Did you know that the financial strain of full-time ministry can be eased with a dual vocation? Get ready to have your traditional concepts of ministry challenged in this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Pastor Eric Hoke, a church planner in the Bronx for over a decade. Eric unravels the pressing need for bi-vocational ministry, sharing his inspiring journey from servicing just a few pastors to now assisting 20 to 40 bi-vocational pastors.

The complexities of running urban churches are unique. From the lack of physical space to the transience of people, the hurdles are endless. But, as we explore in this podcast, co-vocational ministry can help surmount these obstacles. With Eric Hoke, we delve deep into the compelling history and contemporary relevance of co-vocational ministry – drawing parallels from Lydia's home church in the early days to the Brethren Church in Zambia and a city-to-city initiative today.

The discussion takes a turn towards coaching and personal branding within the church, often an ignored aspect of ministry. Eric's five frameworks for coaching ministry provide enlightening insights. We also discuss the often-misunderstood concept of personal branding within the confines of the church, and how pastors can use it to position themselves most effectively. Join us and learn how we can all embrace ministry in our unique ways, just like Lydia, a successful businesswoman and early church supporter.

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Buckle up as we embark on a journey through faith, culture, and transformation. Our guest, Nick Graff, a former Marine Corp soldier, brings his experiences to the table as we navigate the intricacies of being gospel-forward in our communication with the world. Inspired by the Apostle Paul's approach to a pre-Christian world, we delve into the profound dual functions of law, and challenge ourselves to lead with love, not judgement.

We extend our exploration into church demographics and the underlying patterns of growth in churches. The conversation illuminates the significance of relationships, pre-consciousness, and the changing composition of American Lutheranism. As Graff narrates his transition from military duty to a proclaimer of the Word, we are reminded of the universal reach of Jesus' peace and Christ's care.

The episode takes an intriguing twist as we confront theological tensions and the resurgence of Calvinism. Graff shares his journey from a Lutheran childhood, through military service, to his current perspective, deeply rooted in the Augsburg Confession. In a world that is so often divided, we reflect on the dangers of gatekeeping salvation and the rise of Gnosticism. As we wrap up, we ponder on the resilience of the gospel in the face of adversity. Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and challenged in your understanding of faith and the gospel.

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What if the church was more about relationships than institutions? This is the thought-provoking question we pose to our guest, Josh LeBorious, a new pastor and inquisitive father. In our enlightening conversation, we discuss the need for a transformative shift in our church focus, veering from an institutional perspective to a more relationship-centered approach. We grapple with the limitations of virtual worship and ponder on the church's proclivity for relying heavily on the power of position. We argue for the value of local, life-on-life ministry, advocating for a church culture that elevates connections over politics and legality.

Josh LeBorious shares some intriguing insights from his church's successful strategies for cultivating and maintaining attendance. This involves the unique tactic of scheduling employees with their friends, which fosters an environment conducive to spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of having a close-knit circle of people in a discipleship relationship, drawing inspiration from 'The Other Half of Church' by Jim Hendricks. This book sheds light on the pivotal role character development plays in discipleship. 

Our conversation extends to the hurdles encountered by young pastors and the centrality of discipleship in the modern church. We dig into the process of identifying potential leaders within the church, assisting them in nurturing their leadership skills, and maintaining a healthy church culture. Josh shares his journey of self-discovery and the role it plays in conflict resolution, reminding us of the essence of a community focus in the church. Join us for this eye-opening discussion and let's rethink the way we approach ministry.

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When was the last time you felt totally in sync with the Holy Spirit? Guest KJ Struz, a believer with a passion for transformative living, joins us to unpack what this can look like in our everyday lives. We journey together through the VIM model (Vision, Intention, and Means) and top five habits that bring us closer to a life filled with love, peace, and the power of the Spirit. 

Imagine finding delight in movement, seeing it not just as a chore but as an essential part of reducing stress and inflammation in our bodies. KJ and I explore how to make movement enjoyable and an integral part of everyday life. We also touch on the vital aspects of hydration, micro-nutrition, and the need to limit processed foods for a healthier lifestyle. As we navigate through this, we also discover the calming power of prayer and meditation - tools that keep our mind in tune with the Spirit. 

The episode wraps up with KJ sharing invaluable insights about the importance of listening to our bodies, debunking the myth of metabolism and the significant role of self-awareness in growth. He recounts his inspiring experience of coaching a high school boys volleyball team, lessons learned, and the transformative power of love and sacrifice in his marriage. This is an episode filled with practical wisdom and spiritual insights, all aimed at unleashing the transformative power of the Spirit in your life. Tune in and be inspired by these life-changing conversations.

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Get ready for a heartwarming journey back to our seminary days with my lifelong buddy, Larry McGurer, as we reminisce about the gospel of Luke 10:2 and how it shaped our faith. Larry generously opens up about his path to faith, guided by his pastor and youth group leader's wisdom, and his discovery of Concordia, which kindled his passion for missions. We marvel at the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit and the profound impact of discipleship and encouragement in shaping our faith journeys.

Switching gears, we transport you from the seminary to the ski slopes. Larry takes us through some knee-deep snow, unraveling his skiing adventures in the picturesque town of Breckenridge, Colorado. He talks about the Summit Mission Alliance's transformative impact on his community and his call to serve Christ in Breckenridge, taking innovative steps to spread the Gospel in his broader community. We explore how he weaved his love for the community with the Gospel's outreach, thoroughly changing his life's course.

