What Does It Mean to Be a Churchman? | Pastor Vincent Wong

What Does It Mean to Be a Churchman? | Pastor Vincent Wong

What does it mean to be called by God? For many Christians, the idea of "calling" is often connected to a career, ministry position, or life direction. But what if our understanding of calling starts in the wrong place? In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Vincent Wong of City Bible Church to discuss one of the most important truths every believer needs to understand: our identity in Christ comes before our vocation, career, ministry, or title. Together, we explore what Scripture teaches about the calling of every believer, why our identity must be rooted in Christ, and what it means to faithfully serve God regardless of our season of life. We also discuss the importance of the local church, biblical church membership, and what Pastor Vincent refers to as being a faithful "Churchman." Pastor Vincent shares insights from his own journey through ministry, seasons outside vocational ministry, and how God used those experiences to deepen his understanding of faithful Christian living. Whether you're a pastor, business owner, stay-at-home parent, student, or someone simply trying to discern God's will for your life, this conversation offers practical biblical wisdom and encouragement. Topics Covered: • What is the calling of every believer? • Identity in Christ vs. career identity • The difference between calling and vocation • Why church membership matters • What it means to be a faithful Churchman • Serving God in every season of life • Biblical perspectives on leadership and church life • Finding purpose beyond a job title • Living faithfully in the local church • Equipping the saints for ministry Our hope is that this conversation encourages you to stop asking only, "What does God want me to do?" and begin asking, "Who has God called me to be?" If this episode encouraged you, please consider liking, subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. Your support helps us continue creating conversations that encourage believers to love God, love people, and live out their faith. Connect with Eddiefied: Instagram: @Eddiefied_Podcast Hebrews 10:24 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."

From Resisting Authority to Embracing It | Christian Okeze #27

In this follow-up conversation with Christian Okeze, we movebeyond his powerful testimony of redemption and dive into a topic that impacts every believer: biblical authority, submission, discipleship, and the importance of the local church.   In Part 1, Christian shared how God rescued him fromaddiction, prison, homelessness, and a life of brokenness through the transforming power of the gospel. But after salvation came another important journey—learning what it means to live under God's authority and become rootedin a local church.   What does biblical submission actually look like?   Why do so many believers struggle with authority?   How does God use accountability, correction, discipleship,and church leadership for our good?   And what happens when we try to follow Christ apart from the local church?   Drawing from his own experiences at Union Gospel Mission and his growth as a follower of Jesus Christ, Christian shares how the Lord used godly authority, Christian community, and faithful discipleship to reshape his 0understanding of obedience, humility, and spiritual maturity.   Whether you're a new believer, someone wrestling with church hurt, or simply trying to understand God's design for the Christian life, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom.   In this episode we discuss: - Biblical authority and submission - Why believers struggle with authority - The importance of accountability - Why the local church matters - Trusting God's design for leadership - Walking in obedience to Christ - Encouragement for believers who have been hurt byauthority   Christian's story reminds us that God's authority is notmeant to crush us—it is meant to guide us, protect us, and conform us into the image of Christ.   📖 "Obey your leadersand submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls..." — Hebrews 13:17   📖 "And let usconsider how to stir up one another to love and good works..." — Hebrews 10:24   If this episode encouraged you, please consider liking,subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. It helps us continue reaching more people with stories of God's grace and faithfulness.

