The Madison Church Podcast

Have you ever considered the profound impact of prayer on the ordinary moments of your life, or how it evolves as we grow? Picture this: a speeding scare on Kentucky backroads turns into an unexpected reflection on faith for me, my dad, and our church friends amidst the backdrop of bourbon distillery tours and rare bottle 'hunts.' Our latest episode is a heartfelt recount of these experi...

Ever feel lost in the maze of biblical scholarship? Fear not, as my colleagues Sarah Hansen, Jason Webb, and I, Stephen Feith, light the way through varying approaches to Bible study and engagement. Sarah dispels the myth of 'right time' Bible study with her eclectic blend of podcasts and casual reading, while Jason draws from his predawn moments of peace, steeped in the Psalms. I share...

Our latest episode is a captivating journey through the complexities of these narratives, drawing parallels that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for both. We start by unpacking the beginning of everything, the fall of man, and God's unwavering master plan. The Bible's grand tale, from Genesis to Revelation, is broken down into digestible segments, revealing the purpose of our...

Embark with us on a thought-stirring sojourn where the dusty pages of the Old Testament spring to life, revealing their enduring relevance in our personal growth and faith. We don't shy away from the tough questions as we scrutinize the complexities of scripture, challenging the simplistic narratives often taught. Our conversation takes you through the potent blend of history, ethics, and spi...

Have you ever tried to communicate something important, only to end up in a tangle of confusion? That's exactly what happened when Sarah hinted to Chris about not wanting to make dinner, which somehow translated into a mix-up involving Jimmy John's. It's the perfect segue into our profound exploration of Genesis, where we unravel the rich tapestry of creation narratives and their da...

Ever wondered about the complex journey of the Bible from ancient manuscripts to the book on your nightstand? Join me, Stephen Feith, as we traverse this historical landscape, piecing together the remarkable story of the scriptures. We dive into the Bible's origins and its enduring narrative—a narrative that centers around the figure of Jesus, whose life reshaped history and whose teachings h...

Have your New Year's resolutions fizzled out in the flurry of life's demands? Let's rekindle that spark of transformation together. In our latest episode, we navigate the tempest of personal change, invoking the rhythms of chronobiology and the sweet promise of Mondays as beacons for a fresh start. We ponder the elements that snag our focus—be it the tug of love, the weight of finan...

As each new year rings in, many of us find ourselves reflecting on promises made and the tenacity of our faithfulness to keep them. This episode is for those of us pondering the resolutions of yesteryear with either a sigh of achievement or a pang of forgetfulness. I, Stephen Feith, get candid about my own hurdles in staying true to my commitments, and I extend an invitation for you to voyage with...

Embark with us as we peel back the layers of time to the very heart of the Christmas story, retracing Mary and Joseph's steps to Bethlehem within our narrative series, "Christmas According to Luke." The Gospel of Luke paints a tapestry of the extraordinary entwined with the humdrum – a census journey, a stable birth, and shepherds' wide-eyed wonder, all fulfilling ancient proph...

Feeling the holiday rush? The joy of gift-giving and its complexities is a theme we all can relate to. Remember the unadulterated delight of a child receiving their favored gift? Well, that same emotion is often a challenge to recreate as we become adults. Join us as we ruminate on this progression of emotions and the true pleasure that a thoughtful gift can bring. Let's transition to the sto...

What if you could discover hidden truths buried within familiar biblical narratives that would awaken faithfulness and obedience in your Christian walk? In our latest conversation, we peel back layers in the stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary from the book of Luke, revealing valuable lessons about faith and obedience regardless of our understanding or circumstances. We explore the incredibl...

Ever wondered what time travel has to do with the Christmas story? Brace yourself for an intriguing exploration of faith, disbelief, and divine revelations that'll reshape your understanding of the biblical account of Mary and the angel Gabriel. We kick off our talk with a spirited debate on Christmas music before we journey back in time, drawing you into the extraordinary announcement Mary r...

