Ministry Matters: Audio

Tattoos and Faith

Fri, 24 May 2013 18:23:00 GMT

By Shane Raynor

In this episode of Ministry Matters Radio, we discuss tattoos and spirituality and we consider the question, "Should a Christian get a tattoo?" Guests are Kim Goad and Janet Bostwick Kusiak, authors of Inked: Choosing God's Mark to Transform Your Life.

For a free study guide to use with Inked, visit InkedByGod.com.

Listen or Subscribe: iTunes | BlogTalkRadio | RSS | Hipcast

Too Old for Ordination?

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:31:00 GMT

By Shane Raynor

The bigger question is not if it's okay to discourage people over 45 from going through the ordination process, but rather, why aren't we discouraging everyone from going through it?

Listen or Subscribe: iTunes | Audioboo | Soundcloud | RSS

Views expressed here are not necessarily those of Ministry Matters, UMPH, or any related organization or agency.

A Methodist and a Muslim Burial

Sun, 12 May 2013 02:03:00 GMT

By Shane Raynor

A United Methodist woman in Virginia has placed herself in the middle of a controversy involving the burial of Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Martha Mullen seems to be making the charge that no one wanted to bury Tsarnaev because he was Muslim, but the evidence simply doesn't support her claim.

Listen or Subscribe: iTunes | Audioboo | Soundcloud | RSS

Views expressed here are not necessarily those of Ministry Matters, UMPH, or any related organization or agency.

Hands That Sweep

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:49:00 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

This series is titled “These Hands: What Are You Doing with Your Life?” God made us all uniquely. Our hands can offer things that are uniquely us. Many of us feel our hands can’t be used by God, but he will use all of who we are—our pasts included. Whatever we do with our hands, we can do it to honor God. In being faithful in the small things we can find meaning in what God has called us to do.

Resurrection is Real!

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:05:00 GMT

By Stephen Handy

Stephen Handy is the senior pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN. Stephen is a visionary strategist and partnership collaborator of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. He is a passionate communicator that desires to speak God’s truth so all people of different cultures, experiences, neighborhoods, and all of God’s unique diversity can be reconciled through the unity in Jesus Christ.

Jesus, the Interrupter

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:50:00 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

God interrupted history when he sent Jesus, and the world was never the same.

Join Jacob Armstrong as he presents the "Interruptions" series and looks at the people who interrupted Jesus, the people Jesus interrupted, and how he wants to interrupt your life, too.

Interruptions as Opportunity

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:55:00 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

God interrupted history when he sent Jesus, and the world was never the same.

Join Jacob Armstrong as he presents the "Interruptions" series and looks at the people who interrupted Jesus, the people Jesus interrupted, and how he wants to interrupt your life, too.

What is the Whole Point of Church?

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:37:00 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

What is the reason we bother with church? And why does the way we do church affect how we do worship ministry? These are some of the questions we begin to deal with in this episode of the podcast.

David Lindner and Kevin Kruse publish the Worship Ministry Catalyst blog and podcast, a networking resource for worship leaders and worship team members, helping facilitate worship in the local church. Click here to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. You can also connect on Twitter and Facebook.

Planning for Christmas Services

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:52:27 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

In this episode David and Kevin talk about planning Christmas services. The topic came up in the last episode of the podcast when we learned that Kevin had just finished his planning when he had hoped to be done with it quite a while ago.

As always, we love your feedback, and you can use the links below to get in touch with us!

Twitter | Facebook | Voicemail: 360-818–4339 | Email David | Email Kevin
Don’t forget you can subscribe to our podcast through iTunes as well.

Podcast audio file

Boat Time with Jesus

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:21:11 GMT

By Kasey Hitt

This guided prayer written by Kasey Hitt, will last approximately 10 minutes. During the first 4 minutes Kasey will walk you through a series of instructions or questions, followed by a short time of silence. Then there will be a longer time of silence lasting 5 minutes. If guided prayer is new to you, just relax and be patient with the process and yourself. Over time you may discover how engaging prayer with your imagination deepens your relationship with God.

This prayer may be used by individuals or groups, to see how it was integrated into a Church Council meeting, read the article Boat-time: Finding Refuge at Church Council.

Kasey Hitt is a spiritual director having been drawn to spiritual direction after finding herself in the middle of burnout in a growing ministry.

