In this episode of the Living Generously Podcast, host Jose Briones chats with certified financial planner Tammy Smith about how our childhood experiences shape the way we handle money.

Through biblical principles and timeless stories, they explore how wealth can be a tool for generosity rather than a source of stress or self-worth. You'll get practical insights on financial planning, teaching kids about giving, and building an abundance mindset—no matter your circumstances.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Mindset for Generosity"

04:47 "Money Equals Love Dilemma"

07:43 "Churches: Money and Scriptural Views"

12:26 Overcoming Financial Fear Through Learning

15:07 Job's Reflections on Past Blessings

19:09 Christians: Exemplary Employees Always

20:49 "Biblical Insights on Money and Giving"

24:19 Generosity Beyond Money

27:19 "Embrace Engagement, Reject Disconnection"

30:53 "Living Generously: Share the Motivation"

End It Now: https://www.enditnow.org/

In today’s episode, we have a discussion that continues the vital exploration of church trauma. Joined by Doug English, Vice President for Administration at the Rocky Mountain Conference, this episode delves deep into how churches have historically handled—or mishandled—cases of abuse. It shines a light on the cultural and policy shifts that have strengthened protections, improved accountability, and emphasized the church’s profound moral obligation to safeguard the vulnerable.

Drawing on decades of pastoral and administrative experience, Doug openly reflects on past failures in addressing abuse, discussing the legal, ethical, and spiritual imperatives for mandatory reporting and swift action. Whether you’ve been personally affected by abuse or want to ensure your church fosters a safer, more responsible environment, this episode provides candid insights, actionable guidance, and an urgent call for accountability, compassion, and transformative change. Tune in for a powerful conversation that can help shape healthier communities of faith.

Welcome to the Living Generously Podcast! Today, we're diving into an incredibly enriching topic that speaks directly to the heart of our mission: fostering environments within our churches that are informed, understanding, and above all, committed to healing. We're talking about trauma informed churches, a vital concept that embraces understanding, empathy, and the transformational power of connection before correction.

Our guest is James Mello, who brings his expertise as a children and youth discipleship leader from the South New Zealand conference, offering us invaluable insights. James takes us through the building blocks of what it means to be a trauma informed church—realizing the impact of trauma, recognizing the signs, responding effectively, and resisting retraumatization. He shares how churches can become safe havens where genuine connection and healing can take place, emphasizing the importance of creating environments filled with warmth and compassion, rather than judgment.

00:00 Trauma-Informed Organizations Explained

05:53 "God's Pursuit to Dwell Among Us"

07:53 "Truth Through Unconditional Love"

12:04 Intentional Love in Church Practices

16:06 "Trauma Education for Churches"

18:55 Christ-Centered Mental Health Benefits

22:34 Living Generously: Podcast Recap

James Mello email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Living Generously Podcast, we delve into the heart of evangelism with our guest, Roger Hernandez from the Southern Union. Join us as we explore the essence of evangelism within the Seventh-day Adventist context, moving beyond traditional methods to embrace a lifestyle of outreach.

Roger shares insightful perspectives on how evangelism is not merely an event but an integral part of who we are as a church community. Discover the importance of building genuine relationships, staying curious, and being compassionate towards others. We also discuss the critical role of prophecy in offering hope and assurance in uncertain times.

Whether you're a church leader or a member, this episode is packed with practical advice and motivational insights to inspire you to live and share your faith boldly and generously. Tune in to learn how you can contribute to a thriving evangelistic culture within your community.

00:00 Evangelism: Reaching Community Needs

03:31 Community-Centered Evangelism Strategy

09:30 Power of Personal Visitation

11:01 "Prioritize Top Leaders for Impact"

17:19 Consistent Compassionate Lifestyle

19:03 Overcoming Evangelism Fears

24:06 Embrace Imperfection in Evangelism

25:16 Living Generously and Sharing Faith

Welcome to the Living Generously Podcast! In this episode guest host Melissa Briones guides us through a conversation with Paul Negrete, the Associate Superintendent for Education at the Rocky Mountain Conference, about the value and impact of Adventist education.

