Podcast 162: The Church Making Room for Single Parents (Dr. Shelly Melia)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In this episode, we explore powerful insights from Reimagining Church as Family by Dr. Shelly Melia, focusing on a group often overlooked in church life: single parents. Too often, churches approach single-parent families as recipients of ministry rather than vital contributors to the body of Christ. READ MORE
Podcast 161: The Church; Adopting and Fostering (Dr. Rich Griffith)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In this episode, we explore a powerful vision from Reimagining Church as Family: the church’s role in fostering and adoption. While not everyone is called to adopt or foster, every church is called to be a family—a place where children and parents can truly belong. READ MORE
Podcast 160: The Church, The Gospel and Grandparents (Pastor Larry Fowler)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Second intervew on the book, Reimagining Church as Family!
In this episode, we explore the powerful and often overlooked role of grandparents in God’s design for family discipleship, drawing from the vision behind Reimagining Church as Family and the work of Legacy Coalition. READ MORE
Podcast 159: How to Really Belong in Church (JJ Jones)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
What does “family” really mean—and what if the church was meant to be more than just a place we attend?
In this powerful conversation, I sit down with JJ Jones to discuss his contribution to the book Reimagining Church as Family and the deeper, biblical vision of what it means to belong. When many of us hear the word “family,” we picture something like a perfect Norman Rockwell scene—but reality is often far more complex. READ MORE
Podcast 158: Respecting Pastoral Authority (Scott Mason)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Church conflict doesn’t just hurt people—it clouds God’s glory and weakens the church’s witness to the world. While there are many causes, one often overlooked issue is that many church members haven’t been taught how to think well about pastoral authority or how to follow in a healthy, biblical way. READ MORE
Podcast 157: WHAT ABOUT HELL! (Pastor Dan Samms)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Several months ago, former actor and apologist Kirk Cameron stepped squarely on an evangelical hornet’s nest—and didn’t flinch. On a podcast with his son, he planted his apologetical feet firmly on one of the most controversial views of hell: annihilationism, also known as conditional immortality. READ MORE
Podcast 156: The Pastor and Trauma Counseling (John Kerr)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
We live in a broken world, and that can often leave us broken. Trauma is often the result of specific events in our lives that leave a lasting mark, often leading to a profound deep deep-seated sense of isolation and pain that can also lead us to make bad choices. READ MORE
Podcast 155: Choosing Elders (Rev. Hobie Wood)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Choosing godly elders is essential to the health of the church. Pastor Charles Swindoll writes, READ MORE
Podcast 154: Growing Up Under Nazi Occupation (Janine Schultz)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Those who grew up during World War 2 are gradually leaving us. Most who are alive are in their 90s or older. It’s important we keep their memories alive. READ MORE
Podcast 153: Hearing God’s Voice (Dr. Dan Samms)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Charles Spurgeon said of the Bible, “To me the Bible is not God, but it is God’s voice, and I do not hear it without awe.” READ MORE
Podcast 152: Transgenderism and the Gospel
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
To understand transgenderism, we must understand our fallen nature. God created us in his image, and this is distorted by sin. The pressure from society to accept that you are born in the wrong body only leads to fatalism and despair. READ MORE
Podcast 151: The Pastor and His Prayer Life (Pastor John Fogal)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
John Owen wrote, “A minister may fill his pews, his communion roll, the mouths of the public, but what that minister is on his knees in secret before God Almighty, that he is and no more.” READ MORE
Podcast 150: Preaching Law and Gospel (Pastor Dan Samms)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
What is good, Gospel preaching. We believe it must center on preaching both the law and the gospel. According to Eric Beach from 9 Marks, READ MORE
Podcast 149: The Pastor and Expository Preaching (Pastor Matt Cohen)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I interviewed Pastor Matt Cohen on the discipline of expository preaching. Below is a summary of what expository preaching is from Qot Questions. See the link here. READ MORE
Podcast 148: Praying For Your Prodigal (Pastor James Banks)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Increasingly, parents are carrying a burden for prodigal adult children. Some months ago, out of my own burden, I purchased and read Pastor James Banks’ book called Prayer for Prodigals. I used the book as part of my devotional time and found great courage and comfort from the way James uses scripture to shape his prayers for his own two children. READ MORE
BLOG: 5 Ways Being a Family Man Enhances Your Ministry
Pastor Daniel Stegeman For any pastor, being a “family man” is non-negotiable. The Bible says, “He must manage his own family well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, READ MORE
Podcast 147: Pastor Burnout and His Marriage (Tom & Karen Friedrichs)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
We don’t often consider the impact of the pastor’s burnout on the pastor’s wife! I sit down with Tom and Karen Friedrichs to discuss their own journey with burnout, recovery, and how God used it to prepare them to help others in ministry. Often the wife is affected differently than her husband from his burnout. If not addressed, she can withdraw from others and even from her husband. We also discuss how the church could be safer place for pastors if the leadership were protecting him better particuarly from antagonists in the church.
