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Today’s episode will teach us how to build team unity among church leaders. We will discuss best practices for the beautiful but messy work of building team unity and relational health and alignment around our mission of discipleship.

Navigating Leadership Unity in the Church

Join us in this engaging workshop led by a board member from E2 Ministries on the topic of leadership unity within the church. Originally slated to be conducted by Dr. Gary Johnson, this session delves into the complexities and messiness of maintaining unity among church leaders. Discover valuable insights on humility, practicing biblical conflict resolution, understanding the emotional intelligence among leaders, and cultivating a culture of openness and timely confrontation. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of establishing non-negotiables, knowing the personality 'bents' of fellow leaders, and the precious, yet often messy, blessing of leadership unity. Whether you are a church leader or interested in effective church management, this workshop provides practical bullet points and principles to foster a unified leadership that aligns with Christ’s discipleship mission.

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Workshop Overview

04:38 The Messiness of Unity

06:49 Biblical Examples of Messy but Precious Leadership

07:56 The Blessing of Leadership Unity

11:10 Handling Disagreements with Humility

12:56 Practicing Biblical Conflict Resolution

16:08 Establishing Conflict Plumb Lines

24:12 Increasing Emotional Intelligence

33:25 The Importance of Presentation

34:29 Authentic Apologies and Humility

38:28 Keeping Disagreements Within Meetings

39:28 Guarding Against Spouse Proxy

45:13 Fighting Fair and Seeking Mediation

47:54 Celebrating Unity and Final Thoughts

See below for a longer description:

In this episode, Jeff Faull leads a workshop for church leaders on navigating disagreements within leadership teams.

Jeff concludes with practical tips on praying over decisions, identifying high-conflict issues early, and seeking mediation when necessary. He reaffirms the value of unity in leadership, returning to the theme of "good, messy, blessed" unity from Psalm 133. The session ends with a Q&A, where Jeff addresses questions on balancing humility with fortitude and making tough calls on when to work through conflicts or part ways.

In short, Jeff Faull’s workshop provides a practical, faith-centered roadmap for handling disagreements, fostering unity, and staying focused on the mission.

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Bonus Episode 

In this episode, Doug Fultz from the Solomon Foundation talks about how the Solomon Foundation can help Christian churches and organizations receive financial help. The Solomon Foundation specializes in church loans and supporting ministry goals through finances.

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Today’s episode will help us recognize and address the subtle dangers of progressive Christianity while strengthening our faith through clear theology and intentional discipleship.

Navigating Progressive Christianity: Insights and Warnings for Modern Believers

In this comprehensive episode, we explore the intersection of progressive Christianity and contemporary cultural philosophies, drawing lessons from Paul's letters to Timothy. Participants will gain insights into diagnosing false teachings, the influence of modern social theories, and the importance of maintaining a solid theological foundation. Through metaphors like health and construction, this discussion contrasts authentic biblical teachings with the 'comfort gospel' and celebrity culture in the church. The episode underscores the transformative power of true faithfulness versus flashiness and warns against the dangers of syncretism observed in different cultural contexts. Episodes include practical exercises, historical insights, and references to prominent figures like Alyssa Childers. Join us to navigate the challenges posed by progressive Christianity and ensure a rooted and substantive faith.

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Workshop Overview

00:18 Metaphors for Understanding Progressive Christianity

01:51 Prayer and Biblical Lens for Diagnosing False Teaching

02:39 Classroom Insights on False Teachers

05:42 Speculations vs. Stewardship

07:09 False Teachings and Modern Contexts

11:07 Paul's Teachings on False Doctrine

14:51 Syncretism and Progressive Theology

26:19 Diagnosing Modern Progressive Theology

29:10 Critiquing Higher Criticism and Theological Bias

30:23 The Influence of Postmodernism and Neo-Marxism

31:43 Navigating Theological Fluidity and Individualism

34:21 Culture as Canon and the Role of Cancel Culture

36:47 The Heart as Guide and the Problem with Self-Reliance

38:56 Tolerance, Activism, and Deconstruction

42:33 Caution in Confronting Sin and Overreaction

52:08 The Importance of Discipleship and Discipline

56:25 Final Thoughts and Prayer

See below for a longer description:

This episode features a workshop by Jim Dalrymple on the challenges of progressivism in Christianity. Dalrymple begins by acknowledging the post-lunch time slot and sets a welcoming tone. He explores the difficulties of defining and diagnosing progressivism, using two metaphors from Paul’s letters to Timothy: health and homebuilding.

