Ground Up Faith

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we enter into "Part 3" of our series on Pastoral Burnout where we sit down with Bishop Tim Smith of the North Carolina Synod. He shares his own experiences with burnout as well as those he's developed as a Bishop. If you or someone you know is wrestling with burnout please talk to a trusted person. If you don't have a trusted pers...

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we sit down and talk with Sarah Welch-Larson, Author of "Becoming Alien: The Beginning and End of Evil in Science Fiction's Most Idiosyncratic Film Franchise." We discuss the the intersection of Faith and Science Fiction, are there aliens and what it says about our faith, and the Alien movie Franchise! Copies of her book can be purchas...

In this sermon we reflect on the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and what it has to say to us about noticing the presence of God in our lives.

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we continue with "Part 2" of our Series on Pastoral Burnout.  Today we sit down with Pastor Jay Gamelin who went through a season of burnout. He shares what helped him through and what is on the other side of burnout. If you think you may be burned out make sure to talk with someone you trust, your Synod office or, if you have no one to tal...

In this sermon we reflect on Jesus' invitation to his disciples past and present to come away and rest and what it means for our stressed out, over worked, worn down world.

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Laura Swanson; one of the pastors at St. Philip Lutheran Church in Roanoke Va. She and I both grew up in the same congregation, St. Luke in Florence SC. We sit down to talk about callings, what God is up to in the world and a whole lot more!

In this sermon we wrestle with the story of Amos. There was a dispute over the proper place to worship God; was it in the northern kingdom or the southern kingdom? In this context we consider the issues around disputes in the community of faith. How do we Christians fight? Not always well. The starting point for Christian discipleship and community is recognizing that we can be wrong.

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we talk with Chris Voshall, Director of Golf Products for Mizuno Golf. We learn the remarkable story of the Mizuno JPX 900 Tour Golf Club and how it can serve as a model for innovation and growth for churches, non profits, and businesses. Oh, and we nerd out on Golf clubs as well!

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Naomi Sease Carriker. She's a pastor, fellow Podcaster over at What Would Jesus Drink?, and leads trips to the Holy Land. We'll be talking about the growing challenge of Clergy Burnout and how you can help. If you're a clergy person or church professional and are feeling burned out please reach out to your synod...

In this sermon we pause to consider the destruction of Jerusalem, the loss of Jairus' daughter, and the woman with hemorrhages. We consider how each of these events creates distance from memories and imperils the dreams of the future. Yet in all of this God is present bringing goodness from the ashes of our despair.

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we sit down with Star Wars Fan-natic, businesswoman, and tech guru Mary Smith. Mary owns For the Love of Technology in Mount Holly, NC.  We also talk about Star Wars, because it is amazing! As well as the ever-evolving role of technology in our lives; how to balance it and use it safely and how technology can actually deepen our faith lives.

In this sermon, a follow up with the pervious Podcast episode, we wrestle with the troubles and the beauty of the book of Job. We are invited to expand our imagination beyond the confines of Fox News, MSNBC, or what ever else boxes us in to consider a more faithful life.

In this episode of Brewing Thoughts, we explore the grounding of our faith is found in the pages of Scripture, and yet so often serious wrestling with the text goes by the wayside for more expedient answers. In preparation for this weeks Hebrew text we'll spend a bit of time getting familiar with the book of Job and wrestling with both what is comforting and what is troubling with this text.

In this sermon we hear about the Parable of the Mustard Seed, why it's my Grandmother's least favorite passage of Scripture, and why her dislike helps us understand it, and our faith lives better.

In this brief episode we pause to consider the starting point of this Podcast, where we've been so far and what is just around the corner! Thanks for listening so far; I can't wait to share with you what's next! If you'd like to learn about Podcasting from someone who's learning about Podcasting; say hi and get to know me better; request a topic; or are interested in being...

In this episode of Brewing Thoughts, Pastor Jonathan talks about nostalgic innovation; how to learn from the developments of the past to innovate for the future of the church.

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Will Rose to learn about one of his ministry focuses, connecting Faith and Science Fiction. Your identity as a Christian and your appreciation of Science Fiction, or whatever your hobby may be, can coexist, and even make both stronger!

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, Pastor Matt Simpkins and I sit down to talk about reforming the church, the recent Gallup Poll on church membership, and why the pandemic may have helped us more than we thought.

In this episode of The Ground Up Faith Podcast, Emma Sellers and I sit down to discuss race and racism on the 20th anniversary of our graduation from High School. Emma works now as a advocate for diversity and equity inclusion and we'll hear her story and learn from her wisdom. This episode was recorded two months prior to it's air date of May 12th.

We talk about love, but Jesus talks about it in a concrete way. If it is concrete, then how do we experience it with our senses. This sermon will wrestle with that thought.

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, my partner in ministry Kai Thurow and I sit down and reflect on our life in ministry, challenges, opportunities, and the recent Gallup Poll reporting that for the first time in the 80 year history (of keeping track) church membership has fallen below 50 percent. For more reading and access to the poll check this link https://news.gallup.com/poll/3419...

This sermon flows from the Good Shepherd Discourse of Jesus in John 10:11-18. It reflects on the central role of a shepherd to find good pasture for the sheep in their charge. Together we reflect on the pastures Jesus has nourished us with in the past even as we consider what new pastures we might be lead to.

In this episode of The Ground Up Faith Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Mindy Makant. Associate Professor of Religion at Lenoir Rhyne University and author of "Holy Mischief; In honor and celebration of Women in ministry" marking the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church. Her book can be purchased here https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Mischief-Honor-Celebration-Minis...

In this Sermon we reflect on the ever present role doubt plays in our navigating the changing times we encounter when following Jesus. 

In this episode of the Ground Up Faith Podcast, we sit down with Ted Goins, Bee keeper, Pastor's kid, President of Lutheran Services of the Carolinas, and good neighbor to all. Learn more about his insights on living your Christian faith where you are everyday, leadership, and how we can all make an impact.