They dive into the challenges and rewards of private schooling, address misconceptions about educational success, and highlight the unique benefits Adventist education offers in fostering spiritual growth and academic excellence. Tune in to explore how schools can be a powerful tool for evangelism and community building, and gain insights into preparing students for both their futures and Jesus' soon return.

In today's episode of the Living Generously Podcast, we delve into the vital role of elders within the church, guided by insights from Vanessa Alarcón, an elder at the Boulder Seventh Day Adventist Church in Colorado. Vanessa shares her perspective on the significance of elders in fostering community, supporting church missions, and bridging generations. She highlights the concept of the 'priesthood of all believers' and emphasizes the importance of having a diverse eldership that reflects the church's demographic. Alongside exploring the practical responsibilities elders must undertake, Vanessa discusses the dynamic relationship between pastors and elders and how it can enhance leadership within the church. Tune in as we uncover the compelling journey of serving as an elder and the profound impact it can have on living a generous life.

In this episode, Jose and Cris delve into pressing issues facing the Seventh-day Adventist church today, such as why so many young people are drifting away and the disconnect between different generations.

They explore how older members often value stability while younger folks prioritize inclusivity, leading to potential misunderstandings. Through compelling stories and solid research, they emphasize the importance of open communication and inclusive decision-making in churches. The key takeaway? Making the church a more welcoming space for everyone, regardless of age.

Timestamps:

00:00 Generational Gaps in Church Understanding

03:08 Generational Value Clash

07:45 "Fostering Unity and Mutual Respect"

09:45 Intergenerational Church Community Building

14:38 Rethinking Tradition in Christianity

18:21 Intergenerational Church Impact

20:55 Live Generously Through Listening

Welcome to the Living Generously Podcast! In today's episode, we sit down with Nathaniel Gamble, the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director for the Rocky Mountain Conference.

We dive deep into the concept of religious liberty—what it means, why it's important, and how it intersects with our faith as Seventh-day Adventists. From personal convictions to community responsibilities and the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, we explore how to respect freedoms while staying true to our beliefs.

Join us as we unpack these crucial topics and discover how you can live a more generous and faith-aligned life. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy the episode!

Timestamps

00:00 Adventists emphasize prophecy, including Saturday Sabbath observance.

06:05 God interacts with unexpected individuals, respecting freedom.

10:06 Conversations reveal commonality; address differences compassionately.

13:35 Religious liberty discussed; upcoming Sabbath highlighted.

15:24 Adventist vision focuses on salvation, not destruction.

17:51 Podcast could change evangelical approach to kindness.

21:29 Focus on Jesus, not on secondary matters.

25:50 Religious liberty, stewardship, and forgiveness foster understanding.

28:08 Podcast aims to inspire more generous living.

Join host Jose Briones and guest Darin Gottfried, Treasurer of the Rocky Mountain Conference, as they unpack the principles of tithing within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Discover where your contributions go, the broader impact of your generosity, and how giving transforms both individuals and communities. Dive into the importance of trust, transparency, and stewardship, and learn practical tips on how you can get involved in making a difference.

Whether you're a seasoned giver or new to the concept, this episode offers valuable insights into living a life of generosity.

Timestamps

00:00 Tithe supports global and local Adventist Church.

03:27 Prioritizing giving ensures needs are met, trust God.

07:01 Community involvement fosters generosity and supports blessings.

10:07 Transparency increases donations and fulfills donor intentions.

13:48 Grateful for generosity in Rocky Mountain Conference.

Hello listeners, and welcome to the Living Generously Podcast! I'm your host, Jose Briones, and today we're kicking things off with an introductory episode that sets the stage for what you can expect from our show.

Here at Living Generously, we're dedicated to exploring what it means to live a generous life, not just in terms of money, but in all aspects of our daily lives. We’ll dive into themes both within and outside of the Bible, all while relating them to our faith journey.

This podcast, brought to you by the Rocky Mountain Conference, aims to create a better, more supportive world through meaningful conversations and thoughtful guests. Whether you're hearing my voice or that of a guest host, every episode will challenge your perspectives and inspire you to reach out to others.

Our goal is to help you achieve the abundant life that Jesus promises in John 10:10. We encourage you to engage with our content, share it with friends, and leave us a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help our community grow. Thanks for joining us, and let's embark on this journey of living more generously together.