The Pioneer Assembly

By Bethany Barr Phillips

You’re invited to assemble with Bethany Barr Phillips and her friends as they do their best to pioneer faith conversations with honesty, encouragement, and sometimes, no resolve. With two types of epi... more

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FAQs about The Pioneer Assembly:

How many episodes does The Pioneer Assembly have?

The podcast currently has 40 episodes available.

The Pioneer Assembly episodes:

April 16, 2025FIELD NOTES vol. 3 - Jesus & Judas: What does the betrayal matter?
When Jesus called Judas as a disciple, he knew this was going to be the road …And He was willing to let him sit at the table anyway. In this field note, Bethany explores the complex relationship between Jesus and Judas, as she invites you to wrestle with the thought of betrayal among fellow believers. Jesus welcomed Judas to the table despite his sin, and He does the same with us. The discussion will encourage you to reflect on your own life and the possibility of redemption, regardless of past mistakes.
Takeaways
Jesus still called Judas knowing he would eventually betray him.
Betrayal can come from those closest to us.
Judas witnessed miracles yet chose betrayal.
Jesus welcomed Judas to the table despite his sin.
Christ's love is transformative AND redemptive. Our past does not disqualify us from redemption.
Pioneer Assembly Substack
Pioneer Assembly Book Club
Pioneer Assembly Instagram
Contact Bethany

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Judas' Betrayal
02:01 - The Significance of Judas' Role
04:56 - The Table of Grace
07:11 - Redemption and Forgiveness
...more
6min
April 15, 2025FIELD NOTES vol. 3 - 10 Bridesmaids: Why does preparation matter?
Why does preparation matter in our faith life? Because what we don't prepare for, we could possibly miss. It's not popular language in today's faith circles, but being prepared for Christ's presence is a responsibility and privilege for every believer.
In this Field Note from the Pioneer Assembly, host Bethany Barr Phillips explores the significance of Tuesday of Holy Week, focusing on the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return and invites listeners to reflect on their faith and commitment. The conversation will encourage and challenge you to be willing to prepare even when it's not popular.
Takeaways
He doesn’t require a resume of service activities, but He does want us to be ready at all times.
There are consequences for being unprepared.
As followers of Jesus, we must be prepared for His return at any time.
“When He returns is not as important as the fact that we are ready for Him when He does return.” A.W. Tozer
Pioneer Assembly Substack
Pioneer Assembly Book Club
Pioneer Assembly Instagram
Contact for Bethany

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Holy Week and Its Significance
01:47 - The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
05:03 - Preparedness for Jesus' Return
07:00 - Invitation to Faith and Commitment
...more
9min
April 14, 2025FIELD NOTES vol. 3 - The Money Changers: What will you tolerate in your faith?
What are you willing to tolerate in your faith? In this second Field Note answering the question “Why does it matter?” in Holy Week, Bethany Barr Phillips explores the theme of tolerance in a person’s faith. The day after Jesus enters Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday, He drives the money changers from the Temple courts. It was about much more than simply placement or anger.
Bethany discusses the significance of Jesus driving out the money changers from the temple, emphasizing that it was not just an act of anger but a call for purity in worship. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the distractions and sins we tolerate in our lives, encouraging listeners to seek repentance and strive for pure worship.
Takeaways
What are we willing to tolerate in our faith?
Tolerating distractions can pollute our worship.
Don't tolerate what disrupts your relationship with God.
If we tolerate the presence of distraction or discord, we are no better than those money changers.
“The issue is not whether there should have been moneychangers; it is whether it was valid to turn much of the outer court into a place emphasizing commerce rather than worship.” - Craig Keener
Pioneer Assembly Substack
Pioneer Assembly Book Club
Pioneer Assembly Instagram
Contact for Bethany
BOOK MENTIONED: IVP Background Commentary, Craig Keener

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Tolerance in Faith
01:00 - The Significance of Holy Week
02:08 - Jesus and the Money Changers
04:40 - The Impact of Tolerance on Worship
06:21 - Repentance and Pure Worship
...more
8min
April 13, 2025FIELD NOTES vol. 3 - Hosanna: Help & Hope
Have you ever wondered: Why does it matter? Why does the significance of Holy Week matter in the current culture? Vol. 3 of Field Notes tackles this question, & in this first episode, Bethany Barr Phillips explores the significance of Palm Sunday and why it matters today. It's not enough to go through another season of remembrance and allow it to have no significance.
Bethany defines the shout of “Hosanna!” & reflects on the importance of the cross, the duality of human nature in expressing hope and despair, and the need for divine intervention in our lives. Through personal anecdotes - like the time she caught a turtle & panicked - and scriptural references, Bethany encourages listeners to embrace their faith and seek help from God during this reflective season.