Speak Responsibly

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:52:57 GMT

By Stephen Handy

The Doughnuts Cry Out

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:43:51 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

Jacob Armstrong is the pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Connect with Jacob: Facebook | Twitter

Preparing Your Team for Worship

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:24:58 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

In this episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst podcast, David and Kevin talk about worship. Yes, we’re actually talking about worship on a worship podcast, surprising – we know. However, it’s a very important aspect of Worship Ministry. Often, we spend a lot of time preparing people for the performance of worship, and then spend little-if any-time preparing people to worship. That’s exactly what we talk about!

Leading Through Change

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:12:09 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

This week's episode is about having multiple services in different locations. David’s church is just a few weeks into a change which includes two simultaneous services. David and Kevin discuss some of the issues that David and his church have faced.

Promise of the Holy Spirit

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:50:10 GMT

By Stephen Handy

Prayer for Dummies

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:18:08 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

Jacob Armstrong is the pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Connect with Jacob: Facebook | Twitter

Multisite Worship

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:32:32 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

Helping Moms Connect

Wed, 02 May 2012 19:03:35 GMT

By Tracey Bianchi

Tracey Bianchi, author of Mom Connection: Creating Vibrant Relationships in the Midst of Motherhood talks about how churches can minister to women by helping moms find support and space to nurture their own souls.

Leaving Church, and Coming Back

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:22:08 GMT

By Matt and Jessica Kelley

The perennial discussion of why (young) people leave church and why they come back has taken on a new flavor in recent weeks as people ask not just what people are really looking for, spiritually, but what kind of churches that search leads them to. In this podcast, Matt and Jessica Kelley talk theology, style, and the intangibles of church appeal.

Related reading around the web includes:

Rachel Held Evans' Mainline and Me and Christian Piatt's Seven Reasons Why Young Adults Quit Church and Four Reasons I Came Back to Church.

______________________________________________________________

Matt Kelley is pastor of Arlington United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn.
Jessica Miller Kelley is on staff with Ministry Matters.

Technological Advances and Woes

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:44:31 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

(Preface: Sorry for the audio glitches – we were using some new technology this week, and had some time code issues…)

In this week’s episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast, David and Kevin talk about some new technology, some advances of our own Kevin Kruse and some woes that come in other areas of Technology!

Clean Heart

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:37:04 GMT

By Jacqui King

Jeremiah 31:31-34 * Psalm 51:1-12 * Hebrews 5:5-10 * John 12:20-33

Jacqui King is pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX. Pastor King holds an M.Div. from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Pennsylvania State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Drew University with a focus on global leadership development.

Questions for Jesus: What Are You Doing?

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:28:39 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

Jacob Armstrong is the pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Connect with Jacob: Facebook | Twitter

Giving Up—Expectations

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:17:34 GMT

By Stephen Handy

Giving Up—Expectations

The Promise

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:39:13 GMT

By Jacqui King

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Psalm 22:23-31
Romans 4:13-25
Mark 8:31-38 or Mark 9:2-9

Setting Goals

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:31:53 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

In this week’s episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst podcast, David and Kevin talk about setting goals. We discuss the basic principles and the premise that if we never do the work of setting goals, we’ll keep doing the same things over and over and over.

What Is Palm Sunday?

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:55:20 GMT

By Jacqui King

The Distracted Life

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:37:31 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

Jacob Armstrong is the pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Connect with Jacob: Facebook | Twitter

Run

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:32:03 GMT

By Jacqui King

"Run"

2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Mark 1:40-45

Portable Churches, Portable Worship

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:19:45 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

This week we talk about our experience with Portable Churches, worship and sound systems. We also talk about some of the things we’ve learned over the years in this area that might be beneficial for you if you find yourself in that environment!

Weekly Bible Study

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:34:34 GMT

By Jacqui King

As the journey of faith-building grows, studying God’s Word is crucial. Study @ is a creative way of studying scripture in a relevant manner that offers options for all to grow spiritually at any time of the day.

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

The Genesis of Relationships

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:46:59 GMT

By Mike Slaughter

Mike Slaughter is Lead Pastor of Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio. In his thirty years as pastor, Ginghamsburg has grown from just 90 people in worship to a thriving mission center where thousands of people serve Jesus by serving the least of these.

Connect with Mike: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Basic Music Principles for Worship Bands

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:35:58 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

In our 103rd episode, we talk about some of the basics that might help worship bands know the mechanics of Music a little better. We’re trying to help people get off the page, playing each chord as we get to them – and into the music.

