Things That Matter

On this episode of Things That Matter, president of Veritas Evangelical Seminary, Dr. Joe Holden, discusses with host, Pastor Brian Brodersen, on the current discourse toward seminaries today in the U.S. By explaining his personal story from being a quiet young man, to a Bible college teacher, speaker, author and president of VES, Dr. Holden encourages others to heed the opportunities God has for them. Dr. Holden closes by discussing the need for younger generations to be raised in the authority and inerrancy of the Word as the next Bible scholars and leaders of defending the faith. For more information on VES, visit their website!

From being a committed humanist, determined that life was centered on the material, with an inner city background, Pastor Aaron Campbell never would have thought he would accept Jesus as his Lord and savior and pastor Antioch Christian Fellowship in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Discussing the dynamics of inner city community, Aaron shares his testimony and experiences as a pastor in urban ministry. Enjoy this episode as Aaron also shares powerful stories that will inspire and encourage!

What does cross-cultural ministry look like in the twenty-first century? Pastor Jeff Jackson, founder of Shepherd Staff Mission Facilitators, shares his passion of how culture matters in both local and international missions. Don’t miss this episode of Things That Matter as Pastor Jeff shares not only his passion for cross-cultural ministry, but also how to understand what culture means to the younger generations.

Dr. Christopher Yuan shares his testimony from leading a gay lifestyle to being a born-again believer and professor at Moody Bible Institute. Rather than only focus on the topic of sexuality, Dr. Yuan emphasizes the need for holiness. Dr. Yuan shares his thoughts on culture and Christianity in the twenty-first century that you won’t want to miss on this episode!

How real is heaven to you? Even as believers, is heaven just a concept that we read or study in the Word rather than a real, ultimate destination? We read about joy and hope God infuses within us towards, not only heaven, but also to carry us through the ups and downs of this life. Do we truly LIVE this reality out for others to see? Pastor Brian Brodersen considers such truths in a discussion with author, Randy Alcorn. Having written over fifty books, pastored a church at one time and now directing the non-profit, Eternal Perspective Ministries, Randy shares the need to remember that true happiness and hope in heaven is a real thing that matters.

Scientist and mathematician professor at Oxford University, Dr. John Lennox, shares his experiences and background as a means to explain the authority of the gospel message, and its profound accuracy that cuts through contemporary atheistic thought. Pastor Brian Brodersen and Dr. Lennox discuss the great need for believers to understand the importance of engagement and asking questions to those in their community along with studying God’s Word and apologetics to defend the faith.

Pastor Brian and Josh conclude season one by tracing back and highlighting topics covered such as women in ministry, racism, international movements and much more. As season one closes, we are excited to launch season two in the New Year!

Podcasts can be a great resource for news, information and personal edification, especially for those in ministry. There are so many podcasts available today, it's hard to discover them all. In this episode, Pastor Brian talks to Josh about five podcasts he recommends, which range from Albert Mohler's "The Briefing" to the U.K. based "Quantum of Solas."

Pastor Brian explains what the Calvary Chapel Global Network is and gives details as to how the network will be led, what it will look like being a part of the network and what resources will be provided as well.

Pastor Brian and Josh discuss church planting. While planting a church may be exciting for a pastor, it is often so easy to burn out when church growth performs slowly. Simply put, God is who brings church growth. It is not based on the models or programs used, but it is a matter of the heart. Remain steadfast in your pastoral ministry and let the Lord lead.