“Rebuilding the Guardrails in a Time of Cultural Chaos ”|| Meet Me in the Middle || Episode 61

Advocacy for Those Wounded by the Church || Pt. 1 with Marie Griffith || MMM || Ep. 65

In this episode, Marie Griffith details her personal story of leaving a high-control, spiritual abusive megachurch in 2017 and how it led to her advocacy work for others who may have experienced the same -- including compassion and hope for those who may have been deeply wounded or shunned. We discuss the definition of "spiritual abuse" and seek to shed light on some of the warning signs. You'll hear thoughts on prosperity gospel, negative narratives about those who left, questions or concerns discouraged, and leaders claiming to speak for God in others' lives. Marie's blog series "Giant Church Incorporated" is available at giantchurchincorporated.com and "Live Like it Matters" (livelikeitmatters.net). Video Production: Lisa Jane Bewley [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/736615214/?__cft__[0]=AZaJ3UoDK-iInC4jpCxmkw2ONTgtepOfhFVCYTrI7w09nL_aa6Rfc87dQpEjQNLEifDmiBgNNisYvCZb92GOaZZy2-imBMaDM-Zw9o5P81ls8kVRjYDvpMsLZvUVCTR7Tkdhn1fzc1uPM3oxXrgzsmpjnRuc-sfsqGpJMX7_ngSvaxxKFaeyTSDKIT6-h2xK5zSxJzVRSc6Boeyl_epqFxaa&__tn__=-]K-R] Co-Hosts: Lindsay Pollard [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/1524971298/?__cft__[0]=AZaJ3UoDK-iInC4jpCxmkw2ONTgtepOfhFVCYTrI7w09nL_aa6Rfc87dQpEjQNLEifDmiBgNNisYvCZb92GOaZZy2-imBMaDM-Zw9o5P81ls8kVRjYDvpMsLZvUVCTR7Tkdhn1fzc1uPM3oxXrgzsmpjnRuc-sfsqGpJMX7_ngSvaxxKFaeyTSDKIT6-h2xK5zSxJzVRSc6Boeyl_epqFxaa&__tn__=-]K-R] & Joy Waters Martin [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/1093441177/?__cft__[0]=AZaJ3UoDK-iInC4jpCxmkw2ONTgtepOfhFVCYTrI7w09nL_aa6Rfc87dQpEjQNLEifDmiBgNNisYvCZb92GOaZZy2-imBMaDM-Zw9o5P81ls8kVRjYDvpMsLZvUVCTR7Tkdhn1fzc1uPM3oxXrgzsmpjnRuc-sfsqGpJMX7_ngSvaxxKFaeyTSDKIT6-h2xK5zSxJzVRSc6Boeyl_epqFxaa&__tn__=-]K-R] Please be sure to FOLLOW and SHARE . Thanks!

A Word for the Church || Part 3 with Alex Williams || Meet Me in the Middle

Wrapping up this insightful series with Alex Williams as he gives a solid word to the Church in this day and hour... "Don't give up. Don't give in. You've come too far to quit now. Be consistent and stay on task with its mission." We discuss "consistency," and "getting outside the four walls of the church." How would that look if we lived with the out-pouring love of Jesus in the real living spaces of our communities... laundromats, etc. ? He shares what living out the bigger picture of the good news of the Gospel ... "elbow grease for the gospel." Thanks for joining us. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to Pastor Alex Williams [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/562921493/?__cft__[0]=AZYctK0MYrw9F2l6dId75QquQCnAbTRWnGCiDIfOc_JnAItenI_LDxAcuvM6cbJAzGUgp0oA3RC5CxZbl3vvciLA6Qq7Xxw_EgEVbgGHiN6weiznxRHhAyxnSj8_rCjIKR33W6XLX3TIknqVc20RL1-P&__tn__=-]K-R] on his website (sincereapology.org) as well as other social media sites. Please FOLLOW. SUBSCRIBE. SHARE. And may God bless you, in Jesus' name. Video Production: Lisa Jane Bewley [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/736615214/?__cft__[0]=AZYctK0MYrw9F2l6dId75QquQCnAbTRWnGCiDIfOc_JnAItenI_LDxAcuvM6cbJAzGUgp0oA3RC5CxZbl3vvciLA6Qq7Xxw_EgEVbgGHiN6weiznxRHhAyxnSj8_rCjIKR33W6XLX3TIknqVc20RL1-P&__tn__=-]K-R] Co-Hosts: Lindsay Pollard [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/1524971298/?__cft__[0]=AZYctK0MYrw9F2l6dId75QquQCnAbTRWnGCiDIfOc_JnAItenI_LDxAcuvM6cbJAzGUgp0oA3RC5CxZbl3vvciLA6Qq7Xxw_EgEVbgGHiN6weiznxRHhAyxnSj8_rCjIKR33W6XLX3TIknqVc20RL1-P&__tn__=-]K-R] & Joy Waters Martin [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/1093441177/?__cft__[0]=AZYctK0MYrw9F2l6dId75QquQCnAbTRWnGCiDIfOc_JnAItenI_LDxAcuvM6cbJAzGUgp0oA3RC5CxZbl3vvciLA6Qq7Xxw_EgEVbgGHiN6weiznxRHhAyxnSj8_rCjIKR33W6XLX3TIknqVc20RL1-P&__tn__=-]K-R]

