Women in Ministry (Part 2) — Soft Complementarianism, Where Cherry Hills Lands, and Personal Stories

A Real Near-Death Experience — Tammy Manheim Shares Her Story

In Episode 13, Pastor Steve and Pastor Luke discussed near-death experiences (NDEs) and mentioned a friend of the church who had one. This week, that friend — Tammy Manheim — shares her remarkable story firsthand. What began as a routine outpatient surgery turned into 19 days in the hospital, including a week of unconsciousness and two times when she coded. During that time, Tammy experienced perfect peace and pure light, was shown her life as a "tangled pile of string," and was asked three times if she wanted to go back. This is her account in her own words. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction — Meeting Tammy Manheim •       [00:50] Why This Episode? — Following Up on Episode 13's NDE Discussion •       [01:34] The Before: A Routine Surgery That Wasn't •       [02:11] 19 Days in the Hospital, One Week Unconscious •       [02:26] The Conversation About Pulling the Plug •       [03:48] Coding Twice — The Experience Begins •       [03:55] Perfect Peace, Perfect Clarity, Pure Light •       [04:49] No Sense of Time, No Sense of Body •       [05:09] Asked Three Times: "Do You Want to Go Back?" •       [06:08] No Fear, Just Peace and Joy — Holiness and Love Together •       [07:23] The Tangled Pile of String — Tammy's Life Reviewed •       [08:42] Three Times Around — The Choice to Stay or Return •       [09:39] "Then I Had Grandkids" — Told She Had to Go Back •       [10:53] The Miracle — Jenny's Visit and the Turning Point •       [11:15] Waking Up — Telling Her Son Brandon He'd Be a Father •       [12:40] Robert — A Shout-Out to Her "Son-in-Love" •       [15:30] Closing & How to Submit Questions Connection to Episode 13 In Episode 13, Pastor Luke explained common features of NDEs based on John Burke's research: peace, altered time, encounter with light, life review, a boundary point, and a return. Tammy's experience touches on nearly every one of these — yet sheemphasizes that she didn't share her story for years and only learned about NDE research after the fact. Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast [⁠https://www.cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast⁠], text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!

Women in Ministry (Part 2) — Soft Complementarianism, Where Cherry Hills Lands, and Personal Stories

In Part 2 of the women in ministry conversation, Steve and Jenny introduce the third theological view — soft complementarianism — and explore how each view objects to the others. They unpack hermeneutics (the rules we use to interpret Scripture) and slippery slope arguments. Then Steve shares where Cherry Hills Church lands as a body, and the episode turns deeply personal as Jenny shares her journey as a woman with leadership gifts and Steve reflects on how his perspective has been shaped over the years. They close with a powerful word about unity, focusing on Jesus, and not letting "passing lane issues" divide the church. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction — Continuing the Conversation •       [00:35] Recap of Last Week's Two Views •       [00:48] View 3: Soft Complementarianism Explained •       [01:43] Headship as Office-Specific, Not Universal •       [02:40] Objections: How Egalitarians Critique Complementarianism •       [03:50] The Slippery Slope Fallacy — Inevitability vs. Causation •       [04:39] Hermeneutics 101 — How We Interpret Scripture •       [05:32] Fixed Meaning vs. Changing Application — The Head Coverings Example •       [07:03] Objections to Soft Complementarianism — Is It Inconsistent? •       [07:38] Where Cherry Hills Lands: Soft Complementarianism •       [08:55] Jenny's Personal Story — From Volunteer to Staff Leader •       [10:24] "Too Much and Not Enough at the Same Time" •       [10:58] Jesus as the Ultimate Servant Leader •       [11:46] Steve's Personal Reflection on Women in Leadership •       [13:32] Final Word: To the Men and Women in the Church •       [14:40] Steve on "Passing Lane Issues" and Unity (Romans 14) •       [16:32] Closing & How to Submit Questions Where Cherry Hills Church Lands Cherry Hills Church holds the position of soft complementarianism. They believe this best honors the Genesis2 vision of biblical headship while also celebrating that women and men are equally gifted. They joyfully affirm women's calling to leadership and teaching — including the title of "pastor" — while still holding that the office of elder is reserved for qualified men. Key Scripture References Genesis 2 (Ezer/helper) 1 Corinthians 11:5 (women prophesying) 1 Timothy 2 Acts 18:26 (Priscilla and Aquila) Romans 16 (women co-laborers) Philippians 2:5-8 (Christ as servant) Romans 14 (disputable matters) Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast [https://cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast], text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!