On the Road Again

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:31:03 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

Jacob Armstrong is the pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Connect with Jacob: Facebook | Twitter

New Car Smell

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:23:45 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

Jacob Armstrong is the pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Connect with Jacob: Facebook | Twitter

My Brother's Keeper

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:52:47 GMT

By Frank A. Thomas

Dr. Frank Anthony Thomas has been an ordained minister and pastor for 26 years. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee.

Recovering from Christmas

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:26:28 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

We are finally back with a new episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast. Christmas really pounded the both of us, and that’s exactly what we talk about in this episode. We talk about Christmas, and we talk about how to recover from Christmas. We also talk about pizza!

By the Spirit

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:20:43 GMT

By Jacqui King

By the Spirit—The Baptism of the Lord

Raising a Miracle

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:55:18 GMT

By Mike Slaughter

Many are called, but few are chosen. Many want to enjoy God's great gifts, but few are willing to be the manger where true miracles can be born.

MP3 | Video

Connect with Mike: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Finding God at Waffle House

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:44:27 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

The First Christmas Story happened over 2000 years ago in a land far away from here. And yet, the story of Jesus' birth still captivates the world today.

Jacob Armstrong is the pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Connect with Jacob: Facebook | Twitter

Restore Us, Lord

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:37:22 GMT

By Jacqui King

Dealing with Disappointment

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:14:15 GMT

By Jacob Armstrong

The First Christmas Story happened over 2000 years ago in a land far away from here. And yet, the story of Jesus' birth still captivates the world today. MP3

Jacob Armstrong is the pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Connect with Jacob: Facebook | Twitter

Giving Up on Perfect

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:04:38 GMT

By Mike Slaughter

How is it that even the most committed of faith travelers look to Christmas as the ultimate fulfillment of a year's worth of hopes and dreams? We lean on this one day for happiness it was never meant to provide - or was it? Could it be that letting go of our selfish wants might open us to discover the Gift offered for our truest needs?

MP3 | Video

Connect with Mike: Facebook | Twitter | Website

New Life: Getting Ready

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:38:31 GMT

By Jacqui King

New Life—Getting Ready: MP3

What Is Advent?

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:55:51 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Songs and Stories

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:49:58 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

In this episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast, David and Kevin talk about the concert that David had recently attended. The Steven Curtis Chapman, Songs & Stories Tour. As we say on the podcast, if you haven’t been to it, you should go! And there’s plenty of time to go catch a concert!!!

We also talk about the solution Keven & the guys from AGI came up with for their Subs and some other fun stuff!

Worship Evangelism

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:15:11 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

Does Worship Evangelism work? Is it even a good idea? What do we mean when we talk about worship evangelism? Should we be doing worship evangelism? All these questions and more are the questions we talk about in this episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast!

David Lindner and Kevin Kruse publish the Worship Ministry Catalyst blog and podcast, a networking resource for worship leaders and worship team members, helping facilitate worship in the local church. Click here to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. You can also connect on Twitter and Facebook.

Worship Ministry Catalyst

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:15:53 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

In this 100th episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst we talk about a lot of the great memories we’ve made over the 100 episodes of this podcast.

We specifically want to thank you for listening to this podcast for so long! We love doing this and we’re thankful for all the feedback we’ve gotten from you and your sharing with us how we’ve helped you in various ways. Just so you understand, we’re not experts. We’re just a couple of worship pastors just like you and we wanted to share what we know with you, in the hopes that it helps you do what you do better!

Thanks for all the listens and thank you for staying tuned and sharing the word about the Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast!

Embracing Everyday Saints

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:57:54 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

When Things Go Wrong

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:03:54 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

In this episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast, David and Kevin talk about how to respond when difficult situations arise. If an amp goes down in your sound system, what do you do? If your lyric computer crashes what do you do? We’re not necessarily talking about your back-up plans for these situations, we’re talking about how you specifically respond as a leader in these situations.

Bible Study Podcast 10/20/11

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:58:04 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Worship Auditions

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:23:36 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

On this episode, David & Kevin talk the ins and out of doing auditions for worship ministry. We all have to do them at some point in time. We either do them before we let someone participate, or we let them participate as their audition (and sometimes regret we didn’t audition them first).

