In this January 1981 recording for the Minister's Tape Club, Dr. V.H. Lewis outlines principles for intentional church growth within the Church of the Nazarene. He argues that progress—whether numerical, spiritual, or intellectual—is driven by healthy "personal relations" between pastors, staff, and congregants.

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This sermon for the fourth Sunday of Advent focuses on love, emphasizing that God enters the "messy" and imperfect realities of life. By examining the genealogy in Matthew 1, the speaker highlights God’s faithfulness through forty-two generations of flawed individuals. The story of Joseph illustrates a "costly commitment" to trust God’s plan over societal expectations or fear. Ultimately, the message of "Emmanuel" assures believers that God is present in their struggles and invites them to surrender their pursuit of perfection to Jesus.

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In this episode, we travel to the Netherlands to speak with Brian Koopmans, a validation engineer and media volunteer for the Church of the Nazarene’s Eurasia Region. Brian discusses the launch of the "Everyday Eurasia" podcast and the unique challenges of producing content for a region spanning numerous languages. We also delve into Dutch history, exploring the legacy of theologian Jacobus Arminius and Brian’s upcoming documentary project. Finally, hear Brian’s heart for missions and his desire to serve the church full-time through media.

Everyday Eurasia Podcast

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This sermon declares that God's people possess an unstoppable joy that flourishes even in life’s most barren "deserts". Rooted in Isaiah 35, the message distinguishes true joy from fleeting happiness, describing it as a "living reality" that does not wait for perfect circumstances. Instead, this joy audaciously erupts amidst brokenness, just as a botanical "superbloom" transforms a wilderness with radiant life. The speaker assures listeners that God is actively turning their sorrow into everlasting gladness, promising that joy will ultimately triumph and drive all sorrow away.

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Nate Gilmore and Stan Reeder interview Steve Estep, pastor of Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Estep recounts his call to ministry and details the church's evangelistic culture, which focuses on the "Big Yes" to Jesus and the "Next Yes" of ongoing discipleship. The church actively revitalizes its inner-city neighborhood through housing initiatives and a "Love Your City" campaign adopted by local officials. They also host a large recovery ministry addressing local addiction. Estep highlights his family's involvement in ministry and the importance of Sabbath rest.

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This Advent sermon focuses on the theme of peace, illustrated as a "two-sided coin". The first side is "peace with God," established through the birth of Jesus and salvation. The second side is the "peace of God," which requires believers to trust God rather than leaning on their own understanding. The speaker emphasizes that biblical peace is not the absence of conflict, but rather the presence of God amidst life's struggles. The message concludes by inviting listeners to find this peace through prayer and faith.

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General Superintendent Jerald Johnson offers guidance on how pastors can creatively face opposition in their work for Christ. Pastors, like political leaders, must present programs and budgets and convince others. Johnson discusses the right to dissent within the Church of the Nazarene and how opposition allows a pastor to test their ideas. He advises against reacting to opposition and instead suggests letting proposals be tested by time. Ultimately, a pastor must stand tall as a leader, minister to the church, and rely on God's help for every difficult situation.

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In this Advent episode, Dr. Scott Sherwood of Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene explores the theme of Hope. Describing the season as an "adventure," he invites listeners to look back at the Incarnation and forward to the Second Coming. Sherwood contrasts wishful thinking with biblical hope, which Romans 5 describes as the product of suffering, perseverance, and character. Ultimately, he challenges us to realize that hope isn't just something we find, but something we become through the presence of Christ.

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On this episode, listen to Talmadge Johnson preach a short sermon on gratitude.

Dr. Johnson served as the 33rd General Superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene. Prior to becoming GS, he was an evangelist, pastor, district superintendent, and global director of Sunday School ministries (now Nazarene Discipleship International).

This recording was featured on the Layman’s Tape Club in November of 1982.

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Andy Albright discusses his call to ministry, starting as a part-time junior high youth pastor at Westminster. He highlights the Wisconsin District's growth through the power of prayer, relational connections, and community service in churches like Baraboo and Janesville.

He shares his vision for planting new Nazarene churches in major metro areas and emphasizes the importance of loving, listening to, and learning from pastors.

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