Sincere Apology || Part 2 with Alex Williams || Meet Me in the Middle || Ep. 63

Find out more about the man, the myth and the legend -- Alex Williams -- and hear the story of God's rescue and redemption. In this episode, we have a lot of laughs about 80's hairstyles, embarrassing moments for pastors, and some serious conversation about his passion for "Sincere Apology" -- and not the "I'm sorry-kind-of-apology." What is his definition of "apology" in this application? What are the "church words" that may not be clearly understood today? How can we have conversations with others about the existence of God with humility and grace that promote dialogue instead of debate alone? Do we argue for the sake of being right? What if there is another way to speak with seed-planting in mind instead of bull-dozing? You might want to take a listen... there's more to the story... "Continue to give the Lord Jesus Christ the most honored place in your life. Then you'll be ready to give an answer to people when they ask you about this hope bubbling up inside of you. Don't be afraid to tell them ... but do so with gentleness and respect."I Peter 3:15 (The Clear Word) Video Production: Lisa Jane Bewley [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/736615214/?__cft__[0]=AZb5dS9yKTssapK9RDkiqLy1NKaYuET3OMsb4a5ZbtiBcLEbx-qanVFACKrVxhn7WP7npmIV01AqKpyEmi4Kl9rBFl10RMZd1KSmF6o8wq4RW5kDVQanL4FxQrJWV5WFrPWx1axhQf0i-pdqdRWJkkKrwL1aCdvAANx2T6vzk1PK6_UfF8g7b3hWLKCPNqmfQC1j28qJQsINqA7rfSOzBv-Q&__tn__=-]K-R] Co-Hosts: Lindsay Pollard [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/1524971298/?__cft__[0]=AZb5dS9yKTssapK9RDkiqLy1NKaYuET3OMsb4a5ZbtiBcLEbx-qanVFACKrVxhn7WP7npmIV01AqKpyEmi4Kl9rBFl10RMZd1KSmF6o8wq4RW5kDVQanL4FxQrJWV5WFrPWx1axhQf0i-pdqdRWJkkKrwL1aCdvAANx2T6vzk1PK6_UfF8g7b3hWLKCPNqmfQC1j28qJQsINqA7rfSOzBv-Q&__tn__=-]K-R] & Joy Waters Martin [https://www.facebook.com/groups/780425719070082/user/1093441177/?__cft__[0]=AZb5dS9yKTssapK9RDkiqLy1NKaYuET3OMsb4a5ZbtiBcLEbx-qanVFACKrVxhn7WP7npmIV01AqKpyEmi4Kl9rBFl10RMZd1KSmF6o8wq4RW5kDVQanL4FxQrJWV5WFrPWx1axhQf0i-pdqdRWJkkKrwL1aCdvAANx2T6vzk1PK6_UfF8g7b3hWLKCPNqmfQC1j28qJQsINqA7rfSOzBv-Q&__tn__=-]K-R]

A Surprising Journey to Jesus with Alex Williams || Meet Me in the Middle || Episode 62

