Episode 24 - Mission, Vision, and Camp Ichthus

Episode 24 - Mission, Vision, and Camp Ichthus

In today's episode, the full complement of hosts have returned to talk about the last two weeks: Camp Ichthus (ick-thoos), baptisms and who can perform them, behind-the-scenes discussion of preaching, and the totally-non-cult practice of circle Devo. We also discuss the evolving mission, vision, and identity of Western Heights, and what this has to do with giftedness, 1 Peter 4:10, and "Service is Not Optional." Chapters 00:00 Exciting Weeks 16:03 Camp Ichthus, Circle Devo 29:41 Mission and Vision Statements 43:16 The Whos and Why of Baptism 01:02:13 Giftedness and Service

Episode 23 - Semiquincentennial

Mitch, Rusty, and Terrance are back again this week, starting with 4th of July talk, and reflecting on this past Sunday. We dive into a transformational view of Christianity, the role of baptism in our faith, and what it means to read Scripture literally vs poetically.  Keywords Fourth of July, movies, community, worship, blessings, family, church, celebrations, greatest commands, transformation, discipleship, grace, baptism, faith, preaching baptism, faith, scripture interpretation, church practices, theological discussions, obedience, new covenant, Christian belief Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on Sunday 14:59 Blessings in Worship 27:01 Death and Rebirth 32:16 Grace and Baptism 48:27 Baptism in Faith 54:54 Interpreting Scripture

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