Dalrymple stresses the need for clear theological definitions, comparing progressive Christianity to medical diagnostics and home reconstruction. He opens with prayer, focusing on spiritual resilience in a changing society.

Drawing from his experience teaching 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy at Ozark Christian College, Dalrymple uses a visual metaphor—like a detective's crime board—to highlight the traits of false teachers and link them to today’s progressive Christianity. He examines 1 Timothy 1:3-7, contrasting speculation with stewardship, and warns against modern movements like the health and wealth gospel and the comfort gospel, which mirror historical challenges faced by the church.

Dalrymple then shifts to the metaphor of homebuilding, cautioning against deconstructing faith without rebuilding on biblical foundations. He critiques the tendency to replace core doctrines with speculative or culturally convenient ideas.

He addresses the delicate balance between gentleness and confrontation when responding to false teachings, and observes how progressive Christianity often seeks recognition, power, and controversy, drawing examples from past and present trends.

Next, Dalrymple discusses the broader cultural influences—humanism, skepticism, Darwinism, naturalism, and postmodernism—that have shaped progressive theology, arguing that these secular philosophies have diluted Christian teachings.

He identifies key traits of progressive Christianity: elevating culture as the ultimate authority, following subjective feelings, prioritizing tolerance above all else, and viewing activism as worship. He critiques the lack of clear doctrinal boundaries in the movement.

Dalrymple examines the motivations behind progressive beliefs, including cultural pressures, personal hurts, and the desire for platforms or pleasure, and warns against the deliberate or unintentional distortion of traditional theology.

He closes with practical advice, urging church leaders to focus on intentional discipleship and proper church discipline to safeguard doctrinal purity and restore those led astray by false teachings.

In summary, this workshop calls for vigilance in addressing the subtle dangers of progressive Christianity, combining scriptural analysis with practical steps for protecting and nurturing healthy church communities.

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BONUS Episode!! 

In this episode of the RLT Podcast, Orpheus Heyward discusses the word of God. He teaches on how Jesus is God in the flesh and gives great textual evidence for his argument. He describes scripture as inspired, inerrant, and infallible. Orpheus walks through cultural context surrounding the word of God and Biblical issues.

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The Disciples Mind: https://renew.org/product/the-disciples-mind-thinking-like-a-disciple-of-jesus/ 

Today’s episode will help us thoughtfully engage with culture by combining biblical wisdom, creativity, and a balanced approach to grace and truth.

Engaging Culture Thoughtfully: Balancing Faith and Modern Challenges

Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the complex ways Christians can thoughtfully engage with culture. Spearheaded by Chad Ragsdale and Daniel McCoy, the discussion brings forth historical and biblical perspectives on navigating cultural tensions. Explore themes of accommodation, hostility, isolation, and counter-culture, and get a deeper understanding of Christian postures like quietism, activism, and evangelism. Based on 1 Peter 2:11-12, learn about living as exemplary citizens, balancing grace and truth, compassion and courage, and practicing creative, effective discipleship. Through personal anecdotes and practical applications, this episode provides valuable insights for balancing ethical issues, avoiding false dichotomies, and fostering unity in a fragmented world. Engage with us to think well, act compassionately, and lead courageously in today’s society.

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:46 Framing the Discussion: Loving God with Our Minds

02:52 Cultural Matrix: Engaging with the World

06:44 Postures vs. Gestures: Contextual Approaches

10:17 Conflict and Cultural Engagement

20:23 Daniel McCoy's Perspective

21:48 Devil vs. God: Destruction and Unity

28:39 The Essence of Creativity

29:39 Church Unity and the Shema

30:32 The Beauty of Church Diversity

31:21 The Central Preposition of Christmas

32:36 Renew.org: Bridging Theology and Discipleship

33:17 Creativity in Addressing Cultural Issues

43:25 Balancing Grace and Truth

48:47 Evangelicalism and Activism

54:36 Avoiding False Dichotomies

55:28 Interactive Q&A Session

See below for a longer description:

In this episode, Chad Ragsdale, academic dean and professor at Ozark Christian College, and Daniel McCoy, editorial director for Renew.org, discuss their co-authored book, which tackles how disciples can love God with their minds and engage culture thoughtfully, grounded in biblical wisdom.

