There’s been a lot of conversation over the past decade about the beliefs and practices of Bethel Church, mostly because of how successful and prominent their worship ministry has been in the Christian culture. Many critics have weighed in on their theology, going as far as calling them heretical and dangerous. On this episode of The Other Side, we’re diving in to find out whether Bethel is truly unbiblical in their teaching… or maybe just a little bit weird.

First, Joey discusses Bethel’s beliefs and practices with Pastor Andy Otis (4:47), talks about his experience attending a conference at Bethel with Kelly Bumb (1:00:27), and finally is joined by one of Bethel’s worship leaders, John Fajuke (1:28:25).

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Mike Winger Bethel Deep-Dive: https://youtu.be/r3tEv26OMTU

Todd Nighswonger is currently serving as the lead pastor at Cornerstone Church, which was founded by Francis Chan. When Francis left Cornerstone in 2010, Todd was facing an impossible challenge... continue to carry out the great commission when the majority of the congregation was just there to hear Francis preach. During our conversation, we talked about what that transition looked like, and some of the things he's learned along the way.

One of our foundational beliefs as Christians is that God created the universe... but what did that process actually look like? What does our belief about the age of the earth mean for our faith? And most importantly... can we be united with believers who would answer those questions differently?

Producers: Joey James & Kelly Bumb
Guests: Christian Fernandez, Ryan Pauly and Paul Dulaney
Technical Producer: Sarah Rapp

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We're kicking off a brand new series on the Faith Backstage feed! Pastor Tim Schoen joins me for a discussion about Christian unity and why it's one of the most important ingredients for a healthy church body.

Show notes: https://5dc8cad0-db01-4071-b0b3-70ae0ba18909.usrfiles.com/ugd/5dc8ca_5564a8d6a7df4bba84b6ed5e1f577e2e.pdf

Aaron Kajumba pastors a network of over 50 churches in Uganda and is currently serving as the High School Pastor at Calvary Community Church! During our conversation we talked about how American church culture differs from Ugandan church culture, how value should be determined in the church, why church creatives are some of the most important people on the team, and how those creatives can be both deeply theological and super gifted at the same time.

Genein Letford is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author and corporate trainer on creative thinking and Intercultural Creativity™. She is the founder of CAFFE Strategies, and has inspired and led many to reconnect to their creative abilities in order to produce innovative ideas for an inclusive workspace. During our conversation, we talked about the definition of creativity, the role creativity has to play in the church, and how everyone can unlock their creative potential.

Ariel and Trey Fernald, co-founders of Easter Sky Theater Company, join Faith Backstage to discuss their new book about how performing arts can be used for ministry, and what goes into creating a show that effectively illustrates the heart of God. They also share some stories and testimonies from the over 100 shows they have produced together.

Kristen joins Faith Backstage to talk about the importance of empathy in parenting, how families can stay connected to the church even when they aren't physically present, why it's critical that we have conversations about social justice in the church, the unique heart and character of Gen Z, and so much more.

Michael is the lead pastor of The Church at Rocky Peak in southern California, and with over four decades of ministry experience at two different mega churches, he has a lot of wisdom to share. We talked about why leading a spiritually and emotionally healthy church is so important to him, how the church has been starting to think like the world, and why our nation and culture is approaching a breaking point.

Jason is the Director of Church Ministry Initiatives with Christian Alliance for Orphans, and the author of several books on foster care including Reframing Foster Care and Everyone Can Do Something. During our conversation we talked about the role churches have to play in equipping their families for foster care, what keeps families and churches from pursuing foster care, and how Jason leads his own family of fostered, adopted, and biological children.