Shows
The EFCA West PodcastA Church Revitalization Story with Andrew Smith from Bridge Church in Fresno, CAThe past few decades have seen tremendous strides in church planting... but what about church revitalization? And what is the difference? In this episode, Pastor Andrew Smith from Bridge Church in Fresno, CA, an EFCA West church, talks about his experience over the last seven years of leading an existing church through a revitalization effort. While there are some similarities to church planting, there are many unique aspects of this type of effort that require, among other things, perseverance, faith, and all-out grit! But Andrew's message is that is can be done, and he walks us through how he...2023-10-031h 05The EFCA West PodcastSeminary-level Education For Any Woman in EFCA with Gloria Grell and Dr.Pam MacRae.Are you a woman or do you know a woman who would love the opportunity to get solid theological training but aren't able to attend seminary or go to a Bible college? EFCA has launched Prepared, an innovative opportunity for women nationwide to grow in their knowledge of theology, hermeneutics, homiletics, and ministry leadership. Director Gloria Grell and Dr. Pam MacRae talk about why this program was launched and what it hopes to accomplish. One of the key insights is that many women don't set out early in life to be in vocational ministry. However, because of their giftedness a...2022-09-2859 minThe EFCA West PodcastThe Forgotten Refugees with John Cook of Indigenous MinistriesWhile the refugee crisis that engulfed large regions of Iraq and Syria several years ago has long since disappeared from the news cycle, it remains an ongoing catastrophe. The damage inflicted by ISIS further devastated much of these already war-torn lands, and unspeakable acts of violence and horror were committed against innocent men, women, and children. These victims are now trying to forge a life out of the ashes. John Cook, of Indigenous Ministries, International, has built relationships with key leaders in Iraq and has established a strong ministry that uses child sponsorship as a way to bring not o...2022-07-1445 minThe EFCA West PodcastDeveloping Young Leaders with Katie DudgeonOne of the biggest challenges facing the church today is effectively developing young leaders. If they sense that there is no place for them, or that there is no intentionality involved in helping them grow, they will eventually go elsewhere. But it doesn't have to be that way. Katie Dudgeon of ReachGlobal has joined the EFCA West staff for the purpose of helping churches develop their young leaders. In this episode we talk about not only the challenges young leaders face, but how she can come alongside churches to provide mentorship and training for them. We also talk about h...2022-02-0757 minThe EFCA West PodcastHow Your Church Can Help Afghan Refugees Now with Tom ShookThe United States’ recent departure from Afghanistan has resulted in thousands of refugees arriving in the US to be resettled. Their lives have completely upended and they now face the challenge of learning a new language, adopting a new culture, and beginning a new life. It is in times like these that the church has often risen up to care for those who are in vulnerable situations. Tom Shook, along with his wife Gayle, work with the EFCA National Ministries as refugee immigrant mission advocates and have become experts at helping churches reach out to and meet the needs of...2021-11-191h 04The EFCA West PodcastKeep Showing Up with Scott McKinneySometimes the best way to hang in there over the long haul is to hear stories of others who have hit hard times and have prevailed. Pastor Scott McKinney has been pastoring CenterPoint Church in Orem, UT, for over thirty years, and his is one of those stories. When he first arrived back in the 1980's from Southern California, everyone thought he was crazy for taking over a dying church that didn't seem to stand a chance in the middle of an LDS-dominant culture. However, Scott committed himself to long-term ministry there, and the result has been a church...2021-11-051h 17The EFCA West PodcastThe Horror of Hell with Greg StrandEvery single day, untold numbers of people will leave this earth. Some of them will, like the thief on the cross, be with Jesus in paradise “today.” Others, however, will step into a place of punishment and pain that is beyond imagination. As much as we’d rather not think about it, Hell is a real place with which we must contend. In this episode, Greg Strand, director of Theology and Credentialing for the Evangelical Free Church of America, takes us deep into the reality and implications of “eternal conscious punishment." He also helps us understand why annihilationism threatens our enti...2021-10-221h 09The EFCA West PodcastTransformational Preaching with Darin McWattersBecoming an excellent preacher is a lifelong process, and taking the time to learn from others is one of the best ways to improve. Darin McWatters, Lead Shepherd at Fullerton Free Church, helps us understand how he prepares sermons that create impact each week. We talk about how Darin "found his voice” as a preacher and how you can as well. Also, he shares with us how he approaches the biblical text each week, utilizes notes, handles feedback and criticism, and navigates politics and other hot-button issues from the pulpit. This episode was taken from a First Wednesday Workshop on...2021-10-081h 02The EFCA West PodcastMilitary Chaplaincy: Why You or Someone You Know Should Do It with Ethan Hedberg and Michael CallahanHave you ever wondered about becoming a chaplain in our nation's armed services? Do you know someone who is thinking about it but not sure whether to take the risk? In this episode, our guests talk about the calling they each received to step into this role, and the amazing opportunities they've had to impact the lives of our men and women in uniform ever since. In addition to being pastors, both Ethan Hedberg of Ambassador Church and Michael Callahan of Covina Evangelical Free Church serve our nation in a part-time capacity, gaining access to places and people in th...2021-09-241h 14The EFCA West PodcastUnderstanding Sexual Issues in the Culture and in the Church with Dr. Amy StumpfThis episode is from an EFCA West First Wednesday Worskshop with Dr. Amy Stumpf, professor of Society and Religion at Cal Baptist University in Riverside, CA. The result was an extremely practical and informative discussion on how to minister effectively to those facing issues of same-sex attraction, intersexuality, and gender dysphoria. In addition to being the world of academia, Dr. Stumpf is also the wife of Pastor Paul Stumpf, of Colton Community Church (EFCA) in Colton, CA. This episode is vital for anyone seeking a better understanding of these sensitive and highly-charged issues.
