the STOKE IT UP podcast

Summary

Dr. Ken Hemphill discusses spiritual gifts and their importance for the local church community. He defines spiritual gifts as gifts and abilities given by God, emphasizing that they are good gifts and should be received with interest. He also highlights the importance of surrendering to God and utilizing these gifts for the edification of the church. The dangers and concerns of spiritual gifts include both overvaluation and undervaluation. Overvaluation can lead to a sense of spiritual elitism, while undervaluation can result in a mechanical church that lacks the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Hemphill suggests that churches need to prioritize prayer, consider the needs of the community, and look carefully at individuals' passions when helping them discover and utilize their spiritual gifts. In this conversation, Dr. Ken Hemphill discusses the importance of understanding and utilizing spiritual gifts in the church. He emphasizes the need for individuals to discover their gifts and use them to serve others. Dr. Hemphill provides practical advice on how to identify and develop spiritual gifts, including asking key questions, seeking honest affirmation, and trying different areas of ministry. He also highlights the importance of community and the role of the church in nurturing and mobilizing believers in their giftedness. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the flourishing of spiritual gifts in different contexts, such as reaching out to Muslim women and engaging in the Great Commission in local communities.

You Are Gifted book.

Takeaways

Spiritual gifts are gifts and abilities given by God and should be received with interest and gratitude.

It is important for individuals to surrender to God and utilize their spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.

The dangers of spiritual gifts include overvaluation, which can lead to spiritual elitism, and undervaluation, which can result in a mechanical church lacking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Churches can help individuals discover and utilize their spiritual gifts by prioritizing prayer, considering the needs of the community, and looking carefully at individuals' passions. Understanding and utilizing spiritual gifts is essential for effective ministry in the church.

Individuals should actively seek to discover their spiritual gifts and find ways to use them to serve others.

Asking key questions, seeking honest affirmation, and trying different areas of ministry can help in identifying and developing spiritual gifts.

Community and the role of the church are crucial in nurturing and mobilizing believers in their giftedness.

Spiritual gifts can flourish in various contexts, such as reaching out to specific groups and engaging in the Great Commission in local communities.

Summary

The conversation explores the topic of forced terminations in non-denominational and Calvary Chapel churches. It discusses the lack of oversight in Calvary Chapel churches and the role of the senior pastor in affiliation. The conversation also touches on the process of termination and the importance of accountability and prevention. It addresses the issue of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and conflicts within the church, emphasizing the need for a healthy church culture and effective conflict resolution.

In this conversation, Bill Holdridge and Kenneth Priest discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy church culture and resolving conflicts biblically and effectively. They emphasize the need for pastors to lead with integrity, authenticity, and a focus on the Great Commission and Great Commandments. They also discuss the challenges of dealing with divisive individuals and the importance of unity and forgiveness within the church.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of recent scandals on the church's reputation and the need for churches to be a positive influence in their communities.

Podcast Introduction

The conversation delves into the topic of pastoral terminations within the context of the Southern Baptist Convention and non-denominational church fellowships. It explores the reasons, impact, and emotional aftermath of forced pastoral terminations, as well as the biblical perspective on the grounds for terminating a pastor. The discussion also highlights the personal experiences of the speakers and the challenges they faced in dealing with church leadership and congregational dynamics. The conversation delves into the personal experiences of Shelby Hazzard and Alan Stoddard, both of whom have faced forced pastoral terminations. They discuss the impact of these experiences on their lives and ministries, as well as strategies to reduce pastoral terminations in church life. The conversation also touches on the need for thoroughness in the call process and the importance of building a wall of leaders around pastors for support and protection.

Takeaways

Pastoral terminations are often driven by internal power struggles, territorial disputes, and resistance to the pastor's preaching and teaching.

The emotional impact of forced pastoral terminations can be profound, leading to feelings of betrayal, loss of trust, and a questioning of one's calling to ministry.

The biblical grounds for terminating a pastor are primarily related to gross moral failure and unrepentant heresy, as outlined in the pastoral epistles and church doctrine.

The experience of forced pastoral termination can shape a pastor's perspective on trust, church leadership, and the challenges of navigating congregational dynamics.

The conversation sheds light on the complexities and personal toll of pastoral terminations, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support within church communities. Forced pastoral terminations can have a profound impact on the lives and ministries of pastors.

Thoroughness in the call process and building a supportive leadership team are crucial in reducing pastoral terminations.