Chad kicks off the session by introducing himself and thanking the audience. He sets the stage for the conversation: how followers of Jesus can think critically and engage effectively with the world around them. He introduces a framework called the "cultural matrix," explaining how Christians approach culture along two axes: being "in the world" but "not of the world."

Ragsdale describes different postures: accommodation (adjusting to culture) and hostility (opposing culture), noting both are still rooted within the world. He contrasts these with anti-culture (like the Amish, who isolate) and counter-culture (those who create alternative communities). These stances aren’t wrong on their own but become problematic when they turn into rigid, inflexible approaches.

Most people, Ragsdale says, fall somewhere between these extremes, combining approaches like quietism (accommodation + isolation), activism (counter-culture + hostility), and evangelism (counter-culture + accommodation). The key is flexibility—adapting to context while maintaining biblical balance, avoiding a one-size-fits-all mentality.

Daniel McCoy then steps in, emphasizing the importance of creating a better culture as part of the Christian mission. He contrasts the destructive nature of the devil with God's creativity, which restores and unites. Creativity, McCoy explains, reflects God’s work, combining virtues like courage and compassion to transcend the binary choices the world offers. He uses examples like parenting and church worship to show how Christians can integrate traditional and contemporary elements to build something more beautiful.

During the Q&A, Ragsdale and McCoy address how these cultural postures relate to apologetics and the balance of grace and truth. Ragsdale emphasizes that apologetics should focus on addressing deeper hurts rather than simply winning arguments. He also stresses the need for fully integrating both grace and truth, sharing personal stories to illustrate how to live out these principles.

They also touch on trends in evangelicalism, noting how younger Christians often lean towards activism. Ragsdale cautions against tribalism, urging ongoing self-examination and thoughtful engagement instead of falling into divisive either-or thinking.

In closing, Ragsdale encourages the audience to keep asking questions, challenging their own views and others', and pursuing a more nuanced understanding of biblical truth.

In summary, this episode offers practical wisdom for Christians on engaging culture thoughtfully and biblically, urging a balance of grace and truth, creativity, and a spirit of inquiry.

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Today’s episode will help us understand how to better support young Christians by fostering authentic community, prioritizing mental health, and embracing deep spiritual engagement in the face of modern cultural shifts.

Mike Williams, President of Harding University, talks about why it's crucial to support today's young generation in their faith journey. Joined by Dr. Monty Cox and Dr. Jason Darden, they delve into the spiritual and psychological challenges young Christians face. They highlight the importance of genuine community, mental health awareness, and deep spiritual involvement. The discussion also covers effective disciple-making strategies like spiritual training and forming close-knit, challenging small groups. Overall, they stress the need for the church to adapt to today's culture while remaining a powerful force for Christian transformation.

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Transforming a Church Through Prayer and Fasting: A Journey of Faith and Revival

Today’s episode will help us understand how integrating prayer and fasting into church ministry can drive deep spiritual transformation and enhance discipleship, based on the experiences and practical advice of Dave and Sydney Clayton.

In this video, a pastor shares the transformative 10-year journey of his Nashville church as they embrace the disciplines of prayer and fasting. From humble beginnings of non-praying leaders to a citywide movement involving hundreds of churches, this breakout session dives deep into practical steps, biblical foundations, and inspirational stories. The session also underscores the importance of preparation, community encouragement, and commitment to sustained prayer and fasting, aiming for spiritual breakthroughs and cultural transformation.

