TFL Podcast - Christ Community Church

Eyes of Faith: Exploring the Advent Season and Christmas | POD 021

by Jeannie Lucas | Nov 30, 2023 | TFL Podcast | 0 comments

WATCH

LISTEN

HOSTS & GUESTS

Johnny Daigle – Guest

Paul Brandes – Host

Show Notes

Eyes of Faith: Exploring the Advent Season and Christmas

In this episode of theFormed.life podcast, host Paul Brandes sits down with our on-staff guest, Johnny Daigle, to talk about the Christmas season. Together they explore Christmas through the eyes of faith and how sacrifice can be a powerful spiritual discipline during the holiday season. They reflect on the stories of characters like Ruth, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, and the Wise Men and shed light on the interplay of faith and sacrifice. Join them as they unravel the profound significance of these characters’ experiences and discuss the hope for the listeners to identify their next step of faith during this special time of the year.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Seeing through the eyes of faith: Johnny and Paul emphasize the significance of seeing life through the eyes of faith, where faith is described as a form of perception beyond sight. It’s about stepping beyond what can be controlled and facilitating God’s work beyond human control.
Sacrifice as a spiritual discipline: They highlight how sacrifice as a spiritual discipline is pivotal, emphasizing the importance of sacrificing for others and abandoning personal security to trust in God’s provision. This perspective is connected to the characters in the Advent series, reflecting the idea of offering oneself to help others and experiencing God’s provision.
Living out the light of God with us: Johnny and Paul underscore the idea that the light of God with us should resonate throughout the year, not just during the Christmas season. The hope is to encourage individuals to identify their next steps of faith, embracing the call to sacrificially step into and experience God’s presence in a deeper and more profound way.

#AdventPodcast #ChristmasThroughFaith #ChristmasSeason #SacrificeAndFaith #EyesOfFaith #ChristmasTraditions #LightOfTheWorld #ChristmasCharacters #ChristmasSacrifice #WeddingSingerDream

GUEST BIO:

Johnny Daigle was born and raised on the north side of Pittsburgh, PA, and met his wife Kelly at Wheaton College. They stayed in Chicago after graduating in 2015, and in 2019 Johnny began attending Trinity International University to pursue his Masters in Divinity. Johnny and Kelly have two children Benjamin and Zoe. In 2022 the Daigles moved to Kansas City and Johnny joined the Christ Community staff.

QUOTES:

“But when you stepped out on the reality of God, it is so much more blessed because God is there at the end. When you step out, you’re stepping into the hand of God and he will uphold you. And that’s what Jesus shows, and that’s what we get to do.” — Johnny Daigle

“What does it look like for us to really sacrifice with an expectation and an eye on something that God can do far beyond what we could control or manipulate on our own terms?” — Johnny Daigle

“Why do we do lights? Well, Jesus is the light of the world. Why do we give gifts? Because Jesus is the greatest gift ever given, and we rehearse that. And it’s easy with the secularization of Christmas to kind of forget those fundamental truths.” —Paul Brandes

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Meaningful Christmas lights symbolize Jesus as light.
03:08 Christmas is about faith, love, and joy.
06:43 Inspired by faith to see beyond appearance.
11:32 Form Life offers online resources for spiritual growth.
12:55 Sacrifice expands beyond self for others.
17:56 The death of Christ leads to the blessing of sacrifice.
19:50 Identify the next step of faith, and embrace sacrifice.
23:07 Colleagues enjoy Johnny’s loud and regular singing.

The Transformative Role of Physical Actions in Worship: Surrender, Trust, and Honor with W. David O. Taylor | POD 020

by Jeannie Lucas | Nov 10, 2023 | TFL Podcast | 0 comments

WATCH

LISTEN

RESOURCES

A Body Of Praise – W. David O. Taylor

Open And Unafraid – W. David O. Taylor

Bono & Eugene Peterson | The Psalms – Produced by W. David O. Taylor

HOSTS & GUESTS

W. David O. Taylor – Guest

Bill Gorman – Co-Host

Gabe Coyle – Guest Host

Show Notes

The Transformative Role of Physical Actions in Worship: Surrender, Trust, and Honor

What is the role of our physical bodies in the context of worship? Our guest, W. David O. Taylor, a theologian and author, shares insights from his book A Body of Praise, which explores the various traditions around the incorporation of our bodies while we praise and worship. Join us as we uncover the invitation we have in Christ to bring our wholly integrated selves to our corporate gatherings and how it will impact the way we receive and respond to the gospel of Jesus each week.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The body plays a crucial role in worship: W. David O. Taylor’s book, A Body of Praise, highlights the significance of the physical body in our worship of God. He challenges deficient ideas and practices surrounding the body in worship and invites readers to embrace a biblical vision of bodily life.
Cultural biases and traumas impact our engagement with our bodies in worship: Taylor emphasizes the influence of cultural biases and personal experiences on our understanding of what it means to embody worship. He discusses how these factors can be damaging and stresses the importance of creating inclusive spaces that honor and welcome those with disabilities.
Physical acts of worship shape our hearts and minds: The episode delves into the power of physical acts of worship in shaping us to be more Christ-like. Taylor shares personal anecdotes and examples from different traditions to highlight the transformative effect of physical worship. He emphasizes the importance of both spontaneous and prescribed actions, as well as the discipline and freedom that can be found in engaging our bodies in worship.

