In this episode of The Bounce, host Bob LaPine is joined by Dr. Jonathan Arnold and Dr. Zachariah Carter to explore the rich history of prayer in the Christian church. The conversation begins with Bob reflecting on his own journey from advocating spontaneous prayer to appreciating the depth and structure of historical prayers. This episode is particularly insightful for pastors, church planters, and laypeople passionate about deepening their prayer life and corporate worship.

Listeners will be introduced to the new book, Cloud of Witnesses: A Treasury of Prayers and Petitions Through the Ages, edited by Jonathan Arnold and Zach Carter. The book compiles prayers from various epochs of church history, providing a valuable resource for personal devotion and corporate worship.

Key highlights of the episode include:

• The debate between spontaneous and structured prayers and their roles in personal and corporate settings.
• How prayer practices have evolved over time, reflecting the changing needs and contexts of the church.
• The significance of incorporating ancient prayers into modern worship to recognize God's ongoing work through history.
• Practical insights for pastors on leading corporate prayer and fostering a praying church.
• Personal stories and experiences from the hosts and guests that illuminate the transformative power of historical prayers.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the role of prayer in the Christian life and how the wisdom of past saints can enrich our present practices.

Action Items:

• Consider incorporating structured prayers from church history into your corporate worship services.
• Use prayers from historical collections devotionally to improve your personal prayer life and expand the vocabulary of prayer topics.
• Encourage daily reading of historical prayers, using them as outlines to express personal concerns to God.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion that bridges the past and present, offering practical steps to enhance both personal and communal prayer life.

Join us on this transformative episode of "The Bounce" as host Bob Lepine, lead pastor at Redeemer Community Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, engages in a profound discussion with Scott Thomas on what it means to be a gospel-shaped leader. Scott, the past president of Acts 29 and executive pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville, Tennessee, brings a wealth of experience to the table, sharing insights from his extensive background in church leadership and church planting.

In this episode, Scott and Bob delve into the essence of gospel-centered leadership, emphasizing the importance of building our lives and ministries on the foundation of the gospel. Scott introduces key concepts from his book "The Gospel-Shaped Leader," highlighting how self-awareness, self-management, relational awareness, and relational management are crucial for effective and impactful leadership.

Listeners will learn practical steps to integrate gospel principles into their leadership styles, fostering a healthier church culture that thrives on humility, accountability, and teachability. Scott also touches on the significance of empathy and the power of community in supporting leaders through their journey.

Whether you're a seasoned pastor or a new ministry leader, this episode offers valuable guidance on cultivating a leadership approach that aligns with the teachings of Jesus and enhances the overall health and effectiveness of your ministry.

In this insightful episode of "The Bounce," host Bob Lepine, lead pastor at Redeemer Community Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, dives deep into the intricacies of setting up effective counseling programs in churches. Joined by Brad Hambrick, pastor of counseling at The Summit Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, and assistant professor of biblical counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, this conversation sheds light on the practical steps and challenges involved in addressing specialized discipleship needs within congregations.

Brad shares his wealth of experience and knowledge on developing church-based counseling initiatives, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between discipleship and professional counseling needs. He introduces the concept of G4 groups—gospel-centered, group-based counseling ministries designed to handle various life struggles from addiction to emotional issues—highlighting how these groups can serve as a sustainable model for churches of all sizes.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the role of church leadership in mobilizing and equipping lay leaders for counseling roles, creating support systems for both those receiving care and those providing it. Brad also discusses the significance of maintaining collaboration with licensed professionals for comprehensive care.

Whether you're a pastor overwhelmed with counseling demands or a ministry leader seeking to enhance your church's care resources, this episode provides practical advice and encouragement to help you navigate the complexities of church-based counseling.

In this episode of "The Bounce," host Bob Lepine engages with prominent pastors Colin Smith, Herschel York, and Alistair Begg in a roundtable discussion on the state of the church in America and broader evangelical Christianity. The conversation, set against the backdrop of the Basics Conference at Parkside Church, explores a range of topics from the theological depth of modern evangelicalism to the impact of cultural trends on church practices and preaching.

Key points discussed include:

• The perceived decline in theological robustness within broad evangelicalism, contrasted with a rise in theological interest among younger demographics.
• The challenge of maintaining gospel integrity in a culture increasingly driven by emotionalism and individualism.
• Practical insights on preaching effectively—balancing bold proclamation with pastoral sensitivity, especially on contentious issues like sexuality and gender.
• The impact of societal changes on church attendance and commitment, highlighting the need for pastors to adapt without compromising the gospel message.