Lectionary Bible Study

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:15:20 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

The Patriotic Music Debate

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:54:26 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

This week, David and Kevin talk about what we did in our churches to remember September 11th, 2001. We also talk about the struggle some churches face in whether or not to do things like this, especially when it comes to patriotic themes.

Lectionary Bible Study

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:52:29 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Starting a New Worship Leading Role

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:06:05 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

In this episode of the Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast David and Kevin talk about some of the key things we need to do as worship leaders when we start leading worship in a new role/new church. In case you haven’t heard, David has started in a new position at the Vancouver First Church of God. And in this position, He really wants your advice on what he should be doing!

Bible Study Podcast 9/8/11

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:05:29 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Bible Study Podcast 8/18/11

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:35:17 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Honoring Our Heritage

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:31:50 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

This week we’re talking about two topics that come together as one. We are talking some about our musical heritage – honoring the people who have paved the way for us to be doing what we’re doing today, and we are also continuing to talk about the different formats of services that Kevin started talking about in the last episode of the podcast.

Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:05:18 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

In this episode of the podcast we talk about a lot of stuff. Since we’d been off for a while, we had a lot to catch up on. We do talk about some worship stuff though, so you’ll want to listen to this episode for sure! Whether you’re new or have been listening for quite some time, we would love to hear from you!

Bible Study Podcast 7/28/11

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:18:25 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Aging and Faith Podcast

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:55:20 GMT

By Missy Buchanan

Author Leigh Lowden knows what it is to have your life changed by an 87 year-old Alzheimers patient. Tune in to hear her story and discover God in unlikely situations.

Missy Buchanan is the author of Don't Write My Obituary Just Yet (Upper Room Books) and also writes a monthly column, Aging Well, for the United Methodist Reporter. She is a popular speaker on topics of aging and faith.

Subscribe to the Aging and Faith podcast, and visit Missy's website.

Bible Study Podcast 7/14/11

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:42:54 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Interview w/ Jon Acuff

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:58:57 GMT

By Shane Raynor

Do you know what your "dream job" is? Have you ever thought about leaving your day job to chase that dream? Jon Acuff has some thoughts on the subject. After graduating from college, Jon held eight full time jobs in eight years. He's now a blogger, speaker, best-selling author, and member of the Dave Ramsey team.

This is my recent interview with the best selling author of Stuff Christians Like. His latest book, Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job and Your Dream Job is now available, and has already made the Wall Street Journal's business bestseller list.

Jon is headlining the Quitter Conference, a one day event, July 30 in Nashville.

Bible Study Podcast 6/30/11

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:08:17 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

What Is Trinity Sunday?

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:34:31 GMT

By Jacqui King

The first Sunday after Pentecost is the Festival of the Holy Trinity. On this day, the church rejoices in the impenetrable mystery that God is triune (three-in-one) -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How the Lord can be one God in three distinct persons is completely beyond the ability of any human to understand. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians accept this incomprehensible mystery as a fundamental article of faith.

How God can be one God in three Persons is a mystery. While it is clearly taught in the Bible (for example, in Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 13:14), it can never be understood or rationalized -- it can only be accepted by faith. Since faith comes only through the Holy Spirit working through the means of grace, it is appropriate that this glorious mystery is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost, the great festival of the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Jacqui King is the pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

What Happened on Pentecost?

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:20:59 GMT

By Jacqui King

In many Christian churches, Pentecost Sunday is celebrated to recognize the gift of the Holy Spirit, realizing that God’s very life, breath and energy lives in believers. During this service, John 20:19-23 may be the core of the message about our risen Savior supernaturally appearing to the fear-laden disciples.

The celebration of Pentecost Sunday reminds us of the reality that we are all have the unifying Spirit that was poured out upon the first century church in Acts 2:1-4. It is a reminder that we are co-heirs with Christ, to suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him; that the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7); that we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13); and that the Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead lives inside believers (Romans 8:9-11). This gift of the Holy Spirit that was promised and given to all believers on the first Pentecost is promised for you and your children and for all who are far off whom the Lord our God will call (Acts 2:39).

Jacqui King is the pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Bible Study Podcast 6/2/11

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:08:33 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Planning a Worship Service

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:15:51 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

Perhaps it’s second nature for you, but maybe for others it’s brand new. Today, we’re talking about planning a worship service and picking a worship set, focusing a lot on the flow of the service.