Lastly, we turn our attention towards a unique mission, The Leadville Project. This initiative saw 30 individuals from six different congregations unite to conduct community projects. We ponder on the potential of a bivocational missionary serving the Good Shepherd congregation, and how such an opportunity can connect one to something larger than oneself. Wrapping things up, we emphasize the significance of humility, building relationships, and accepting people as they are, without necessarily agreeing with their actions. In essence, this conversation serves as a testament to the transformative power of love and acceptance, mirroring the teachings of Jesus.

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Are you ready to discover the profound impact of shifting from an addition to a multiplication mentality in the context of the church? If so, this enlightening conversation welcoming back Steve Pike, the author of 'Next Wave,' is one you can't miss. This isn't just about adding numbers to the church but about fostering a culture of disciples who, in turn, create more disciples, thereby instigating a potent cycle of growth and outreach.

This episode transcends the bounds of conventional church discourse as we look at how disciple making can shape our everyday lives and influence our relationships. We challenge the packed schedules of leaders and explore how prioritizing disciple making, even if it requires personal sacrifices, can lead to lasting impact. We also confront the rampant busyness of church activities, highlighting how it can sometimes eclipse the real mission of reaching those who are yet to follow Jesus.

In the final stretches of our conversation, we debunk myths related to making a difference and expound on how even a small group of dedicated individuals can ignite profound change. We discuss the nuances of leadership and how understanding our unique strengths and gifts can catalyze positive influence. So prepare to redefine your understanding of growth, delve into discipleship, and discover practical ways to bring about significant transformation in your community. Tune in, and let's embark on this transformative journey together.

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What if the church growth movement has morphed into an unhealthy comparison game? How do we navigate the divisive impact of echo chambers and the lack of shared experiences in our ministries? Join us for a stirring conversation with Reverend Dr. Larry Osborne, a Kingdom Ambassador and Teaching Pastor at North Coast Church. Larry shares his remarkable journey from pastoring a small congregation of just 70 adults to leading a thriving church of over 13,000. He also opens up about his literary contributions that have influenced thousands of pastors across the globe.

Larry and I shed light on the challenges and opportunities of pastoring, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the unique gifts in each person. We explore Larry's bilingual gift and the power of the multi-site video model in reaching people, underscoring the vitality of understanding God's calling and leading with humility in our ministries. The conversation takes a poignant turn as we discuss the rise of echo chambers and the divisive impact of the lack of shared experiences, and Larry shares valuable wisdom on navigating these complexities.

Finally, we zoom in on the story of Jesus in the book of Mark and its relevance to our lives today, touching on the importance of living in the perfect love of Christ amidst the current tumultuous times. Larry imparts his advice on finding fulfillment and striking a balance in life, emphasizing the need for developing right habits and mindsets. So gear up for an enriching conversation filled with faith, wisdom, and practical insights from one of the most influential pastors of our time. This is not just an episode; it's a faith-filled exploration of modern-day ministry.

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What if we could bridge the generational gap within the American Christian Church with the simple act of humility? In our thought-provoking conversation with Reverend Dr. Chad Lakies, we navigate the path to a more cohesive Christian community. As we echo Jesus' humility, we learn the importance of intergenerational connection and the transformative effect it can have on our churches. Our discussion with Reverend Lekees unravels the significance of listening and learning from each other, while shedding light on how pride can act as a barrier to our younger generation.

Reverend Dr. Chad Lakies shares an inspirational journey, transitioning from an atheist band drummer to a church leader. His story illuminates the power of genuine Christian hospitality and emphasizes on the vital need to create welcoming spaces within our churches. This open environment allows room for those wrestling with questions and doubts to freely express their thoughts. Listen in as we explore the ways our churches can become a safe haven for people from all walks of life.

Our enriching talk with Reverend Dr. Lakies also reveals how the gospel can reshape our perception of work, turning obligations into gifts. We investigate the potential pitfalls of treating evangelism as a marketing project, and instead, focus on introducing people to Jesus. We touch upon the role of ecclesiology, law and gospel, and spiritual disciplines in creating true disciples of Jesus. Furthermore, we delve into the doctrine of vocation, its significance in Christian life and the influence it carries over parenting. Chad reinforces the power of intentional action in positively impacting young lives. So, tune in, let's discover the importance of authenticity, humility, and small acts of service in creating disciples and bridging generational gaps.

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About David: 
Rev. Dr. David Kim was born and raised in South Korea. He arrived in the United States in 2002, after serving as a missionary/church planter in Ecuador for 12 years.
In his first eight years in the U.S. he furthered his biblical studies and learned about American culture and churches. In conversation and visits with more than 100 congregations, one surprising response most often heard. When he asked parishioners and pastors about the mission field and missionaries, he was shocked to hear their answer was almost always the same: “our missionaries are overseas.”
While he knew that to be true--that the world desperately needs missionaries to reach the billions of lost people--it deeply concerned him that very few viewed themselves as witnesses of Jesus in own daily mission fields.

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About Kyle: 
Native Arizonan
Have an amazing wife and I’m a father of 3 
For the last 14yrs I’ve worked in higher education
Managing a team for the last 10yrs
Most important…. I love Jesus!

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