Pastor Brian Podcast

Hey, y'all! The first year a student attends college or university (or one's "freshman year" as we say in America) is important for a myriad of reasons. It is also extremely vital for one's faith in Christ.  Today, we are joined by three freshmen who've just completed their first semester at college:  Leah Austin, Anna Mathis, and Carter Gaul. We talk about the tremendous experiences with God in their first semester and also places where they have struggled, doubted, and are asking new questions in their faith. It is wonderful conversation that I hope you can share with other students in your life . . . especially those preparing for college soon!We begin with an introduction (00:41), a prayer (04:17), our lunch menu (04:51), Leah Austin, Anna Mathis, and Carter Gaul (07:26 ), their stories of faith in Christ (08:58 ), how college helped them discover new and exciting things in their life with Christ  (11:08), the biggest difference in their spiritual lives now they are in college (14:43), how college has hurt, challenged, or complicated their faith (18:07), ways the Church could have done better at preparing them for a life of faith in college (24:55), things the Church did right in preparing them for faith in college (27:38), have they found a congregation (32:57), what is different about coming back to their home congregation (36:27),  advice for other college and high school students about faith in college (39:01), a final prayer (43:05), thank you (44:40), and a blessing (44:55).Menu for the evenings snack with Leah, Anna, and Carter:Parisian/French Hot Chocolate from The French Cooking Academy with Kate and Stephane Further Reading:"Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids" by Kara E. Powell and Chap ClarkFuller Youth Institute 

Hey y’all, I told y'all I would be letting y'all know about some exciting personal news and why that caused this Season (Season 6 of the Pastor Brian Podcast) to be delayed. I’ve written the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Indiana Annual Conference and General Superintendent Trimble, and spoken with my District Superintendents in Indiana and here in Northern Illinois— and (in compliance with ¶353.1 and ¶353.2a of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2016) I’m prayerfully requesting a Voluntary Leave of Absence for Personal Leave to begin in the new appointment year of July 2023 . . . . . . As the Jones family we will still be at Gary, we are not leaving. This is where God has called us and where we can live out our call to proclaim the gospel so other’s may know Christ’s salvation. It is our family’s Church home and we love it here and most of all we love God— the one who we have completely trusted and led us here. In many ways it will be much like it was when we first came to Gary Church in 2010, we will attend, but I will be on pastoral leave and have no pastoral duties, except now, I won’t have four little ones running around, they are big, but still running around in Gary Youth! I am not giving up my orders or being a pastor. Simply, pastoring will not be my regular 9 to 5 job . . . just like many of you in your walk with Christ Jesus. I will continue my podcast ministry (producing the Gary Church Podcast and the Pastor Brian Podcast) as I feel that is something God has laid upon my heart continue and enlarge. So no worries, no more interruptions or delays with this season of Pastor Brian Podcast. I’m looking forward to what the future holds here! Most of all, I hope to live out the simple truth that God’s call of making disciples of Jesus Christ is constant, but it does not always look the same. I want to show that to my children, to you, and live it out with you as well. Thank you . . . you are loved by me!The music you hear is "We're On Our Way" by Purple Planet Music and licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Welcome to Season 6! We are so glad to be back with you as we pray and speak with other Christians which helps us grow in the Holy Spirit! We are excited to have a conversation with The Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler.  Rev. Dr. Peeler is Associate Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College as well as Associate Rector at St. Mark’s Church in Geneva, IL.  We are also joined by her husband Dr. Lance Peeler (who will join us more fully in a bonus episode on love, marriage, calling, and ministry).Today we talk with Rev. Dr. Peeler about her new book “Women and the Gender of God.”  It is an insightful and robust theological book that is amazingly accessible to every day readers! We will discuss God, gender, God's gender, women, and why all this has such a huge impact on our following Christ!We begin with a prayer (00:41), our lunch menu (01:38) and Amy's own story of faith in Christ (03:11), how God called her to be a professor and into the priesthood (08:30), what compelled her to write this book (11:02), why God the Son is "a male like no other" (17:59), how she envisioned God the Father growing up and if it has changed (28:14), the hardest part of the book to write (32:51), her hope for people in the pew who read this book (39:35), and a final prayer and blessing (43:01).For more information about Amy and her work:Associate Professor of New Testament at Wheaton CollegeAssociate Rector at St. Mark’s Church in Geneva, ILAmy's newest book: “Women and the Gender of God”Hebrews: An Introduction and Study Guide. Co-Authored with Patrick Gray. T&T Clark’s Study Guides to the New Testament. T&T Clark, 2020.You Are My Son: The Family of God in the Epistle to the Hebrews. LNTS 486. London: T&T Clark, 2014.Menu for Today's Lunch with Amy and Lance:Modern Pork Pie by Chelsea Monroe-Cassel & Sariann Lehrer “A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official Game of Thrones Companion CookbookGratin Dauphinois by The French Cooking Academy with Kate and StephaneSpring Salad