The pastors collectively stress the importance of focusing on the timeless truths of the gospel amidst rapidly changing cultural and political landscapes. They encourage pastors to foster resilience and creativity in their ministries, aiming to engage both long-time believers and the unchurched with the transformative power of the gospel.

Listeners are left with a sense of both urgency and hope—urgency in addressing the spiritual needs of contemporary society, and hope in the enduring power of the gospel to change lives and influence communities.

In this episode of "The Bounce," host Bob Levine converses with Alistair Begg about the intricacies and personal experiences related to the pastoral call to ministry. They delve into Alistair's personal journey, exploring the early influences and significant moments that shaped his understanding and acceptance of his ministerial calling. The discussion uncovers the multifaceted nature of recognizing and responding to a call to ministry, emphasizing the importance of external affirmation and the challenges of establishing the right priorities and rhythms in pastoral life.

Listeners will find practical advice on managing the demands of pastoral ministry, alongside deep theological insights into the nature of calling and service. This episode is particularly useful for those in ministry or considering a pastoral vocation, offering both encouragement and caution derived from seasoned pastoral experience.

Upcoming Event Mention: Alistair Begg will be the featured speaker at the Great Commission Collective annual conference focused on "Extravagant Grace," taking place from October 21-24 in Davenport, Iowa. More details and registration information can be found on the GCC website.

In this enlightening episode of "The Bounce," host Bob Lepine and author and pastor Cary Schmidt delve into the critical issue of ministerial exhaustion and how to maintain resilience in pastoral roles.

Schmidt, drawing from his extensive experience and his new book, Steady Strength, shares personal insights on reversing the dangerous drift toward depletion that many leaders face. The discussion opens with an exploration of the personal and professional challenges Schmidt has encountered over his 34 years in ministry, particularly focusing on his transformative last 11 years revitalizing a struggling church in New England.

This episode not only illuminates the paradox of pastoral strength—where true power is found in acknowledged weakness and dependency on God—but also offers practical advice on developing a sustainable ministry lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Through a blend of theological insight and practical wisdom, this conversation aims to equip pastors with the tools to thrive in their calling by fostering a gospel-centered life that embraces limitations and cultivates genuine strength.

This episode is a must-listen for any church leaders looking to navigate the complexities of pastoral duties while ensuring their own spiritual health remains a priority.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine engages with Sam Allberry, pastor and author, in a deep dive into the concept of gospel-centered culture within churches. Tackling the challenging realities of pastoral ministry, they explore the themes of honesty, grace, and truth, as discussed in the book You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches, co-authored by Alberry and Ray Ortlund.

The conversation uncovers the often-unspoken struggles within theologically conservative circles to foster environments where vulnerability is not just accepted but encouraged. Alberry shares personal anecdotes and wisdom on creating a church culture where members can freely confess and find support, emphasizing the importance of living out the gospel in community life.

This episode offers listeners a candid look at the nuances of building a gospel-centered church, aiming to equip leaders with the tools to nurture an environment of grace and truth.

In this episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine dives into the world of church residency programs with Dave Harvey, Dave serves as the president of the Great Commission Collective.

They explore how these residency programs are revolutionizing pastoral ministry and church planting, akin to medical residencies, by providing on-the-job training and mentorship for future church leaders. Dave also shares insights from his extensive experience in ministry and his recent book, "Stronger Together," emphasizing the importance of alignment and collaboration among churches. The conversation also covers the practicalities and benefits of establishing residency programs, the pivotal role of mentors, and how the Great Commission Collective supports these initiatives through resources like the church planter residency kit.

This discussion is not just theoretical but deeply practical, offering guidance on how churches of all sizes can contribute to gospel ministry expansion through well-structured residency programs. Join Bob and Dave as they unpack the vision and mechanics behind these transformative programs, highlighting their potential to nurture the next generation of church leaders.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine is joined by Rosaria Butterfield to discuss her latest book, “Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age,” challenging prevalent misconceptions within Christianity. Rosaria addresses the urgent need for mature voices in the ongoing cultural conversation. The discussion navigates through the five lies Rosaria exposes in her book, tackling issues from homosexuality to feminism. 

