the STOKE IT UP podcast

Summary

In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest engage with Bob Tiede, a leader in Campus Crusade for Christ, as they discuss the transformative power of leading with questions in ministry and leadership. Bob shares his journey from a traditional leadership style to one that emphasizes inquiry and listening, highlighting the importance of developing future leaders and fostering genuine relationships through effective communication. The conversation explores how Jesus exemplified this approach and its implications for discipleship and evangelism.

Takeaways

• Developing the next generation of leaders is crucial for any organization.
• Leadership should not just be about telling but about asking questions.
• Leading with questions can lead to more effective outcomes than traditional methods.
• Jesus used questions as a powerful tool for communication and teaching.
• Listening is a vital skill in leadership and requires the Holy Spirit's guidance.
• People feel valued when they are listened to and their answers are affirmed.
• Questions can lead to deeper understanding and personal growth.
• Effective discipleship involves exploring people's stories through questions.
• Good questions can transform group discussions and enhance learning.
• The impact of a question can linger long after the conversation ends.

Summary

In this episode, Alan Stoddard, Kenneth Priest, and Brian Kelly discuss the effective use of social media and technology in church planting. They explore the philosophy behind social media use, the importance of having a website, and how to utilize email marketing through platforms like MailChimp. The conversation also covers creating engaging video content, measuring the effectiveness of social media strategies, and the significance of personal connections with the congregation. Additionally, they discuss the integration of AI in content creation and the importance of time management in social media engagement.

Takeaways

• Social media is essential for modern church communication.
• Encouragement and ministry should be the focus of social media.
• A website is crucial for church identity and information.
• MailChimp helps streamline email communication with the congregation.
• Video content can enhance engagement and connection.
• Personal interactions are more valuable than analytics.
• Consistency in communication builds trust and connection.
• AI can assist in creating polished content efficiently.
• Time management is key to effective social media use.
• Text messaging can enhance communication with the congregation.

Summary

In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard, Kenneth Priest, Terry Kizer, and Randy Adams discuss the journey of church planting through Apex Church Planting. They explore the challenges and transformations within the independent Baptist movement, the importance of exegeting communities, and the supportive community Apex provides for church planters. The conversation also delves into the assessment process for aspiring church leaders and the encouragement needed for those feeling called to ministry.

Takeaways

• Apex Church Planting was founded to support church planters.
• The independent Baptist movement is undergoing significant transformation.
• Exegeting the community is crucial for effective ministry.
• COVID-19 prompted a reevaluation of church models and practices.
• Apex fosters a supportive community for church planters.
• The assessment process is designed to help, not hinder, aspiring pastors.
• Success in ministry is defined by faithfulness, not numbers.
• Encouragement and mentorship are vital for church planters.
• Apex aims to extend its reach beyond Texas, even internationally.
• The importance of maintaining personal relationships in ministry is emphasized.

Resources:

Sermon-Based Small Groups Article

Groups that Grow book

7 things:

1. Talk about it from the pulpit
2. Interview satisfied persons
3. Host small groups “fair”
4. Train leaders
5. Provide a convenient time & place
6. Organize groups
7. Prioritize biblical community

- BONUS: start new groups

The Gospel Invitation Book for $1.

Summary

In this conversation, Alan Stoddard and Nick Cady (White Fields Community Church) explore the complexities of the Holy Spirit's role in the life of believers, particularly focusing on the concepts of baptism and empowerment. They discuss the transition from traditional Baptist beliefs to Calvary Chapel perspectives, the significance of the Holy Spirit in ministry, and the importance of understanding the different relationships believers have with the Holy Spirit. The dialogue emphasizes the need for churches to create environments that allow for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the practical implications of this in ministry settings.

Great Book on the Holy Spirit - Perspectives on Spirit Baptism

Takeaways

• The conversation is a collaboration between two podcasts.
• Alan Stoddard has a background in theology and church planting.
• Transitioning from Baptist to Calvary Chapel involves complex theological questions.
• The role of the Holy Spirit is often misunderstood in church settings.
• There is a distinction between the indwelling and empowering of the Holy Spirit.
• Acts 19 presents a unique case for understanding the Holy Spirit's work.
• The prepositional approach helps clarify relationships with the Holy Spirit.
• Empowerment by the Holy Spirit is essential for effective ministry.
• Churches should create opportunities for people to receive the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit is a vital member of the Trinity and should not be overlooked.

