Life on the West Side

What are the essentials of the faith? How do we teach our members and remember them ourselves? We can look at the recurring themes in the speeches in Acts, or the 7 ones of Ephesians 4, or the basic elements laid out in the early Christian creeds. But what if those same basic elements are displayed dramatically in our baptism? In this ninth episode (and part 2 of our "theologically grounded" discussion), we explore the gospel which defines the essence of our faith, and learn how to read Scripture through the lens of that central message, confessed by every believer in the act of baptism itself.

My featured guest today is Dr. Scott Adair. Scott is a professor of theology, Bible, and ministry at Harding University (Searcy, AR). In his speeches at lectureships, youth ministry conferences, in academic papers, and in a recent book, Dr. Adair is promoting his gospel project--which includes a very "handy" exercise which helps you teach anyone--at any age--the truths of the gospel that define our faith.

In this episode, we cover several interesting topics, including:

• Was there a "gospel" or even a "word of God" before the New Testament?  (1:40)
• How does our baptism ceremony proclaim and enact the gospel? (6:41)
• What is the theology IN baptism (not OF baptism)? (8:56)
• What are the core tenets of the Christian faith? (10:43)
• "Fingers of Faith": What is a handy way to remember the 7 core tenets? (12:13-28:16)
• How does the gospel project move us neither left nor right, but deeper? (29:33)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with Dr. Adair:

• Nathan's substack article featuring the interview with Scott
• Scott Adair's Harding faculty bio
• Scott's chapter in the new book Scripture First
• Scott's earlier article "Reading Scripture Baptismally" in Christian Studies
• Short videos for your church or class: Fingers of Faith

 And if you want more tips and guidance, visit  us at avenueforfaith.org. Here you can sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter,  sign up for a zoom class or an online ministry course, or download free curriculum.
 
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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• Nathan's weekly Substack
• The Teaching Guys

Theology is the pursuit of believing right and true things about God. This involves reading Scripture, studying church history, and engaging with Christians throughout the ages in reasoned reflection. Why is theology so important, and what value does it have for the church? In this eighth episode, we consider how theology provides a framework for uncovering the central truths of the Christian faith, and grounds the church in its mission, calling, and identity.

My featured guests today are Dr. Edmon Gallagher and Dr. Keith Stanglin. Ed is a professor of Scripture and Biblical Interpretation at Heritage Christian University (in Florence, Alabama), and serves as the associate minister for the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ. Keith is a professor of Scripture and historical theology at Austin Graduate School of Theology (in Austin, Texas), a school now in partnership with Lipscomb University. In the next episode (a part 2 of sorts on the topic of being theologically grounded), I will be joined by Dr. Scott Adair of Harding University.

In this episode, we cover several interesting topics, including:

• The Need for Theology (1:08)
• Ed: When Bibles Were Uncommon, How Did Christian's Grow? (3:44)
• Keith: Why "Theologically Grounded" is an Important Principle (9:23)
• C. S. Lewis' Shared Hall of Faith (12:27)
• Keith: What Are the Central Truths of the Faith? (14:22)
• The Rule of Faith & The Early Creeds(17:48)
• Keith: Reading as a Church is Key for Theological Grounding (25:02)
• Ed: The End of Theology is to Live as Christ Would Have Us (28:46)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with our guests:

• Ed Gallagher's bio page
• Ed's Book, The Biblical Canon List from Early Christianity
• Ed's Book, The Book of Exodus: Explorations in Christian Theology
• Keith Stanglin's bio page / links to books & articles
• Keith's Article, "The Rule of Faith as Hermeneutic" (Christian Studies)
• Keith's Book, Letter and Spirit of Biblical Interpretation
• Keith's Book. From the Reformation to the Modern Church: A Reader in Christian Theology
• My "healthy theology" blogpost series

 And if you want more tips and guidance, visit  us at avenueforfaith.org. Here you can sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter,  sign up for a zoom class or an online ministry course, or download free curriculum.
 
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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• The Teaching Guys

Scripture First. Sounds easy. But what does it look like for a stand-alone class as well as an entire adult ministry program to be "biblically rooted"? In this seventh episode, I sit down with a world-class theologian and get his take on the importance of putting Scripture first, and helping others learn to love the Bible.

My featured guest today is Dr. Keith Stanglin.  Keith is a professor of Scripture and historical theology at Austin Graduate School of Theology (in Austin, Texas), a school now in partnership with Lipscomb University. Keith earned his PhD from Calvin Seminary, and is one of the world's leading experts in biblical interpretation and the history of Christian theology. I am also privileged to be joined by two other guests. Jennifer Gerhardt has been on our program before, and spent 5 years as the Storytelling minister for the Round Rock Church of Christ in Austin. Randy Harris, who will be our featured guest on a later episode, spent his career teaching Scripture and theology first at Lipscomb University and then at Abilene Christian University.

