In the first of several episodes we talk about how we can best allow ourselves to encounter God in worship. And how we can lead worship in ways that encourages our people to do so. In this episode we talk about the general purpose and mission of worship. 

SONG: Revival - A New Song by Collin (2019)

Books to check out: Anything by Robbert Webber :P

Worship is a meeting WITH GOD

We invited a good friend, Melissa Cozart to share her experiences with us and to teach us something about Mental and Emotional Health. She is not only a counseling pro but has a sensitivity to what God is doing in people's lives. We ask how there could be a spiritual component in someone's mental health, and about the role of prayer.

SONG: All Creatures of Our God and King (Traditional Style Hymn)

This is a new type of episode where we invite a friend who is gifted in prayer to teach us a little about it and to pray with us. For this first one, we had Samuel Odubena, who graciously took the time to give us a phone call. We also ask about what people from different cultures can learn from each-other in prayer.

SONG: Jesus Thine All Victorious Love

Words: Charles Wesley

Music: Traditional Hymn, slightly modified by Zak and Collin

ALSO, we have a new album up for Patrons only, check it out at 

patreon.com/thehouseplants

Outreach is held as one of the most important parts of any church ministry. But is our modern idea of "outreach" really the same thing God called us to do as Christians?

For the last two weeks we've discussed different people who recently left or entered into the community of God, and in the weeks past we have looked at how the modern church tends to be swayed more by the trends and motivations of modern life then by the scriptures. Today we want to discuss what real Outreach looks like to God. 

Song: Words Aren't Everything (CHILL VERSION) By Zak and Collin

 #establessed!

Last time we talked about some people who left the faith. Now we talk about some of the people who have come in from the outside. How did God pull them in? What can we learn from their stories?

Song: Relentlessly - Zak Kratzer (2013)

Brian Welch (I am second video):

https://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/brian-welch/

Nabeel Qureshi:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/nabeel-qureshi-1983-2017/

Surviving Seminary Episode about "5 Spiritual Worlds":

https://survivingseminary2019.podbean.com/e/07-david-durst-finding-god-in-your-world/

In this episode we chat about the unfortunate reality that some who find influence in the church don't stay there. What are some of their reasons and stories and is there something we can do to grow people stronger in the face of unrealistic expectations and disappointments? 

SONG: Come Thou Fount (Prone To Wander) - A Hymn Remix by Zak Kratzer

We have a chat with the hosts of the "Surviving Seminary Podcast" Jason and Kevin are awesome, and were willing to sit down and talk to us about how theological training can influence the way we worship, and how to know if YOU, as a leader are being called to seminary.

SONG: "Surviving Seminary" we took the musical theme from their show and learned it on guitar and also added some of our own lyrics. 

"[Don't] stop trying to make [The Old Testament] happen Gretchen!" Today we discuss... like... Is The Old Testament even still a thing? How is it still relevant and what are the consequences of viewing it (or not viewing it) highly? 

SONG: Jesus Forgive My Sin - Collin McSweeney (2012)

BOOK:

"The Old Testament is Dying" Brent Strawn

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801048885/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_wIvuDbHZHP7ZQ

Article:

Andy Stanley says he did not say “let’s unhitch for the OT” Apparently he was making the point that the first ce. Church was unhitching from OT rulebook in favor of a more simple message… hmmm....

https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2018/may/i-never-suggested-we-un-hitch-andy-stanley-walks-back-on-controversial-sermon

We take some time to engage with YOUR questions. Also, we challenge ourselves to write a song based on a randomly chosen scripture in just a few minutes. Sometimes the sequel is just as good as the first one... but you be the judge!

SONG:

Mary, Why Do You Cry? (Randomly picked John 20:13)

In Ephesians 4:11-13. The Bible lists 5 of the  general jobs that God's people are given. Can knowing our roles in the kingdom help us to fulfill God's mission? And if so, how?

THE TEST WE TOOK: https://designdiscovery.com/fivefold-spiritual-gifts-test/

A LITTLE BIT MORE IN-DEPTH ONE: http://www.fivefoldsurvey.com/

SONG: "Power" By Zak Kratzer (2018)