2021-09-101h 07The EFCA West PodcastThe Real Story About The Border Crisis and What You Can DoIt is true that the closer you get to something, the more complicated it becomes. Alex Rivero, EFCA West's Director of All People Ministries, and Tim Jacobs discuss what they learned during a recent trip to the border along with ten other EFCA pastors and leaders. Traveling with Abara Ministries, the team had the opportunity to be briefed by members of the United States Border Patrol, as well as visit a shelter across the border in Juarez for refugees who had been turned away for asylum in the US. In this episode you'll hear aspects of the immigration issue...2021-08-311h 16The EFCA West PodcastHow to Be a Better Mid-Level Leader and Elder Board Member with Bob OsborneThis episode is designed to give you a taste of what you can expect in our upcoming EFCA West cohorts starting in March. Click here to register for the Elder Board Cohort and here for the Mid-Level Leader Cohort. Each cohort will consist of five two-hour sessions and is designed to leverage the benefits of peer-level learning, relationship building, and practical insights so that you can become better in either of these vital roles in the church. As you listen to this episode you'll hear EFCA West Director of Church Health Bob Osborne and District Superintendent Tim Jacobs discuss...2021-02-151h 01The EFCA West PodcastThe Capitol Hill Riot, Evangelicalism, and the Way Forward with Bill RiedelBill Riedel founded Redemption Hill Church back in 2010 with a vision to carry the Gospel to the most powerful city in the world, and he and his family live within walking distance of the Capitol. At the time of this recording he was notified that his church building has fallen within the barricades set up to guard our elected officials from credible threats of attack. In addition to planting Redemption Hill Church, Bill is also an EFCA board member and part of the Acts 29 network, where he recently published an article about the events of January 6th. In this...2021-01-151h 05The EFCA West PodcastA Church-Based Solution to the Immigration Challenge with Diane Martinez from Immigrant HopeWhile 2020 has been all about the pandemic and the presidential election (among other things), the controversial issue of immigration in America remains one of our nation's most pressing challenges. Because of this, the EFCA has launched an innovative, church-based solution that provides help at the local level. In this episode, Diane Martinez, Executive Director of Immigrant Hope in Santa Barbara, CA, talks about how the strategy of Hope, Help, and Home is reaching the "least of these" with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Department of Justice certified ministry based at Shoreline Community Church (EFCA) was recently featured in C...2020-12-2158 minThe EFCA West PodcastHow To Multiply Leaders and Churches with Matt LarsonSo much has been written and discussed about multiplying churches in the United States but in reality so few are actually doing it. However, in this episode Matt Larson teaches us what it looks like to multiply leaders and churches in a very strategic and yet organic way. Not only is Matt the Founding Pastor of Anthem Church in Thousand Oaks, CA, but he has also started the Anthem Family of Churches that is an association of church plants around Southern California and even as far away as Denver, CO. While Matt's story is unique, you'll hear principles and...2020-11-301h 04The EFCA West PodcastBuild Something Great for the Kingdom of God with Scott AchterlingEveryone knows the church isn’t a building. But, when planned for wisely, buildings can be tremendous tools for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. And even though the current pandemic has forced us to think beyond church buildings (a good thing in many ways), land and buildings will continue to be a vital part of ministry in the future. In this episode, Scott Achterling, President and CEO of Christian Investors Financial (www.christianinvestors.org), tells us what we can be doing now to maximize our church facilities and prepare wisely for the future. Even if a church is...2020-11-141h 05The EFCA West PodcastPost-Election Reflections with Kevin Kompelien and Jack HamiltonThis is the audio version of a Wednesday Workshop called Post-Election Reflections with Kevin Kompelien, president of the Evangelical Free Church of America, and Jack Hamilton, who spent decades as the executive pastor of High Desert Church in Victorville, CA, and now mentors pastors all over the United States. We talk about the thoughts and emotions that those in our congregations are experiencing post-election, and what it looks like to keep the mission clear in these days. Also, because undoubtedly every pastor and church leader in America has been put in a brutally difficult situation we dive into how...2020-11-101h 02The EFCA West PodcastThe Fascinating Theology of Beauty with Brian ChanBrian Chan, Lead Pastor of Emmanuel Church in Burbank, CA, (EFCA) has extensively studied the theology of beauty and even written a book on the subject called The Purple Curtain. In this episode we answer questions such as: What is beauty and why are we attracted to it in the first place? Why do churches, except in the area of music, seem to underutilize the arts? And what makes so many Christian movies and songs so cringeworthy? We also discuss Brian's involvement in his community art society, and how modern Christian artists like Makoto Fujimura use their craft to co...2020-10-301h 06The EFCA West PodcastThink Like a MissionaryWhat can a missionary