In this episode, we cover several interesting topics, including:

• Keith: We Need to Encourage Bible Reading (2:36)
• Randy: The Problem of Declining Literacy (4:05)
• Keith: Removing Distractions to Bible Reading (5:11)
• Keith: Provide Training on How To Read the Bible (10:04)
• Jennifer: Bible Class as Driver's Ed (11:32)
• Keith: The Lost Art of Memorization (17:07)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with Dr. Stanglin:

• Keith Stanglin's bio page / links to books & articles

 And if you want more tips and guidance, visit  us at avenueforfaith.org. Here you can sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter,  sign up for a zoom class or an online ministry course, or download free curriculum.
 
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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• The Teaching Guys

What does it look like to be in a ministry that equips and empowers members? In this sixth episode, we interview a Spiritual Formations minister who provides some encouragement to be on mission to spark passion in people for ministry.

My guest today is Seth Madaris.  Seth serves as the Minister of Spiritual Formation at the Gateway Church of Christ in Pensacola, Florida.  Seth began his career as a probations officer, but found a home in youth ministry before settling into his new role three years ago. In this podcast, Seth speaks with joy and passion about walking alongside, behind, or in front of members to empower and equip them for ministry.

In this episode, I ask Seth several questions including:

• What is a Spiritual Formations minister? (1:23)
• How do you help people find their ministry? (5:43)
• How do you recruit and train teachers? (12:29)
• How do Bible classes compare to Life Groups? (20:43)
• Do you have any advice for people interested in this ministry? (26:42)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with Seth:

• Seth's Staff page at Gateway
• Gateway Church of Christ

 And if you want more tips and guidance, visit  us at avenueforfaith.org. Here you can sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter,  sign up for a zoom class or an online ministry course, or download free curriculum.
 
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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• The Teaching Guys

What are some simple ways to transform your classroom into a welcome space for first-time visitors? In this fifth episode, we answer this question--for both in-person or virtual classes--while addressing the importance of anticipating the perceptions and needs of both visitors and members you want to invite into a deeper relationship with Christ.

Segments of this episode feature quotes from Josh Kingcade, Seth Madaris, and Bob Turner. Josh has been on the program before, and serves as Education Minister at the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. Seth will be the featured guest on the next episode, and serves as Spiritual Formations Minister at the Gateway Church of Christ in Pensacola. Bob Turner is the new Senior Minister for the White Station Church of Christ in Memphis.

In this episode, we cover several key topics including:

• Creating an attractive strategy for class options (1:08)
• Creating an attractive learning environment (11:09)
• Creating an attractive online presence (20:14)
• Meeting people where they are (28:01)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with our guests:

• JoshKingcade.com (and his consulting page)
• Seth Madaris at Gateway Church of Christ
• Bob Turner at White Station Church of Christ

Key websites and references in this podcast:

• The Lewis Center for Church Leadership: "50 Ways to Strengthen Adult Education."
• First Presbyterian Church (Nashville, TN)
• Good Shepherd Episcopal Church (Centennial, CO)
• North Shore Congregational Church (Fox Point, WI)

And if you want more tips and guidance, sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter or sign up for a zoom class, download free curriculum, or get to know us better at  avenueforfaith.org.

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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• The Teaching Guys

What does it take for an entire church or ministry program to be on mission? In this fourth episode, we are asking a ministry couple who's mission statement--"Live Love"--defined every aspect of their church.

My guests today are Justin & Jennifer Gerhardt.  For 10 years, Justin served as the preaching minister for the Round Rock Church of Christ, and is now the creator and host of the podcast Holy Ghost Stories. Jennifer is a well-respected author (JL Gerhardt) and Bible class teacher. For 5 years she served as a storytelling minister for the Round Rock congregation, where she enabled God's people to share their stories of redemption, rescue, and belonging to Christ.

In this episode, we cover several key topics including:

• Must be all-in to stay on-board (3:33)
• Comfort for others means discomfort for us (4:32)
• How you can help get most people on board (7:57)
• The importance of simple shared language (10:03)
• Don't just say it, show it (13:39)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with Justin & Jennifer:

• JLGerhardt.com (Jennifer's books and speaking schedule)
• The Goodness (Jennifer's Substack blogposts)
• What is a story telling ministry?
• Holy Ghost Stories Podcast
• Round Rock Church of Christ
• Justin's Sermon Series: How We Live Love

 And if you want more tips and guidance, sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter or sign up for a zoom class, download free curriculum, or get to know us better all at avenueforfaith.org.
 
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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• The Teaching Guys

Who are adult learners and how can you best provide what they need? In this third episode, we are laying out five things adult learners ARE, two things they are NOT, several things they WANT, and nine essential things they NEED.

