ministry

Episode 209: Cults and the Church

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In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss the topic of cults and how some of the characteristics that make a group a cult are starting to seep into the church.  Some of those characteristics discussed include allegiance to the pastor, and strict rules given to the people, while leaders are above the rules

Episode 208: Church Ghosting

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In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss the concept of Church Ghosting and some reasons why the church does not reach out when one leaves the church.  We discuss it from the leadership and member side, some of the misconceptions, and even why the church does not reach out to people who have left it.

Episode 207: Reflections on Ohio’s General Election on Issues 1 & 2

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In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss the results of Ohio’s General Election and the Passing of Issues 1 and 2.  We talk about the reaction to these two Issues, what they mean, and how the church can respond to the aftermath.

For more information on the wording of these Issues, you can check them out here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/elections/2023/gen/issuesreport.pdf

Episode 199: The Great Dechurching

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Scott and Micah discuss an article that lists the reasons and groups of people that had led to 40 million Americans leaving the church in the last few years.  We discuss the four groups featured in this “dechurching,” and the solutions offered to bring people back to church.  

For access to the article, click on the link below:  https://groundswellmovement.substack.com/p/the-great-dechurching

Episode 198 – Subtle Ways Christians are Judgmental

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In this episode, Scott and Micah look at some of the subtle ways Christians can be Judgemental.  We look at some of the innocent and passive-aggressive ways that church people have used their words to judge others from visitors to other church members and pastors.

Episode 196: Wesleyans and the LGBTQ Minority

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In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss an article about the history of the Wesleyan churches and how they have an account of sticking up for minority groups since its foundations.  Regarding the LGBTQ, it seems like Wesleyan churches are not living up to defending this minority group.  We look deep into the article and try to figure out why that is.  Plus, we respond to a comment from the last podcast’s topic, and stories gone wild.

https://hoosierwriter.wordpress.com/2023/08/31/wesleyans-and-the-lgbtq-minority/

Episode 195: Stewardship

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In this episode, Scott, Micah, and special Guest Scott E. Stedman discuss the concept of Stewardship in ministry and the professional workplace. We discuss the topics of transitions, succession, and how the church can develop a plan to keep the church thriving for many years.