#WorshipInMotion #EmbodiedFaith #PhysicalActsOfWorship #BridgingTheGap #SilenceAndStillness #ResistingTheNoise #CommunityInWorship #CaughtNotTaught #TheFormedLifePodcast #WDavidTaylor #bono #eugenepeterson

GUEST BIO:

W. David O. Taylor is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of several books, including A Body of Praise: Understanding the Role of Our Physical Bodies in Worship, Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life, and Glimpses of the New Creation: Worship and the Formative Power of the Arts. An Anglican priest, he has lectured widely on the arts from Thailand to South Africa. In 2016 he produced a short film on the psalms with Bono and Eugene Peterson. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his artist wife, Phaedra, with whom he produced three sets of illustrated prayer cards: “Prayers of the Psalms,” “Prayers for Life,” and “Prayers for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.” They have also collaborated on a book of collections and paintings to be published by Intervarsity Press in the spring of 2024, Prayers for the Pilgrimage: A Book of Collects for All of Life.

QUOTES:

“We need to worship our God with our bodies in the same way that a sunflower is constantly turning its face to the sun.”
— W. David O. Taylor

“I think those things can happen when we gather in worship, that the things that we do with our bodies, regardless of our personality, regardless of our emotions at the moment, can rein us to be Christ like or have a true Christ shaped humanity wherever we may find ourselves.”
— W. David O. Taylor

“So you see all throughout history how in Christ, really, every wall that divides us is broken down and broken down most centrally when people gather before the face of their maker in worship.”
— W. David O. Taylor

RESOURCES:

A Body Of Praise – W. David O. Taylor

Open And Unafraid – W. David O. Taylor

Bono & Eugene Peterson | The Psalms – Produced by W. David O. Taylor

CHAPTERS:

02:40 Missionaries influenced by Dallas Theological Seminary tradition
03:44 Thesis on Jesus’ healing significance
12:56 It’s important to worship God with our bodies
14:02 Offering bodies to God in worship is essential
17:25 Body actions enhance spiritual connection and worship
20:57 Sanctify, express integrity, worship, be truly free
26:09 God’s people worshiped together, breaking down barriers
30:13 Practicing silence to be fully present
32:17 Resisting daily distractions, prioritizing focused moments
37:17 Adapting children’s ministry to digital with creativity
38:22 Father and daughter enact Bible stories creatively

Exploring the Profound Impact of Music Therapy with Amy Wilson | POD 019

by Jeannie Lucas | Oct 26, 2023 | TFL Podcast | 0 comments

WATCH

LISTEN

RESOURCES

BLOG – Two Tools To Fight The Darkness
– Paul Brandes

BOOK – Music Is Medicine
– Deforia Lane

HOSTS & GUESTS

Amy Wilson – Guest

Paul Brandes – Co-Host

Bill Gorman – Co-Host

Show Notes

Exploring the Profound Impact of Music Therapy with Guest Amy Wilson

Amy Wilson, a passionate music therapist with a unique career journey, joins us on theFormed.life podcast today. Amy shares her experiences working in the field of music therapy, highlighting the impact of music on individuals in various settings, including hospice care and behavioral health. In this episode, we get a glimpse into the beauty that can unfold as we begin to more fully integrate our faith and work.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Music therapy’s profound impact in various settings: Amy Wilson’s work, particularly in the context of hospice care and behavioral health demonstrates how music can bring beauty and connection to individuals facing challenging circumstances and provide moments of joy and reminiscence, even in the face of deep pain and difficulty.
The integration of faith and work: Amy’s relationship with Jesus and her work as a music therapist is part of her greater calling to connect with and serve others on a deeper level. Her journey from a performance degree to music therapy is a testament to the value of integrating faith and work.
The importance of personal connection and storytelling: Amy shares specific stories that illustrate the impact of music therapy in real people’s lives, highlighting the significance of building relationships, learning favorite songs, and using music to access long-term memories and foster connection. She reminds us of the power of live music and its ability to create intimate and personal moments that can be key elements in anyone’s healing process.

#musictherapy #careerinspiration #integratingfaithandwork #hospicecare #therapeuticsounds #beautyinthebrokenness #musicandmemory #thehealingpowerofmusic #findingpurpose #joyofconnection

GUEST BIO:

Amy Wilson grew up in Oklahoma, with both of her parents working in the medical field. Yet, she found herself drawn to a different form of therapy – music therapy. Amy discovered music therapy by chance and was captivated by its ability to combine music with a therapeutic relationship to achieve learning or health goals. Intrigued by this unique approach, Amy felt a strong calling to pursue a career as a licensed music therapist. With her passion ignited, Amy embarked on a journey to learn and understand the power of music in healing and education. Inspired by her own story and the potential of music therapy, Amy is now dedicated to using music as a tool to bring about positive change and support individuals in various settings.

