Church leadership can bring comfort for some—and caution or even pain for others. In this episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, we explore God’s design for leadership through the biblical imagery of shepherds and sheep.Walking through Acts 20:28–30 and 1 Peter 5:1–4, we see that pastors and elders are not called to dominate or perform, but to care for souls, guard the flock, and model Christlike humility. Biblical leadership is not about power or preference—it is about sacrificial service under the authority of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.We also address the dangers of consumer Christianity, the importance of healthy leadership for disciple-making, and how believers are called to respond to godly shepherds with humility, prayer, and trust. Whether you’ve been encouraged by faithful leaders or wounded by leadership gone wrong, this episode lifts our eyes to Jesus, who perfectly cares for His people.🔗 Helpful ResourcesArt of Disciple-Making – 4-Week Video CourseA practical, Scripture-rooted introduction to making disciples in the everyday stuff of life.👉 https://e412training.org/courses/the-disciple-maker-starter-kit/Beholding – A Devotional on Seeing God ClearlyWritten to help weary believers slow down, open Scripture, and behold who God truly is.👉 https://a.co/d/7CVzQDdE4:12 Open HouseLearn more about E4:12 Training, our vision, and how you can be equipped to make disciples.👉 https://e412training.org/event/open-house/🎧 About E4:12 CatalystThe E4:12 Catalyst Podcast exists to encourage and equip everyday disciples to live on mission for Jesus in the everyday stuff of life.

When the church gathers, is it merely routine—or is God doing something far more profound?In this episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, we walk through 1 Corinthians 11–14 to answer a vital question: What actually happens when the church gathers? Scripture shows us that the gathering of God’s people is not a performance or a consumer experience, but a means of grace through which God shapes, strengthens, and builds His church.We explore how corporate worship reorients our hearts, how the preaching of the Word allows God to speak to His people, how the ordinances proclaim a visible gospel, and how ordinary believers build one another up in love. The gathering is not the finish line—it is a fueling station for disciple-making and mission.If you’ve ever wondered why the local church gathering matters—or felt weary and tempted to drift—this episode is a reminder that God does extraordinary work through the steady, ordinary rhythm of His people gathering together.🔗 Helpful ResourcesArt of Disciple-Making – 4-Week Video CourseA practical, Scripture-rooted introduction to making disciples in the everyday stuff of life.https://e412training.org/courses/the-disciple-maker-starter-kit/Beholding – A Devotional on Seeing God ClearlyWritten to help weary believers slow down, open Scripture, and behold who God truly is.https://a.co/d/7CVzQDdE4:12 Open HouseJoin us to learn more about E4:12 Training, our vision, and how you can be equipped to make disciples.https://e412training.org/event/open-house/🎧 About E4:12 CatalystThe E4:12 Catalyst Podcast exists to encourage and equip everyday disciples to make disciples—for the glory of God and the good of the church.

Why do so many Christians slowly drift from faith without realizing it?Often, it begins with isolation.In this episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, we explore why isolation may feel safe, but is spiritually dangerous, and why God designed the Christian life to be lived within the context of a local church.Drawing from Hebrews 10:24–25, this episode explains:Why spiritual drift almost always follows spiritual isolationWhy church is not about attendance, but mutual encouragementHow discipleship is meant to be lived out in embodied communityWhy podcasts and livestreams are gifts, but not replacements for the local churchHow God uses ordinary church life to preserve, protect, and mature our faithIf you’ve been hurt, discouraged, disconnected, or tempted to walk alone, this episode offers a biblical, pastoral invitation back into the life God designed for His people.Christian faith is personal, but it is never private.A helpful next stepIf you’re ready to move from listening to intentional disciple-making, the Disciple-Maker Starter Kit is a simple, practical resource designed to help you take that step.It’s a four-session journey with short teaching videos, Scripture, and real-life prompts to help you pray intentionally, see people with Jesus’ eyes, and take initiative in making disciples in everyday life.👉 https://e412training.org/courses/the-disciple-maker-starter-kit/