A Blog: 6 Ways Pastors Can Minister to Their Wives
By Pastor Dan Stegeman Out of all the jobs out there, I am convinced being a pastor’s wife is among the hardest. Yes, being a pastor is hard, but being married to a pastor is perhaps even harder. Many a pastor’s READ MORE
Podcast 146: The Pastor and His Identity (Dr. Andreas Köstenberger)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
One Sunday after preaching, I found myself gravitating to a man I knew would compliment me for another great sermon. I found that I did this every Sunday. I bypassed others and went straight for my backslapping, always sermon-affirming, never-to-disappoint friend. The day I caught myself doing this was the day I realized this was unhealthy. So, I ignored that friend and stood in the lobby, eager to talk to anyone, even those who didn’t like my sermon and were honest about it. READ MORE
A Blog: 6 Tips for Pastoral Visitation
By Pastor Daniel Stegeman Years ago, I read a book by the Puritan Richard Baxter (1615-1691) called The Reformed Pastor. This book challenged me in a number of ways, particularly in the area of pastoral visitation. Baxter writes, “We spend Monday READ MORE
Podcast 145: The Pastor and His Sabbatical
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
The Pastor taking a sabbatical has theological backing. God commanded the Old Testament doctrine of the Sabbath or rest to remember him as our creator and provider. READ MORE
A Blog: Dealing With Conflict (Dan Stegeman)
By Rev. Daniel Stegeman 6 Conflict Resolution Principles for Pastors We hate it. We run from it. But conflict is inevitable in the local church. Our experience, as well as the testimony of Scripture, confirm that when sinners mingle and rub READ MORE
A Blog: 4 Ministry Lesson from Pastor Dave
By Pastor Dan Stegeman (Director of Pastoral Care, Fruitful Vine Ministry) When I became a pastor several years ago, I quickly realized that the dropout rate among pastors was high. Statistics vary, but in my own experience, I have known several READ MORE
A Blog: The Pastor and Prayer
Written by Pastor Daniel Stegman, Director of Pastoral Care, Fruitful Vine Ministry If there was a spiritual discipline that was lacking in pastors today, it would surely be prayer. I speak in a general sense, of course, but many of my READ MORE
Podcast 144: Pastors and Friendships (Pastor Ken Cluck)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Pastors struggle to develop meaningful friendships. Imagine struggling, striving, and working for the good of others. But then, when you have a need, there is no one with whom you can be honest and share your heart. Many pastors are going through this. Almost all go through it eventually. READ MORE
Podcast 143: Saving Evangelicals – When Many Say, Lord! Lord! (Pastor Joel Van Hoogen)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Do you know what is worse than a salvation without assurance? It is an assurance without a salvation. According to Jesus that is what is going to be worse for many. This book has been written to give you the opportunity to assess your own story of salvation and the way Jesus has come to you, as well as your response to him. READ MORE
PODCAST 142: The Story of Steve Lawson (Dan and Mitch)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
When I heard the news of Steve Lawson’s sexual sin, I threw up my hands and said, “I give up! Is there anyone we can look up to anymore? Who is next?” If you need to find out who Steve Lawson is, he was right up there with giants like RC Sproul and John MacArthur. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.141 The Church in India (Daniel)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
The nation of India has over 1.4 billion people. There are 2,289–2,554 groups that are considered unreached, meaning that less than 2% of the people in those groups follow Jesus. In this podcast, I interview Dan (last name withheld) to discuss his ministry of training pastors in India. Dan and the ministry he serves travel to India regularly and holds online training sessions for thousands of pastors across India. READ MORE
Podcast 140: Contradictions in the Bible (John Fogal)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Many of us get stuck when we see contradictions in the Bible. Pastor John Fogal argues that exceptions in the Bible are never contradictions. This podcast interview will open a window to worship an amazing God who made the greatest exception ever when he extended to us redemption. READ MORE
Podcast 139: Spiritual Abuse in the Church (Dawn Hill)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In the five previous podcasts we reviewed Dr. Rob Reimer’s Soul Care Ministry and teachings. It is appropriate that we follow those up with a discussion of spiritual abuse in the church. I had the honor of interviewing Dawn Hill for this podcast on this subject. READ MORE
Podcast 138: Christians and Demons (Dr. Rob Reimer’s Soul Care Ministry)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In this final podcast reviewing Dr. Rob Reimer’s Soul Care Ministry, Rev. Mark Barnard of Blessing Point Ministry joins the conversation with Dan Stegeman and me. We discuss Dr. Reimer’s teachings that Christians can be indwelt by demons and we offer a biblical response. READ MORE
Podcast 137: Attending a Soul Care Conference (The story of Brooke and Jonathan Gangi)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
For the past few weeks, we have been doing an in depth critique of Rob Reimer’s Soul Care ministry. We have attempted to show why this ministry is unbiblical and even dangerous. In this podcast, we want to continue our review with a first hand account of an individual who attended a Soul Care Conference and had a traumatic experience. In this powerful testimony, Dan interviews Brooke and Jonathan Gangi.
Podcast 136: Dr. Rob Reimer, Soul Care Part 3 (Healing Wounds)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Dan and I continued our conversation reviewing Dr. Rob Reimer’s Soul Care Ministry, today discussing his chapter on Inner Wounds. How does healing really happen? You’re deeply affected by childhood trauma, or abused as a child. This has left you struggling through life, often unable to trust others. Relationships are hard, and marriages affected. READ MORE
Podcast 135: Leaving the Church of Christ (Pastor Gary Phillips)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Most of us are unfamiliar with the Church of Christ. There is one in our town, and from all appearance it looks like any other ordinary church. When you dig into their beliefs, however, there are serious concerns. For a thorough review of the Church of Christ, read this article from Got Questions here. My interest in this podcast is not at all to attack the church of Christ, but to hear Pastor Gary Phillips story of pastoring a Church of Christ church and what caused him to leave.
Toccoa Christian Church minister, Gary Phillips, has been involved in Biblical ministry for over 18 years. Gary, along with wife Sandi, has served the Lord in many capacities. Married for 19 years, Gary and Sandi are loved by and cherish 5 adult children and 12 grandchildren. A well-rounded individual and lover of learning, Gary Phillips is not only well-read and educated in Biblical Scripture, but in professional studies as well. Earning 3 degrees, Gary has obtained much knowledge and real-life experience to not only teach, but to lead his congregation in a real and relevant way. (Gary has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both Mechanical Engineering and Theology. He has also earned a Master of Divinity Degree in Counseling). Once an atheist, Gary became a follower of Christ with a strong desire to learn Scripture. Gary studied apologetics at Theology School, diligently studying the existence of God and the inspiration of Scripture. In addition to preaching over 3,000 sermons, Gary has also taught (as well as written curriculum for) many marriage classes, divorce groups, groups of parents of children, and others developed with the help of his Counseling degree. Gary explains his teaching philosophy: “90% of the sermons I preach are expository; directly from the inspired text. My illustrations, applications, videos are applicable and are up to date. I believe that if they are not, the Word of God will not be understood as relevant to our youth, our families, and it certainly will not seem relevant to our community.”