Why Christianity Is Not a Solo Act | Justin Schroeder #26

In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits downwith Pastor Justin Schroeder from Redeemer Bible Church for a deep conversationon biblical discipleship, Christian community, and God’s design for spiritualgrowth through life-on-life relationships within the local church.   What does true discipleship actually look like according toScripture? Has modern Christianity replaced biblical discipleship with sermons,podcasts, social media content, and church attendance? Why do so many believersfeel spiritually isolated despite being surrounded by churches and Christianresources?   Throughout this conversation, Justin shares his testimony,pastoral insights, and biblical perspective on why God never intended the Christian life to be lived alone. Together, we discuss the importance of real Christian community, the role of the local church in discipleship, how Jesus modeled relational discipleship with His followers, and why spiritual growth often happens through the inconvenience of walking closely with other believers.   This episode also explores: * What biblical discipleship truly means * The dangers of consumer Christianity * Why discipleship requires vulnerability and intentionality * How believers can pursue deeper Christian community * The difference between knowing truth intellectually and having a transformed heart * How churches can cultivate a healthy culture of discipleship * Why older believers should invest into younger Christians * Spiritual growth during suffering and difficult seasons * The role of pastors and church leadership in discipleship * Why many Christians struggle with accountability and openness * God’s design for growth through the local church Pastor Justin also shares practical encouragement forbelievers who feel disconnected in church, as well as wisdom for pastors whodesire to lead their churches toward healthier, more intentional discipleship.   The Eddiefied Podcast is built around Hebrews 10:24: “Consider how to stir up one another toward love and good works.”   The goal of this podcast is to encourage believers throughreal testimonies, honest conversations, and Christ-centered discussions thatpoint people back to the goodness and faithfulness of God.   If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it withsomebody else who may benefit from it.   Subscribe for more faith-based conversations,testimonies, and biblical discussions.

From Prison, Violence, & the Aryan Brotherhood, to Freedom in Christ | Fred Mendrin #25

In Episode #25 of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits down with Fred Mendrin for one of the most raw, honest, and Gospel-centered conversations we’ve had on the podcast. After spending 15 years in prison and becoming deeply involved in the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang, Fred shares how a life driven by violence, reputation, anger, and broken identity ultimately left him empty — until everything changed through an encounter with Jesus Christ inside a prison cell. This episode is not just about prison or gang life. It’s about something every single person wrestles with: identity and self-worth. Together, Eddie and Fred dive deep into: * finding identity in Christ * overcoming shame and self-hatred * renewing the mind through God’s Word * battling condemnation and past failures * spiritual transformation * healing from broken identity * the danger of finding worth in reputation, performance, or approval * and the freedom that only Jesus can give. Fred also shares how Ephesians 2 became deeply personal in his walk with God — especially the words “But God…” — and how understanding forgiveness, adoption, grace, and redemption completely transformed the way he viewed himself. This conversation is filled with wisdom, vulnerability, biblical truth, and encouragement for anyone struggling with shame, insecurity, comparison, hopelessness, or questions surrounding their identity and purpose. Whether you’re a believer trying to renew your mind daily through God’s Word, or someone who feels too far gone for God to redeem, this episode is a reminder that no one is beyond the grace of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:24 says: “Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” That is the heartbeat behind every Eddiefied episode — encouraging believers through real stories of God’s transforming power. If this episode encouraged you, please consider: * liking the video * subscribing to the channel * sharing this episode with someone who needs hope * and leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thank you for being part of the Eddiefied family. Connect with us: YouTube: @Eddiefied Instagram: @Eddiefied Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Eddiefied Podcast

Law Enforcement, Faith & Calling | David Hogge #24

What does it look like to follow Christ while serving in law enforcement? In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, I sit down with David Hogge (Retired Sergeant with 30 years of dedicated service) for a real and honest conversation about faith, calling, law enforcement, and what it means to honor Christ in high-pressure environments.David shares about his background growing up in California, and how he eventually stepped into a long career in law enforcement. Over the years, he served as an officer, detective, sergeant and Police Academy Commander, working in units ranging from narcotics and gangs to robbery investigations and community policing. But beyond the badge, this conversation goes deeper. We discuss: * David’s testimony and walk with Christ * What it means to view law enforcement as a calling * Christianity and policing from a biblical perspective * How believers can guard their hearts from cynicism and hardness * Emotional and moral challenges officers face * Loving your enemies while working in difficult environments * Romans 13 and controversial questions surrounding Christians in law enforcement * How the Church can pray for and support officers and their families * Encouragement for Christians considering careers in law enforcement or public service This episode is not about politics—it’s about faithfully following Christ wherever God has called you. Whether you work in law enforcement, know someone who does, or simply want to think more biblically about faith, justice, authority, and culture, I believe this conversation will encourage and challenge you. If this episode encouraged you, make sure to share it with someone who may need to hear it. 🎙️ Subscribe to the Eddiefied Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.