The Western Heights Podcast

Episode 22 - The Death Episode

Mitch, Rusty, and Terrance are all back again this week for another episode. We talk a little bit more about VBS, and what preaching has looked like around that. Then we breakdown Mitch's new series "Not Optional," which started with - what else? Death. keywords church, ministry, young adults, community, AV team, sermon, VBS, World Cup, summer activities, reflections on death VBS, Christian living, ministry, divine imperative, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, faith, preaching, church, youth engagement, discipleship grace, leadership, self, identity, transformation, Christianity, Bonhoeffer, ministry, humility, church Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back 12:08 Reflections on Death 17:55 VBS Planning and Engagement 25:04 Exploring the 'Musts' 38:35 Bonhoeffer's Call 54:20 The Three Deaths of Self 01:07:25 Paul's Identity

Episode 21 - We're Baa-aack!

We've missed you, and we know you've missed us. After a few weeks of rough building Wi-Fi issues, we're finally back! At least, Terrance and Mitch are back, and they have new guests. This week's episode we catch up from the whirlwind of summer events so far: Isaiah preaching, Camp Canaan stories, Mitch's field trip, and of course, VBS Week coverage. Chapters 00:00 Meet the Interns! 25:30 The Art of Preaching: What Not to Say 35:22 Camp Canaan 45:52 Missional Church Leadership 55:19 The Joy of VBS 01:11:21 Looking Ahead

Episode 19 - Evangelists and Missionaries

In our usual intro, we reflect on Sunday and hear about Texoma Workcamp. Then Mitch, Rusty, and Terrance talk about approaching evangelism in a new way (or is it old?), and highlight distinctions between growing and maintaining the church. For us, one of the most important things we can do is share our stories and listen to others. keywords youth ministry, church podcast, work camp, Sunday worship, congregational reading, church community, youth group activities, church traditions, church dynamics, church events worship leadership, preaching, evangelism, church authority, humor in ministry, mission mindset, pre-Christian culture, core teachings, discipleship, church dynamics evangelism, church growth, maintaining church, youth engagement, safe space, personal stories, church culture, community, upcoming events Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Work Camp Overview 10:40 Reflections on Sunday 29:03 The Role of Authority in Preaching 35:59 Engaging a Pre-Christian Culture 54:00 Maintaining vs. Growing the Church 01:04:05 Upcoming Events

Episode 18 - The Scandalous Banquet

This week we reflect on Senior Sunday, and begin with our thoughts on Texas' Senate Bill 10, and evangelistic effect of classroom posters. We reflect on Jesus' dinner with a bunch of "notorious sinners" and thoroughly solve the boundary problem of church communities. Keywords Senior Sunday, Youth Ministry, Community Engagement, Church Events, Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 10, Cultural Symbols, Faith Discussions, Building Relationships, Outreach, engaging community, cultural context, evangelism, non-believers, faith discussions, Jesus teachings notorious sinners, grace, outcasts, church outreach, Christian community, inclusivity, boundaries, fellowship, identity, Chapters 00:00 Show Intro, Senior Sunday 14:04 Senate Bill 10 29:08 More About the 10 Commandments 58:56 The Notorious Sinners 01:12:41 Defining Boundaries

Episode 17 - Relational Faith

In this episode, Terrance, Mitch, and Rusty reflect on Mother's Day, discussing the various traditions and feelings associated with the holiday. We delve into the importance of recognizing spiritual heritage and the influential figures in their faith journeys. They discuss the importance of empowering young leaders, recognizing the influence of all generations, and navigating career choices in faith. Keywords Mother's Day, spiritual heritage, faith, relationships, church, community faith, parenting, authenticity, influence, church, education, Fanny J. Crosby, spiritual growth, youth ministry influence, mentorship, church community, young leaders, faith, empowerment Chapters 00:00 Mother's Day Reflections 15:05 Faith Passed Relationally 23:15 Caught vs. Taught 40:13 Fanny J. Crosby 50:13 The Role of Mentorship in Faith 01:01:17 Building a Supportive Church Family