We talk about the “Big Three” things to keep in mind while planning a worship set: 1.) Theme 2.) Key 3.) Tempo. Of course we talk about a lot more when it comes to planning a worship set, but we do talk about these in particular.

If you’re new at leading worship this is a very hands on, practical episode for you. If you practice these three things that we talk about in this podcast, your worship sets will flow right away.

Bible Study Podcast 5/26/11

Mon, 30 May 2011 16:06:08 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
Enter: 47694# (Call ID)
Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Online:

Join the call or just listen along.

Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Interview w/ Mike Slaughter

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:22:56 GMT

By Shane Raynor

I had the opportunity this week to talk with Mike Slaughter, the lead pastor of Ginghamsburg Church and author of Change the World. Here are a few highlights. The complete interview is accessible using the audio player above.

SHANE: What year did you arrive at Ginghamsburg?

MIKE: I came to Ginghamsburg in 1979, so I’ve just completed 32 years here in ministry.

SHANE: Wow, that’s kind of an anomaly in the United Methodist Church, wouldn’t you say?

MIKE: I know, I know. And this is my third appointment. I’ve been at Ginghamsburg in five different decades beginning in the 70’s, and I’m only in my 50’s, so that’s a pretty good deal.

SHANE: What’s the weekend attendance now at Ginghamsburg?

MIKE: Twice a year we do an update with our key investors, those who are faithful in giving at Ginghamsburg, and we just had a report out. For the first four months of this year, it was 5,002 people.

SHANE: Do you do services all weekend?

MIKE: We do 5 weekend services on the main campus, three on our Dayton campus, and on our middle campus (between the other two campuses), we do a small Sunday morning worship service, for folks who want a smaller experience, and the message is a video. Then on Monday night, in the original little two-room country chapel that was built in 1876, there’s a small, video kind of venue, that for some people, becomes a make-up of the weekend, but for a core group of about 25 people, it functions more like their house church. We also have Gateway Cafe on Monday nights, which is church for our food pantry clients. Our cell groups always serve a hot meal, and there’s worship and communion. That averages about 250 people.

SHANE: Ginghamsburg has been called a recovering megachurch. Do you think that’s the case?

MIKE: I think that’s somewhat the case. We fell a bit into that in the 1990’s, where we got caught up somewhat in all the church growth principles: 80% rules, create new space, maximize parking, etc. Our 130 acre main campus was referred to tongue-in-cheek as the Disneyland campus, complete with a conference center, and so forth. So in a way, we did “recover”, or wake up from that corporate model of church. But in another sense, the missional DNA has been a part of our movement all along. But I would say there was a little blip in the 1990’s where we got a little over-focused on building that mega kind of campus. So we never did follow through and build the sanctuary and the things we were planning to do-- which I’m thankful for in the economy we live in today.

SHANE: Do you see other megachurches becoming more missional? Do you think this is a trend?

MIKE: I do see a trend, because megachurches have the potential, if we give ourselves away, to do what denominations used to do before denominations became so top-heavy... if we’re careful about our costs, if we’re focused more on equipping other churches-- if we begin to focus on multiplying, as Ginghamsburg is doing with restarts. We look at churches in urban areas that are ready to close, then we move in, restart those churches, and we’re having some phenomenal results. One we restarted 2 and a half years ago is averaging 387 folks on weekends now.

SHANE: You mention in Change the World that there’s a disproportionate amount of buildings and resources in rural areas as opposed to urban. Are denominations beginning to recognize this? Why is it such a problem?

MIKE: I hope we are. Shane, 84% of Americans now live in or around urban areas. But I’m United Methodist, so I speak out of the context of what I know best. 74% of our capital resources (that’s our buildings) are where only 16% of the American population lives. The Methodist Church flourished in the 1800’s and early 1900’s in small towns and rural areas. But now we continue to send pastors to church buildings instead of populations. And if we’re really going to reach people, we’re going to have to radically rethink our paradigms of what it’s going to mean to be missional.

SHANE: Will multi-campus churches replace the megachurch as we know it?

MIKE: There’s always going to be a megachurch, but the megachurch is not really replicable. How many people have gone to conferences at Willow Creek, Saddleback, Ginghamsburg, and other places, yet don’t replicate those places? The key to all megachurches, really, is the anointed leader that God has placed in that position. Anointing is something that God does. It can’t be replicated-- it’s God’s choice. No individual can take credit for it, because it’s a gift. I believe that churches of 200, 300, 400, or 500 are much more replicable than a megachurch.