Testimonies of Leaving Dr. Rob Reimer’s Soul Care
Several contacted us following our previous content on Dr. Rob Reimer and his Soul Care Teaching. With their permission we include their testimonies here.
Podcast 134: A Review of Dr. Rob Reimer’s Soul Care Teaching (Part Two)
My cohost, Dan Stegeman and I continue our review of Soul Care Ministry by Dr. Rob Reimer. This podcast comes out of the desire to be discerning. We are instructed in scripture to test everything being taught and compare it to READ MORE
Review of Dr. Rob Reimer’s Soul Care Ministry (Mitch A. Schultz)
A SERIOUS DEVIATION I am seeing many people eagerly embracing some teachings that just seem a bit off. I’ve discovered about myself, and perhaps this is just my wiring (I am Dutch after all), that if I don’t recognize something as READ MORE
Rob Reimer (Soul Care) on Demons Indwelling Christians (Mark Barnard)
Originally posted on 7/29/2019 For full PDF version with full footnotes scroll to end of blog. Mark founded Blessing Point Ministries which works to enhance the fruitfulness of healthier ministries and heal wounded congregations. He authored several books related to church health. READ MORE
Podcast 133: A Review of Dr. Rob Reimer’s Soul Care Ministry
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Podcast 132: Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage (Pastor Dan Samms)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
More than ever, as society around us devalues marriage, the church needs to respond with biblical conviction. While most statistics indicate that divorce is nearly as high among professing Christians from the secular world, we are also discovering that Christians who attend church regularly have a far better chance of surviving the enemies attempts at destroying the family. READ MORE
Episode 131: Church Crisis in Papua (Barry Jordan)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I grew up to missionary parents in Papua, Indonesia, formerly, Iran Jaya. My parents served there for thirty-eight years, most of those years with a primitive tribe in the Paniai Lakes region. After World War Two, hundreds of missionaries moved to Papua and a large community of churches was planted. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.130: The Church and Homosexuality (Jim Domen)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
How does the church remain strong on its convictions, but convey love? How do parents respond when their adult children come out as homosexual? Do you attend a gay wedding? What do you do when your son or daughter wants to bring their partner home? Jim Domen addresses these questions, but also tells his story about coming to Christ and leaving the gay lifestyle. He now offers encouragement and support to parents who are wrestling with the same questions his parents did when he was far from the Lord.
Check out Jim Domen’s website here.
Here is what Jim shares about himself:
I never imagined that I would enter the homosexual lifestyle after being raised in a God-fearing home and accepting Christ at age seven. After I graduated from George Fox University, I was so desperate to love and be loved that I didn’t care that my partner was HIV positive. God changed my life forever on June 8, 2002, when I lost all my worldly possessions and distinctly heard God’s voice telling me to come back to Him. I told God, “I’m yours again,” and I began to realize that His strength is made perfect in my weakness – even in someone as broken as me.
God began to restore me and I enrolled in seminary at Azusa Pacific University. I learned how to be obedient to God’s voice and how to interpret the Bible. God continued His work of redemption and gave me opportunities to share my story publicly.
After I graduated from seminary, I became a pastor at Rose Drive Friends Church. I realized that I could no longer ignore the troublesome news stories about public policy and it discouraged me to hear Christians who did not understand how to articulate their worldview. Around this time, Proposition 8 was being fought in the culture and I found myself on the front lines promoting God’s plan for marriage: the union between a man and woman. At press conferences and rallies, I met the founder of Focus on the Family’s California Family Council, who became my boss and mentor after I was asked to join California Family Council. After six years at CFC, God strategically called me to begin Church United in 2016. Church United’s vision is to transform California for Christ by 1) Disrupting Pastors, 2) Uniting the Church, and 3) Transforming our Communities.
Six years after leaving the gay lifestyle and one month before the successful passage of Proposition 8, God continued His work of restoration when I met my wife, Amanda. She is “God’s gift from Heaven.” We were married in 2009 and five years latter God blessed us with our daughter, Aliah, whose name in Hebrew means “ascending to God” – just like our praises to Him for giving us the gift of becoming parents. Two years later, Amanda gave birth to our son, Ryker, whose name means “strong leader,” and in 2018, we had our third child, Asher. Her name means “Happy and blessed.”
Click on book cover to order Jim Domen’s book
Podcast Ep.129: The 20+ Year Pastor (Pastor Kevin Hurt)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
We continue our series on the twenty-plus-year pastor. What keeps a pastor serving even when the road gets rough? How does one stay resilient during seasons of little growth, opposition and even disappointments and loss? Have you ever considered that pastoring can be mundane? READ MORE
Podcast Ep.128: The 20+ Year Pastor (Pastor Milan Dekich)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
We continue our series on the twenty-plus-year pastor. What keeps a pastor serving even when the road gets rough? How does one stay resilient during seasons of little growth, opposition and even disappointments and loss? Have you ever considered that pastoring can be mundane? READ MORE
Podcast Ep.127: The 20+ Year Pastor (Chuck Wall)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
We continue our series on the twenty-plus-year pastor. What keeps a pastor serving even when the road gets rough? How does one stay resilient during seasons of little growth, opposition and even disappointments and loss? READ MORE
Podcast Ep.126: The 20+ Year Pastor (Mike Franklin)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Someone suggested to me recently that I interview pastors who have served in one church for twenty or more years. Great idea, I chimed. It’s actually a great subject. Most pastors don’t last five years in a church, some might stretch it to seven, or ten, but twenty? That just doesn’t happen often. There must be some reasons for longevity in ministry. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.125: The Corporate Church (Mark Barnard)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In this podcast I interview author Mark Barnard on his book, The Corporate Church; Why We Need to Get Our House in Order. We live in a very individualistic time, where we fail to see God’s relationship to us as a corporate body. Many churches are hurting because they don’t understand what is causing their pain. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.124: Eleven Things Pastors Struggle With but Rarely Talk About, and How to Change That. (Mitch & Dan)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Pastor’s often meet together and talk shop. It takes a certain level of trust, though, for us to talk about matters of the heart than issues of the Church. I wrote this booklet, Building A Community of Trust: Eleven Things Pastors Struggle With, but Rarely Talk About with the aim of helping ministry leaders get to the heart of their struggles. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.123: Grace, Race and the Church (Pastor Tom Sugimura)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
When you think of race and the church you likely think of the turmoil in our nation in 2020. It woke the church up, and we found ourselves asking if we are doing a good enough job understanding race, and appreciating the stories of those who hold different ethnicities than we do. How does the gospel address race? READ MORE
Podcast Ep.122: Working Out Your Salvation, what it really means (Rev. John Fogal)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
