Madison Church

Madison Church

We are a growing, untraditional multisite in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded in 2014 by Stephen Feith, we exist to connect people with God and each other both locally and globally by means of growing spiritually, gathering together, and giving back.

Unyielding Hope: Finding Strength When Everything Crumbles

Hope doesn't come after pain—it rises within our pain. As we continue our journey through Luke's gospel in week two of our "Hope Rising" series, we encounter Jesus preparing his followers for difficult times ahead. While they admired the magnificent temple in Jerusalem—its stunning white limestone and gold accents symbolizing permanence and divine presence—Jesus delivers a shocking prophecy: "Not one stone will be left on top of another." Unlike leaders who offer shallow platitudes, Jesus do...

04-08
25:17

Breaking Free From Ritualistic Faith: God Wants Relationship, Not Religion

What makes the Prince of Peace flip tables and chase people out of the temple? In this powerful exploration of Jesus' temple cleansing, we discover a Savior passionate about protecting sacred space and genuine relationship with God. The temple courts had become a marketplace where vendors exploited worshippers - particularly Gentile seekers who could only access the outer court. Money changers demanded exorbitant fees, animal sellers rejected perfectly good sacrificial animals to sell their ...

03-31
19:06

Surrender: The Path to a Life That Matters

Lead Pastor Stephen Feith concludes the powerful 12-week "A Life That Matters" series with a profound exploration of surrender as the gateway to significance. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem in Luke 18-19, we witness both the anticipation of Palm Sunday and the heartbreak of misunderstanding that follows. Through encounters with a blind beggar who sees with spiritual clarity and a wealthy tax collector whose surrender transforms his entire life, Jesus demonstrates that recognizing our need is t...

03-25
30:12

The Upside-Down Kingdom: Finding Worth Beyond Comparison

What defines your worth? Is it achievements, wealth, status, influence, or how you compare to others? In this piercing exploration of Luke 18, we confront the universal human tendency to measure ourselves against others and trust in worldly securities rather than God's grace. Through three powerful encounters, Jesus systematically dismantles conventional wisdom about success and righteousness. First, we witness the shocking contrast between a proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector, where ...

03-19
24:29

Faith That Returns: Recognizing God's Hand in Our Lives

Pastor Stephen Feith takes us on a profound journey through three powerful narratives from Luke's gospel that reveal what authentic faith looks like in daily life. Beginning with the story of ten lepers healed by Jesus, we discover that while all ten received physical transformation, only one—a Samaritan—returned to express gratitude. This singular act transformed his experience from mere physical healing to complete salvation. The stark contrast challenges us to examine how we respond to God...

03-12
26:33

Carrying Too Much: How to Make Space for God

As life often overwhelms us with responsibilities, we must ask ourselves: what are we clinging to? This episode explores our tendency to overcommit and carry too many burdens and challenges us to reflect on what truly matters, especially as we enter the season of Lent. Our pastor shares a personal story that resonates with many, highlighting the struggle between fulfilling our obligations and making room for God. Through biblical teachings, we examine how our lives can become overloaded, inc...

03-02
26:14

Living with Eternity in Mind: The Choices We Face

Prepare to embark on a transformative journey in our latest episode, where we unravel the profound teachings found in Luke 16. Starting with a pressing question—what would you do if you had only 24 hours left to live?—the discussion leads us to a greater understanding of how time constraints can reveal our true priorities. This episode offers rich insights into the relationship between wealth and stewardship, urging us to consider how we manage the resources we've been blessed with. Listen a...

02-24
31:43

Finding Grace: Exploring Life's Losses and the Parable of the Prodigal Son

What happens when you check your bank account and wonder where all the money went? Join me, Stephen Feith, on a journey through life's losses as we explore not just financial dilemmas but the deeper losses we all face. From lost pets to missing people, I reflect on how these universal experiences mirror God's longing for those who are far from him. Together, we traverse the Gospel of Luke, particularly the poignant teachings in chapter 15, where Jesus reshapes our understanding of purpose. We...

02-18
25:43

The Cost of Discipleship: Embracing Jesus' Call and Grace

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? Brace yourself for an eye-opening exploration as we tackle the challenging teachings from Luke 14:25-35, where the call to discipleship is presented with stark realities. We confront the controversial notion of "hating" one's family and giving up possessions, diving into the heart of these teachings to uncover their true intent. Often misunderstood and misused, these passages call us to prioritize our commitment to Jesus above all else, especially as L...

02-11
21:26

Experiencing the Kingdom of God: A Call to Radical Discipleship and Authentic Living

What if the kingdom of God isn't just a distant hope, but a vibrant reality unfolding right now? Inspired by theologian N.T. Wright, we explore this transformative concept, challenging the notion of an untouchable heaven by highlighting how Jesus's work reveals an overlap between heaven and earth. Through the lens of the Gospel of Luke, we grapple with the cost of discipleship and the unsettling but urgent message of division that Jesus offers. It's a call to disrupt our complacency and embra...