Throughout, they emphasize the importance of love for enemies, proximity without compromise, and the need for Christians to be well-trained warriors in a hostile world. The episode concludes with a bold call to Christians to engage in the battle for truth with kindness, grace, and an unwavering commitment to biblical principles. 

Rosaria Butterfield has also written “Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert” and “The Gospel Comes with a House Key.” She is married to Kent Butterfield, a Reformed Presbyterian pastor in North Carolina, and is a homeschool mother, author, and speaker.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

-Rosaria’s latest book, “Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age”: https://rosariabutterfield.com/five-lies

-”The Gospel Comes with a House Key” book: https://rosariabutterfield.com/the-gospel-comes-with-a-house-key

-”Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert” book: https://rosariabutterfield.com/secret-thoughts-of-an-unlikely-convert 

- Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

Join host Bob Lepine as he sits down with Sam Black for this impactful episode of The Bounce. Sam is the Director of Life Change Education at Covenant Eyes, and he shares his personal journey and the ministry's mission to address the often overlooked issue of pornography within the church. Covenant Eyes is an accountability software, which serves over 500,000 people weekly, creating a community of support and fostering lasting freedom from pornography. 

The conversation delves into the prevalence of pornography in the church, where at least two thirds of men and one third of women say they have an ongoing struggle with pornography. Sam addresses the three common factors contributing to ongoing struggles: early exposure, repetitive use, and underlying trauma. 

Bob and Sam explore the impact of pornography on various church ministries, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to healing. Sam provides practical insights into breaking the cycle of shame, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, support groups, and equipping pastors to address this issue.

Join Bob and Sam and they discuss the pervasive influence of pornography and the transformative power of a safe and supportive healing process.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Sam Black’s book, “The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong about Pornography and How to Fix It”: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Church-Churches-Wrong-Pornography-ebook/dp/B0BW817DKJ 

- Covenant Eyes: https://www.covenanteyes.com/

- The Covenant Eyes app can be found on the Play Store and Apple App Store, and is compatible with Windows and Apple computer products.

- The Victory app can be found on the Play Store and Apple App Store

- Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

On this episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine is joined by Chris Moles for a vital conversation about the shocking prevalence of domestic violence within the church and how pastors can be equipped to address it. Join Bob and Chris as they discuss proactive steps for pastors, including preventative measures, recognizing signs of abuse, and educating oneself with key resources. 

The conversation navigates the delicate balance of responding to abuse disclosures, confronting abusers, and providing support to victims. The episode aims to equip pastors with insights and tools to address this critical issue within their congregations, and concludes with how to handle redemptive situations when there is hope for transformation in an abusive individual. 

Chris is senior pastor of the Chapel in Winfield, West Virginia and an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He is a certified biblical counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors and the International Association of Biblical Counselors. Moles is a contributor to the West Virginia intervention curriculum used throughout the state prisons, correctional facilities, and community organizations. 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Chris Moles’ website: https://www.chrismoles.org/ 

- Chris Moles’ book, “Caring for Families Caught in Domestic Abuse: A Guide toward Protection, Refuge, and Hope”: https://www.amazon.com/Caring-Families-Caught-Domestic-Abuse/dp/1645072584 

- Men of Peace: https://www.menofpeace.org/ 

- Justin & Lindsey Holcomb’s book, “Is It My Fault?: Hope and Healing for Those Suffering Domestic Violence”: https://www.amazon.com/My-Fault-Suffering-Domestic-Violence/dp/0802410243 

- Focus Ministries: https://www.focusministries1.org/

- Called to Peace Ministries: https://www.calledtopeace.org/

- Clarity in Action: https://clarityministry.org/ 

On this episode of The Bounce, Dr. Timothy Z. Witmer joins us to talk about the themes of his book, “The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church.” Tim is professor emeritus at Westminster Theological Seminary and has served as a local church pastor in a number of settings.

Join host Bob Lepine and Tim as they delve into the necessity of having a plan, while remaining adaptable to changing circumstances, as illustrated through real-life experiences of implementing and reimagining shepherding strategies in various church contexts. Bob and Tim also discuss topics within shepherding like church membership, accountability among elders, the indispensable role of prayer, and much more.