Hey y’all! I know the new season has been late, but that has been because of some exciting circumstances in life that I can’t wait to tell you about! However, as a preview into this coming season of Pastor Brian Podcast, here is a small sound morsel of me singing a favorite hymn of rural Indiana Methodists for this, All Saints Day . . . “Are You Washed in the Blood?” (Revelation 7:9-17, Revelation 21 & 22). It is my best audio recreation of what it felt like to sing that hymn in church on All Saints Day . . . enjoy . . . and blessings!

Hey, y’all! This is Pastor Brian at the Pastor Brian Podcast, just letting you know a little about the end of Season 5 and the beginning of Season 6. I had always intended to end Season 5 of the Pastor Brian Podcast with the Easter episode. However, in a truly bone-head move, I didn’t mention that at the end of the episode (but in the crazy ramp up from the end of Lent to the beginning of Easter I somehow, in mind, thought I did). Thus, many folks, very politely, through email and in-person, asked when the next episode was coming out . . . and I realized I never actually mentioned that at the end of the Easter episode! Again, so sorry if you have been listening and thought maybe I quit the podcast game or accidently died. No, all is well, we are just taking a break to refocus and book new guests for next Season . . . which will be Season 6!Thus, I wanted to share what the Season format will look like for the Pastor Brian Podcast! The new 6th Season of Pastor Brian Podcast (which consists of a monthly interview of lay people and clergy doing amazing but often unseen ministry) will begin in September 2022 and go through Easter 2023 in April. Then we will take four months off (just like this summer). I have so many exciting ministries I want to share with you . . . this Sixth Season is going to be fantastic! I can’t wait until September . . . and I will look forward to praying with ya!!!The music you hear is "Sunnyside" by Ketsa and licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

We pray you are being blessed and challenged in these final two weeks of Lent! Our Podcast includes a: Gathering (00:00), Opening Prayer (00:32), Psalm (01:15), Scripture (03:44), Prayer (05:23), Gary Church Staff (08:10), Blessing (08:56),  End (09:29). You may find the full daily scripture readings  at Daily Revised Common Lectionary  and the scripture read in this podcast is Mark 16:1-8 . Blessings!If you would like to learn more about the Gary Church Staff:Lent Opening Prayer- Daniel Lee- Director of Youth MinistriesEaster Opening Prayer-Debra Evans, Business Administrator Lent Psalter- Jennifer Whiting- Director of MusicEaster Psalter- Janet Mathis- Director of CommunicationsLent Scriptures- Debra Hafner, Office StaffEaster Scriptures- Rev. Dr. Chris Pierson, Senior Pastor Lent Prayers and Response- Carey Williams Bebar, Director of Children’s Ministry and Christian EducationEaster Prayers and Response- Jennifer Castino, Welcome Ministries Coordinator