Takeaways
Our flesh is capable of anything when we are choosing to it over the hope and help of Jesus.
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem symbolizes hope and the need for help.
We need to acknowledge our need for God's intervention.
“Hosanna!” is a cry of help and hope.
Jesus chose humility in his entrance, making him accessible to all.

Pioneer Assembly Substack
Pioneer Assembly Book Club
Pioneer Assembly Instagram
Bethany's Website for Booking

00:00 - Introduction to Field Notes and Holy Week
01:52 - The Significance of Palm Sunday
07:41 - The Call to Hosanna: Hope & Help
...more
10min
March 06, 2025 Can I Have Faith and Have Doubts? The Honest Truth About Doubt
Have you ever felt terrible about doubting God? Have you ever lied about having spiritual doubts, so you covered it up with words like "praise" or "wisdom"? In this episode, Bethany Barr Phillips explores the complex relationship between doubt and faith. Just because you doubt doesn't mean you're a bad believer, it might just mean you are an honest one.
She challenges the notion that doubt is inherently negative and encourages listeners to confront their doubts honestly. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she provides practical strategies for navigating doubt, highlighting the importance of a community like the Pioneer Assembly and truth in overcoming it. Ultimately, she reassures that doubt does not disqualify one from being a good Christian, but rather can be a catalyst for deeper faith and understanding.

LINKS:
Pioneer Assembly Substack
Pioneer Assembly Book Club
Pioneer Assembly Instagram
Bethany's Website for Booking

Great Resources for Doubters:
Searching For Enough - Tyler Staton
Impossible Christianity - Kevin DeYoung

TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Understanding Doubt: A Natural Response
09:20 - Navigating Doubt: Strategies for Overcoming
14:14 - Embracing Faith Amidst Doubt
...more
19min
February 27, 2025How to Pioneer When you Feel Unprepared
Thomas Aquinas once said: “No one then can prepare himself for grace…” So How do you pioneer something you feel like you know NOTHING about? Meet Demetrius Hicks. Demetrius is a church planter pioneering in Orlando, Florida, where preparation most often happens through grace in the moment.
In this episode, Bethany Barr Phillips sits down with Demetrius to explore divine preparation (the grace you can't see), the challenges of church planting to encourage people towards faith, and the importance of authenticity for a believer. “The people of God must be distinguished by the presence of God,” Hicks unwaveringly declares. They discuss the convicting reality of the need to return to the heart of the gospel amidst a post-COVID landscape. How a person pastors under the banner of “leadership” won’t matter if they aren’t willing to pioneer back to the heart of the matter. Don’t miss this episode to be encouraged and strengthened if you feel unqualified for the path in front of you.
Authenticity in ministry is crucial in today's world.
The presence of God should distinguish the people of God.
The Gospel is NOT an ice cream shop: We don’t get to pick and choose HOW we want to live it.
Discipleship involves wrestling with questions and uncertainties.
The Bible is meant to be engaged with relationally, not superficially.
Hope is is a person, not a thought pattern.
Demetrius Hicks:
https://www.instagram.com/demetriushicksmusic/
https://newcreationorl.org/

