Connections

We are joined by Waly Holt and Jim Wolfe to talk about Church Revitilization. Both are part of the ABCUSA Great Rivers Region's Church Revitilization Initiative. They partner with churches to begin the journey of revitilization. This enlightning conversation tackles the hard reality that churches are in need not more church growth programs or church plants, but revitalization. What does that mean...

The Heartbeat of Paul's letter to the Philippian church is found in Jesus' humility.  Pasto Zach explores Christ's power and effectiveness in humility compared to the perceived power of the Roman civilization.  There's a lesson there for us today.  

The Final episode on Christianity in America. We look at four movements that shaped Christianity in America: Charismatic, Civil Rights, Megachurch, and Contemporary Music. It is a long episode, but that's to hold you over from the break in episodes happening. 

How do we determine whether the decisions in our life follow God's will.  The answer is Just Do Something.  Let us explain.

We find ourselves caught between the mid 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s with the Third Great Awakening. How do christians in the United States handle fast and large scale change, poverty, social issues, and more? Let's find out.

When David met Goliath he didn't see a ten-foot giant warrior, he saw an enemy defeated by God.  Karen asks, "What do you see when looking at the challenges in your life?"

We continue our conversation with Rev. Mark Meyers the Associate Pastor at UMC New Lenox. Our talk today continues our previous conversation on the Methodist denominations identity. We focus today on the theology and sacraments of the UMC.

We continue in tracing people, movements, and events in Christianity in American through the baptist and methodist. Today we look at the 1800s, specifically the Second Great Awakening, Francis Asbury, Missionary Movement, the Judson, the issue of slavery and all of their lasting impacts on us today.  

We sit down with Rev. Mark Meyers the Associate Pastor of UMC New Lenox, Illinois. Our whole conversation will be on Methodist history and theology. Our discussion today will be on the history of the Methodist Church in the U.S.A and its main movers and shakers. 

We continue in church history pivoting to the United States of America. We will explore the 1700s and the movers and shakers of the Great Awakening that impact not only christianity in America, but help pave the way for the revolution. We will also look at those around during the revolution, particularly Baptist and how they shaped the founding of the United States of America with their Christian...

God is Love.  God demonstrates His love for us through the Holy Spirit.  Pastor Zach explains how the apostle Paul described what love really means in I Corinthians 13.

We continue our conversationwith Rev. Patty Bilyeu. She is the Executive Minister of the Great Rivers Region in the ABCUSA denomination. We continue our talk about baptist history and identity in the United States of America.  

We continue in church history pivoting to the United States of America. We trace some movements and impacts of Christianity in the history of the United States starting today with the 1600s and the colonies. We will particularly be using the Baptist and Methodist as a window into what is happening in the U.S.A at large. 

Today is Pentecost - the day we celebrate the birth of the church.  Fifty days after Jesus' crucifixion the Holy Spirit came and dwelt inside each believer.  In the Old Testament we are told the Glory of God dwelt in the temple.  How much greater that we can experience that same Spirit living within us!

We sit down with Rev. Patty Bilyeu the Executive Minister of the Great Rivers Region in the ABCUSA denomination to talk about baptist history and identity. 

We continue to look at the impactful 1500s on church history with a look at two reformers and a movement. Come along as we explore the Reformers Zwingli and Calvin, with a look at the Anglican Church. Each one impacts our theology and church polity today in the U.S.A.

Jesus concludes his Olivett Discourse with 3 parables instructing the disciples it is all about love.  We've been given a job until he returns - Love as We Have Been Loved!

We continue with the wild ride that is the 1500s in church history. Today we talk about Martin Luther. Luther's impact on church history is still felt today. His challenge to the church, institution, powers, and theology of the day are so powerful we still argue about them today. Come along and find out about the spark that lit the Reformation. 

Jesus describes what all disciples (you included) should expect as the end of this age approaches and his kingdom arrives.  What are you to do? Pastor Zach explains, but the answer may surprise you.

Continuing our look at Church History particularly in the 1500s we reach a turning point. We look at Erasmus of Rotterdam and the Council of Trent. One contributes to the Reformation and the other pushes back against it. And of course there is drama. Come for the history and stay for the tea. 

The pharisees challenged Jesus' authority.  His response pointed out how they were using their authority to bring glory to themselves instead of leading the people in their relationship to God.

We are taking our time and begining a multi episode look at the impact of the 1500s. There is a lot happening these particular 100 years in church history so, it becomes necessary to slow down, take our time, and have some fun. on this episode we change up even the structure of the episode and start with two impactful monks and how the church and it's mission begin to shape not just Europe, but Af...

Jesus answers the religious leaders attempt to question his authority by telling three parables.  The last was the parable about a wedding feast thrown by a king.  His invited guests refused to come.  He's invited you, what will you wear?

The Plague or "Black Death" in the 1300s had a giant impact on the church and christianity. What might be surprising is how the plague is still impacting the church today. One of the church's youth asked for this special episode and we are excited to explore the impact and legacy of the plague on the church. 

We take a look at church history between 1300 and 1500 AD. It is a time when the world begins to shift and many things begin to bubble and happen setting the stage for the Reformation.