We pray you are being blessed and challenged in these final two weeks of Lent! Our Podcast includes a: Gathering (00:00), Opening Prayer (00:32), Psalm (01:10), Scripture (05:05), Prayer (06:43), Gary Church Staff (09:31), Blessing (10:15),  End (10:50). You may find the full daily scripture readings  at Daily Revised Common Lectionary  and the scripture read in this podcast is John 19:16-24. Blessings!If you would like to learn more about the Gary Church Staff:Lent Opening Prayer- Daniel Lee- Director of Youth MinistriesEaster Opening Prayer-Debra Evans, Business Administrator Lent Psalter- Jennifer Whiting- Director of MusicEaster Psalter- Janet Mathis- Director of CommunicationsLent Scriptures- Debra Hafner, Office StaffEaster Scriptures- Rev. Dr. Chris Pierson, Senior Pastor Lent Prayers and Response- Carey Williams Bebar, Director of Children’s Ministry and Christian EducationEaster Prayers and Response- Jennifer Castino, Welcome Ministries Coordinator

Welcome to Season 5! Today we speak with Marissa Sabio, one of the Program Directors for Outreach Community Ministries. Outreach is an amazing ministry that helps the most vulnerable in our community and I am sure many of our listeners have similar ministries within their own communities. Thus, I am so excited to have a talented and gifted person like Marissa on to speak about the exciting work Outreach is doing, but also how Christians can become involved in the mission the gospel compels us all to be part of in caring for and empowering the most vulnerable, forgotten, and oppressed in our communities. We begin with a prayer (00:41), our lunch menu (01:35) Marissa's work (02:21), Marissa's personal story of faith in following Christ as Lord and Savior (03:46), what is Outreach Community Ministries (09:05), the main areas of contact for Outreach Community Ministries in the Western Chicago Suburbs (10:22). why was Outreach Community Ministries founded (11:40), Marissa's role and ministry within Outreach Community Ministries (14:00), what compelled her to be part of Outreach Community Ministries (24:10), stories she loves to share about Christ's love, grace, and salvation to others through Outreach Community Ministries (29:24), why she feels it is vital for Christians to be part of ministries like Outreach (and organizations like it) around the nation and the world (37:36), ways a congregation or group of churches can begin to reach out and alongside the poor and oppressed  (40:00), ways working in ministry through Outreach Community Ministries strengthened and changed her walk with Christ (42:51), and a blessing (46:18).For more information about Marissa and Outreach Community Ministries:Outreach Community MinistriesMenu for Today's Lunch with Marissa:Jordan's Chicken Adobo with Jasmine Rice by Chef Jordan Andino with braised Baby Bok Choy.

Welcome to Season 5! Today we speak with Dr. Michael Graves, the Armerding Professor of Biblical Studies in the Bible and Theology Department at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. His primary area of teaching is the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and is  highly respected scholar and amazing teacher. Dr. Graves also teaches and lectures at Gary Church– where he serves in many capacities as well as an usher.  Have you ever wanted to ask what scripture actually was . . . and were too afraid to ask? What is the best ways to begin reading the Bible?  Why should we read scripture? Does it have any real benefits? Or curious about what scripture can teach about reading scripture? Join us as we have a conversation about faith, scripture, and God’s call in our everyday life. We begin with a prayer (00:41), our lunch menu (01:27) Dr. Graves' work, and name of new book (02:51), Michael's own story of faith in Christ (04:27), how God called him to be a professor (06:34), the process of becoming a scholar and faculty member (10:31), what he loves about teaching at Wheaton College and in congregations (14:50), what is scripture (16:11), why scripture so important to Christians (22:40), main obstacles people have to reading the Bible (26:58), key concepts to interpreting the Bible (35:13), the ways Jesus uses scripture and "Inner-Biblical Interpretation" (38:39), advice for people picking up a Bible the first time (45:26),  ways people who are familiar with scripture can continue to grow in Christ through the Bible (49:35), how scripture has been shaping him in the last 10 years (54:00), what he hopes people find in reading scripture (57:08), and a final prayer and blessing (59:02).For more information about Michael and his work:Armerding Professor of Biblical StudiesMichael's newest book: "How Scripture Interprets Scripture: What Biblical Writers Can Teach us about Reading the Bible.""Biblical Interpretation in the Early Church" (Ad Fontes: Early Christian Sources) "The Inspiration and Interpretation of Scripture: What the Early Church Can Teach Us Jerome's Hebrew Philology: A Study Based on His Commentary on Jeremiah (Vigiliae Christianae, Supplements) Commentary on Jeremiah (Ancient Christian Texts)"Menu for Today's Lunch with Michael:Gazpacho Paired With Pineapple Carpaccio, Pomegranate & Vanilla Salt by Gordon Ramsay

Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 5! Today we speak with Joe Davisson and Shelley Kenyon about the large, diverse, and amazing ministry of "Christmas Sharing."  Both Joe and Shelley have served Christ and his Church in so many ways- through school, work, and ministry. But in this conversation we will concentrate on an fantastic ministry and their part in the ministry . . . Christmas Sharing. Christmas Sharing is not only in their congregation, but throughout Wheaton, IL and the Illinois 200 School District. Also, we will discuss ways folks and congregations can begin a similar ministry to reach out and serve along side others in Christ Jesus!We begin with a prayer (00:40), the ways God called Joe and Shelley to faith in Christ (02:16), what is Christmas Sharing (04:32), why Christmas Sharing was founded (06:40), what is unique about Christmas Sharing and how it draws them into ministry (09:11),  what did it look like before the COVID-19 pandemic  (12:19), how it has changed (20:06), stories of Christmas Sharing (26:09), ways for people to be involved (32:45), avenues in which people and congregations can begin a ministry to reach others (34:33), and how Christmas Sharing has changed their congregation (41:16), and a blessing (44:12).Some information on organization from the podcast:Christmas SharingPeople's Resource CenterNorthern Illinois Food BankMarine Toys for Tots

Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 5! Today we speak with Rev. Dr. Chris L. Pierson, Senior Pastor of Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL. This summer was the 5th Anniversary of Pastor Chris beginning his pastorate in Wheaton. Today we focus on one particular day: his second Sunday and sermon at Gary Church on Sunday, July 10th, 2016. Even though Pastor Chris had served in various pastorates on the southside of Chicago, cross-racial appointments in Aurora, IL and Roselle, IL, and as Director of Connectional Ministries for the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church for 15 years (right before his appointment to Wheaton) . . . this Sunday was unique.  He was a black man coming to pastor in the predominantly white, wealthy, and western Chicago suburbs. The circumstances of his starting ministry in Wheaton different, but so were the 7 days leading up to that Sunday.  It was a horrible week of bloodshed, death, and hard questions about systemic racism, policing, and revenge. And into all of that hurt and pain, Pastor Chris stepped into the pulpit to preach the gospel to a new congregation. Pastor Chris' Sermon from Sunday, July 10th, 2016Luke 10:25–37 Revised Common Lectionary for that WeekFor a greater context of events from this day in 2016:The Killing of Michael Brown and the Ferguson Protests in Ferguson, MO The  Police Shooting of 17 year old black student Laquan McDonald in Chicago The Killing of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, LA in 2016The Police shooting of Philando Castile, near St. Paul, MN in 2016Man shoots and kills 5 Dallas, TX police officers in 2016 We begin with a prayer (00:40), our lunch menu (01:43), Rev. Dr. Chris L. Pierson's own story of personal faith and salvation in Christ (02:11), his feelings on a new pastorate in 2016 (06:05), cross-racial appointments (pastorates) and friendship with former Gary Church pastor (and now Bishop) Rev. Dr. Tracy Malone (09:45), the racial context of that time and the events of violence leading up to Sunday, July 10th, 2016 (14:09),  his picking of scripture and  gospel theme for his sermon (22:05), his personal experience of racism, violence, and the police (27:59), advice for young preachers in times of conflict, mourning, and injustice (36:26), Pastor Chris prays for the Church (39:45), final thanks and blessing (41:49).And finally, the menu for our lunch:Braised Chicken with Mustard and HerbsSteamed Jasmine RiceSkillet-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Pecorino Romano 