For pastors seeking to move their churches towards a biblical model of shepherding or exploring ways to enhance their existing shepherding structures, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical strategies. Join us as we uncover the heart of a shepherding ministry and the critical role it plays in nurturing and growing a thriving congregation.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Tim Witmer’s book, “The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church”: https://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Leader-Achieving-Effective-Shepherding/dp/1596381310 

- Tim Witmer’s book, “The Shepherd’s Toolbox: Advancing Your Church's Shepherding Ministry”: https://www.amazon.com/Shepherds-Toolbox-Advancing-Shepherding-Ministry/dp/1629955310 

- Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org 

In this episode, host Bob Lepine is joined by author Samuel James as they delve into the world of digital engagement and its profound impact on our lives. They discuss Samuel’s book, "Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age," examining how our habits on the internet shape our thoughts and beliefs.

As they look at the impact of the digital universe, Bob and Samuel address the challenges pastors face in ministering effectively within a culture consumed by digital distractions, addressing social media’s intentionality in evoking negative emotion and the impacts of extensive online content consumption versus deeper, contemplative reading. Included in their conversation are helpful tools to manage digital consumption and rein in distractions.

There is an invitation to live a life of radical peace amidst the noise and distractions of the digital age. Join Bob and Samuel as they explore these transformative concepts and their implications for our lives and ministries.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Samuel James’ book, “Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age”: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Liturgies-Rediscovering-Christian-Wisdom/dp/1433587130 

- Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

Join host Bob Lepine as he welcomes guest Ryan Welsh in this thought-provoking episode of The Bounce. They delve into the complexities faced by youth ministries today navigating the shifting cultural perspectives on gender identity and sexuality.  

Emphasizing the need to navigate this terrain with both grace and truth, they discuss the tensions that arise when compassion and doctrinal stance collide. The episode underscores the need to equip youth with a solid theological understanding of human embodiment and sexuality while acknowledging the societal pressures they face. 

Through real-life anecdotes and scriptural insights, they challenge listeners to navigate these sensitive conversations with love, empathy, and intellectual rigor. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of maintaining gospel integrity while engaging in compassionate dialogue within and outside the church community.

Ryan Welsh is the Lead Pastor at Restoration Church in Southlake, Texas. He is also a PhD candidate at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Carl Trueman’s book, “Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution”: https://www.amazon.com/Strange-New-World-Activists-Revolution/dp/1433579308 

- Nancy Pearcey’s book, “Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality”: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Thy-Body-Answering-Questions/dp/0801075726 

- Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

Host Bob Lepine is joined by Nathan Knight for this episode of The Bounce. They discuss Nathan's book, “Planting by Pastoring” and talk about the modern church planting movement, questioning its emphasis on certain values over biblical principles. Nathan suggests a need to refocus on biblical ideals rather than business ideologies. They discuss the challenges and joys of church planting, emphasizing the importance of treasuring Christ together. They also grapple with measuring spiritual growth, emphasizing the difficulty in quantifying spiritual depth but suggesting key indicators like the clarity and biblical fidelity of sermons, the church's focus on praising Christ, and the congregation's increasing delight in spiritual matters.

Join Bob and Nathan as they talk about church planting, and how we can think more biblically about it and be encouraged even if our metrics aren't measuring the standards of success that we think they ought to be measuring.

Nathan pastors Restoration Church in Washington D.C. and serves on the lead team for the Treasuring Christ Together church planting network. Nathan and his wife Andi live in Washington D.C with their two sons.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Nathan Knight’s book, “Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church”: https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Pastoring-Vision-Starting-Healthy/dp/1433588110 

- The Am I Called Assessment: https://gccollective.org/AmICalled#:~:text=The%20Am%20I%20Called%20Assessment%20test%20is%20designed%20to%20help,the%20GCC%20Church%20Planter%20Profile. 

- Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

In this episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine welcomes guest Keri Folmar, a pastor’s wife living in Dubai and author of "How Can Women Thrive in the Local Church?". In their conversation, they address potential challenges pastors may face in complementarian contexts and the importance of encouraging women to engage deeply with theology and study the Scriptures. Keri shares practical advice for women in the local church, including the importance of gospel-centered living, active participation in church gatherings, balancing service and learning, and embracing the church as a family. Join Bob and Keri as they talk about how to ensure that women in our churches are involved, participating, influencing, and speaking into the life of the church.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Keri Folmar’s book, “How Can Women Thrive in the Local Church?”: https://www.amazon.com/Women-Thrive-Local-Church-Questions/dp/1433572192

- Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

In this episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine welcomes guest Alistair Begg to discuss the concept of forgiveness as a merciful response to others. They delve into the importance of forgiving our debtors, the supernatural nature of forgiveness, and the need for the world to see the true nature of the kingdom of God. Alistair shares insights from his new book, "The Christian Manifesto" and reflects on the challenges and opportunities of living out these principles in a divided society. The episode also explores the need for self-reflection when pointing out flaws in others, the impact of Woodstock and the United Nations, and the importance of genuine apologies and seeking support. Join Bob and Alistair as they provide thought-provoking perspectives on forgiveness and kingdom living.