The need for pastors to be willing to lose their job in the process of revitalizing a church.

The importance of understanding the battle that pastors face and the support needed from their spouses.

The real-life challenges and experiences of pastors in navigating the complexities of church life and ministry.

Summary

The conversation explores the topic of spiritual formation and soul care, particularly in the context of the black church. Dr. Wayne Cooper shares insights from his dissertation and discusses the challenges and opportunities for implementing spiritual formation in the church. The conversation also touches on the need for pastors to be equipped in this area and the potential impact of spiritual formation on church communities.

Lincoln Ave. Christian Church

Fresh Encounter Ministries

Takeaways

Summary

In this conversation, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the lack of discipleship for new believers in churches. They highlight the need for a strategy and intentionality in discipling new believers, as well as the importance of relationship and experiential learning. Alan shares his journey of realizing the need for a strategy and developing a disciple-making evangelism approach. They emphasize the importance of equipping new believers to disciple others and the need for pastors and churches to prioritize new believer follow-up. They also discuss the upcoming release of Alan's book on New Believer Discipleship.

Takeaways

Summary

The conversation explores the state of small group life in churches, the decline in commitment to small groups, the impact of COVID-19 on small group engagement, and the importance of intentional spiritual formation. It also delves into the ideal structure of Sunday school classes, the significance of discussion in small groups, and the role of pastors in discipling small group leaders. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional, discussion-based small groups for effective spiritual formation.

Chapters

00:00 - The State of Small Group Life in Churches

08:08 - The Ideal Structure of Sunday School Classes

25:21 - The Importance of Intentional, Discussion-Based Small Groups

Takeaways

The decline in commitment to small groups in churches is influenced by factors such as COVID-19, fear of engagement, and ineffective church models.

Intentional, discussion-based small groups are essential for effective spiritual formation and disciple-making.

Pastors play a crucial role in discipling small group leaders and should prioritize intentional, discussion-based small groups in church life.

Spiritual Formation Begins in the Pulpit

CGN Media - media that points to Christ.
CGN International Pastors and Leaders Conference 

Summary

In this conversation, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the role of preaching in spiritual formation. They explore the idea that disciple-making begins in the pulpit and emphasize the importance of preaching that is text-driven and focused on the Word of God. They also discuss the fruit of effective preaching, such as people bringing their Bibles and actively engaging with the text. The conversation highlights the need for pastors to prioritize character and the importance of ongoing spiritual formation in the life of the church.

Takeaways

Chapters

Introduction and Setting the Stage

03:07

Disciple Making Begins in the Pulpit

06:01

The Importance of Text-Driven Preaching

13:47

Preaching that Drives People to Their Bibles

33:31

Enhancing the Impact of Preaching: Prayer and Note-Taking

35:44

Conclusion

The Pros and Cons of a Devotional Life 

Welcome to the STOKE IT UP podcast. 

A podcast encouraging you on your journey with God. 

The stoke it up podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to people to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows and ways to support the ministry. 

The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com

The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org

Pastors and Leaders Conference at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa https://conference.calvarychapel.com/

I’m Alan Stoddard and I am joined by Kenneth Priest for a conversation on the pros and cons of a devotional life. We are all spiritually formed by many influences. Should you have a quiet time? What does it look like? What do you do when you hit a dry season? Let’s jump into the conversation, and as we do, think about your own spiritual growth and disciple-making influences. 

Summary

In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of a devotional life. We share personal experiences and insights on how to cultivate a meaningful devotional practice. We emphasize the importance of reading the Bible, listening to the Bible, using devotional books, and engaging in prayer. We also highlight the need for flexibility and grace in maintaining a devotional routine. Overall, we encourage listeners to prioritize their devotional life as a means of spiritual formation.

Chapters

Introduction and Personal Background

03:24

The Argument Against Devotions

09:16

The Importance of Devotions for Spiritual Formation

21:37

The Devotional Approach to Scripture

25:18

Plan B for Devotions

27:46

10 Ways to Stoke Up Your Devotional Life

38:20

Conclusion and Encouragement

Takeaways

Dr. Kenneth Priest joins the Stoke It Up Podcast as a co-host. Kenneth has a undergraduate degree in Theology and an Master of Religious Education (MARE) from Southwestern Seminary. He earned a D.EdMin from Midwestern Seminary in church revitalization.

Today, we start to focus the podcast on spiritual formation. We want to encourage you in your journey with God.