Welcome to Season 5! Today we speak with Vickie Austin, president of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. Vickie is also a business coach who specializes in helping workers discern as well as transition into a vocation that they love. Join us as we have a conversation about faith, vocation, work, transition, the pandemic, and discerning God’s call during all that is happening around us. We begin with a prayer (00:40), an introduction to the new season and format (01:20), our lunch menu (04:13), Vickie's own story of faith in Christ (05:33), what drew her to business and career services (07:04), CHOICES Worldwide and why she founded it (12:53), how business and faith inform one another (22:22),   questioning a career transition and tools for discerning during the "Great Resignation" or the "Great Discernment"  (26:07), biggest missteps when making a career change (38:16), and a final prayer and blessing(47:07).For more information about Vickie and her work:President of the Wheaton Chamber of CommerceWheaton Chamber of CommerceStory on CHOICES Worldwide: Business and Career Coaching"Circles of Gold: Honoring Your Network for Business and Career Success" by Vickie AustinOther books Vickie suggests and are mentioned in this episode:“Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want” by Barbara Sher“Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic” by Gregg Michael LeVoyMenu for Today's Lunch with Vickie:Pan-fried and Roasted Chicken by Gordon RamsayRoasted Carrots and Paper Steamed Asparagus by Nancy Silverton

   Hey y’all! We hope you are having a fantastic, healthy, and blessed summer! We just wanted to give you a small update on the Podcast. Pastor Brian Podcast Season 5 IS coming . . . just a little later than anticipated. There are a couple reasons: 1) We are waiting on a few important and new pieces of equipment to be delivered to improve Season Five.  2) The reason why we need new equipment, and this is the big reveal, we are changing the format for the Pastor Brian Podcast!    As we prayed about the future and heard from folks, a daily or weekly 10 minute prayer did not seem to be where there was the most need. Instead, we will have a monthly conversation with guests. Not only will it feature theologians, scholars, pastors, and writers who help others in Christ, but half of our conversations will be devoted to everyday Christians. The old Church term used is "Laity."  These are people who are so often overlooked, but do most of the ministry of Christ’s mission on earth. We hope to highlight these amazing people! I promise you will be inspired, encouraged, caused to think and question, and called to deeper faithfulness in Jesus Christ. But don’t worry, we will still pray in every episode, just in a new way.  So come on in, join us for Season 5 in few weeks! And as always . . . I will look forward to praying with you!“Pray" by Makaih Beats is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). You can find more information about Makaih Beats at www.makaih.com.

Welcome to our Last Drive-In Communion of the year at Gary Church! This is a Supplemental Episode made for the Gary Church congregation taking Holy Communion . . . from our vehicles in the parking lot! The sacraments are a gift God gave to empower us by the Holy Spirit to faithfully live as disciples of Jesus Christ. We made this podcast so folks can still hear the words and prayers of Holy Communion as they are being said at the same time as Pastor Brian and Pastor Chris in the parking lot, even though we are in separate vehicles. If you are not a part of Gary Church you are still welcome to listen to the prayers . . . they are scriptural and powerful. However, as you know, this does not make any bread or juice/wine around you at the time you listen to this the sacrament . . . that’s not how it works! Yet, we would love to partake in this Holy Meal with you if you are ever in Wheaton, IL on a Sunday.“Sunnyside" by Ketsa is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). You can find more information about Ketsa at www.ketsa.uk.