It was AW Tozer who wrote that “what we think about God, is the most important thing about us.” Paul in 1 Timothy 4:16 tells Timothy to, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” What we believe, matters. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.121: The Pastor and PTSD (Sean Nemecek)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Pastoring is one of the hardest jobs around. Just ask any of us. The expectations and pressures can at times become nearly unbearable. Having said that, putting the two words, PASTORING and PTSD (okay, that’s an abbreviation, not a word, but I regress) is a surprising combination of realities. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.120: The Alliance; Changing From the Inside (Pastor Jeremy Muncy)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
BYQ has tackled the subject of the Alliance decision to ordain women on several podcasts. While a number of Alliance churches have left over the decision, some desire to remain and by remaining, seek to influence change. In this BYQ podcast, Pastor Jeremy Muncy and I discuss the formation of 1:9 Alliance and its purpose. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 119: What is Fruitful Vine Ministry (Mitch and Dan)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
My cohost Dan Stegeman and I sit down together to discuss the history, the purpose and the impact of the first ten years of Fruitful Vine Ministry. Did you know the name comes from Genesis 49:22-24( NIV)? Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility. But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.118: FINDING JESUS AT THE MOMENT OF DEATH (Ken Sande)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I’ve interviewed Ken Sande twice before on his ministry of Peacemaking. Here, in this podcast, Ken shares the most wonderful story of how Jesus proved himself to be the great Peacemaker, when Ken’s own father, a judge, embrace the gospel, (or was embraced by the gospel) moments before he died. Ken and I talk about his life, his home and how all this was used by Jesus to make the gospel irresistible to his father. We also discuss the encouragement this provides for those of us who live with the burden of a lost loved one. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.117: The Voices of This Generation (Dr. Rich Griffith)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
“Youth and children’s ministries have become professionalized to the point where parents feel ill-equipped to disciple their children. Our culture has become so fast-paced and loud that children and youth are finding it difficult to find their own voice. My book, VOICES, helps parents and those working with children and youth take a look at the various voices speaking into and forming the developing worldview of our youth. Dr. Griffith encourages us to look at these various through the lenses of TIME, TRANSPARENCY and TRUST.” – (Dr. Rich Griffith)
Podcast Ep.116: Your Role in the Pastor’s Preaching (Mitch and Dan)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
We’ve covered a number of podcasts about how important it is for the pastor to preach well. Several podcasts back my cohost, Dan Stegeman and I, talked about how important solid, biblical Christ-centered preaching is to the life of the church. READ MORE
A Blog: A Narrative Tribute to My Dad, A Great Man, John Schultz
Following is an imagined gathering of the Schultz family, gleaned from decades of actual large family moments where this kind of story-telling, joking and reminiscing was common. By: Mitch A. Schultz John Schultz was a legend, especially to his family. A READ MORE
Podcast Ep.115: The Alliance Ordains Women – (A conversation with Pastor Paul Taylor)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
This past summer, the Christian and Missionary Alliance council voted for the ordination of women to the pastorate. While the Alliance has held to a Complementarian stance throughout its history, this move allowed churches the freedom to ordain women and the freedom for other churches not to ordain women. In summary, the decision is up the local church. Women will not be permitted to serve as elders, nor as lead or solo pastors. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.114: The Church Planters Marriage (Bryan and Kandice Halferty)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
The pressures on pastors, particularly for church planters, is not just in ministry, but also in the home. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.113: Church Discipline (Pastor Hobie Wood)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Is Church discipline an archaic, now irrelevant practice? I would sense most pastors would say no. It still matters today. In this podcast, with Pastor Hobie Wood, we talk about why church discipline matters, what the Bible says about it, when it should be carried out and why it’s so hard. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.112: The Pastor and His Preaching
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Al Mohler’s book, He is Not Silent, speaks of how Contemporary preaching suffers from:
– a loss of confidence in the power of the word
– an infatuation with technology
– embarrassment before the biblical text
– an emptying of biblical content
– an absence of the gospel
My cohost, Dan Stegeman and I want to address these concerns by talking about the pastor and his preaching. Our longing is that pastors get back to solid expository preaching, and that preaching becomes central to the worship experience.
Check out Dan’s blogs on the Gospel Coalition’s website here.
Podcast Ep.111: The Church and Civil Disobedience (Dan Samms)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
COVID revealed a lot about us. The church was tested. Never before have we, the church, been forced to consider its response to mandates and rulings. Churches in some states faced little need to resist, while other states were severely tested. Out of this, many pastors and theologians have needed to establish a better theology on resistance for their allegiance to Jesus. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.110: Did I Say The Right Thing (Responding Well to Grief).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Mitch Schultz knows what it is to wonder what to say to someone mourning the loss of a loved one. He also knows what it’s like to say something to a mourner and afterward want to kick yourself. If you’ve had either experience, he gets you. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.109: Lessons on Leadership (Steve Richardson)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I grew up in Papua, Indonesia and attended a boarding school for most of my early years. My best friend during that time was Steve Richardson. We’ve connected only a few times in fifty years. (Yikes, that makes me sound really old.) READ MORE
Podcast Ep.108: Faith, The Gospel and Creation (Chuck Bultman)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
This generation, as have others, is profoundly affected by a secular world view. However more of its impact can also now be felt in the church. How often do we hear of someone we love, a son or daughter, who eventually walks away from their faith, and it all started when someone suggested that Adam might not be a historical figure after all. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.107: Battling The Flesh (Dwight Smith)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Hundreds of church leaders today are ignorant of the power of the flesh in their lives. In our day the false teaching that people are not sinners by nature has returned to the church in force. This has had a profound impact on believers, blinding them to the flesh still resident within them and weakening them in their battle against the ongoing sin nature. READ MORE
Podcast EP 106: My Story (Mitch A Schultz)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
My good friend, Pastor Dan Stegeman had a good idea. “Mitch, I should interview you for my podcast.” I replied, “Great idea.” So we did it and here it is. It was rather emotional to tell my story, but Dan did such a great job with the questions and reflections that by the end we were both thankful not just for this opportunity but for this amazing Savior who has given me the honor to serve him these 61 years.