What if the church isn’t meant to be an event… but a family you belong to?What if Christian growth, discipleship, joy, and mission all depend on something our culture has forgotten—deep, committed, Christ-centered community?Welcome to Episode 3 of the Why the Church Matters series on the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast with Andrew Manwarren. In this episode, we explore one of the most beautiful and countercultural truths in the Christian life:👉 The church is not a crowd. The church is a family.A redeemed, Spirit-filled, disciple-making family.If you’ve ever struggled with connection, community, loneliness, church commitment, or understanding why belonging truly matters, this episode will breathe fresh hope into your walk with Jesus.🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Episode1. Why Belonging Is Essential to Christian FlourishingYou weren’t redeemed to attend an event—you were redeemed to belong to God’s people.2. How Acts 2:42–47 Reveals God’s Blueprint for CommunityDiscover the early church’s devotion, togetherness, hospitality, prayer, mission, and life-on-life fellowship.3. Why the Church Is a Family, Not a CrowdScripture describes believers as a household, family, brothers and sisters—not spectators. Belonging is a core identity, not an optional accessory.4. The Cost—and Beauty—of Covenant CommunityYes, belonging takes patience, forgiveness, hospitality, presence, and vulnerability…But this is exactly where disciple-making thrives.5. Five Practical Ways to Step Deeper Into Belonging• Practice gospel hospitality• Prioritize presence• Embrace vulnerability• Serve with your gifts• Live on mission togetherThese steps will deepen discipleship, strengthen your faith, and help your church family flourish.📖 Key Scriptures in This Episode• Acts 2:42–47 — The original blueprint of Christian community• John 13:34–35 — Love as a witness• 1 Peter 2:9–10 — Identity as God’s people• Ephesians 2:19–22 — The household and temple of God• Dozens of “one another” verses shaping Christian family life✨ Why This Episode Matters Right NowWe live in a lonely, disconnected, consumer-shaped culture.But the church is where Jesus forms us not into audiences, but into family…Not into spectators, but into disciples…Not into isolated individuals, but into brothers and sisters who grow, suffer, serve, worship, and witness together.Belonging is not a burden—it’s a gift.It’s where spiritual formation comes alive.It’s where disciple-making becomes natural.It’s where ordinary believers experience extraordinary grace.If you’ve been distant from church—or discipling someone who’s unsure where they fit—this episode is for you.➡️ Next Episode PreviewEpisode #4 — “Why Every Christian Needs a Local Church.”We’ll explore how God uses membership, commitment, and community to mature us into Christlikeness.👍 If This Episode Helped You…Please consider:✔ Subscribing to the channel✔ Sharing this with someone in your church family✔ Commenting below: What has belonging to a church family meant in your life?✔ Liking the video to help more people find it

What is the church—really?A building?A Sunday service?A brand?A livestream?A spiritual product?In this episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, Andrew Manwarren takes you deep into Scripture to recover a beautiful, Biblical, and essential definition of the church—because if we misunderstand what the church is, then everything else about our Christian life becomes confused.This episode will strengthen your discipleship, clarify your expectations, and renew your love for the people Jesus died to save.🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Episode1. The Church Is a People, Not a PlaceFrom 1 Peter 2:9–10, discover why the church is a redeemed, blood-bought family—a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own possession.2. The Church Is an Assembly, Not an AbstractionActs 2:42–47 shows us that the church is a gathered, devoted community—not a vague idea or occasional attendance.3. The Church Is the Body of ChristFrom 1 Corinthians 12, see why every believer is needed, connected, gifted, and essential to the health of the whole body.4. The Church Is Not a Consumer EventWe don’t “shop” the church like a product.We belong to the church as covenant family.Church is participation, not observation.5. The Church Is Not Optional for Your DiscipleshipThe “one another” commands cannot be obeyed in isolation.Spiritual growth is a community project.6. The Church Is the Temple of the SpiritEphesians 2:19–22 reveals that the gathered church is holy ground—God’s dwelling place, empowered by His Spirit.📖 Key Scriptures• 1 Peter 2:9–10• Acts 2:42–47• 1 Corinthians 12• Ephesians 2:19–22These passages form a biblical portrait of who the church truly is.🧡 Why This Episode MattersIf we misunderstand what the church is…we will misunderstand how God grows us, shapes us, and sends us.This episode is foundational for anyone who:• is discipling others• struggles with belonging• is rethinking church after hurt• wants a deeper biblical vision• desires to strengthen their local church➡️ Next Episode PreviewEpisode #3: “A Family, Not a Crowd — Why Belonging Matters”Because knowing what the church is is one thing—belonging is another.👍 If This Encouraged You…• Subscribe for weekly disciple-making content• Share this with someone in your church family• Comment below: What has the church meant in your walk with Jesus?