Women in Ministry (Part 1) — Complementarianism and Egalitarianism Explained

After receiving multiple questions on this topic, Pastor Steve and Jenny Elliott finally tackle one of the most discussed and debated issues in the modern church: the role of women in ministry. With grace, humility, and rigorous study, they begin a multi-part series by laying out where all Christians agree (Genesis 1:26-27 — men and women are equally created in God's image) and then walk through the first two of three theological views: complementarianism and egalitarianism. They unpack the key biblical texts each view rests on — including the Hebrew word "Ezer" (helper), the Genesis creation order, 1 Timothy 2, Galatians 3:28, and the role of women like Priscilla, Deborah, and Junia. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction — Steve and Jenny Tackle Women in Ministry •       [00:50] The Three Listener Questions (Melinda, Scott, and Tess) •       [01:51] Wrestling With This Topic — A Word About Unity and Grace •       [03:42] Roadmap: Three Views, Their Counters, and Where Cherry Hills Lands •       [04:36] Where All Orthodox Christians Agree — Genesis 1:26-27 •       [05:13] The Real Disagreement: Authority and Responsibility, Not Worth •       [06:01] Introducing the Three Views: Complementarianism, Egalitarianism, and Soft Views •       [06:59] View 1: Complementarianism Explained •       [07:27] The Hebrew Word "Ezer" — A Strong Helper, Not a Subordinate •       [09:05] The Created Order and the Concept of Headship •       [09:44] Ephesians 5 — Headship as Servanthood, Not Domination •       [11:03] Headship Rooted in the Trinity — 1 Corinthians 15:28 •       [12:11] 1 Timothy 2:12-13 — Teaching, Authority, and Creation Order •       [12:56] Eldership Reserved for Men — 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 •       [14:22] View 2: Egalitarianism Explained •       [14:38] Galatians 3:28 — "Neither Male nor Female" •       [14:52] Acts 2 and Joel's Prophecy — "Sons and Daughters Will Prophesy" •       [15:30] Women Leaders Throughout Scripture — Deborah, Huldah, Junia, Mary Magdalene, Esther, Miriam, Anna •       [16:06] Priscilla and Aquila — Acts 18:26 and the Word "Explained" •       [17:25] Egalitarian Response to 1 Timothy 2 — Cultural Context •      [18:22] Closing — Continuing Next Week with View 3 and Where We Land People's Questions Answered From Melinda: "Why can't women be in leadership positions in the church?" From Scott: "What is the belief of Cherry Hills Church regarding women serving in the role of pastor and/or deacon? What is thechurch doctrine and what does Scripture say about these issues?" From Tess: "Is it okay for churches to have women pastors? What about elders or deacons? I've heard both support for women pastors and discouragement depending on one'sdenomination. As a woman who has both female and male pastors in my family, this is a major question I have always wrestled with." Key Scripture References * Genesis 1:26-27 * Genesis 2:18-25 * 1 Corinthians 11:3 * 1 Corinthians 15:28 * Ephesians 5:22-33 * 1 Timothy 2:12-13 * 1 Timothy 3 * Titus 1:5-9 * Galatians 3:28 * Acts 2:17-18 * Acts 18:26 * Joel 2:28-29 * Romans 16:7 (Junia) * Judges 4-5 (Deborah) * 2 Kings 22 (Huldah) * John 20:17 (Mary Magdalene) Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes.   Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!