to Berlin, Germany, teach us about how to approach ministry in our respective areas? As it turns out, quite a lot! The Berlin City Team Leader for ReachGlobal has had to figure out how the Gospel relates to a very cosmopolitan and secular metropolis. One the most common responses she gets from German friends who find out she's a Christian is, "You still believe that?" Her experiences and insight, along with the team of 25 that she leads, allow her to speak prophetically into what we can expect here in the US as our nation drifts...2020-10-1651 minThe EFCA West PodcastBuilding Healthy Elder Teams with Bob OsborneThis episode was recorded in January 2020 but is as relevant as ever. It's no secret that elder boards and leadership teams can be full of conflict, frustration, and stagnation. But the problem is often not the people, it's the system: a bad system can even turn the best people against each other! Bob Osborne, Director of Church Health for EFCA West, has been an elder at the same church for over 40 years, and has helped a number of EFCA West leaders build the type of elder boards and governing teams that bring life and health to their congregations. Whether...2020-10-021h 08The EFCA West PodcastMastering the Art of Public Speaking with Omar RivasThis episode explores the "science of engagement" and answers the question, "How can we as speakers hold our listener's attention?" Omar Rivas (www.omarrivas.com) is a professional public speaking coach and engagement expert who trains CEO's and other business leaders to become better communicators. He is also contracted by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army to teach chaplains and other personnel how to speak effectively. This episode is not so much about content as it is delivery. We talk about concepts such as the "angel's cocktail," the "emotion cap," "dicing the story," and "pattern i...2020-09-171h 10The EFCA West PodcastPolitics, the Church, and the 2020 Election with Larry OsborneThis has got to be one of the hardest times in American history to be in local church leadership, and the upcoming election and current political climate is only adding fuel to the fire. This episode is a recording of a "Wednesday Workshop" on Zoom from September 2, 2020, with Larry Osborne of North Coast Church. Larry helps us understand how to navigate the political landscape with wisdom and boldness. What do you do when a church member wants you to endorse a political candidate? What about problematic social media posts from staff and church leaders? And how do we deal...2020-09-031h 00The EFCA West PodcastAndrew Hoffman on the New "Reach Network" and the Serious Church Planting Effort EFCA is LaunchingBelieve it or not, there was a time when the church you are in now was nothing more than a dream in someone's mind! But whoever it was that started it could never have done it alone - others had to help. In fact, the EFCA itself started as a church planting movement. Even our mission statement begins with the word "Multiply." So in this episode, Andrew Hoffman, EFCA Director of Church Multiplication, walks us through how church planting leaders from across the nation have come together to produce the Reach Network: the most strategic national church planting effort...2020-08-281h 11The EFCA West PodcastHow Earning an EFCA Credential Strengthens You and Your Church with Greg StrandEarning an EFCA credential can bring tremendous value to not only a ministry leader, but an entire congregation. However, pursuing one understandably often gets put on the back burner. Greg Strand, Executive Director of Theology and Credentialing for EFCA, explains why it's not just the destination, but the journey of going through this process that can strengthen both the doctrinal integrity and moral purity of the pastor and/or church leader. At 36:30 we talk about the new "onramps" EFCA is opening up to get candidates "in the door" easier. At 51:00 minutes we talk about the uniqueness of the significance...2020-08-161h 09The EFCA West PodcastDon't Die a Poor Pastor with Ric Stanghelle and Jerry Rich From FCMMIn this episode you'll hear from two experts in the field of finances for pastors and church leaders. What is the difference between a 403b and a "church plan" 403b? Should you opt out of social security, and how does that affect your medicare eligibility? What should pastors be thinking about as they approach retirement? Ric Stanghelle and Jerry Rich, President and Vice President of FCMM respectively, have answers to all of these questions. And, they'll even tell you how to get a $1,000 grant if you open up an FCMM account. To find out more about what FCMM offer...2020-07-311h 00The EFCA West PodcastLevel-Up Your Preaching With Dr. Lucas O'NeillBetween Twitter, TikTok, and now a global pandemic, is this the hardest time ever to be an effective preacher? How can we get people who have the attention span of a gnat to actually want to listen to our sermons? Dr. Lucas O'Neill, Professor of Homiletics at TEDS, teaches us how to create tension, effectively outline, and move seamlessly from one thought to the next. His recent book, Preaching to Be Heard: Delivering Sermons that Demand Attention, is the perfect follow up to this conversation. Whether you've been preaching for 50 years or just starting out, Dr. O'Neill can help you...2020-07-141h 04The EFCA West PodcastGrowing Your Church by Reaching All People with Alex Rivero2020-01-311h 00The EFCA West PodcastEFCA Reach Global and The Battle for the Soul of Berlin2020-01-3051 minThe EFCA West PodcastBuilding Healthy Elder Teams with Bob Osborne2020-01-301h 08