What happens when a vision for God’s Kingdom gets taken seriously?  

Filled with the Holy Spirit Coach Wayne Gordon retells the dynamic way God led a group of people that founded Lawndale Community Church.  

Discover the transformative impact that has shaped the Lawndale community and understand why the Church, as God's change agent, holds a pivotal role in the contemporary world. Unravel the profound connection between the Church's foundation on the great commandment and its continued influence today. 

Wayne Gordon points out that the Church in America was started on sinful grounds! Yet, despite all the presence of sin, God has been faithful to his promises and people to bring peace through God’s Kingdom! 

Life in the church is a complex reality.  

The Church is what it will become, yet it also has a here and not yet reality.

Acknowledging the tensions within, Beth, Mark & Tara Beth explore the coexistence of brokenness and Christ's presence in the Church. The discussion delves into the impact of sin, addressing the significant pain experienced, especially by church leaders. Despite the struggles, the hosts emphasize the transformative power of holiness manifesting in ordinary acts of goodness.

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The Church is filled with tension. How does the brokenness of humanity found in the Church co-exist with being Christ’s presence in the world? 

Sin has ravaged the church. The pain and fallout have been significant, especially among church leaders. Yet, the church will always be the place where messy people interact and work out their salvation from sin.  Holiness often looks less spectacular and more ordinary acts of goodness. 

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How does sin manifest itself in the world? 

The inescapable nature of sin is felt in so many ways including the church. Whether it’s the pervasive brokenness in systems or grave offensives, God’s people are constantly bumping up against sin.  Tara Beth & Mark talk with Beth Felker Jones about the way God intersects with the reality of sin in the world.  

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Pastoring can be a pure gift and extremely challenging at the same time.  

Dr. Mark Quanstrom has been the Sr. Pastor for just over 10 years. There have been a tremendous number of really good things that have happened but despite all the good, Mark shares how he also has never mourned as much over the challenges of pastoring in 2023.  

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Is it possible for a honeymoon season never to end?  

Mark & Tara Beth continue to discuss all the ups and downs of ministry. There has been no hiding the tumultuous season that Northern Seminary has navigated. In this episode shares about the leadership transitions, systemic challenges, and a commitment to redemption still present at Northern.

Sin has a destructive and pervasive presence in the life of every organization. Northern Seminary has been no exception and yet a vision to embrace an unwavering commitment to God’s Kingdom still persists.  

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The honeymoon season at Tara Beth’s church ended with having to navigate leaving a denomination with her congregation.  

This necessary change was hard for everyone but honesty and transparency helped guide them all into making it go as well as possible. In this episode, Tara Beth shares her experience and the internal challenges she faced during this transition. Mark and Tara Beth emphasize the importance of pastors being honest about their emotions while remaining brave. She organized a "Shepherd's Heart Live" event to address her congregation's concerns, and she highlighted the significance of unity and remaining faithful to one another, even amid tumultuous times.

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Is it theologically faithful for a church to ever leave a denomination? 

Tara Beth and Mark talk through the arduous process of Good Shepherd leaving their previous denomination. This monumental decision was fueled by denominational hierarchy and cultural differences, unfolded over a decade, with the climax occurring under Tara Beth’s young tenure.

Despite the initial hesitations and overwhelming negative voices, Tara Beth shared how she pastored the church through the process and followed the congregation's support. Both Mark & Tara Beth underscored the importance of focusing on supportive voices amidst a sea of doubt, while also acknowledging their commitment to being transparent about their experiences. 

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Ministry is a gift. So many pastors are faithfully living out a call to follow Jesus in ministry. 

In the final episode of 2023, Tara Beth, Mark, and Chaz reflect on the conversations that we were able to have that were designed to foster and lift the many pastors in located ministry.  From being challenged in how we spend time with God to honoring the beautiful differences present in Christ’s bride, this episode highlights some of the highlights and reflections had from this year.  

Thank you so much for you willingness to join us at the Pastor’s table this year!  Looking forward to sitting with you around the table again in 2024!  

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Timestamps:

00:33 Reflecting on the First Year of the Pastor's Table

02:34 The Importance of Reflection in Pastoral Ministry

04:00 The Power of a Great Morning Routine

04:16 The Struggles and Triumphs of Pastoral Ministry

07:44 The Role of Love in Pastoral Ministry

15:06 The Importance of Community in Pastoral Ministry

17:07 Looking Forward: The Future of the Pastor's Table

20:15 Closing Thoughts and Blessings

God’s faithfulness and goodness are abundant in the call of ministry. 

This whole year on the Pastor’s table has been inviting those in ministry to embrace the fullness of the call. Vanity metrics and comparison traps have robbed so many pastors the joy and blessings of ministry. 

This year has been such a blessing getting to be with you on this journey!  Thank you for joining us at the table!  

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