Podcast Ep.105: Grandparents on Mission (John and Leeba Curlin)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
If you are parents, I am sure you value the role your parents have in helping raise godly children. If you are grandparents, you know the awesome privilege and responsibility you have with your grandchildren. READ MORE
Podcast EP.104: Taking the Gospel to Muslims
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Increasingly, our international workers are serving in the hardest places. Doing missions is hard. Those we send out face tremendous hardship. While their heart-song is to proclaim the gospel, the restrictions in those cultures makes it very difficult. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.103: A Pastor Questions His Faith – Julian Pace
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
We assume pastors have it all together. After all, they stand behind the pulpit and preach the Word of God. However, did you know some pastors also struggle with their faith? That is Julian Pace’s story. And he wrote a book about it which you can order by clicking the image before. I appreciated so much Julian’s honestly. At one point he expressed that he is a better pastor for struggling with his faith.
Julian Pace is a Christian pastor and author. He currently serves as the Pastor of Central Alliance Church in Mt. Airy, Ga. He is also the President of Risen Savior Ministries a non-profit Christian ministry dedicated to evangelism and church renewal. Julian is the author of more than a dozen popular and scholarly articles that have all been featured in a variety of Christian publications. Julian’s writing is fueled by the deeply held conviction that authentic fulfillment is found only in an intimate relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. When Julian is not preaching, teaching, or writing you may find him singing, playing one of his beloved acoustic guitars, or spending time with his family. Julian holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Piedmont International University (now Carolina University) and is currently pursuing a ThD with a focus in Historical Theology from Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown, PA.
Podcast Ep.102: The Woman’s Role -(pt.2) Rob Bashioum
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
A couple weeks ago I interviewed Amy Spreeman and Michelle Lesley on the complementarianism view of women in ministry. Today I had the privilege of interviewing Pastor Rob Bashioum on the egalitarian view. I encourage you to learn by deep study in the Word and to learn from the view of others that perhaps might differ to yours.
Rob and his wife Jess are native east coasters who served in Boston before ministering in the middle east for twelve years. Rob has led Reach Training Institute, a four year ministry training college in Salem, Oregon and is currently the lead pastor of Salem Alliance Church. He holds a Masters Degree from Univ of Connecticut (Go Huskies) and a DMin from Alliance Theological Seminary. He and Jess are parents of four beautiful kids.
Podcast Ep. 101: The Church and Its Music
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
** APOLOGIES FOR THE POOR SOUND QUALITY OF THIS PODCAST. I WAS FORCED TO DO THE LAST TWO PODCASTS ONLY USING MY COMPUTER MIC. IT HAS BEEN RESOLVED AND FUTURE PODCASTS WILL BE CLEARER. IN THIS CASE I HAD TO TURN UP THE VULUME TOO MUCH TO COMPENSATE WITH MY VOLUME.
What does the Bible say about music in the Church? What role does the pastor play in the selection of songs? Is worship about music, or is the music part of worship? Should churches sing songs produced by movements that have questionable theology? READ MORE
Podcast Ep.100: The Woman’s Role (Amy Spreeman and Michelle Lesley)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
- There are heavy conversations going on today about the role of women in ministry. The two views fall under one of two categories. Either Complementarian or Egalitarian. Here is an adequate definition of each. “Complementarian and egalitarianism are two views used to describe the role of women in the church. Complementarianism is the view that women are limited regarding leadership roles in the church (such as elder/pastor or deacon). Egalitarianism is the view that women can serve in all forms of church leadership, including ordination as pastors.” (Source here) In this podcast, and the one following, I will devote the time to each topic. While I am a Complementarian I try to remain as neutral as I can in both interviews. In this podcast I had the privilege of interviewing Amy Spreeman and Michel Lesley. In a couple weeks I will put out a podcast with C&MA pastor, Rob Bashioum who serves as lead Pastor at Salem Alliance Church.
- Today we will talk about what does the Bible say regarding the role of women in the church? How much is culture shaping the changing views of the role of women either at home or in the church? And, what pastors perhaps need to consider if they are stuck in the middle of this debate.
