The Pod at My Village

In this episode, Phil and Mel discuss the Brookings Institute research on the Success Sequence. They explore how these seismic findings could rewrite the realities of poverty in future generations. For the Poverty Resource: https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep For more on the Success Sequence: https://ifstudies.org/success-sequence

In this second part of his interview, Chalmers Center Ambassador Eugene Norris looks to the local church as the solution for poverty. Eugene encourages churches to adapt what they are already doing in order to more relationally serve those experiencing poverty. He stresses the transforming presence of Christ in church communities. For the Poverty Resource: https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep To get...

Phil and Mel kick off the first episode of the Poverty Module by talking with Eugene Norris, Chalmers Center Ambassador. In the first of a two part conversation, Eugene explains a biblical view of poverty -- poverty as not merely material, but fundamentally relational. For the Poverty Resource: https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep To get in touch with Eugene: norris.eugene@gmail.com For more on the...

Boys episode! Mel is gone, which leave Phil and Ben to chop it up. They talk about Central Ohio North, the younger generation, and how Ben found himself at MVM.

In this episode, Phil and Mel discuss what an orphan is. They open Scripture and show how the biblical understanding of orphan may be different than the West's current view. They explore the relationship between "the orphan and the widow", calling the Church to serve this population as we see them today.

In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about anger. They address the biblical mandate against improperly managing anger, the danger of downplaying anger, as well as the deeper roots of expressions of anger. They conclude in giving practical advise for those dealing with and feeling anger in family preservation ministry. For the Wheel of Emotions: https://canva.link/wjti6k8gjzpjbt0

This episode is about the Church of Columbus. Phil and Mel talk to Nick Nye, pastor and Executive Director of For Columbus. For Columbus is a collaborative of churches and kingdom minded businesses in Columbus, looking to unify for the Kingdom of God. This episode explores how Nick came into a city unity movement, the importance of unity in the church, markers of unity, and much more. We hope you...

This episode is a long-awaited conversation with two mentor-mentee pairs: Skyler and Connor Knoop mentor sibling set Journey and Jhasir. In this episode we step into their relationship and hear about the mentorship program from the inside. Connor and Skyler also share about their experience with Mentorship in a separate conversation with Payton. 

Part 2 with Tom Edwards -- toward building stronger families.

In the first of a two-part conversation with Dr. Tom Edwards, Phil and Mel converse about the historic breakdown of the family unit in the United States. Dr. Edwards shares from his research from his latest book: "Rise and Rebuild: Why Black Families Matter", as well as from decades of experience.

In this episode, Phil and Mel sit down with a long standing host family: the Zwyth's. Peter and Julie talk about how to manage a marriage and a household while living out biblical hospitality. They speak on the importance of community, working as a team, and hosting rhythms.

In this episode Phil and Mel are joined by their spouses! The Krause's and the Marshall's go toe-to-toe in a newlywed game, competing to determine which couple knows each other better. After the games, the couples talk about marriage and family life in a hosting.

In this second conversation about the mentorship program, Phil talks with Payton Connor and Ben Otto about the mentorship program now.

In this episode, Mel talks with staff member Payton Connor and her husband, former staff member Ben Connor. They chat about the development of the mentorship program from being Learning Extension Centers during Covid, about Payton and Ben's job swap, and about why Ben is still engaged in the program. We hope you enjoy!

In the fourth part of the prayer series, Phil talks to Gerald Murphy, the Senior leader of Garden City Church. Their conversation covers the Disciples' Prayer, praying in community, healing prayer, and praying with expectation. Use the link below to access MVM's prayer resource! https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCQF4J97c/aHYCkoQ2diP1N0Y6TdOJxw/view?utm_content=DAHCQF4J97c&utm_campaign=de...

In the third part of the prayer series, Mel talks to Contrast Church Prayer Director Sarah Gilmore, as well as Contrast Church Develop Director and MVM staff member Hannah Baltz. Sarah shares how her perspective on prayer has matured through her relationship with prayer. They discuss creating a culture of prayer in the family and in the church. Use the link below to access MVM's prayer resourc...

In the second interview for the Prayer Module, Mel sits down with staff member Jess Napolitano and Cross City Church Pastor Scott Burns to talk about prayer. In this episode, Scott and Jess talk about what it means to pray out of Scripture. Conversation points include prayer informing Church unity, keeping prayers simple, the "6 S's" of prayer, and more. Use the link below to access MV...

(Prayer Series, Pt. II). This episode is a conversation with the first guest for the MVM prayer series -- Michael Oldfield, lead pastor of The Potter's House Church. In today's conversation, Phil, Dana, and Michael examine the difference in being a "house that prays" and a "house of prayer". Michael and Dana share insight into the cause and effect of a culture of prayer. Us...

In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about MVM's philosophy on prayer, as well as introduce prayer resource that MVM has created to support churches. Use the link to access MVM's prayer resource! https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCQF4J97c/aHYCkoQ2diP1N0Y6TdOJxw/view?utm_content=DAHCQF4J97c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hdf7604fcc1

In this episode, Phil and Mel dive deep into church engagement. They discuss MVM's philosophy on whole church engagement over individual volunteerism, as well as strategies for engaging 'slow' churches. Enjoy!

In this episode, Mel talks with Community Coach Supervisor Dana Caldwell about the important task of engaging the community as a ministry. Without community engagement, the church would not be in proximity with those who are in need or are socially isolated. Dana shares how she finds herself in family preservation and some of the lessons she has learned along the way! In this episode you can also...

This episode was recorded on a snow day in mid-December, and has been held to be played while the MVM staff is at the Upstream Collaborative Conference. Today's episode is a series of conversations with the Krause boys -- Decker, Ryden, and Jay -- as well as Hope Marshall. Topics of conversation include "tickle tackle", Christmas, and some of the "hards" of welcoming other kids...

In this episode, Melody talks with Phil about her family's journey into the family preservation realm.

In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about potatoes. They also talk about the Family Vitality Spectrum, a new resource developed by Columbus local, Tom Edwards, in order to see families from preserving to flourishing.

In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about MVM core values, focusing on the value of 2026 -- shepherding. Click here to access the Lament Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wp47zpWfMHH1SZN52mZmfvWTnr4Ncww8/view?usp=sharing