QUOTES:

“Music Therapy: Essentially, it’s applying music in the context of a relationship, And the goal is either some kind of learning objective, like in schools, or it’s a health objective as in a medical setting.”
— Amy Wilson

“I did some volunteer work in hospitals and had a really significant experience, actually through my church and our Sunday school class. I was with a group of girls from 7th grade to 12th grade in our Baptist church at the time, and I don’t remember the context or why, but we started visiting a woman in the hospital who was pretty much alone and essentially dying of cancer. And we visited her on Sundays for months, and I don’t think this would ever happen now. But we got to be a part of Just her journey.”
— Amy Wilson

“Because of the way memory is stored in the brain and how we can access some of those long term memories through music, Even in the case of disease or injury, it’s really amazing What can happen.”
— Amy Wilson

RESOURCES:

BLOG – Two Tools To Fight The Darkness – Paul Brandes

BOOK – Music Is Medicine – Deforia Lane

CHAPTERS:

[00:06:24] God guided me to hospice care, and music therapy.
[00:08:02] Music therapists in the United States: credentials, ethics, education, job opportunities.
[00:12:53] Impact of music therapy on real lives.
[00:13:56] Music therapy for degenerative neurologic disease patient.
[00:17:34] Connection, music, memories, creator – a beautiful gift.
[00:21:38] Evil person says music connects to relationships.
[00:25:57] Various ways to access music; importance of live music.
[00:29:11] End of work liturgy podcast for transition.
[00:30:22] Switching careers, what profession would you choose?

Understanding the Connection: Faith, Work, and Discovering God’s Will for Your Career | POD 018

by Jeannie Lucas | Oct 12, 2023 | TFL Podcast | 0 comments

WATCH

LISTEN

... | READ MORE BELOW

RESOURCES

Made To Flourish

Skill Mapping

Worked Up – Paige Wiley & Luke Bobo

Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work – Tom Nelson

Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work – Tim Keller

Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will – Kevin DeYound

Whatever You Do: Six Foundations for an Integrated Life – Luke Bobo

God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life – Gene Veith

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life – Bill Burnett and David J. Evans

HOSTS & GUESTS

Paige Wiley – Guest

Paul Brandes – Co-Host

Bill Gorman – Co-Host

Show Notes

Understanding the Connection: Faith, Work, and Discovering God’s Will for Your Career

How should faith and work intersect? Today we have a special guest, Paige Wiley, joining us. Paige brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked in various settings and ministries and now working within the team at Made To Flourish as the Associate Director of Engagement. In this episode, we explore the importance of understanding one’s vocation and how it connects to our faith, as well as the anxiety and questions that arise when it comes to discerning God’s will in our careers. Paige shares insights from her recent project on bridging the gap between college and the next phase of life as well as the fascinating concept of “skills mapping” for churches and how it can be utilized to foster community and discipleship. Listen now to this thought-provoking conversation about work, calling, and the journey towards finding purpose in our daily lives.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The importance of integrating faith and work: There is a journey to understanding the connection between faith and work. Work is not just a means of evangelizing or giving money to the church, but a valuable way to live out God’s design and contribute to the restoration of all things.
Addressing vocational anxiety: There is increasing anxiety among college students about their future careers and which has increased the need to make a meaningful connection between work and identity. There is a common fallacy of viewing God’s will as a specific target or destination, which can contribute to stress and anxiety. For this reason we need to talk early and often about faith and work to alleviate vocational anxiety.
Utilizing skills mapping for church community and discipleship: Skills mapping is a process that helps churches understand the vocational skills and passions of their congregation, and can be used to create support groups and facilitate connections among individuals with similar professions or roles. We want churches to engage with people across different life stages, including young adults and older adults, to foster community and discipleship around the work that we do, paid or unpaid.

#FaithAndWork #CallingAndVocation #BridgingTheGap #SkillMapping #ConnectingCongregations #SundayToMonday #IntegratingFaithAndLife #SupportingProfessionals #ThirdThirdOfLife #ChurchBeyondSunday

GUEST BIO:

Paige Wiley grew up in a Christian environment where work and faith were presented as separate entities. This upbringing shaped her curiosity about the intersection of work and calling. While studying communications and media at Kansas State University, Paige was heavily involved in her campus ministry and also worked at a career center, helping students discover their career paths. This experience intensified her interest in understanding why people choose a certain profession and what drives their vocational choices.