Podcast Ep.99: The State of Global Mission (Tim Crouch)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
What is the state of Global Missions? Ironically, in my view, globalization has affected our burden for the lost in our world. Or, maybe it’s just me. I remember early in my days of ministry training, you had to work hard to see what was happening in far reaches of the world. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.98: The Story of Glenn Wanless
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Stories grip me. Stories that depict the wonderful work of Jesus in the lives of people grip me more. I have known Glenn Wanless for over twenty years. We met and served together in England. He tells the story of how Jesus met him, called him and continues to do his wonderful work through him. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.97: The State of the Church (Terry Smith)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
As you know if you have been listening to these podcasts for very long, I love the church. Even though the church has a lot of flaws, and has a long way to go to be what Jesus wants her to be, I still love the church. I love the church not only because Jesus loves the church, after all she is his bride, but I actually love the church because it is meaningful to me. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 96: This Generation-Defending The Faith (Don Williams)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Have you ever wondered how this generation is doing in defending their faith? I remember back in my early years in ministry doing a number of training programs such as Evangelism Explosion which provided me wonderful tools for sharing the gospel to others. Yet, in forty years so much has changed. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.95: Not Called (Dr. Rick Kronk)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In this podcast, Dr. Richard Kronk and I discuss his book, Not Called. Do you remember being called into ministry? How do you look back at that now? I’ll be honest, when I sat down to be interviewed for licensing I felt I had to come up with a dramatic, mystical experience, a supernatural finger pointing directive from Jesus himself to validate my call to ministry. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.94: What Keeps Pastors From Quitting
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Why do pastors quit? Perhaps a positive way to frame this is, what keeps pastors from quitting? The pressures to quit is great. Pastors probably face more pressures than people do in other occupations. The reasons are many and the reasons, and motivations, to not quit are also great. I had the opportunity to speak to two pastors who’ve known what it is like to want to quit but discovered the joy of pressing through when that temptation was strongest. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.93: When Tragedy Hits Home (Peter Yang)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
You’re in college and life is good. You get a phone from your brother that turns your world upside down. You father murdered his wife, your mom. What do you do? How do you process this? Where do you turn? READ MORE
Podcast Ep.92: Losing a Child (Noelle Moore and the Finley Project)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Noelle Moore lost her father, her only child and her marriage in a matter of months. Each of these trials alone can bring even the strongest believer to a place of despair. In this podcast Noelle speaks about the heartache of losing her daughter, Finley, and how God brought about healing and ministry through the Finley Project. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.91: Conversation With My Dad (John Schultz)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Legacy matters. Godly legacy matters more. I had a wonderful opportunity recently to sit down and have a great conversation with my nearly 92 year old father, John Schultz. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.90: Being A Loving Husband (Dan Stegeman)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I reflect often on how the church is as healthy as it’s families. And a healthy family is where there is a man, a husband and father who loves Jesus, and the gospel is the basis of his commitment to marriage. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.89: GEN Z and Sexuality (Prof. Rich Griffith)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In this third podcast with Prof. Rich Griffith, I talk about Gen Z and sexuality. Gender issues continue to push at the door of the Christian community, institutions and the Church. The Gospel is our defense, but also our banner of hope. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 88: RESCUING THE TRAFFICKED (Marci Renée)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Today I interview Marci Renée who “accidentally” found herself working at a safe house in Spain. We discuss her work, her book and the tragedy of human trafficking. By listening to this podcast, you will never be the same. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 87: MORAL FAILURES & CHURCH RECOVERY (Mitch A Schultz)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I had the privilege of being a guest on another podcast. I include this podcast here where Pastor Dan Samms interviews me on my experience of following a pastor who experienced moral failure. READ MORE
A Blog: The Church’s Recovery From the Pastor’s Moral Failure
CAVEATE *Some names have been changed in this blog so as not to distract from the main narrative. I acknowledge that some who read this will recognize the people and events I refer to. In no way do I mean to READ MORE
Podcast Ep.86: Adapting to the 2nd-Half of Ministry-Life (Jamey Lewis)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In today’s podcast we are going to look at the challenges and opportunities that happen when someone in ministry enters what many refer to as the second half season of life. Many pastors, missionaries and ministry leaders find themselves in a unique place particularly when they have a couple decades under their belt. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.85: Disarming Rebellion With Adult Children (Tedd and Margy Tripp)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Parents are often ill-equipped for the challenges that come when their children become adults. Increasingly I have conversations with friends who’s adult children are either struggling with their faith and/or struggling in their relationship with the parents. This can be deeply disenchanting for parents particularly when they feel they did everything “by the book” in raising their son or daughter. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 84: Passing the Baton (Pastor Brian Dainsberg)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I Want to talk on this episode on how a church transitions well. I remember sitting down with a friend processing a tough church and he made a comment I could never shrug. “Mitch you need to start your transition now. It might need to take you several years, but start your transition”. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.83: The Scripture and Prayer (Dr. Ken Boa)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Often in summer I put out fewer podcasts, but I have also had a number of personal challenges that have led me to focus more on family than my other responsibilities. It’s actually fitting I am doing this podcast on the subject of Scripture and prayer as this has been a sustaining discipline for me this past several months. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.82: Jonathan Edwards, The Pastor (Pastor Dan Stegeman)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
One of my hero’s of the faith, and go to guy, is Charles Spurgeon, the famous pastor from London in the mid 1800’s. I even have a first edition of his devotional book, Morning By Morning. We have so much to learn from past spiritual leaders. I am not sure we really appreciate how their legacy on the church today. So, with in mind this podcast is going to be different. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 81: Pastor and Blind (The Story of Sam Thompson)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I have the privilege today to interview Sam Thompson, a pastor who happens to also be blind. Before I go to that interview I want to draw your attention to something Sam and I talk about in the closing of our interview. I thought it would be wise to emphasis it again here in the beginning. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 80: Living With Terminal Illness -Scott Borderud
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
It’s not often I have had the opportunity to talk so openly with someone suffering a terminal illness. I think we would all agree that the church and even our culture is ill prepared to have hard and honest conversations about death and dying. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 79: GEN Z and the Gospel (Dr. Rich Griffith)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I have to admit, as I get older I stand back curious and some times burdened as I watch the up and coming generation navigate perhaps some of the same challenges we grew up with, but perhaps with different world views. I have also observed with keen interest, and equal concern how progressive Christianity is shaping the world view of many in what we refer to as Gen Z. READ MORE
Podcast Ep: 78 The Pastor and His Money (Russ Crosson)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
For some time I have been wanting to talk about the pastor and his money. One of the stresses in ministry is the pastor’s need for security which can add to the tensions in his life. A low paying ministry. Debt. Moves. Unexpected change. THis is an important topic because it is also a kingdom topic. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.77: Pastors, Parents and Prodigals (Dr. Jim Newheiser)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Today I have the privilege of interviewing Jim Newheiser on the topic of Pastors, Parents and Prodigals. I’ve been wanting to do this podcast for some time but wasn’t sure how to approach it. Increasingly, with my ministry, and even out of my personal friendships, I am becoming burdened for parents navigating the reality that their children, now adults, are either not following the Lord or seriously question their faith. READ MORE
Podcast Ep:76 The Legacy of MAF (Dave Fyock)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Since last podcast we need something lighter. Let me give some context. I grew up in Papua, Indonesia and have the fondest memories of traveling from one village of town to another thanks to a mission organization called Mission Aviation Fellowship. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.75: When Christian Leaders Fail Us (Nick Stumbo)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Like many of you I have been reeling from the stories that have come out in the last years of great Christian leaders, mostly men, who have fallen hard. How do we respond to these events? What is it doing for the church or to the church? Why does this even happen to people we look up to and admire and then find they have a completely double life. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 74: When Sinners Say ‘I DO’. (Dave Harvey)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I picked up and read best selling author Dave Harvey’s popular book “When Sinners Say I Do” about a year ago, and I loved it. How important it was to be reminded that problems happen in marriage because we are sinners, but there is hope because we have a Savior. Not long ago, I connected with Dr. Dave Harvey and asked if we could talk, for my podcast. He agreed, I was happy, and we had a great time talking also about his latest book, a devotional called, I STILL DO. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.73: The Gospel and Right Anger (Dan Samms and Eric Anderson)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I want to talk today about the gospel and the right kind of anger. Much of this comes from my own personal reflection on how we are to respond when so much seems so wrong around us. Is it possible to act in love, to respond in love, motivated and driven by the gospel and still be angry by what we see around us? I hear often that as believers we should respond with understanding, but where is this line drawn when the gospel causes us to hate the evil around us. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.72: Keeping Biblical Ed. In Your Church (Rev. Alan Wilson)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
With so much changing in our church, as we seek to reach each other and reach culture around us what we want to talk about today is the role of biblical education in our church life. My encouragement to you as a pastor and church leader, is as you make changes, as you adjust, as you make room for growth and seek to reach better and serve better, don’t diminish your commitment to biblical education. I am excited to talk my good friend, Alan Wilson who speaks out of vast experience in helping churches remain strong in their commitment to christian or Biblical education.