SHANE: Where do you see the house church movement heading?

MIKE: I think the house church movement definitely has potential. We have 5 here at Ginghamsburg that are pure house churches. We’ve been focusing more of our energy on restarts, but I think the house church has great potential. It’s not going to be the only model. I believe that there are three models of church that can work effectively. One is conventional church, whether a megachurch or a church of 200, 300, 400, or 500. It comes together in worship, disciplaes in small groups, and serves in mission. Another is the “cafe” kind of churches that meet in third places, outside of conventional church buildings. They’re between a house church and a conventional church. And then there are cell churches. I don’t think just one of those is going to work in our culture. We need to look at ways of doing church that represent all 3.

SHANE: Is it possible for a church to become “too missional” and not focus enough on foundational things like theology and Bible study?

MIKE: It all goes together. You can’t separate any of these dimensions because people will not sustain mission if they aren’t growing in the mind and heart of Jesus. It’s just as important to train people in the spiritual disciplines. Discipleship is relational. We learn by seeing the reality of Christ’s life in other people, and by being mentored and coached by other people. So you just can’t separate it. The church needs to look at what it means to be the community of Christ, centered in the Word, living in the power of the spirit. What does it mean to be a member of Christ’s body? What are the responsibilities we agree to and the commitments we make? And how do we hold each other accountable to those commitments?

Stage Presence While Leading Worship

Tue, 24 May 2011 20:28:05 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

Fortunately or unfortunately, what we look like while we’re leading worship does have an effect the people we are trying to lead in worship.

In this episode, David and Kevin talk about their different views on what we should be striving for when we’re on stage leading worship. These views come across a little differently, but in the end it seems as though they end up with more in common than we thought.

Bible Study Podcast 5/19/11

Tue, 24 May 2011 20:22:14 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

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Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Hawking and Heaven

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:39:08 GMT

By Shane Raynor

Stephen Hawking says heaven is a fairy tale. But he can't prove or disprove its existence, so why does he try to speak with such authority?

Shane Raynor is an editor and blogger for Ministry Matters. He can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Cinch. Subscribe to his audio commentary here.

Recording/Easter Review/NBA Playoffs

Mon, 16 May 2011 14:31:48 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

We literally talk about everything in this podcast. I’m serious, if it’s going on, we’re talking about it! NBA Playoffs, Usama Bin Laden, Technology, Easter – you name it.

Seriously, we do talk about a lot in this episode, but we do talk more about Easter & do some review of what we did at our churches on Easter and how well it worked for us. So, if you listened to the last podcast, this is a review of what we talked about then. If you haven’t listened to it, you should go check it out!

Bible Study Podcast 5/12/11

Fri, 13 May 2011 13:51:08 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

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Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Worship Ministry Catalyst

Wed, 11 May 2011 16:21:59 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

Now that David and Kevin have recovered (mostly) from Easter, we’ve got a brand new episode of the podcast for you! In this episode, we talk about what we did for Easter. We also talk about a lot of other stuff, loops and how we used them for Easter, other ways to use loops, Reality TV and what not. I have a feeling you’re going to like this episode. I know we had a lot of fun recording it.

Interview w/ Adam Thomas

Mon, 09 May 2011 13:19:51 GMT

By Shane Raynor

If technology is supposed to save us time, why do we seem to have less time than ever? What are the pros and cons of using technology in ministry? Are cell phones and computers helping us get closer to each other virtually, but really isolating us and hindering face-to-face relationships? Adam Thomas, millennial generation Episcopal priest and author talks with Shane Raynor about his new book Digital Disciple

Ephesians 4:1b-6

Fri, 06 May 2011 18:26:00 GMT

By Common English Bible

The Common English Bible is not simply a revision or update of an existing translation. It is a bold new translation designed to meet the needs of Christians as they work to build a strong and meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

50 Days of Easter

Fri, 06 May 2011 18:11:29 GMT

By Jacqui King

Just as Sunday is the first and the eighth day, so the "great Sunday" of the fifty days of Eastertide/Pentecost begins with the day of the resurrection and continues through eight Sundays, an octave of Sundays, a "week of weeks." It has been suggested that the English expression "Whitsunday" derives from the French huit (eight), Pentecost being le huitième dimanche, the eighth Sunday of Easter.