May the Holy Spirit empower you today! Our Podcast includes a: Gathering (00:00), Opening Prayer (00:30), Psalm (01:18), Scripture (03:14), Prayer (04:54), Ben Newell (07:30), Rev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall (08:03), Blessing (09:07), End (09:40). You may find the full daily scripture readings  at Daily Revised Common Lectionary and the scriptures read in this podcast are Psalm 29 and Romans 8:12-17.If you would like to discover more of Amy Laura's work:Kierkegaard and the Treachery of LoveConceiving Parenthood: The Protestant Spirit of Biotechnological ReproductionLaughing at the Devil: Seeing the World with Julian of NorwichRev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall at Duke University

Welcome to the last week of Easter! Join us as we celebrate by reading scripture, singing, and praying for the world and ourselves! Our Podcast includes an: Introduction (00:00), Gathering (00:20), Opening Prayer (00:50), Psalm (01:36), Scripture (04:55), Prayer (06:02), Zoey Bohmer (8:55), Blessing (09:18), End (09:47), Small House, Big Family, Not Many Places to Record Podcasts (09:48). You may find the full daily scripture reading (Psalm 99; Leviticus 9:1-11, 22-24; 1 Peter 4:1-6) at Daily Revised Common Lectionary. Blessings!*This episode was originally aired on Monday, May 25th, 2020, Memorial Day, and the last week of Easter in 2020.

May the Lord ascend in all you do! Our Podcast includes a: Gathering (00:00), Opening Prayer (00:30), Psalm (01:20), Scripture (03:14), Prayer (04:49), Mark Bianco (07:30), Dr. Beth Felker Jones (08:08), Blessing (08:38), End (09:09). You may find the full daily scripture readings  at Daily Revised Common Lectionary and the scriptures read in this podcast are Psalm 93 and Luke 25:44-53.If you would like to discover more of Beth's work:Faithful: A Theology of SexPracticing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living TheologicallyGod the Spirit: Introducing Pneumatology in Wesleyan and Ecumenical PerspectiveBeth's Twitter: @bethfelkerjones

Blessings to you today! Our Podcast includes a: Gathering (00:00), Opening Prayer (00:30), Psalm (01:22), Scripture (03:32), Prayer (05:16), Ellie Phillips (07:52), Rev. Brent Wright (08:22), Blessing (09:10), End (09:43). You may find the full daily scripture readings  at Daily Revised Common Lectionary and the scriptures read in this podcast are Psalm 98 and John 15:9-17.

Greetings in Christ! This is a Supplemental Episode made for the Gary Church congregation taking Holy Communion . . . from our vehicles in the parking lot! Because of COVID-19 here in Wheaton, IL and the greater Chicagoland area we are only able to meet 50 people a day in our sanctuary. So, we are having Drive-In Communion for all who desire to worship through the sacrament. We are gathering and receiving the sacrament of The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, or Eucharist . . . while “Doing No Harm.” The sacraments are a gift God gave to empower us by the Holy Spirit to faithfully live as disciples of Jesus Christ. We made this podcast so folks can still hear the words and prayers of Holy Communion as they are being said at the same time as Pastor Brian and Pastor Chris in the parking lot, even though we are in separate vehicles. If you are not a part of Gary Church you are still welcome to listen to the prayers . . . they are scriptural and powerful. However, as you know, this does not make any bread or juice/wine around you at the time you listen to this the sacrament . . . that’s not how it works! Yet, we would love to partake in this Holy Meal with you if you are ever in Wheaton, IL on a Sunday.“Pray" by Makaih Beats is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). You can find more information about Makaih Beats at www.makaih.com.

May the resurrection of Christ empower you today! Our Podcast includes a: Gathering (00:00), Opening Prayer (00:30), Psalm (01:19), Scripture (03:17), Prayer (04:51), Carson Rewiski (07:31), Kristen Stetzer (07:57), Blessing (08:35), End (09:09). You may find the full daily scripture readings  at Daily Revised Common Lectionary and the scripture read in this podcast are Psalm 22:25-31 and John 15:1-8. For more information about Kristen’s work:Kristen Stetzer Junior Recital at Wheaton CollegeVocal and Piano Lessons by Kristen Stetzer