Ever felt that prickle of anticipation, that longing for Christmas morning as a child? Remember that toy you desired above all else but never found under the tree? We're about to venture on a journey that explores the art of waiting, the disappointment that sometimes accompanies it, and ultimately, the divine purpose that unfolds in God's perfect timing. We'll take a deep look into...

Ever wondered about the peculiar Christmas traditions that have become an integral part of your holiday celebrations, or the historical intricacies of the Gospel of Luke? If so, buckle up for an enlightening discussion where we decode these traditions, starting from the peculiar Christmas Pickle to Krampus Night. We also embark on an explorative journey through the first two chapters of Luke'...

Have you ever wondered about the role faith plays in our lives, and how it impacts our decisions and perceptions? We've embarked on an enlightening journey, concluding our Suspicious Faith series by delving into the thought-provoking critiques of Freud, Marx, and Nietzsche. Uncover how Freud's assertion that faith fulfills unconscious psychological needs, Marx’s view of faith as a painki...

Ever wondered why some of history's most influential atheists like Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, and Frederick Nietzsche, were able to make such uncomfortably accurate critiques of faith? We're shaking things up in our latest episode, taking a brave step towards understanding their perspectives and how they invite us to examine our own beliefs. This isn't about questioning our faith, ra...

Imagine walking a path of faith, hand in hand with Jesus, that is not dictated by dogmas but a journey of self-discovery and critical examination. Can we genuinely experience spiritual fulfillment without questioning the very foundations of our beliefs? It’s a journey that invites us to dig deep into the philosophies of Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Nietzsche. We take a closer look at Ma...

Have you ever pondered what makes your church unique and essential in your spiritual journey? Well, we did just that at Madison Church. In part two of this series, we delve into the distinctive elements of Madison Church that make us who we are. On this exciting journey of discovery, we unpack the six core values that form our community's backbone: Jesus is Lord, Disciple Making, Missional-In...

Ready to deepen your spiritual journey and embrace a vibrant community? Join us as we embark on a compelling exploration of Madison Church's unique mission and practices. We'll dive into the heart of spiritual growth, uncovering the power of Bible reading, consistent prayer, and the sacred tradition of baptism. Discover how these practices serve as spiritual anchors, drawing us closer to...

MC Asks: I want to give, but my spouse or partner doesn't... What do I do? This is a really great question because of how relevant it is. There are people worldwide who practice Christianity and follow Jesus, but the other person in the relationship doesn't. That can work out for a while, but when it comes to financial generosity, it can become a conflict because our incomes and expenses...

There are a lot of spaces in our lives where we may think that evil has won. It's not just our world or our city; it's our lives. Our boss criticizes us. The doctor comes in and say says it's cancer. Your dream marriage becomes a nightmare. My kids make decisions that go against everything I've taught them. Our financial security is no longer secure. You think to yourself, evil...

Unlock the secret to a life of financial freedom and the heartfelt joy that comes with intentional generosity. Our latest episode invites you into a candid conversation about how the teachings of Jesus can illuminate the path to a deeper sense of fulfillment through giving. We share inspiring tales from our recent holiday gift drive, reflecting on the happiness that blooms from generosity and pond...

Can money truly buy happiness, or does it just complicate life with more zeros in your bank account? William Budd's story, a man whose lottery win was supposed to be a dream come true yet turned into a fiscal nightmare, reminds us that financial freedom isn't about wealth—it's about wisdom. This week's heartfelt episode peels back the layers of debt's effect on our lives,...

Ever wondered what happens when a die-hard member of the Crappy Car Club gets the keys to a shiny new ride? I, Stephen Feith, take you on a comedic yet thought-provoking journey through my own transition to new car ownership and the surprising anxieties that come with it. From the fear of parking lot dings to the quest for financial peace, we'll explore how the state of our bank accounts affe...

As we convene at Madison Church, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of our lives, I, Stephen Feith, share heart-wrenching yet uplifting tales of lives forever changed by divine encounters. This season, when weariness seems to cling to our bones, we embrace the stories of those who walked with Jesus and found their burdens transformed into beacons of hope. My own journey through grief—a miscarriage and t...