Chapters
00:00 Intro and Connection
02:03 Pioneering in Church Planting
06:18 Challenges of Church Planting
08:17 The Importance of Authenticity in Ministry
10:08 Exalting Jesus in Church Leadership
12:49 The Distinction of God's Presence
13:19 The Pursuit of God's Presence
15:57 The Gospel is NOT an Ice Cream Shop
16:22 Navigating Personal Faith and Community
18:01 The Tension of Leadership and Discipleship
19:47 Returning to the Core of Christianity
22:38 The Journey of Faith and Understanding
...more
30min
February 19, 2025Unknowns Aren’t Without Purpose - Kim Bain
Are you willing to trust the Lord with your unknown as much as your future? If you have ever found yourself in a season of minimal clarity and maximum uncertainty, this episode of for you. In this engaging conversation, Bethany Barr Phillips sits down with Florida native and long time friend, Kim Bain, to discuss the purpose of the “unknowns” in life, those “in between” seasons.
They explore how personal experiences shape responses to uncertainty and the significance of faith in trusting through the hard seasons. Those seasons often involve transition from one thing to another, and recognizing that each person’s path is different will allow you to see a clearer purpose in it all. They highlight that while the journey may not always lead to immediate rewards, it ultimately leads to spiritual growth which glorifies God. Don’t miss this one — The unknown isn’t without purpose. The in-betweens aren’t without promise.
Pioneering into the unknown requires trust in the Lord and His purpose for your life, or you will find yourself lost.
The Lord doesn't expect you to separate your your humanity from your Christianity. He knows your fears, but calls you to go anyway.
Fortifying our responses to challenges is essential for growth.
We are better off knowing the presence of Jesus MORE than His plans.
Being open to change can lead to unexpected blessings.
We must be willing to wait on the reward and waiting faithfully means living in active obedience.

05:01 - Pioneering into the Unknown
10:07 - Navigating Life's Transitions
19:55 - Fortifying Our Responses
25:03 - The Role of Community in Unknowns
25:46 - Navigating the Unknown: Biblical Perspectives
28:30 - The Purpose of the Unknown in Our Lives
31:40 - Active Obedience in Times of Uncertainty
36:15 - Encouragement and Community in the Unknown
...more
30min
February 12, 2025 Season 2 - How Comfortable are You in Your Faith?
How comfortable are you with honest or challenging conversations? In this first episode of Season Two of the Pioneer Assembly, host Bethany Barr Phillips emphasizes the need for honest and challenging conversations in faith, encouraging listeners to embrace their roles as pioneers in their spiritual journeys. After all, if faith is comfortable for you all of the time, then are you really living in faith?
This episode explores belonging, purpose, and the challenges of faith, reminding listeners that they matter and have a place in the kingdom of God and here at the Pioneer Assembly. This season will be one of gathering and community. The Pioneer Assembly: A place to gather for those called to go.

...more
19min
December 24, 2024Why God's Love Matters - Advent Week Four
Why does God’s love matter? Why should it matter to you? In this final episode of the season, Bethany discusses the profound significance of God's love for anyone with a pulse, especially during Advent. She emphasizes that God's love is unconditional and eternal, providing a foundation for understanding our relationship with Him and others. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she illustrates how God's love calls us to love unconditionally, even those who may oppose us. The conversation culminates with a call to pioneer well through love.

Takeaways
God’s love matters, b/c your salvation, your reconciliation to Him begins with His love.
God’s love matters, because it gives us a chance to know Him.
God's love is not based on our actions or worthiness.
Without God’s love, we wouldn’t have the birth of Jesus.
It’s not our job to comprehend God’s love. We are to extend it.
...more
16min
December 17, 2024Joy, Shepherds, & Charlie Brown, feat. Isaiah Phillips - Advent Week Three
The topic of joy can only be had with a few good laughs. In this episode, Bethany and her daughter, Isaiah, discuss the theme of joy during the third week of Advent. They explore the biblical definition of joy, its connection to the Lord, and how it can coexist with sadness. After all, an honest Christian is one willing to choose true joy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of grounding joy in scripture, while also highlighting the responsibility of believers to choose joy in all circumstances.

Takeaways
You can't have joy without the Lord.
Rejoicing is a choice and a responsibility.
Contentment is closely tied to joy.
Joy can exist alongside sadness.
The good news of the gospel brings joy.
It is our duty and privilege to rejoice in God, and to rejoice in him always; at all times, in all conditions. There is enough in God to furnish us with matter of joy in the worst circumstance on earth. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice. If good men have not a continual feast, it is their own fault. - Matthew Henry, Bible Commentary

Scriptures mentioned:
Luke 2:10-12
Philippians 4:4-7
Isaiah 55:8-9
Nehemiah 8:10
...more
17min

FAQs about The Pioneer Assembly:

How many episodes does The Pioneer Assembly have?

The podcast currently has 40 episodes available.