QUOTES:

“At the end of the day, my belief was that work is part of this necessary evil that we have to do in order to either evangelize to our coworkers or to give our money to the church.”
— Paige Wiley

“Within redemption, we get to see how work is a way of loving and serving our neighbor, and this allows us to see glimpses of heaven.”
— Paige Wiley

“One of the ways that I like to frame it is: A good shepherd knows his sheep, and the skill mapping survey is really meant to ask folks where they’re at. Instead of asking to put more on their plate, ask, “What’s on your plate? What are you doing? Where are you already on mission, where are you already serving?””
— Paige Wiley

RESOURCES:

Made To Flourish

Skill Mapping

Worked Up – Paige Wiley & Luke Bobo

Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work – Tom Nelson

Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work – Tim Keller

Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will – Kevin DeYound

Whatever You Do: Six Foundations for an Integrated Life – Luke Bobo

God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life – Gene Veith

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life – Bill Burnett and David J. Evans

CHAPTERS:

[00:06:10] Faith and work: wrestling and finding fulfillment.
[00:08:10] God at the center, wrestling with work theology.
[00:12:51] College students struggle with identity and anxiety.
[00:15:14] God’s will as a problematic treasure hunt.
[00:17:46] Gathering to discuss faith and work after college.
[00:22:20] Made to Flourish offers a skill mapping process.
[00:26:28] Interviews explore Monday life of congregation members.
[00:29:26] Connecting educators, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and parents.
[00:32:46] Is God with me in career choices?
[00:34:38] Dream job for Paige Wiley.

Lessons from the Past, Insights for the Present: Church Governance and Its Relevance Today | POD 017

by Jeannie Lucas | Sep 28, 2023 | TFL Podcast | 0 comments

WATCH

LISTEN

... | READ MORE BELOW

RESOURCES

Resources

Biblical Theology of Male & Female:
Position Paper

Flourishing and Leadership:
Position Paper

HOSTS & GUESTS

Kevin Rauckman – Guest

Tom Nelson – Guest

Bill Gorman – Host

Show Notes

Lessons from the Past, Insights for the Present:
Church Governance and Its Relevance Today

How are churches structured and governed? Kevin Rackman and Tom Nelson join our host, Bill Gorman, bringing their extensive experience in church planting, architecture, and governance to the conversation. They explore the significance of accountability, the role of national denominations, the complexities of power dynamics, and the importance of checks and balances in church and business leadership. Join us as we uncover the practical wisdom and principles that can guide churches and organizations in their governance and leadership roles.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Importance of Accountability and Checks and Balances: The application of checks and balances helps prevent abuse of power and promotes virtuous leadership. This concept is not limited to the church context but is part of God’s design for all organizations.
Character and Virtue-based Leadership: Biblical guidance in the Old and New Testaments stress the importance of leaders’ character and moral virtues in ensuring the flourishing of the church. The process of selecting elders involves collaboration and input from various stakeholders, and the role of elders is primarily governance-oriented rather than day-to-day operational management.
Adaptation and Application of Biblical Principles: While the apostles did not directly address the institutional structures and challenges currently faced by church leaders, their ethical vision, principles, and wisdom can be extrapolated and adapted to contemporary church governance. Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical writings helps in discerning timeless wisdom applicable to church leadership structures today.

#ChurchGovernance #LeadershipStructure #AccountabilityMatters #ChecksAndBalances #GoodGovernance #ChurchLeadership #OrganizationalGovernance #EthicalLeadership #BoardResponsibilities #FlourishingChurches

GUEST BIO:

Kevin Rauckman is the owner of, and financial consultant for, Rauckman Advisors, LLC, where he has worked since November 2017. Rauckman was previously a financial advisor for MoBank (formerly Bank of Kansas City). Prior to joining the Bank of Kansas City, Rauckman served as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Garmin Ltd. from January 1999 until December 2014, and he was named CFO of the Year by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2008. Rauckman received a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA degree in Finance from the University of Kansas. He serves as a board member and the audit committee chairman of JE Dunn Construction Group; a board member and the nomination/governance committee chairman of MGP Ingredients, Inc.; and a member of the board of CrossFirst Bank since 2018. He is currently chairman of the elder board at Christ Community.

Tom Nelson is the Lead Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church and founded the church over 30 years ago. He also serves as president of Made to Flourish, a network that seeks to empower pastors to lead churches that produce human flourishing for the common good. Tom is the author of Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work, Economics of Neighborly Love: Investing in Your Community’s Compassion and Capacity, and The Flourishing Pastor: Recovering the Lost Art of Shepherd Leadership. Tom speaks regularly on faith, work, and economics around the country. Tom has served on the board of regents of Trinity International University and is also a council member of The Gospel Coalition. Tom graduated with a master’s of theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and received his doctorate of ministry degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Tom and his wife, Liz, have two grown children and live in Leawood, Kansas.