02-06
25:27

Living Authentically with Spiritual Insights

Imagine a world where baking sourdough becomes a profound metaphor for spiritual introspection. That's exactly what we explore as we reminisce about our sourdough-filled adventures, from crafting loaves of bread to unexpected creations like chocolate cake. These culinary experiments become a lens through which we examine deeper truths, inspired by Jesus’ caution against the "yeast of the Pharisees" in Luke 12:1. We discuss how this yeast-like influence parallels the subtle shifts in our attit...

01-28
21:13

Transformative Faith and Community Connection

Ever wondered what it truly means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly? Dive deep into the essence of authentic discipleship in this transformative episode. We promise you'll explore the profound journey of aligning your internal values with your external actions, illuminated by the teachings of Jesus in Luke 11. Join us as we tackle the struggles of divided loyalties, spiritual blindness, and the masks that hide our inner battles, all while discovering the power of living in God's truth. This epi...

01-25
31:36

Transformative Discipleship: Embracing Love, Prayer, and Relationship Through Luke's Gospel

What does it truly mean to live a life that matters? Uncover transformative insights from Luke's gospel as we navigate the profound journey of discipleship. We're not just talking about gaining knowledge or adhering to rituals; we're exploring a life reshaped by love, prayer, and relationships. This episode promises to challenge your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus, as we unpack four compelling stories that each offer a unique perspective on spiritual growth and transformation....

01-14
33:21

Finding Purpose and Embracing Kingdom-Focused Living: A Journey Through the Gospel of Luke

Ever wondered why so many of us abandon our New Year's resolutions before January even ends? Join me, Stephen Feith, as I uncover the hidden motivations behind our commitments and reveal how understanding your "why" might just be the key to lasting change. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical insights, I explore the significance of setting compelling reasons for our actions and how this concept intertwines with our spiritual journey. Together, we unpack the essence of a life that ma...

01-07
31:14

Waiting for Holiday Miracles: Finding Joy and Humor Amidst the Chaos

Have you ever found yourself hoping for a Christmas miracle to navigate the chaos of the holidays? Join us as we share personal stories filled with humor and heartfelt moments from our latest episode, "Desperate for Christmas Miracles." From a hilarious, high-stakes game of Speed Scrabble with family to the burdens of maintaining the jolly holiday spirit despite personal struggles, we explore the anticipation and longing for those elusive miracles. Whether it's the hope for peace amid family ...

01-02
27:35

Anticipation, Tyranny, and Unexpected Gifts: Finding Hope Amidst Life's Challenges

Reflect on the unyielding anticipation of the holiday season—those magical yet trying moments of waiting, as we unravel the layers of emotion and expectation surrounding Christmas. Ever wondered how an advent calendar can be more than just a countdown? It's a reflection of our impatience and longing for change, resonating with the Jewish people's historical anticipation of the Messiah. Journey with us as we set the scene within the Roman Empire's expansive reign, where hope struggled to stay ...

01-02
32:11

Embracing the Unknown: Lessons in Faith and Obedience

What if the path of faith meant embracing the unknown, where logic and divine promises seem to clash? Join us on this spiritual journey as we explore the lives of biblical figures like Samuel, Moses, Gideon, and Abraham, who exemplify the art of listening, trusting, and obeying God's call. We promise you'll discover how to tap into the profound strength and courage necessary to navigate life's uncertainties by trusting in something greater than yourself. The story of Abraham serves as our co...

11-25
26:53

Walking with Faith Despite Doubts

What if embracing doubt could actually deepen your faith journey? Today, we unravel the powerful story of Gideon from Judges chapters 6 and 7, where faith isn't the absence of doubt but the bravery to move forward amidst it. Through Gideon's experience, we uncover insights on how God sees our potential even in our weakest moments and how we can learn to trust and take action despite overwhelming fears and uncertainties. Join us as we explore the art of surrendering our need for certainty and ...

11-19
28:53

Answering the Divine Call: Moses's Journey from Ordinary to Extraordinary

What happens when the ordinariness of life suddenly becomes an extraordinary calling? Discover how Moses, a humble shepherd, found his divine mission amidst the mundane and how his journey can illuminate your path. Join us as we discuss the transformative power of God's presence, even when we doubt our abilities or feel overwhelmed by life's chaos. Through Moses's encounter with the burning bush, we uncover how God's voice calls us to step beyond our comfort zones, turning ordinary moments in...

11-11
25:45

Reconnecting with God: Navigating Spiritual Disconnection and Embracing Divine Guidance

Ever felt spiritually disconnected, like a phone stranded in a dead zone? Join us as we unravel the metaphor of spiritual connectivity, inspired by a recent leadership retreat in Wisconsin Dells. This episode uncovers how we can feel spiritually adrift despite having all the right tools, just like a smartphone that's useless without a network. We reflect on strategies to reposition ourselves to receive and hear God's guidance. Navigating the chaos of life while trying to hear God's whisper c...

11-04
29:08

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