Alan Wilson, the U.S. Field Coordinator for Regular Baptist Press, has served Baptist churches in Florida, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and has ministered as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, youth pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor. Currently Alan travels the United States, speaking and leading workshops in major conferences and in churches across the country.
Order STRONG CHURCH AT RBP BY CLICKING ON BOOK
Podcast Ep.71: Troubled Church and the Interim (Pastor Steve Kerhoulas)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I recorded this podcast in February, just before COVID. Have a good laugh at my reference to the primaries in Maine. Seems like years ago, doesn’t it? I interview pastor Steve about his involvement with IPM (Intentional Pastoral Interim) and how best to help troubled churches. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.70: Seeing Church Matter Again: Post-COVID (Eddie Cole)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
I have a question. Maybe two? What is happening to the church during COVID? What will happen to the church? We are hearing a lot about what COVID is doing to the church and to believers. (I A study done by The Barna Group suggests that because of this reason one in five churches will close post COVID (See source here.) Barna also anticipates that one in three Christians will likely stop attending church or already have. (See source here). READ MORE
A Blog: An Open Letter to the Pastor Who’s Thinking of Quitting
A Rest That Still Stands Pastoring during COVID reminds me of my friend Ted who owns a swimming pool. When we lived in the same town as Ted, we often swam in his pool. On hot days, we could not wait READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 69: Opioid Addiction and the Church
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Today is a hard topic but a necessary one. I want to talk about something the church needs to be more aware of than I think we are and that is the topic of opioid addiction. You will also find later in the podcast that this is a very personal subject for me as I choose this podcast to share publicly about my own struggle some years ago with dependance on prescription pain medication. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.68: The Gospel and the Alliance (My own musings)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In this podcast I muse over the state of the gospel, post-Covid. I also encourage the pastor to commit to gospel-centered, Biblically-solid expository preaching. My suggestion is; the church that will remain strong are those who are committed to the gospel. I also look at some of the pressures threatening the church, distracting her from her mission, and the call to remain true to the sufficiency and authority of scripture. While I speak somewhat strongly toward some drifting even in my own denomination, some of the hyperbole I use is meant to capture our attention with hope that we will all be challenged by returning to the gospel in our preaching.
Podcast Ep.67: The Pastor and Pornography (Pastor Mark Danzey)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
It’s Interesting how this podcast turned out. I asked around for someone I could interview on the subject of addiction, mainly the issue of addictions to opioids and how the church should understand it and respond and so someone was recommended to me. His name is Mark Danzey. I sat down with Mark and as we began this conversation the addiction we ended up mostly talking about was on pornography. And I agree. This is a needed conversation and one that few are willing to talk about. I sat down with a young man some time ago who said something like this. It’s weird to me that this is probably the biggest struggles guys face, but probably the one struggle no one talks about. So we are talking about it today, with Pastor Mark Danzey. Before we go to the interview let me in introduce Mark.
Mark has been providing pastoral counseling for the last 25 years. Passionate about his work, Mark has spent the last 10 years focused on working with couples in various scenarios from premarital counseling to crisis counseling. Mark is eager to help people looking to make positive changes in their life through personal relationship coaching, career coaching and executive coaching. Additionally, as a Certified Civil, Domestic and Divorce mediator, Mark helps to mediate difficult situations toward a path of peaceful and amicable resolution.
Mark holds a M.A. in Pastoral Ministries, ordination in the United Methodist Church, as well as certifications with the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, the International Coaching Federation and the State of Georgia Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Mark and his wife Tammy, have been married for 16 years and have four grown children and one amazing grandson!
Check out the websites that highlight Mark’s different ministry offerings:
Podcast Ep 8: Storms and the Pastor’s Home (with Brett Schultz)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Brett Schultz grew up in a pastor’s home and he’s actually a normal kid.
Pastors try as best they can to assure their children do not grow up with the common stigmas that come with being a PK (Pastor’s Kid). The pressure to represent the family well can be a heavy burden for any child of a ministry parent. While most pastors and missionaries do a great job protecting their children from these burdens, there are some things that are beyond their control. Brett is my son, and he’s often told me that we did well allowing him to be a normal kid, but there were somethings we could not protect him from. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.66: A White and a Black Pastor Talk Race and Social Justice
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
What exactly is being asked of us? Why should I be responsible for the sins of my ancestors? I’m not racist, but why am I made to feel like I am? What do you mean, ‘unless I am anti racist, then I am racist? It feels you’re asking for penance, not repentance? Can there really be justice in a world full of rebellion and hatred toward God? How does the gospel speak to race and social justice?