Timestamped Overview

[00:02:27] Manifesto compels readers to examine principles.

[00:04:43] Jones and Stott's teachings on Christian living.

[00:08:10] "Short book packs big punch on kingdom"

[00:11:34] Forgiveness and love are supernatural and necessary.

[00:14:32] Challenge: Material values vs. Jesus' priorities.

[00:17:51] Importance of contextualizing and understanding Jesus' messages.

[00:20:37] Open hearts, open doors; embrace vulnerability.

[00:22:32] Jude warns about troublemakers, self-reflection needed.

[00:26:21] Hope for change through prayer and compassion.

[00:29:21] Alastair Begg's book and ministry overview.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- Alistair Begg's book "The Christian Manifesto": https://www.amazon.com/dp/1784989185/

- Truth for Life website: https://www.truthforlife.org/

- The Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

In this episode, we look at how to support struggling pastors with Garrett Higbee, a seasoned pastor and leader in ministry. In this episode, Garrett shares his insights on the challenges pastors and ministry leaders face, as well as the importance of humility, accountability, and teachability. We'll be diving into topics such as the unrealistic expectations placed on pastors, the need for rest and retreat, building a culture of trust within leadership teams, and the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Garrett Higbee has always held a passion for counseling, but it was his personal journey and salvation in the early 1990s that sparked his understanding of the struggles and doubts faced by those in ministry. Initially naive to the challenges within the church, Garrett dove headfirst into ministry work, only to discover that pastors and church leaders were not immune to their own personal battles. Determined to address these issues and create a healthier environment within the church, Garrett dedicated his career to counseling and supporting pastors and leaders on their own spiritual journeys. Through his work, he aims to foster a church culture where everyone can thrive and embrace the gospel without the burden of politics or pretense.

Timestamped Overview

[00:04:24] Elevated temptation for caregivers, pastors, leaders.

[00:08:20] The dangers pastors face: fear, isolation, conflict.

[00:10:09] Growing EQ, prioritizing truth, love, and wisdom. Pleasing God and man.

[00:13:56] Loneliness and fear of judgment in leadership

[00:17:12] Conviction from sin leads to growth.

[00:22:34] Cross pollinization, trust, outside help, resilience, soul care.

[00:25:40] Sermon preparation must deeply impact the preacher.

[00:27:10] No need to go elsewhere in Scripture. Personal reflection leads to humility, sharing with others.

[00:30:24] Effective by God's design: walk, withdraw, sharpen, refuel, return.

[00:33:51] Marriage, kids, ministry, prayer walks - partnership.

[00:38:51] Humility, accountability, and teachability essential for success.

[00:40:43] Emptying oneself, humility, and the cross.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Coaching and training resources available through GCC: https://www.gccollective.org

Twelve Stones: https://twelvestones.org/

In this bonus episode of The Bounce podcast, we have a fascinating conversation between Dave Harvey, the president of the Great Commission Collective, and Paul David Tripp. They delve into a challenging season of ministry that Dave experienced and discuss the important lessons he learned during that time. From relying on God's grace to navigating the complexities of organizational crises, Dave shares his insights and reflections as a pastor. This conversation offers encouragement and wisdom for pastors who have faced their own difficult seasons of ministry.

Dave Harvey has been no stranger to challenges and organizational issues throughout his career in ministry. With over 41 years of marriage to his wife Kim, the past twelve years have been particularly unconventional and unprecedented for the couple. Prior to this period, Dave had already led a large church in the Philadelphia area, constantly dealing with the problems that arise when working with a congregation. However, around 2010 or 2011, the decibel level of challenges seemed to increase dramatically. The denomination that Dave was a part of faced intense scrutiny and their leader had to take a leave of absence. In this crisis, Dave was appointed as the interim president and chairman of the board to steer the organization through this tumultuous time. It was a crucial moment where someone needed to step up and take charge.

Timestamped Overview

[00:05:12] Leadership in crisis: unprepared, but trusting God's sovereignty.

