Essential Church Podcast

In this episode we sit down to talk to our friend Andrew Wilson about his new book Spirit and Sacrament: An Invitation to Eucharismatic Worship to talk about the what, why, and how of blending the charismatic and sacramental expressions.

In this episode (the second of two) we sit down and finish our conversation about the multi-congregational model New Life Church has developed over the last several years. Why we did it, how it works, and what opportunities and challenges it presents.

In this episode (the first of two) we sit down to talk about the multi-congregational model New Life has developed over the last several years - why we did it, how it works, and what opportunities and challenges it presents.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the kinds of relationships pastors need to cultivate in order to live and lead from a healthy place.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the role of the local church in the life of the believer. In a time when many people see participation in the local church as optional, we try to answer the question, "Why Church?"

In this special episode we sit down to talk about the life and legacy of Eugene Peterson.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the practical challenge of creating a robust sense of community in our local churches.

In this episode, we sit down to discuss eight questions leaders should ask themselves as they follow the Lord's leading through big decisions.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the ?what? and ?why? behind the launch of our Essential Church Learning Community.

For this conversation, we sat down with Matt Brown to talk about the joy and challenge of evangelism, and how to do it the Jesus Way.

For this conversation, we sat down with nationally recognized author and speaker, Lisa Bevere to talk about life, marriage, ministry, and her latest book, "Adamant."

For this conversation, we sit down with Clayton King and discuss the leadership structure of Newspring church and the value of healthy confrontation.

For this conversation, we discuss how courageous preaching requires us to say things that are costly.

There's a difference between a church that prays and a praying church. Every church has some kind of prayer happening, [but] we are called to lead churches that have prayer at their core, at their essence.

For this conversation, we sit down with Louie Giglio and discuss the Passion movement, worship, and everything in-between.

For this conversation, we discuss the situation at Willow Creek and how this should cause us to reflect and pay attention in a deeper way.

For this conversation, we were joined by Ted Egly from the Center for Creative Leadership to talk about what leaders can do to get the best out of the teams and organizations they lead.

In this conversation, we were joined by Pete Greig to talk about the role and purpose of prayer in the local church and how we can contend for unity and revival within the Church. We were so encouraged by the stories of bridge-building that are unfolding through the 24-7 prayer movement and we hope that it blesses you.

Before His ascension, Jesus gave a Great Commission: to go and make disciples. In this essential conversation, we talk about how discipleship happens and what it looks like for us to help people become disciples of Jesus. Join in as we discuss what the long journey of discipleship unfolds in the lives of the people around us.

Ever have a week where you feel like you should just pack up your study and give up preaching altogether? It was a week like that for Pastor Daniel Grothe that sparked this conversation about The Life of the Preacher. Listen in as we talk about what we find at the core of the calling to preach the Word of God.

When Jesus told his followers to make disciples in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and all the ends of the earth, he meant that the Gospel should be brought to people where they are and in their contexts. So how do we as pastors and leaders bring the gospel to our neighbors in today's secular age? We talk about it in this week's essential conversation.

What happens when we worship? How do we select songs for congregational worship that instill hope? In this conversation, Dr. Glenn Packiam talks about what he learned as he researched the expression and experience of hope in our worship.

In this conversation, we pick up where we left off talking about the Bible. What is it, and how should it inform our lives and ministries?

A special episode just in time for Holy Week. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of the Cross of Jesus Christ. What exactly do we believe about Jesus' death and why does it matter? Listen in and enjoy this reflection as we move towards Good Friday.

In this conversation, we ask a simple and slightly funny question. What is the Bible? Perhaps one of the most taken-for-granted elements of Christian faith, we wanted to dig down and talk about what the BIble is, and what it isn't.