Summary

In this episode of the Stoked Up podcast, Alan Stoddard engages with Kenneth Priest, Brian Kelly, and Justin Thomas to discuss the history and future of Calvary Chapel Bible College as CCBC partners with West Church. They explore the college's origins, its challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent decision to relocate to Florida. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the role of education in ministry, and the potential of the new campus. The guests emphasize the need for partnerships and financial support to ensure the college's success in training the next generation of leaders.

Takeaways

• Calvary Chapel Bible College originated from the Jesus People movement.
• The college aims to equip each generation with a biblical foundation.
• COVID-19 significantly impacted the college's financial viability.
• The move to Florida is seen as a fresh start and opportunity.
• Student reactions to the move have been diverse, with some excited and others hesitant.
• The college seeks to establish strong community ties in Florida.
• Education is crucial for effective ministry in today's culture.
• The new campus has great potential but requires significant investment.
• Partnerships with local churches are essential for the college's success.
• Support for students is a shared responsibility of the church community.

Sound Bites

"We want to be the premier partner Calvary Chapel."

"Change is always hard."

"Bible college can provide a foundation for ministry."

"We can't do this without the Lord and we can't do it alone."

"We need partnerships and prayer."

"We want to help bridge that gap."

Summary

In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the evolution of worship music over the past 25 years, exploring the impact of technology, the historical context of worship wars, and the importance of ecclesiology in shaping worship practices. They emphasize the need for quality in worship music, effective planning of worship services, and the integration of prayer into the worship experience. The conversation concludes with reflections on the changes in worship and a call to action for church leaders to prioritize God in their worship practices.

Takeaways

• Worship trends have evolved significantly over the last 25 years.
• The 'worship wars' highlighted the divide in church music preferences.
• Technology has made quality worship accessible to smaller churches.
• Ecclesiology plays a crucial role in shaping worship practices.
• Quality music is essential for engaging congregations in worship.
• Worship leaders and pastors must communicate effectively about service planning.
• Prayer should be an integral part of the worship experience, not just a transition.
• Introducing new songs requires repetition for congregational familiarity.
• Worship should focus on glorifying God rather than consumerism.
• The ultimate goal of worship is to facilitate a communal experience with God.

Summary

In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, hosts Kenneth Priest and Alan Stoddard welcome Pastor Andrew Johnson of Faith Memorial Church in Houston, Texas. Andrew shares his journey of faith, his action hosting God's presence, and the revival of his congregation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of the call to reach all nations with the gospel.

Takeaways

• Andrew's early life was shaped by a challenging home environment.
• His father's transformation through faith inspired Andrew's ministry calling.
• Andrew's experience in a black church enriched his understanding of multi-ethnic ministry.
• Faith Memorial Church was predominantly Anglo when Andrew arrived.
• The community around the church has shifted to a more diverse demographic.
• Andrew emphasizes the importance of hosting God's presence in worship.
• The church is experiencing a revival through prayer and fasting.

• Creative problem-solving has been essential for church growth.
• Partnerships with other churches have provided vital support.
• The church aims to reach all nations and foster community engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pastor Andrew Johnson

03:08 Andrew's Journey to Faith and Ministry

06:01 Cultural Experience in a Black Church

08:53 Transitioning Faith Memorial Church

11:58 Pastoring in a Challenging Community

15:02 Growth and Diversity at Faith Memorial

18:10 Hosting the Presence of God

22:00 Revival and Spiritual Growth

24:05 Creative Solutions for Church Challenges

27:48 The Importance of Partnerships in Ministry

Summary

In this episode of the Stoke It Up Podcast, Kenneth Priest and Alan Stoddard discuss the concept of "sending churches" and the journey of church planting. They explore the importance of timing, leadership development, and the strategies necessary for creating a reproducing church model. The conversation emphasizes the biblical foundations of sending and going, the significance of community outreach, and the practical steps involved in overcoming barriers to becoming a sending church.

Takeaways

• The concept of sending churches has biblical roots dating back to Acts 13.

• Alan's journey to church planting began with a supportive pastor and church community.

• Timing is crucial in church planting, involving both personal and divine elements.

• Leadership development is essential for sustaining a church plant.

• Churches should have a strategy for reproduction from the outset.

• Sending churches play a vital role in the growth of new congregations.

• Building a preaching team is important for the longevity of a church plant.

• Biblical models of sending and going provide a framework for church planting.

• The heartbeat of a sending church is crucial for its success.

• Practical steps can help overcome barriers to becoming a sending church.