California kids reunite. From a challenging childhood in Los Angeles, Alex Williams shares his honest story of culture changes, redeeming rescue, profession pivot and finding the warmth of God in the "igloo church." As he recalls the surprising people who made an influence in his faith journey, may God encourage those of you who are behind the scenes, the quiet ones in the background, the Sunday School teachers, the moms, dads, and friends who became a significant marker in his journey to Jesus.Video Produced by: Lisa Jane BewleyCo-Hosts: Lindsay Pollard and Joy Martin

“Rebuilding the Guardrails in a Time of Cultural Chaos ”|| Meet Me in the Middle || Episode 61

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV) If you're like us, you may be wondering how to live in the tension of the current cultural climate. Recent headlines include the untimely, horrific deaths of Charlie Kirk (Conservative political activist and Executive director Turning Point USA), Iryna Zarutska (Ukrainian refugee), Melissa Hortman (former Minnesota House Speaker) and her husband, Mark, and many other precious children and adults. Along with that, it seems all bets are off as to how many choose to respond – often lashing out at anyone who doesn’t agree with them. This podcast is not about adding more laws. It’s not about which “side” is best. This is about our hearts. Where are the guardrails for our hearts – those healthy, personal, spiritual and physical boundaries that guard our thoughts, actions, relationships and conversations? What are the anchors for our heart to help us navigate our way through this season without falling off the edge of a cliff? Join Lindsay and Joy in conversation as they wrestle through this as two regular people longing to have the heart of Jesus no matter what is happening around us. We talk about “scapegoats and scoreboards” … “listening, being slow to speak, and speaking the truth in love”... "asking curious questions"... "don't hang up or give up." It’s our hope and prayer that, together, we all can share a little more light for the journey ahead. We welcome comments below to keep the conversation going. We just ask that you are kind and considerate and open to dialogue. Scripture quoted in this episode: “The Lord says, 'It is not too late. Return to Me with all your hearts. Come to Me with fasting and weeping over your sins. Tear your hearts, not your clothes. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and full of compassion, patient and abounding in love. He keeps His promise and is waiting to forgive, not to punish.' " (Joel 2:12-13 The Clear Word Bible) Video Produced by: Lisa Jane Bewley [https://www.facebook.com/lisajanebewley?__cft__[0]=AZXbbmKRdyCU2pO_3Dtg_cA0UpQa0YF2djbChd83omV-m9538Q1kdJAmFRyDQnNM6Mz1rY09BPExPVPRLt7fbu55OyCmM4TQ8jUouLrbCTVq5gy5dqgB_uqpS8h-ORP5qzjoHb4hkdg1vHuKByPpVp5XeVyr90Ov5L018FxCoAV6kjuhlG36LNWJ0xGJCGrHvIW-dyLFIAsRjIPoYcZmJAlZdOWCEj5deEAvHwi3ttJa7wm0_7U5LSn97UQlEBS521c&__tn__=-]K-y-R] Co-Hosts: Lindsay Pollard [https://www.facebook.com/lindsay.pollard.77?__cft__[0]=AZXbbmKRdyCU2pO_3Dtg_cA0UpQa0YF2djbChd83omV-m9538Q1kdJAmFRyDQnNM6Mz1rY09BPExPVPRLt7fbu55OyCmM4TQ8jUouLrbCTVq5gy5dqgB_uqpS8h-ORP5qzjoHb4hkdg1vHuKByPpVp5XeVyr90Ov5L018FxCoAV6kjuhlG36LNWJ0xGJCGrHvIW-dyLFIAsRjIPoYcZmJAlZdOWCEj5deEAvHwi3ttJa7wm0_7U5LSn97UQlEBS521c&__tn__=-]K-y-R] and Joy Waters Martin [https://www.facebook.com/joy.w.martin.5?__cft__[0]=AZXbbmKRdyCU2pO_3Dtg_cA0UpQa0YF2djbChd83omV-m9538Q1kdJAmFRyDQnNM6Mz1rY09BPExPVPRLt7fbu55OyCmM4TQ8jUouLrbCTVq5gy5dqgB_uqpS8h-ORP5qzjoHb4hkdg1vHuKByPpVp5XeVyr90Ov5L018FxCoAV6kjuhlG36LNWJ0xGJCGrHvIW-dyLFIAsRjIPoYcZmJAlZdOWCEj5deEAvHwi3ttJa7wm0_7U5LSn97UQlEBS521c&__tn__=-]K-y-R]