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Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Breakout Class

01:06 The Importance of Prayer and Fasting

01:25 Personal Journey and Conviction

06:27 Transformative Experiences in Africa

09:46 Implementing Prayer and Fasting in the Church

15:26 City-Wide Prayer and Fasting Initiatives

20:26 The Why Behind Prayer and Fasting

28:30 Practical Aspects of Fasting

30:52 Different Types of Fasting

31:23 The Grace in Fasting

32:03 The Daniel Fast

32:53 Soul Fasting: Beyond Food

33:47 The Purpose of Fasting

34:22 Preparing for a Fast

35:53 Involving the Family in Fasting

40:19 Encouragement During the Fast

43:23 Celebrating the End of a Fast

44:32 Discernment and Testimonies

45:24 Starting Small and Sticking With It

46:34 The Power of Prayer

51:24 Resources and Final Thoughts

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See below for a more comprehensive discussion of this topic: 

In this episode, Dave and Sydney Clayton discuss the crucial role of prayer and fasting in church ministry, focusing on its impact on spiritual transformation and discipleship. This session, part of a breakout class, aims to provide practical insights for church communities.

Dave kicks off by expressing his enthusiasm for the session, highlighting the value of these more intimate, hands-on discussions. He explains that prayer and fasting are essential to discipleship, comparing them to the "tip of the spear" in disciple-making, essential for deep spiritual growth and transformation.

He shares his journey, starting with his early ministry in downtown Nashville, where he recognized the need to break through cultural Christianity. A vision from God, depicting prayer and fasting as an arrow piercing the hard soil of the city, became the foundation for his church’s focus on these practices over the past decade.

Sydney then leads the group in prayer, asking the Spirit to guide their discussion. She recalls a pivotal moment for their church when a quote from a prayer book emphasized the urgent need for prayer, sparking a transformation from a sermon-focused congregation to an active praying community.

Dave and Sydney talk about the challenges they faced in building a prayer-focused culture, noting that persistence and small, incremental steps made a difference over time. They began with brief prayer sessions during Sunday services and gradually introduced longer periods of prayer and fasting throughout the year. Now, their church regularly holds weekly prayer meetings, prayer fasts, all-night prayer sessions, and annual seasons of intensified prayer and fasting.

A key turning point in their journey was a trip to Africa, where they witnessed the power of corporate prayer and fasting, inspiring them to deeply embed these practices in their church community.

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Leading a Megachurch Through LGBTQ and Other Issues

In today’s episode we will learn from Clayton Hentzel, the lead preacher who recently led a church through complex and controversial issues, particularly LGBTQ topics, by emphasizing the importance of clarity, thorough preparation, and courageous communication of biblical truth. 

In this episode, a senior pastor from The Crossing shares his experiences and strategies for addressing controversial topics like LGBTQ issues, abortion, and politics in a megachurch setting. With over two decades at the church and two years as senior pastor, he discusses the importance of preaching on contentious subjects, ensuring church alignment, and providing clear guidance to congregation members. He offers five reasons to preach on controversial issues, steps for sermon series preparation, and practical tips for effective communication and church unity.

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Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:34 The Importance of Addressing Controversial Topics

02:15 Five Reasons to Preach on LGBTQ Issues

03:18 Challenges and Misconceptions in Preaching

08:17 Steps to Prepare for a Sermon Series

09:20 Aligning Church Leadership and Staff

15:20 Practical Tips for Effective Communication

29:55 Conclusion and Recap

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See below for a more comprehensive discussion of this topic: 

In this episode, Clayton Hentzel shares his approach to guiding a megachurch through tough and often controversial issues, with a focus on LGBTQ topics. He highlights the need for clarity, preparation, and courage when addressing sensitive subjects from the pulpit, emphasizing that The Crossing is committed to sharing gospel truth in every area of life.

Clayton kicks off the discussion with a 30-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session, ensuring questions are handled privately to protect those he pastors. He talks about his background and the church's annual practice of tackling difficult topics, stressing that truth should never be sacrificed for growth. Past sermons have covered mental health and abortion, with future ones planned on politics and giving. This year, they completed a five-week series titled "Messy," which addressed various provocative issues, including abortion, reinforcing the idea that no subject should be off-limits in church.

He explains that addressing these issues is crucial because the congregation is already exposed to conflicting worldviews through media and misleading theological arguments. Clayton insists the church must provide biblically sound counter-arguments to protect their congregation’s understanding and faith.