QUOTES:

“…there are checks and balances on the board…those checks and balances don’t guarantee virtue but they encourage virtue…congregationalism isn’t perfect, but it’s really, really good on that point of check and balance on power, boundaries, accountability and order.”
— Tom Nelson

“On a governance structure…the assumption is there’s transparency, there’s fairness, there’s love, all these character pieces, you’re hospitable…But the assumption is people are going to treat others fairly if there is a challenge, or a problem along the way. Structure or governance helps combat that. [which is] why this is so important in the life of any institution.”
— Kevin Rauckman

“…throughout church history and present that there are different ecclesial structures or structures of churches, and they appeal to certain scriptural texts for validation. I think that’s good. It shows there’s not just one size fits all. There’s diversity and that’s really good. Each one has its strengths and maybe weaknesses. That’s just the nature of an imperfect world and imperfect structure.”
— Tom Nelson

RESOURCES:

Christ Community’s Position Papers:
Flourishing and Leadership
A Biblical Theology of Male and Female

CHAPTERS:

[00:01:30] Discussing governance in organizations.
[00:05:33] Enron’s example highlights the importance of oversight.
[00:06:50] Tim Mackie on complexity of biblical context.
[00:12:32] Diversity in ecclesial structures is beneficial.
[00:15:05] Financial world requires integrity; similarities in organizations.
[00:17:59] Exploring biblical principles in today’s diverse churches.
[00:20:43] Bylaws, board, checks, balances, accountability, power.
[00:25:51] Collaborative effort in selecting church elders.
[00:28:06] Kevin leads as the Elder chair.
[00:30:34] Responsibilities of board members.

Exploring Same-Sex Sexual Expression in Romans 1 with Greg Coles | POD 016

by Jeannie Lucas | Sep 14, 2023 | TFL Podcast | 0 comments

WATCH

LISTEN

... | READ MORE BELOW

RESOURCES

The Center For Faith, Sexuality,
and Gender

Greg Coles

HOSTS & GUESTS

Greg Coles – Guest
Author & Scholar

Bill Gorman – Co-Host

Paul Brandes – Co-Host

Show Notes

Exploring Same-Sex Sexual Expression in Romans 1

Today’s episode is a thought-provoking conversation on homosexuality with special guest Greg Coles. We explore the theological aspects and cultural beliefs that influence how marriage, singleness, and LGBTQ+ issues are discussed in the church. Greg shares his insights on the biblical understanding of singleness, challenging churches that prioritize marriage and exclude unmarried individuals from fully participating in the family of God. We delve into the contentious topic of same-sex sexual expression in the context of Romans 1, exploring different interpretations and arguments surrounding it. Join us as we navigate these complex discussions with grace and seek to bridge the gap between differing views within the church. Stay tuned for an enlightening and respectful dialogue on homosexuality, theology, and the radical love of Jesus.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Join us in this conversation about building a legacy of generosity.

Reconsidering Singleness: There is a need for a more nuanced and biblical approach to understanding and valuing singleness. Often, churches that prioritize marriage and overlook the biblical understanding of singleness isolate the members of the Body that need a life of singleness.
Different Interpretations on Same-Sex Sexual Expression: It is a challenge to reconcile our cultural context with open and respectful discussions on the topic of affirming and non-affirming interpretations of the Bible’s passages related to same-sex sexual expression and practice.
The Church as Family: Churches can better support LGBTQ individuals both structurally and on an individual level by encouraging our congregants to view the church as a family and provide meaningful community for all members, regardless of their sexual orientation. The family of God should be equally open to all who profess Christ rather than prioritizing the individual family units.

#theFormedlife #PodcastEpisode #Homosexuality #GregColes #TheologicalAspects #CulturalBeliefs #Singleness #ChurchTeachings #Marriage #LGBTQinfaith

GUEST BIO:

Greg Coles, is a tangle of identities: born in upstate New York, raised on the Indonesian island of Java, and now working as a freelance author and scholar in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. He holds a PhD in English from Penn State and has been in love with language since age 8, when he started learning his older brother’s SAT vocabulary words and reading Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Greg’s fiction and expository writing have been published by Penguin Random House and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. His academic research on rhetorics of marginality (how language works in society for disadvantaged groups) has appeared in College English and Rhetorica and in an edited collection from Cambridge University Press. His first book, Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity, was a 2017 Foreword INDIES Award Finalist. His newest book is No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation.

QUOTES:

“The context in which we would turn toward the same sex as well as many contexts in which we would turn toward the opposite sex outside of God’s vision for that expression those would all be places where we take sex, this really good created thing, and we make it into something that is no longer about the pursuit of the creator and turns it into something that’s about ourselves.”
— Greg Coles

“I think a lot of our church structures still assume that people ought to be kind of funneled into marriage, that singleness is more like the purgatorial, you know, waiting zone where the losers hang out until they get their act together, which seems to miss something of the biblical understanding of singleness.”
— Greg Coles

“And yet despite having all that, my experience in conversation with many people is that they don’t actually really experience their churches as family or as a deeply meaningful community. That lots of churches are still mostly centered around the nuclear family unit, as if to say, like, church is the thing that we do where we all get together and you are equipped as a family unit to then go out and have your own family.”
— Greg Coles

RESOURCES:

The Center For Faith, Sexuality, and Gender

Greg Coles

CHAPTERS:

