Reality LA Podcast: The Drop In

This week, Leauretta Simmons and Jeffrey Burnell drop in to discuss giving for the sake of giving, the simplicity of obedience, the connection between growing faith and growing generosity, and how honest reflection on WHY we're doubtful or suspicious about giving can tell us volumes about what's going on in our hearts.

This week long-term pastor and financial consultant Greg Gibbs drops in to discuss what a capital campaign is, how one works, why one of Jesus' favorite subjects is often our least favorite, and the connections between our generosity, our hearts, and our discipleship.

Reality LA staff members Milla Nieminen (Executive Director), Chaundra Hitchens (Director of Care and Community), Mary Beth Lattimore (Director of Operations), and Heather Fischer (Communications Director) drop in to describe their roles and responsibilities on staff, why a church staff exists in the first place, and why such roles matter. They discuss how our church's different ministries and departments integrate and support one another, their mission to equip the saints, the work that goes into carrying out that mission, and how—most of all—their heart behind everything is love for God and God's people.

Jenny Oetzell and Jeremy Treat drop in to discuss Reality's unique central/regional church model and its limitations, difficulties, but many benefits. Jeremy provides a clear picture of how central operations is like a heart pumping blood to the regional limbs; while Jenny shares the story of how she came to Reality LA and the blessings she has received from being rooted both regionally and centrally.

As we discuss the upcoming capital campaign, Kyle Mueller, Jeremy Treat, and Kevin Weiner drop in to discuss the relation between Reality LA and Serve LA, their shared history and values, the way they mutually benefit from one another, and Serve LA’s unique opportunities within the city.

Persisting in prayer is key to persevering in prayer. Pastor Jeremy Treat continues our Good News for All series with a sermon from Luke 18:1-8.

As we discuss the upcoming capital campaign, Cesar Sotelo, Kyle Mueller, and Mary Beth Lattimore drop in to share their experiences and hopes for our buildings. Serve LA’s head chef, Cesar, tells how the ministry of Serve LA was instrumental in his coming to know Jesus, and Mary Beth shares the tale of her own journey coming to work at Reality LA. They discuss the limitations and hindrances of the current state of our buildings and how the Reality LA and Serve LA ministries could bless even more people with expanded space and improved facilities.

Jeremy Treat, Nadine Harris, Mary Hashimoto, and Sydney Cooper drop in to share with Nathan the stories of the Hope Center and how Reality LA came to inherit its buildings, congregations, and ministries. Nadine and Mary joined the Hope Center in the 70s when it was called Fountain Ave Baptist Church and Sydney joined the church family in the 90s. They share how they came to the church, the many iterations of the Hope Center they've been part of, Pastor Ed, and the work, miracles, and faithfulness of God they've seen through it all.  

1. What is the story of the Hope Center?
2. What is the condition of the buildings?
3. How do Reality LA and Serve LA relate?
4. How does investing centrally enhance regional ministry?
5. What does the staff do?
6. How does a capital campaign work?
7. How should we think about giving?

In our season one finale, producer Heather Fischer drops in to discuss how the earthly pales compared to the eternal, healthy detachment from fallen creation as investment in the new creation, surrendering all to Jesus, and how our church communications and branding reflect our value of kingdom mindset.

Between seasons, we’ll be taking a break from our weekly schedule—and as we prepare for season two we invite you to email us at [email protected] to give us feedback and share topics or approaches you’d like to see in the future of the podcast.