In the Fourth Gospel, the risen Christ imparts the gift of the Spirit on the evening of Easter Day (John 20:19-23). The Spirit is the gift of the risen Christ. And so in the Easter Season, this "Pentecost Season," we listen to the farewell discourses, with their promise of the coming Advocate, as words to us from the risen Christ.

This should be an encouragement and a sign of hope for us today. Despite war, violence, personal struggles, and an under-performing economy, God has not abandoned us, nor left us to our own devices. The risen savior is still with us. These 50 days of Easter ask us to reflect on his presence, and, even in the face of danger or fear, to live with joy.

Jacqui King is the pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Aging and Faith Podcast

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:07:43 GMT

By Missy Buchanan

The Golden Years should be more than a daily calendar of activities that just fill the time for older adults. Hear Jan Williams , Activities Director for the Arbor House Assisted Living, tell how she approaches her job as a ministry.

Missy Buchanan is the author of Don't Write My Obituary Just Yet (Upper Room Books) and also writes a monthly column, Aging Well, for the United Methodist Reporter. She is a popular speaker on topics of aging and faith.

Subscribe to the Aging and Faith podcast, and visit Missy's website.

Bible Study Podcast 4/28/11

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:50:00 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

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Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Worship Band Rehearsals

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:24:27 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

Time is of the essence. Not only our time, but the time of the people who are serving in our worship ministries. They don’t have a lot of it, and they’re gracious enough to give their time to support the worship ministries in our churches. So, when they show up for a rehearsal, the responsibility falls on our shoulders to make sure we’re doing our absolute best to use their time wisely & efficiently.

That’s why we’re talking about running a worship band rehearsal. We discuss each of our approaches and talk about some of the advantages to each of them. If you’ve ever experienced running a rehearsal, then this podcast will be a great tool for you!

Bible Study Podcast 4/21/11

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:50:59 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

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Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Praying in the Messiness

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:54:24 GMT

By Missy Buchanan

Linda Douty, author of the book, Praying in the Messiness of Life joins Missy and shares thoughts about how one's prayer life relates to the aging journey.

Subscribe to the Aging and Faith podcast, powered by Blog Talk Radio.

Easter: Taking Care of Yourself

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 12:36:56 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

I once heard Craig Groeschel say (I think he was quoting someone else) “I will never sacrifice my family on the altar of Ministry.” That statement hit me hard and stuck with me. That doesn’t make it easy. There are times in worship ministry when we have to have things out of balance in one way or another. There are times when our family will come first, but then there are times when ministry will come first.

With Easter coming, David and Kevin talk about taking care of yourself during the busy seasons of ministry like Easter and Christmas. We also talk about balance. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Bible Study Podcast 4/14/11

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:29:51 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
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Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

The Jesus Question

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 21:44:45 GMT

By Matt and Jessica Kelley

Matt and Jessica Kelley discuss Part IV of Brian McLaren's book, A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that Are Transforming the Faith.

Bible Study Podcast 4/7/11

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:30:19 GMT

By Jacqui King

Recorded Live: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

Dial:(724) 444-7444
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Study @ is hosted by Jacqui King, pastor of First United Methodist Church in College Station, TX.

Youth and Worship Ministry

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:55:58 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

We live in the fastest paced society in history (at least history we know about). And with that pace comes a huge benefit – we get to do some amazing things that wouldn’t have ever been possible in the past. But there are some downfalls. For our youth, a downfall is that our worship ministries aren’t progressing fast enough. As a whole, there’s no way the average worship ministry will keep up with all the new songs our youth watch on YouTube, or with the fast changes in sounds and styles. So, what do we do about that? That’s what we talk about in this episode of the podcast.

Bible Study Podcast 3/31/11

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:20:52 GMT

By Jacqui King

When: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

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Bible Study Podcast 3/24/11

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:15:54 GMT

By Jacqui King

When: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

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Telephone:

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Bible Study Podcast 3/17/11

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:36:26 GMT

By Jacqui King

When: Thursdays at 7:45 pm Central (8:45 pm Eastern)

How to Participate

Telephone:

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Bible Study Podcast 3/10/11

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 22:40:18 GMT

By Jacqui King

Autotune and Worship

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 22:07:37 GMT

By David Lindner & Kevin Kruse

It started with Cher, T-Payne over-used it and everyone since has abused it. We’re talking about Autotune. And we’re not necessarily bashing it all together, but we’re talking about some of the effects it has had on us as worship leaders and our ministries.