So many Christians today say they love Jesus… but feel little or no need for the church.Why does the church matter?Why should believers care?And what makes the church central to God’s eternal plan?In this episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, Andrew Manwarren launches a brand-new series: Why the Church Matters—beginning with the foundational truth that the church is God’s Plan A for displaying His wisdom, carrying out His mission, and shaping His people.If you’ve ever wondered why the local church is essential—or if you’re discipling someone who’s drifting from it—this episode is a needed reset.🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Episode1. The Church Is God’s Eternal PlanFrom Ephesians 3:10–11, discover how the church existed in God’s mind before creation and why it’s the stage on which He displays His manifold wisdom.2. The Church Is Precious to JesusChrist didn’t just die for individuals—He died to create a people.You can’t love Jesus deeply while loving His church lightly.3. The Church Is Built by Jesus HimselfMatthew 16:18 reveals that the church is unstoppable because Jesus is the builder, foundation, protector, and finisher.4. The Church Is Empowered for MissionActs 1:8 shows why the Spirit forms, fuels, and sends the people of God for disciple-making across the world.5. The Church Is a Gift, Not a BurdenCommunity requires sacrifice—but the church is where God grows you, guards you, encourages you, and weaves your life into His eternal purpose.📖 Key Scriptures• Ephesians 3:10–11• Ephesians 5:25• Matthew 16:18• Acts 1:8These passages form the biblical foundation for why the church is central in the life of a disciple.🧡 Why This Matters for Disciple-MakingThe health of your discipleship is connected to the health of your commitment to the local church.Jesus treasures His bride—and calls His people to do the same.This episode will help you—and those you lead—recover a fresh vision of why belonging, gathering, worshiping, serving, and committing matter so deeply.➡️ What’s Coming in This SeriesIn the next episodes, we’ll explore:• What the church truly is• Why membership is biblical• How Christ leads His church• What to look for in a healthy church• Why commitment forms Christlikeness• How the church strengthens every disciple🙏 If This Encouraged You…• Subscribe to the channel for weekly disciple-making content• Share this with someone struggling to see the value of the church• Comment below: Why does the church matter to you?

What if God’s sovereignty wasn’t meant for debate… but for discipleship, peace, joy, and mission?In today’s episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, Andrew Manwarren brings God’s sovereignty down to “street level”—where anxious hearts live, weary disciples walk, and everyday mission unfolds.If you’ve ever wrestled with the question “How does God’s sovereignty actually change my Monday?” — this episode is for you.🌟 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow the sovereignty of God produces…✅ SurrenderOpen-handed trust that frees you from the weight of control.✅ ComfortA refuge in suffering, grounded in Psalm 46 and the “Suffering Liturgy” of Psalm 13.✅ JoyA steady happiness rooted in the reign of King Jesus, not changing circumstances.✅ MissionCourage, compassion, and confidence to make disciples—because the King already rules.📖 Scripture Anchors• Job 40:4–5• Luke 22:42• Psalm 46:1• Psalm 97:1• Romans 8:28• Romans 8:38–39• 2 Corinthians 3:18These passages aren’t abstract ideas—they are invitations to trust, rest, and live sent.🧡 Practical Disciple-Making Tools You’ll Get• The “Open-Hands Prayer” rhythm• Psalm 13’s four-part liturgy for suffering• “Gratitude under Providence” nightly practice• The Pray • Probe • Proclaim mission pattern• A simple way to see daily interruptions as God-given assignments• A forgiveness exercise shaped by Genesis 50🔥 Key Big IdeaSovereignty isn’t for arguments—it’s oxygen for weary souls.It steadies your heart, strengthens your hands, and sends you into the everyday stuff of life with gospel hope.🕊 Gospel MomentThe Sovereign King became the Suffering Servant.He surrendered so you could rest.He suffered so you could be comforted.He reigns so you can live sent with courage and joy.➡️ Apply TodayChoose one practice from this episode:• Surrender with open hands• Seek comfort through Psalm 13• Cultivate joy through daily gratitude• Step into mission with Pray • Probe • ProclaimInvite one person into that same practice by Sunday.👍 If this encouraged you…• Subscribe for weekly disciple-making encouragement• Share this episode with someone who needs hope• Comment below: Which practice will you begin this week?

In this episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, Andrew Manwarren continues the Beholding series with one of the most stabilizing truths in the Christian life: God is sovereign over everything—no rivals, no surprises.

When the headlines shift, when life takes detours, and when your plans fall apart, Scripture reminds us that nothing catches God off guard. Before anything touches your life, it has already passed through a sovereign, wise, nail-scarred hand.

If you’re an everyday disciple longing for deeper peace, stronger faith, and a steadier mission, this episode will anchor your soul.