[00:02:49] Humans worship creation instead of God.
[00:05:59] Two sides: affirming and non-affirming interpretations.
[00:08:34] Romans includes an intense passage on same-sex behavior.
[00:13:51] Argument: Women exchanging natural relations for unnatural ones.
[00:18:49] Passage discusses caution in interpreting text, and addresses same-sex sexual expression concerns.
[00:20:41] Broadens the argument on sexual behavior.
[00:24:26] Marriage symbolizes the fullness of God’s image.
[00:27:56] The importance of reflecting God’s vision.
[00:31:23] Churches can support LGBTQ individuals but may not be inclusive overall.
[00:36:27] Missed opportunity to discuss marriage and singleness.
[00:40:16] Importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion within church families.
[00:44:43] “How can I connect with my LGBTQ+ friend?”
[00:46:16] Jesus wrecks lives, but it’s worth it.
[00:49:02] The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender offers various resources.

Prayer and Witness | POD 015

by Jeannie Lucas | Sep 7, 2023 | TFL Podcast | 0 comments

WATCH

LISTEN

... | READ MORE BELOW

HOSTS & GUESTS

Gabe Coyle – Downtown Campus Pastor

Nydiaris Hernandez-Santos – Associate Pastor, Downtown

Bill Gorman – Host

Show Notes

Prayer and Witness

In today’s episode with Gabe Coyle and Nydiaris Hernandez-Santos, we dive into the transformative power of prayer and the significance of having a personal relationship with God. Nydiaris and Gabe share their personal experiences and reflections on prayer and how it has shaped their lives, from the importance of spending time in God’s presence to the impact of witnessing through telling our personal stories of God’s rescue. Join us as we explore the profound role of prayer in our journey of faith.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The importance of prayer and experiencing God’s presence: This episode emphasizes the significance of spending time with God in prayer and immersing oneself in His presence. Regular prayer makes one become attuned to God and develops an intuitive understanding of His actions and character. Personal anecdotes and biblical examples demonstrate the deep interconnection between individuals and God through prayer.
The power of witnessing and storytelling: Witnessing the impact of Jesus in one’s life is an integral part of being a Christian. This episode encourages listeners to share their personal experiences of how Jesus has transformed their lives. Engaging in storytelling and effectively communicating the gospel message is vital in facilitating spiritual growth and creating unity within the church community.
The transformative role of prayer in personal formation: Prayer serves as a means of bringing one’s authentic self before God and surrendering to His lordship. It allows for vulnerability, authenticity, and sharing one’s personal story with others. The episode highlights prayer as both a discipline and a lifeline, emphasizing its role in personal growth, self-care, and building a strong connection with God.

#PrayerLife #SpiritualGrowth #WitnessingFaith #FormedInChrist #ExperiencingGod #GospelStories #DigitalFormation #SharingTestimonies #DeepeningFaith #PrayerLegacy

GUEST BIO:

Nydiaris Hernåndez-Santos
Nydiaris grew up in a small coastal town in Puerto Rico, surrounded by mountains and a beautiful community of people that deeply shaped her faith. A fascination with science led her to pursue a B.S. in Biology/Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico, resulting in a two-year internship at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, M.D. Her passion for germs and the immune system led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Pittsburgh and subsequent postdoctoral work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Nydiaris loves to learn and study! Her life turned one hundred and eighty degrees when the Lord asked her to pursue ministry and her passion for preaching in a more traditional way, including pursuing an M. Div. degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Nydiaris loves meeting new people and deep conversations. She also loves music, particularly her beloved Latin American tunes. As a passenger in her car, you will likely hear some salsa or Latin jazz playing. A long walk, good food, a nurturing book, and passionate prayer are her version of spa treatment.

Gabriel Coyle
After receiving his Master of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Gabe’s passion for the gospel to transform and develop whole communities gracefully collided with his passion for the arts in downtown Kansas City. In the spring of 2012, God called Gabe and his wife, Allie, to Christ Community’s Downtown Campus to be a part of God’s work for His name’s sake in this city. Gabe loves running ultra marathons, taking long walks through the neighborhood with his three children, and jamming out on guitars as a family after dinner. Gabe is pursuing his Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary.

QUOTES:

“I see that in the legacy. I see that with my own mom growing up in a single-parent household. My mom wasn’t as verbal in terms of directing me to pray, but I would come home many nights and see her crying over her Bible and praying. And what she would say is, ‘God’s good in ways I can’t explain’ or ‘We’re looking at the messy side of the tapestry, but one day God’s going to weave something beautiful on the other side,’ and I saw this trust in her that was born in prayer.”
— Gabe Coyle

“How are we intentionally being formed ourselves versus being deformed?”
— Gabe Coyle

“But she has heard about what God was doing with his people and rescuing people. And she said that to the spies, that were afraid. And please don’t forget me when you come because I know that the lord is going to give you this land. I mean, she had faith off the charts, and she was witnessing to the Israelites about what their own God can do.”
— Nydiaris