Sections of this podcast feature Justin & Jennifer Gerhardt.  For 10 years, Justin served as the preaching minister for the Round Rock Church of Christ, and is now the creator and host of the podcast Holy Ghost Stories. Jennifer is a well-respected author (JL Gerhardt) and Bible class teacher. For 5 years she served as a storytelling minister for the Round Rock congregation, where she enabled God's people to share their stories of redemption, rescue, and belonging to Christ. Justin and Jennifer will be our featured guests as they tell more of their own story on our next episode entitled "On Mission."

In this episode, we cover several key topics including:

• Five things adult learners ARE(1:45)
• Two things adult learners are NOT (10:33)
• Three things adult learners WANT (14:55)
• Three levels of need-based learning from 1 John 2:12-14 (20:26)
• Nine things adult learners NEED (23:18)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with Justin & Jennifer:

• Nathan's substack article featuring the interview with Justin & Jennifer
• JLGerhardt.com (Jennifer's books and speaking schedule)
• The Goodness (Jennifer's Substack blogposts)
• What is a story telling ministry?
• Holy Ghost Stories Podcast
• Round Rock Church of Christ

Key people and references in this podcast:

• Norman Bales, A Sense of Belonging
• Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church
• Charles Lee, Toward A Philosophy of Christian Education

 And if you want more tips and guidance, sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter or sign up for a zoom class, download free curriculum, or get to know us better all at avenueforfaith.org.
 
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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• Nathan's weekly Substack
• The Teaching Guys

What does it look like for an adult education program to be intentional about the mission of Jesus? In this second episode, we lay out the broad vision--modeled on Matthew 28--of a program centered on inviting others to start their journey with Christ, grow in grace and knowledge, and lead others into greater discipleship.

In this episode, we cover several key topics including:

• Why is adult education needed? (1:09)
• Common saying guaranteed to destroy and ruin a vision (7:35)
• START: focus on evangelism (11:22)
• GROW: focus on assimilation (14:47)
• LEAD: focus on discipleship (17:20)
• And lots, lots more!

Key people and references in this podcast:

• Roberta Hestenes, "The Unique Task of Teaching Adults," Christianity Today.
• Ken Hemphill, Revitalizing the Sunday Morning Dinosaur
• Josh Kingcade, Adult Education Minister at Memorial Road Church of Christ

And if you want more tips and guidance, sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter or sign up for a zoom class, download free curriculum, or get to know us better all at avenueforfaith.org.

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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• The Teaching Guys

What are the essential ingredients in a healthy adult education ministry? In this first podcast, we answer this while also laying out our own core principles and values as a ministry team at Sherrod Avenue as we pursue developing a full-fledged comprehensive program that glorifies Jesus and changes lives. 

My guest today is Josh Kingcade, Education Minister at the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. A 2000 member church, Memorial Road has long been a leader in Christian education. 90% of their worshipping community actively takes part in their Sunday morning classes, as well as learning groups and connect groups throughout the week which are all well-prepared for in person and online; their website offers free curriculum to any and all, and Josh himself provides training seminars on how to do all this well.

In this episode, we cover several key topics including:

• How "curriculum" is more than what happens in Bible class (5:07)
• Why intentionality is important (8:20)
• How adult learners are different (9:37)
• How learning groups can be foundational to faith formation (11:50)
• Ways of creating a welcoming atmosphere (15:05)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with Josh Kingcade:

• Nathan's substack article featuring his interview with Josh
• JoshKingcade.com (and his consulting page)
• Josh's Free Curriculum
• Memorial Road Church of Christ
• Memorial Road Adult Education

And if you want more tips and guidance, sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter or sign up for a zoom class, download free curriculum, or get to know us better all at avenueforfaith.org.

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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• Nathan's weekly Substack
• The Teaching Guys

So you’re a Sunday school teacher, a small group leader, or a church staff member wanting to get the very best out of your adult education ministry. Knowing where to start, what to look for, or even finding resources can be hard.

Have you ever wanted to listen in for tips and tricks, sample classes, and get words of wisdom and encouragement along the way as you build up your own ministry at your church?

So have I.

That’s why I created “Avenue for Faith,” a weekly podcast that charts out our own strategic vision at Sherrod Avenue, engages with experts in churches throughout the world (putting theory into practice), and offers a window into one church trying to let our Bible classes and adult learning communities serve as an avenue for faith formation, evangelism, and discipleship.

Join me, Nathan Guy, minister of adult education at Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ in Florence, Alabama. Listen here and visit our website, https://www.avenueforfaith.org, where you can subscribe to our weekly email that goes straight to your inbox, sign up to join a zoom class, download free curriculum, and much, much more.

Thank you for listening and know we are here to help on the Avenue for Faith.

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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• Nathan's weekly Substack
• The Teaching Guys