• Why God’s sovereignty is not cold doctrine but warm comfort
• How Scripture describes God’s absolute rule over all things
• Why Christians can reject luck, fate, karma, and astrology
• How God’s sovereignty shapes everyday disciple-making
• How to live with “If the Lord wills” confidence
• How your detours, failures, and fears fit into God’s unstoppable plan
• Why the sovereignty of God produces peace, presence, and patience in mission
• What it means to behold the glory of the sovereign King and be transformed

• Ephesians 1:11
• Romans 11:36
• Daniel 4:35
• Isaiah 46:9–10
• Psalm 33:11
• Habakkuk 2:14
• Revelation 5:9–10; 21:1–5

• Hospitality becomes mission when you trust God’s providence
• Vulnerability grows when you rest in God’s rule
• Presence—not panic—fuels spiritual friendship
• Mission becomes steady instead of hurried
• Communities flourish when they live with “If the Lord wills”

The hands that hold the universe are the same hands that were pierced for you.
The Sovereign King became a suffering Servant so you could rest, rejoice, and follow Him without fear.

Episode 8 dives deeper into the practical side of sovereignty—how surrender, comfort, joy, and mission all flow from trusting the King who reigns over everything.

• Subscribe for more disciple-making content
• Share this with a friend who needs hope
• Comment below: How has God met you in a detour lately?

🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Episode📖 Key Scriptures💬 Disciple-Making Takeaways🔥 Gospel Moment➡️ Next Episode Preview👍 If This Encouraged You…

If salvation ultimately depends on God, does that kill urgency—or create it?The Bible says it creates humble confidence.In this episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, Pastor Andrew Manwarren explores God’s sovereignty in salvation—how the Triune God saves from forever to forever. From Romans 9 to Ephesians 1, we see that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine rescue. When we grasp this, boasting dies, praying rises, and evangelism gains courage.📖 Key Scriptures:Ephesians 1:3–11 — God chose, predestined, and adopted us in Christ.Romans 9:15–18 — “He has mercy on whom He wills.”John 6:37 — “All that the Father gives me will come to me.”Acts 16:14 — “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention.”Titus 3:5 — “He saved us… by the washing of regeneration.”Jonah 2:9 — “Salvation belongs to the LORD.”🎧 In This Episode:Salvation as a Triune symphony: planned by the Father, accomplished by the Son, applied by the Spirit.How sovereign grace enables, not erases, human response.Why God’s mercy in Romans 9 fuels humility, worship, and assurance.The mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility—why it’s meant to lead us to awe, not argument.How God’s sovereignty fuels mission: the God who ordains ends also ordains means.💡 Disciple-Maker Practices:Name & Pray — Write down one unbeliever’s name; pray daily for God to open their heart (Col. 4:3–4).Grace Story (60 seconds) — Practice sharing your testimony: Before, Jesus, After.Verse to Carry — Memorize John 6:37 to anchor assurance.Follow-Up Faithfully — Read a Gospel with a friend; one chapter, one question, one prayer.✝️ Gospel Moment:If you’re tired of trying to save yourself, hear this promise:“Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” — Jesus (John 6:37)He doesn’t make you worthy and then welcome you—He welcomes you and makes you new.📱 This Week’s Challenge:Write your 60-second grace story. Text it to a believer for feedback, then share it with the person you’re praying for. Let sovereign grace move you toward bold, compassionate witness.

If God is good and sovereign, what about evil?Scripture doesn’t dodge the question—it takes us by the hand to a prison cell in Egypt and a cross outside Jerusalem to teach us how to hope when life hurts.In this episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, Pastor Andrew Manwarren explores God’s sovereignty over evil through the stories of Joseph and Jesus. You’ll see that God is never the author of evil, yet He remains Lord over evil—so that even what is meant for harm cannot outmaneuver His holy purposes.📖 Key Scriptures:Genesis 50:20 — “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”Acts 2:22–23 — “This Jesus… delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.”1 John 1:5 — “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”Psalm 13 — A model for honest lament and trusting hope.🎧 In This Episode:Why God’s sovereignty doesn’t make Him the author of evil.How Joseph’s suffering became a story of redemption and forgiveness.The cross as history’s ultimate proof that evil never wins.How to lament biblically and find hope in God’s providence.Disciple-maker practices for walking with the hurting: Yet-God Journals, Lament Liturgies, Compassion-First Presence, and Cross Before Counsel.✝️ Gospel Moment:Evil is real—but so is Jesus. He entered our darkness, bore our sin, and rose victorious. The Lamb slain now reigns. Run to Him for cleansing, comfort, and courage.📱 This Week’s Challenge:Write one “Yet-God” Journal entry:“This hurts… Yet God is near, wise, and working for good.”Then pray Psalm 13 with a friend who’s walking through pain.⏩ Next Episode:“Sovereign in Salvation: Why ‘Salvation Belongs to the Lord’ Fuels Humility, Prayer, and Bold Evangelism.”