KEYWORDS:

spending time with God, prayer, feeling God’s presence, regular prayer, intuition, biblical figures, David, Jesus, faith, trust in God, personal anecdote, mother, high school, empty Walmart parking lots, parents, raising children, wandering, Augustine, mother and grandmother, 20 years, return to faith, garden, book of Romans, teaching series, Christ Community, Form dot life podcast, medium, platform, history, engagement, cultural context, resonance, saturate, God’s involvement, personal experiences, storytelling

CHAPTERS:

00:02:41 Prayer shaped me, a lifeline of joy.
00:08:29 Prayed together, powerful moment, God’s love.
00:11:10 Powerful prayers and emotional connection to God.
00:14:44 Intuitive sense of God’s presence in prayer
00:18:54 Parents raising children in the way of Jesus, using the example of Augustine.
00:22:34 Growing in God’s word and ways together.
00:27:40 Prayer is receiving and covers various disciplines.
00:31:56 The story of how he rescued us.
00:34:17 Witnesses to Jesus’ story, telling it passionately.
00:39:40 Prayer is a witness and surrender to God.
00:48:44 Mitch journals prayers for 17 years straight.
00:50:59 Let stories of God flow freely, unexplained.
00:54:06 Final Question.

Reading Romans with Douglas Moo | POD 014

by Jeannie Lucas | Aug 17, 2023 | TFL Podcast | 0 comments

WATCH

LISTEN

... | READ MORE BELOW

HOSTS & GUESTS

Dr. Douglas Moo – Guest

Paul Brandes – C0-Host

Bill Gorman – C0-Host

Show Notes

Reading Romans with Douglas Moo

In today’s episode we are diving into an overview of the compelling and complex book of Romans. Our hosts, Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman are joined by special guest Dr. Douglas Moo, who brings his expertise as a renowned scholar and commentator on the book of Romans. Throughout the episode, our speakers reflect on their personal connections with the book of Romans, from their early encounters with commentaries to the challenges and rewards of teaching and preaching from this pivotal New Testament letter. They discuss the significance of Romans in Christian theology, its role in renewing the mind and transforming one’s thinking, and the practical application of its teachings in today’s culture. So grab your Bible and get ready to be inspired and challenged by the power of the gospel in Romans.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The three key takeaways from this episode of theFormed.life are:

The book of Romans is a crucial and transformative text in Christian theology. It addresses complex theological issues and provides a balanced view of the history of salvation, highlighting both continuity and discontinuity. Christians are encouraged to study Romans rigorously and at length to deepen their understanding of the gospel.
Teaching Romans requires finding a balance in pace and depth. It is important to teach the text as a whole and not get overly fixated on specific words and ideas. However, covering too much of Romans in one teaching session can hinder a deep understanding. Pastors and teachers should aim for a pace that allows the audience to grasp the text’s argument and absorb its overall message.
Renewing the mind and transforming thinking are central themes in Romans. The book challenges Christians to critically examine cultural perspectives and align their thinking with a thoroughly Christian worldview. The gospel is seen as the foundation for renewing one’s mind and living faithfully as a transformed individual.

#RomansOverview #TheFormedLifePodcast #DouglasMoo #BiblicalTheology #RenewingTheMind #GospelTransformation #TeachingRomansEffectively #IntegrationOfJewsAndGentiles #UnfoldingBiblicalNarrative #UnderstandingTheOldTestament

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Douglas Moo is a prominent biblical scholar who has dedicated his career to studying and teaching the New Testament. With an emphasis on rigorous exegesis and a focus on the Pauline and General Letters, he has written commentaries on James, 2 Peter and Jude, Romans, Galatians, Colossians, and Philemon. Dr. Moo’s commitment to applying the biblical text to both the church and his own life is evident in his active involvement in his local church as an elder, teacher, and preacher. He has also made significant contributions as a member of the Committee on Bible Translation, which revised the text of the NIV. Based at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School for over two decades, Dr. Moo has mentored countless graduate students, guiding them in robust Greek exegesis and encouraging them to consider the ultimate significance and application of the biblical text. His ongoing projects include commentaries on 1-2 Thessalonians and Philippians. A lover of travel and photography, Dr. Moo enjoys exploring the world with his wife, Jenny. They have five grown children and thirteen grandchildren.