[00:08:33] Group split over different perspectives, navigating disagreement.

[00:10:23] Recognize lack of control, trust decision-makers. Uphold principles during organization crises.

[00:14:18] Breaking relationships, disagreement, protecting the church, personal sins.

[00:20:39] Thinking about history shapes your identity as God's child. Accepting your weaknesses and God's grace fosters appreciation and hunger. Self-righteousness devalues grace and creates a false sense of arrival. Original sin undermines personal responsibility.

[00:23:38] Sin distorts self-perception; need others' voices.

[00:26:12] Planting churches and connecting gospel-centered leaders.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Paul David Tripp's podcast: https://www.paultripp.com/podcast

"When Sinners Say I Do" by Dave Harvey: https://www.amazon.com/When-Sinners-Say-Do-Discovering/dp/0976758261

"The Plurality Principle" by Dave Harvey: https://www.amazon.com/Plurality-Principle-Maintain-Thriving-Leadership

"Stronger Together: Seven Partnership Virtues and Devices That Subvert Them" by Dave Harvey: https://www.amazon.com/Stronger-Together-Partnership-Virtues-Exponential-ebook

In this episode, our host Bob Lepine sits down with special guest Jim Davis, pastor at Grace Church in Orlando and co-author of the book "The Great Decurching". Get ready for an enlightening conversation as they discuss the significant religious shift happening in our country, specifically focusing on the phenomenon of "Dechurching". What causes people to leave the church? How can pastors and church leaders effectively address this issue? Join us as we dive deep into understanding evangelicalism and exploring practical ways to minister in a changing landscape.

Jim Davis is a man who understands the complexities of faith and the challenges that come with shifting beliefs. Drawing from his knowledge of the Bible, he recognizes the inevitability of having false prophets and individuals who may appear devout but lack a true connection to the kingdom. Jim's deep understanding leads him to believe that genuine faith comes from the regenerative power of the Holy Spirit. When considering the future of Christianity, Jim acknowledges that the children of those who have distanced themselves from the church, also known as the decurched, are likely to be unchurched themselves. However, he also makes a surprising discovery - many decurched individuals still hold orthodox beliefs. In fact, their adherence to orthodox teachings often surpasses that of the average churchgoer today. Through his insights and understanding, Jim Davis offers a unique perspective on faith, emphasizing the need for spiritual authenticity and recognizing the evolving landscape of Christianity.

Quotes

"We can't just assume that everybody that's outside of the church is a weed or is harmful or is going to undermine the church. We actually have to believe the best in people and extend hospitality, but also address the destructive decisions and make sure that the church is aligned with God's intentions." - Jim Davis

"Deconstructing is a good word, but really what needs to happen is we need to deconstruct our own beliefs and figure out, 'Do they align with Scripture? Do they align with the traditions that we've been a part of? Do they align with the wisdom of the ages?' And not just think of ourselves as the ultimate epistemological authority, where we then judge Scripture and tradition and wisdom based on our own experiences and our own wisdom." - Jim Davis

Timestamped Overview

[00:09:11] 90s decurching: mainline churches & political left. Non-Christians acknowledged freedom, thanks to 90s internet. Political polarization and extreme positions emerged. Deturching on secular right happening faster.

[00:10:35] Three research phases identify religious shift patterns.

[00:15:41] Ginger questions traditions, prioritizes personal experience.

[00:19:08] "Sociological factors impacting church attendance and belonging"

[00:20:42] Importance of decurching and its personal impact.

[00:25:32] Fewer churches and Christians impact society greatly.

[00:27:57] Machine learning identified five distinct groups including exvangelicals who have no desire to return. It's important to understand their stories and offer support.

[00:32:30] Individual leaving gym class seeks fresh start. Mentioned moving back home. Editor suggests church for fresh start. Grateful response. Uncertain if she followed through.

[00:36:17] Belief in best, avoiding extremes, backdoor.

[00:39:40] Pastoring: defending, equipping, working, and achieving together.

[00:41:56] Importance of adapting gospel and ministering effectively.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

As In Heaven - Podcast hosted by Jim Davis, exploring how the kingdom of God intersects with various aspects of life. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/as-in-heaven/

"The Great Decurching" by Jim Davis and Michael Graham - Explores the phenomenon of dechurching and the religious shift happening in the country. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310147433/

The Great Commission Collective - https://www.gccollective.org