormtalk365radio/?ref=bookmarks https://www.facebook.com/The-Prophetic-Storm-321753668232402/ https://www.facebook.com/The-Storm-Chronicles-494007287651339/ https://www.facebook.com/canyoubeliveitwithmsb/ https://www.facebook.com/StormTalkMinistries/ https://www.facebook.com/stormtalk365msb/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/stormtalk365radio/
A live recording of a teaching at Willow Creek Church in Willow, AK.
A live recording of a teaching at Willow Creek Church in Willow, AK.
Today's podcast is all about the history of REVEAL—a story about a survey born in 2004 that’s become the gold standard for measuring spiritual growth for churches across the country. More than 2000 churches with 500,000 congregants have taken the REVEAL survey. Beyond size, our database is very diverse, including a broad range of church denominations, locations, sizes, and styles. REVEAL’s Origin Story: 2004-2008 In 2004, Willow Creek Church in South Barrington, IL, wanted to measure spiritual growth. Spiritual growth was defined using the Great Commandment as a guide, measuring the factors that increase a person’s love of God and love of others grow. Cally Parkinson was Communications Director for WCC at the time and headed up the survey effort, eventually authoring two books on findings from REVEAL. • Three key “inventors”: Bill Hybels + Eric Arnson + Greg Hawkins. • The question wasn’t “what drives spiritual growth?” Because we knew the answer—church activities. •The only question was which church activity was most effective at spiritual growth. Was it small groups? Or midweek services? • The surprising answer—neither one. In fact, we found that participation in church activities does not drive long–term spiritual growth. • Instead, we discovered that the most significant catalysts that drive spiritual growth are personal spiritual practices, specifically Bible engagement. The things we do outside of the organized church setting are the most powerful influences on growing our relationship with Jesus—and consequently, our love of God and love of others. The real breakthrough for REVEAL came two years later through the Willow Creek Association. The WCA is best known for its annual Global Leadership Summit, which this year will host 400,000 people in 128 countries around the world. Bill decided to share the survey insights at a gathering of WCA Summit pastors. Many of the pastors begged WCA president Jim Mellado to take the survey in their churches. We started with seven churches…then 25…then in 2007, 500 churches took the survey. REVEAL the book and brand were launched, leading to changes at Willow Creek and many other churches. For the first time, we had data that churches could use to see how their people were doing in their spiritual growth. REVEAL Best Practice Principles: 2008-2012 In 2008, studying the results from all of the churches that had taken the survey led to the discovery of the Best Practice Principles. • The first (and only) REVEAL conference was held to discuss the findings and allow others to hear from the churches we identified as being exceptional in their implementation of the Principles. •Nancy Scammacca Lewis joined the REVEAL team soon after as lead statistician. •We built a database of church survey results, mined it for new insights, and published MOVE: What 1,000 Churches Reveal about Spiritual Growth. REVEAL Archetypes: 2013-Present In 2013, a philanthropist with a technology company bought the REVEAL brand and intellectual property. Thanks to this investment, we rebooted the survey to be more user-friendly and published a second book Rise: Bold Strategies to Transform Your Church. In Rise, we describe our findings about eight types of churches—we call them “archetypes.” The eight archetypes emerged out of the richness of data we have on the two key findings we described earlier: • Where congregants are the catalysts of spiritual growth • How churches are doing on the Best Practice Principles. Our goal with the archetypes isn’t to put churches in boxes—it’s to give them practical next steps to make their church more vibrant. Looking across everything we’ve done and everything we know now about churches and spiritual growth, a pastor’s key takeaway from REVEAL should be that there’s hope—in fact, a lot of hope—because any church can RISE. We’ve launched this podcast to share fresh insights from our rich data on how churches can help their people grow. We want to take the guesswork out of church-work for you! Next time on the REVEAL Church Leadership Podcast: Key concepts you need to know to understand the REVEAL findings.
Thousands of convicted felons in Illinois received Christmas boxes put together by members at Willow Creek Church. K-LOVE's George Rath talks with Josie Guth, Dir. of Local Compassion and Justice of Willow Creek Community Church about the spiritual and pr
Thousands of convicted felons in Illinois received Christmas boxes put together by members at Willow Creek Church. K-LOVE's George Rath talks with Josie Guth, Dir. of Local Compassion and Justice of Willow Creek Community Church about the spiritual and pr
. JAMES SUNDQUIST The "Church Growth Movement" which has become known as the Purpose Driven Church, is primarily the world outreach of Willow Creek Church in Chicago and Saddleback Church in California. The touted religious leader of this paradigm religious earthquake is Rick Warren of Saddleback James Sundquist has written a number of documentaries exposing the Purpose Driven Church and Church Growth Movement teachings and practices; and the infiltration of Carl Jung and Psychology into the church in which he demonstrates these to be a clear and present danger to the church.
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