QUOTES:

“One of the things that Romans accomplishes for us is giving us a balanced view of the history of salvation, bringing together the continuity and discontinuity of that history.”
— Dr. Douglas Moo

“I don’t think pastors should be afraid to join an application that is not as practical and specific as sometimes is the case. So to leave people at the end of the service: “ Now what’s the application out of this text?” Here’s the application. Here is the truth of what God is teaching us. We need to absorb that. We need to think about it. We need to find ways of impeding that on our brains and hearts and not get too concerned about if this word is relevant or maybe making relevance to narrow in its focus. Something that’s practical and can be done, rather than a relevant something. That affects our thinking and attitudes.”
— Dr. Douglas Moo

“The new perspective positively, First of all, has reminded us about this matter of Paul’s own 1st century context. A context again in which the key issue faced in the church was how do we integrate gentiles into the people of God and how do we read the old testament as a genuine Christian book pointing to Chris?. That was the big issue that they faced in those days, and Romans had a great deal to say about that.”
— Dr. Douglas Moo

KEYWORDS:

commentary work, providential invitation, largest commentary, preach, Bible College, excited, hotly debated passages, summarize, compel, study, rigor, Graham Coles, significant, 66 books, complement, teach, continuity, discontinuity, Jewish Christians, Torah, gentiles, spiritual status, rooted, mix, pace, church schedules, congregations, specific words, teaching session, understanding, argument, application, practicality, relevance, narrow, practical, thinking, attitudes, new perspective, integrating Gentiles, Old Testament, Christian book, individual question, right relationship with God, narrative, creation, fall, Israel, Jesus, church, transition, renewing the mind, failure, cultural issues, Christian way, political and cultural perspectives, transformed thinking, transformed activity, frustration, theological issues, gospel, opportunity, providential calling from God, enthusiasm, pastors, preachers, impact, mistakes, tips, favorite professor, biblical theology, tracing themes, missing, unfolding story, redemption, new creation.

CHAPTERS:

[00:02:53] Interest in gospels shifted to Paul’s theology. Invited to write commentary on Romans.
[00:05:50] Romans: Gospel, integration of gentiles, unity.
[00:08:24] Romans is a powerful book in Christianity.
[00:11:07] 66 books complement each other, emphasizing continuity.
[00:15:57] Pace and depth matter in teaching Romans.
[00:20:10] New perspective focuses on integrating Gentiles.
[00:23:57] Inclusive biblical scholarship: diverse paths to salvation.
[00:27:20] Translating mindset in NIV; Excited to read commentary.
[00:30:13] Retreating to Wisconsin, capturing serendipitous deer moment.

Romans Series Overview with Bill & Tom | POD 013

by Jeannie Lucas | Aug 9, 2023 | TFL Podcast | 0 comments

WATCH

LISTEN

... | READ MORE BELOW

RESOURCES

TheFormed.life

HOSTS & GUESTS

Tom Nelson – Guest

Bill Gorman – Host

Show Notes

Romans Series Overview with Bill & Tom

In today’s episode, we are joined by Tom Nelson, our lead senior pastor, for an enlightening conversation about the significance of this powerful letter to the Romans. Bill and Tom discuss the shifting focus of the church over time and how Romans speaks to essential questions like: who Jesus is, how we’re saved, and what it means to be human.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The three key takeaways from this episode of theFormed.life are:

1. The significance of the book of Romans: The episode highlights the importance of the book of Romans in understanding key theological concepts and how they relate to our current cultural context. Romans touches on themes like the identity of Jesus, salvation by grace through faith, and what it means to be human.

2. The process of selecting sermon series: Bill and Tom discuss how Christ Community determines the focus of their teachings, taking into account the needs of the congregation and cultural context. They emphasize the importance of teaching the whole counsel of God and the joy of diving into different genres of literature within the Bible.

3. The transformative power of Romans: The episode emphasizes the transformative impact that studying and engaging with the book of Romans can have on individuals. Through understanding God’s incredible love, the rescue mission of Jesus, and aligning with God’s design and moral excellence, Romans has the potential to bring about personal and communal transformation, restoring God’s worldview in a culture that may be eroding foundational beliefs.

#RomansTeachingSeries #BiblicalExposition #GodsLove #GraceThroughFaith #IdentityinChrist #GospelCenteredLiving #CulturalDiscernment #TransformationalJourney #WitnessesForJesus #RestoringGodsWorldview

QUOTES:

“Romans not only tells us what we’re saved from — As glorious that is — praise God, but it tells us what we’re saved for… to be on mission with him in the world in his kingdom.'”
– Tom Nelson

“I think we’ve been compelled from the very beginning of Christ Community that as Paul says, he did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God.”
– Tom Nelson

“So I think we also sometimes can fall into, oh, this is a left brain, logical book, but it speaks to the wholeness of who we are as people.”
– Bill Gorman

RESOURCES:

TheFormed.life

KEYWORDS:

teaching series, book of Romans, Christ Community, significance, spiritual journey, childhood story, selecting sermon series, cultural moment, hopes and prayers, faith in Jesus, Holy Spirit, incredible transformation, brilliant book, Kingdom of God, preaching, discernment, precision, core belief, Protestantism, grace, human agency, obedience, different genres of literature, processing information, mind and emotions, transformative power, influential figures, spiritual formation, witnesses and ambassadors

CHAPTERS:

[00:02:49] Romans 8:1 changed life, discussing importance of letter.
[00:05:42] Romans aids understanding of God’s incredible love.
[00:11:38] Teaching scripture through exposition in various genres.
[00:15:12] Seek the Lord, live for Him always.
[00:18:27] Hope: people find faith in Jesus, transformation.

« Older Entries