Quick Questions Part 2 — Weekly Communion and the Messianic Secret

Steve and Brian wrap up their two-week run of shorter questions. First: why does Cherry Hills take communion every week instead of monthly? Brian shares fascinating church history about the American frontier, circuit-riding preachers, and how monthly communion became the norm — and why Cherry Hills shifted to weekly five years ago. Then they tackle one of the strangest patterns in the Gospels: why does Jesus tell some healed people to share their story while telling others to keep quiet? The answer comes down to the "Messianic Secret" and the very different expectations of Jews and Gentiles. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction •       [00:54] Why Do We Take Communion Weekly Instead of Monthly? (Anonymous Question) •       [01:12] Brian's Childhood — Communion Sunday and Grape Juice Shots •       [02:10] What the Bible Says About Frequency: "As Often As You Do This" •       [03:10]Not a Black-and-White Issue — Different Churches, Different Rhythms •       [03:52]The Surprising History — Frontier Circuit-Riding Preachers •       [04:51]Only Ordained Ministers Could Preside — How Monthly Communion Became Standard •       [05:43] Why Cherry Hills Made the Switch 5 Years Ago •       [06:08] The Heart Behind It — Posture Matters More Than Frequency •       [07:30] Why Did Jesus Tell Some to Speak and Others to Stay Silent? (Anonymous Question) •       [08:01] Mark 5 — The Demon-Possessed Man in Gentile Territory •       [09:13] Mark 5 — Jairus's Daughter in Jewish Territory •       [09:53] The "Messianic Secret" Explained •       [10:33] Jewish vs. Gentile Expectations of the Messiah •       [11:24] Peter Rebukes Jesus — Mark 8 and the Suffering Messiah •       [12:02] Philippians 2 — The Upside-Down Kingdom •       [13:22] The Samaritan Woman at the Well — Same Strategy •      [13:46] Closing & How to Submit Questions People's Questions Answered Anonymous: "Why do we partake in communion everyweek instead of once a month?" Anonymous: "In Mark5, Jesus heals a man who had been possessed by demons. Why does Jesus tell him to go and tell his family all that happened? And later in the same chapter, Jesus heals a 12-year-old girl and tells her not to tell anyone. Why the two different commands?" Key Scripture References * Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22 (Last Supper) * 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 ("as often as you do this") * Acts 2:42 (breaking of bread) * Mark 5:1-20 (demon-possessed man) * Mark 5:21-43 (Jairus's daughter) * Mark 8:31-33 (Peter's rebuke) * Philippians 2:5-8 (Christ's humility) * John 4 (Samaritan woman) * John 6 (crowds want to crown Jesus) Connect With Us Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast [https://cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast], text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes.   Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!

Long Life Spans, Resurrection Differences, and Seats in Heaven

Steve and Brian tackle three shorter questions in this rapid-fire episode. Why did people in the early Old Testament live for hundreds of years? Why do the four Gospels describe theresurrection morning differently? And who is Jesus referring to in Mark 10:40 when he talks about sitting at his right and left hands? Along the way, Steve introduces his "Tinkerbell Theory" of declining lifespans, and they unpack what it really means to be great in the kingdom of God. Episode Timestamps •       [00:00] Introduction — Steve Is Back! •       [01:14] Why Did Early OT People Live So Long? (Amber & Diana's Question) •       [02:00] Theory 1: The Canopy/Environmental Theory •       [03:08] Theory 2: Ages as Symbolic/Theological •       [04:10] Theory 3: The "Tinkerbell Theory" — Gradual Decline After the Fall •       [05:52] Genesis 6:3 — The 120-Year Limit •       [07:14] Why Do the Gospels Describe the Resurrection Differently? (Chris's Question) •       [07:30] The Illinois Basketball Game Analogy •       [08:10] Four Gospels, Four Audiences: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John •       [09:00] What All Four Gospels Agree On •       [10:31] Who Sits at Jesus' Right and Left? (Daniel's Question) •       [10:58] Mark 10 — The Request of James and John •       [12:06] Context: Jesus Blesses Children and Meets the Rich Young Ruler •       [14:17] The Upside-Down Kingdom — Greatness Through Servanthood •       [16:00] The Real Meaning: Humility, Surrender, Service •      [16:41] Closing & How to Submit Questions People's Questions Answered From Amber & Diana: "Why did the early OldTestament people live so long (hundreds of years), and now we don't live aslong?" From Chris: "The Gospels describe theresurrection morning differently. How do you explain this?" From Daniel: "Whowas Jesus referring to in Mark 10:40 when it talks about sitting at Jesus'right and left hands on the throne? Who belongs in those seats?" Three Theories on Long Old Testament Life Spans •       The Canopy/Environmental Theory: A pre-flood water "canopy" blocked radiation and created ideal conditions. Most creationists have abandoned this view due to lack of scientific evidence. •       The Symbolic/Theological Theory: The ages aren't literal but emphasize humanity's fall, God's patience, and the weight of early covenant history. •       The "Tinkerbell Theory" (Steve's view): Humanitywas created without death. After the Fall, the effects of sin and genetic corruption gradually wore off the original perfection, like fading pixie dust. Genesis 6:3 sets the 120-year limit — only Moses and Jehoiada the priest lived that long afterward. Key Scripture References ·     Genesis 1:7 (the vault and the waters) ·     Genesis 6:3 (120-year limit) ·     Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus blesses children) ·     Mark 10:17-31 (rich young ruler) ·     Mark 10:35-45 (James and John's request) Connect With Us Submit your questions at https://cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast [https://cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast], text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes.   Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review!