Podcast Ep.65: The Dance of Gifts in the Church (Mark Barnard and Ken Quick)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In today’s conversation with Rev. Mark Barnard and Dr. Kenneth Quick we are going to talk about dancing in church. Okay, now I know I have your attention. But no, not that kind of dancing. We will be discussing the dance of gifts in the church. Here’s what the conversation will be about: READ MORE
BLOG: The Gospel for Our Hurting and Broken World
This is not a political blog. My only reference to anything political is what I just said. ‘This is not a political blog’. I do hope, however, that my reflections on the gospel in this blog will steer us in our perspective, attitude and actions in READ MORE
Podcast Ep.64: What Makes for Toxic Churches (Dr. Chris Creech)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Let me start with a question, maybe a bit tongue in cheek. What if during this Covid 19 season while the church has been fasting from meeting corporately that the antagonist in the church have had a huge change of heart and are now determined to come back fully supporting the pastor and the church leaders?
Well, we hope this would be, but I would imagine that the pastor and church leader will in time be under attack again. I am sure for many pastors this break has been a reprieve from ongoing attack and criticism from what our guest today refers to as hero persecutors. Similar to how Satan left Jesus to tempt him again at an opportune time, I have no doubt that this respite for the pastor from attack, will resume again, at an opportune time. What do leaders need to do and understand when the church becomes a toxic environment? How can the church nurture a climate where the work of the gospel thrives even when there is conflict? I have the privilege in this Before You Quit podcast to look at these questions with with Dr. Chris Creech, author of the book Toxic Church.
Chris Creech and his wife, Faith, have been in ministry for over forty years. During this time they have served in pastoral ministry for over twenty-eight years in five churches, including one church they planted in Toronto. Chris earned an M.Div. and Ph. D. from Southwestern Seminary. He has taught at seminaries in Singapore and Malaysia as resident faculty and as adjunct faculty at other seminaries in Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Currently they are serving Pinnacle Ministries as Directors of Pastoral/Missions/Church Health and as adjuncts in several Asian and US seminaries.
Podcast Ep.63: The State of the Gospel in America (Brandon Kimber)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
During this Covid 19 season (I’m sure it will have a better name down the road) I have been thinking a lot about what this will do to or for the church. Will we be stronger for it? Is this one of those events that God will use to sift the church, from those who are lukewarm to those who are deeply committed? During this time many give testimony of opportunities to reach people they would have never reached before. Online messages have a reach unlike anything else we have seen. READ MORE
Podcast Ep:62 Pastoring During The Coronavirus
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
What a time we live. Who would have thought even three months ago that this would be our story. Stay at home. Places closed. People lose jobs. During this time my heart has mostly gone to the pastor who longs to continue shepherding his people who are severely being tested. READ MORE
Podcast Ep. 38: How the Soul Grows Through Loss (Dr. Gerald Sittser)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Aside from the Bible, one other book served as my lifeline during the hardest period of my life; my wife’s brain surgery and subsequent struggle to recover her speech, reading/writing skills, and my son’s passing to cancer just months after. That book was A Grace Disguised by Dr. Gerald Sittser. I’ve read the book probably four times, and recommended it to many who needed a healthy dose of theological perspective. What a thrill to land an interview with the author of this book, Dr. Gerald Sittser.
Order A Grace Disguised Here
Podcast Ep.25: Leaving A Godly Legacy! (John and Janine Schultz)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Oh, the great stuff we can gain from the previous generations. But how will we ever do that unless we pause long enough and listen to their stories. When is the last time you sat down with an elderly saint in your church, or even sat down with your parents or grandparents and listened to their stories a
nd the experiences that shaped them? READ MORE
Podcast Ep.61: The Pastor and Good Doctrine (Pastor Dan Samms)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
We live in a day when increasingly people are living in a vacuum, many around us not sure what to believe or even not sure what they believe. This is why it is so important that the pastor and church leaders and even those who are part of the body of Christ own what they believe. READ MORE
Podcast Ep.60: A Theology of Suffering (Michelle Bates)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Today we’re going to talk theology, especially the theology of suffering. If the church is ever going to become a healing community it needs to have a solid theology of suffering. A pastor who has a theology of suffering prepares his people for times of hardship and also empowers his people to serve one another when one member is hurting. All of this has to come out of a deep and committed understanding of the gospel.
The church committed to the gospel is a church that will understand the role that suffering has in God’s purposes. I have the privilege today to talk to someone who could not have survived deep suffering had it not been for the gospel of Jesus. She talks a lot about the gospel because it’s been her and her family’s lifeline. My guest today is Michelle Bates who in the span of several years faced unbelievable loss. Michelle wrote a book titled Beyond The Shadow, How Suffering Led Me to the Deep End of Grace. It is an excellent book and something we spent a lot of time talking about in this interview. Michelle lives in Humansville,MO where she and her husband Mike and their three children run an Inn.
Podcast Ep.59: The Third Cord in Our Marriage (Our Story-Mitch and Elaine Schultz)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Eccl.4:12
Some have asked me when we will tell our story of loss and recovery in our family. And what was it like on our marriage. If you listen to this podcast enough you know I have made reference to my wife’s struggle in recovering from brain cancer, and my oldest son’s death to cancer. AS it happened, we recently were invited to speak at a valentine banquet for a local church. I decided to record it. So here we are, the two of us, telling our story of how Jesus, that third chord, held our world together during the hardest of times.
Travis always smiling 
Travis during radiation treatment 
Travis holding the FA Cup his team Everton FC 
Brett, Travis and Breanna shorty before Travis went to be with Jesus
Podcast Ep.58: The Story of Being Adopted (Tatiana Fortney)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Some of the most beautiful stories that we hear today are those kind of stories that help us understand the gospel. The gospel story is simply the story of us, people made in the imagine of God who rebelled against him, but he because of his great love pursued us by dying for us, Jesus dying in our place, taking on himself the wrath of God we deserved, and then exchanging our sin for his righteousness. The most amazing verse I think about when I think of the gospel is 2 Cor 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. READ MORE