Clayton outlines his preparation process for these sermon series, detailing how he and his church leadership ensure they are theologically aligned. This includes extensive research, historical context, and understanding cultural arguments, with comprehensive preparation allowing the entire church staff to be on the same page.

He offers practical tips for delivering difficult messages, such as maintaining a "no emails and no applause" policy during the series, using timestamps in sermons for context, and prioritizing teaching over preaching to build a solid foundation. Clarity is crucial, and the church’s stances should be clear and unambiguous to avoid multiple interpretations.

Finally, Clayton emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations for congregants and preparing them for how the church will address future topics, such as politics, with definitive positions.

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Faith on Call: Matt Reagan on Youth Ministry, Gen Z Faith, and Church Leadership | Real Life Theology

Welcome to the Real Life Theology podcast hosted by Regan Gibbs. In this episode, Regan sits down with Matt Reagan, a Christian leader with 26 years of ministry experience. Matt discusses his journey into ministry, the importance of empowering youth within the church, and how he navigated his calling. They also cover the unique faith dynamics of Gen Z, strategies for effective church leadership, and ways to maintain authentic Christian values in a progressive culture. Matt shares valuable insights on embracing a calling to ministry, the significance of being genuine in faith, and practical advice for young Christians seeking to live out their faith. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation packed with biblical wisdom and leadership lessons.

Key Takeaways 

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Today’s episode will help us explore how to balance tradition and modernity in the church, break down barriers for unity, address racial divides, and embrace persistence and adaptability in ministry.

Navigating Faith and Culture: Unity, Tradition, and Generational Shifts in the Church

Join host Reagan Grace Gibbs in this episode of Real Life Theology for a compelling discussion with Orpheus Hayward, ministering pastor at the Renaissance Church of Christ. Explore insights on balancing traditional values and necessary changes to stay relevant, breaking down barriers within the church, and fostering inclusivity across denominational and racial divides. The episode also tackles the challenges of ethnic unity in discipleship, the realities of ministry, and advice for younger generations. With a focus on generational shifts and the four-generation fade, the conversation delves into Gen Z's engagement dynamics, skepticism, absolute truth, and the church's role in evolving cultural landscapes. Connect for an enlightening dialogue on unity, tradition, and Christian leadership.

Key Takeaways 

See below for a longer description:

In this episode of the "Real Life Theology Podcast," host Reagan Grace Gibbs interviews Orpheus Hayward, ministering pastor at Renaissance Church of Christ, who also officiated her wedding. Their close connection sets a warm and engaging tone.

Orpheus, who’s served at Renaissance for 21 years, shares his journey and is honored to join the conversation. They dive into balancing tradition with modernity in the Church of Christ. Orpheus stresses the need to stay rooted in apostolic tradition but remain flexible on non-essentials, like Sunday morning Bible study, which can adapt to better serve the congregation.

Reagan also asks about Orpheus’s reputation for breaking down barriers in the church. He explains how deep biblical study revealed divisions that weren’t part of God's plan. His mission for unity, spurred by collaborations with Doug Crozier, pushes him to challenge traditional boundaries between Christian churches

The conversation turns to race, where Orpheus distinguishes between race as a social construct and ethnic diversity. He highlights Galatians 3:28, stressing that in Christ, there should be no racial or social divides, encouraging a Christ-like mindset of inclusivity.

For the Gen Z audience, Reagan asks for advice on ministry. Orpheus encourages young people to embrace the challenges that come with it, comparing spiritual growth to resurrection after crucifixion. He urges them to stay true to their values, even when faced with hardships.

As a final takeaway, Orpheus emphasizes persistence, urging listeners to commit to a cause greater than themselves and see their personal struggles in light of God’s larger purpose.

He also encourages church leaders to stay connected with cultural trends to remain relevant, sharing his online platforms like the Renaissance Church of Christ Facebook and YouTube pages, and his upcoming leadership training site, OJH Next Level

Reagan closes by thanking Orpheus for his wisdom and encouraging listeners to follow the podcast and connect with her on social media. This episode offers rich insights on tradition, unity, race, ministry, and adaptability, making it valuable for both Gen Z and a broader audience.

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