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Gather is the podcast of Wilmington First Church, hosted by Josh Smothers. Each episode is a space to slow down, lean in, and explore what it means to follow Jes... more
February 21, 2026Interview with Pastor Jonathan AltmanThe conversation covers Pastor Jonathan's current roles, personal backstory, reading interests, sense of God's calling, early ministry experiences, lessons from mentors, faithful leadership, shepherding people vs. leading systems, importance of the local church, current hopes and concerns for the church, staying rooted in Pentecostal Holiness doctrines, and words of encouragement for pastors and leaders. The chapters provide a comprehensive exploration of these themes, offering valuable insights and perspectives on pastoral leadership and ministry.TakeawaysLife of serviceFaithful leadershipChapters00:00 Words of Encouragement for Pastors and Leaders...more29minPlay
February 14, 2026Episode Seven: Spiritual Formation Over Spiritual PerformanceThe episode explores the difference between spiritual formation and spiritual performance, emphasizing the need to shift from performance-based faith to formation-based faith. It delves into the impact of performance-based faith on individuals and the unintentional rewards it receives within the church. The conversation highlights the biblical vision of transformation, the practices that shape the soul over time, and the role of grace in spiritual growth.TakeawaysShift from performance-based faith to formation-based faithGod cares more about who you're becoming than how you're perceivedChapters00:00 Grace as the Engine of Spiritual Growth...more19minPlay
February 07, 2026Episode Six: Why Does Prayer Feel So Hard?The episode explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding prayer, emphasizing the importance of prayer as a relationship with God. It delves into the significance of silence, honesty, and perseverance in prayer, highlighting the value of faithfulness over frequency or eloquence.TakeawaysPrayer is about relationship, not performanceSilence does not mean God's absenceFaithfulness in prayer matters more than frequency or eloquenceChapters00:00 Reframing Faithfulness in Prayer...more16minPlay
February 01, 2026Episode Five: Following Jesus in Ordinary LifeThe podcast explores the concept of following Jesus in everyday life, emphasizing the integration of faith into all areas of life. It discusses the importance of faithfulness in work, family, and daily routines, as well as the significance of obedience when no one is watching. The episode highlights the value of setting up small practices for discipleship and recognizing everyday moments as opportunities for spiritual formation.TakeawaysFollowing Jesus in everyday lifeBringing faith into every area of lifeChapters00:00 Following Jesus in Ordinary Life06:09 Faithfulness in Work, Family, and Daily Routines13:23 Setting Up Small Practices for Discipleship...more16minPlay
January 24, 2026Episode Four: Faith, Feelings, and Following Jesus When God Feels DistantThe conversation explores the relationship between faith and feelings, emphasizing the importance of trusting God even when He feels distant. It also delves into the concept of lament as an act of trust and the significance of choosing faithfulness in the midst of spiritual dryness.TakeawaysFaith and feelingsLament as an act of trustChapters00:00 Faith and Feelings07:47 Lament as an Act of Trust13:32 Choosing Faithfulness...more17minPlay
January 17, 2026Episode Three: Can Doubt Be a Part of Real Faith?The conversation explores the normalcy of doubt in faith and the church's response to doubt. It delves into the distinction between doubt, unbelief, and cynicism, providing biblical examples of doubt and emphasizing the importance of healthy ways to wrestle with doubt and grow from it. The key takeaways are that doubt is a normal part of faith, and God welcomes our doubts and questions.TakeawaysDoubt is a normal part of faithGod welcomes our doubts and questionsChapters00:00 Growing from Doubt...more17minPlay
January 10, 2026Episode Two: What is the Gospel?The episode explores the concept of the gospel, emphasizing its definition, misconceptions, biblical significance, and its impact on identity and behavior. It highlights the transformative power of the gospel and the shift from earning to receiving grace.TakeawaysThe gospel is good news, not just good adviceGrace is received, not achievedChapters00:00 Living from the Gospel...more16minPlay
January 02, 2026Episode One: The Importance of the ChurchThe podcast episode explores the relevance and challenges of the church in today's culture, addressing issues of disconnection, distrust, and church hurt. It emphasizes the importance of community, grace, and discernment in navigating these challenges and returning to the original vision of the church as a family.TakeawaysThe church faces challenges of disconnection, distrust, and church hurt in today's culture.Community, grace, and discernment are essential in addressing these challenges and returning to the original vision of the church as a family....more20minPlay