the STOKE IT UP podcast

Lonnie Short is the Executive Pastor of Granbury Baptist Church, Granbury, Texas. Recently I was in a staff meeting with the team while Lonnie taught on setting goals. The outline is below. I recommend you copy and paste them into a note on your phone for you to review. Goal setting is a productive way to get things done. What is in your head and heart for God? If you could do anything for God, and not worry about resourcing it, What would you do? Yes, we ultimately need a strategy, but let's dream for God. God has a dream for you. Yes, goals represent that dream. Your dream needs to align with his Great Commission dream to reach people for Christ and see those people grow in the Lord. Now that we have you thinking, what's the strategy? Goals. Let's set some goals for 2024. Setting goals for 2024 Why are goals so important? 1. Goal-setting is my responsibility (Phil. 3:12-14) 2. Goals reveal and stretch my faith (Heb. 11:6) 3. Goals, give me focus and purpose (1 Cor. 9:26) 4. Goals give me hope to endure (Rom. 5:1-4) 5. Godly goals will be rewarded (1 Cor. 9:25) What kind of goals does God bless? 1. Goals that honor God (1 Cor. 10:31) 2. Goals, motivated by love (1 Cor. 16:14) 3. Goals that depend on God (Prov. 16:9) Smart Goals S - specific M - measurable A - attainable R - relevant T - time Four steps to accomplishing a GOAL! 1. Generate creatively (dream) 2. Organize clearly (plan) 3. Act consistently (do) 4. Look closely (review) SMART goals S - specific M - measurable A - attainable R - relevant T - time

Summary In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the essential components of new believer discipleship within the church. They explore the current shortfalls in ministry, particularly in new believer follow-up, and emphasize the importance of relationships in ensuring that new believers are effectively integrated into the church community. The conversation delves into various models of discipleship, the need for adaptability to church culture, and the significance of creating effective discipleship strategies that meet the bare minimum requirements for nurturing new believers podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the essential components of new believer discipleship within the church. They explore the current shortfalls in ministry, particularly in new believer follow-up, and emphasize the importance of relationships in ensuring that new believers are effectively integrated into the church community. The conversation delves into various models of discipleship, the need for adaptability to church culture, and the significance of creating effective discipleship strategies that meet the bare minimum requirements for nurturing new believers. NEW BELIEVER BOOK.

Summary In this episode of the Stoked Up Podcast, hosts Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest engage with Karl Vaters, a seasoned pastor and advocate for small churches. The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small church pastors, including misconceptions about growth, the importance of discipleship, and the need for cultural understanding within congregations. Vaters emphasizes that small churches can have a significant impact despite their size and encourages pastors to focus on relationships and community engagement. He also discusses the importance of redefining success in ministry and the value of connecting with other pastors for support and encouragement. Find Karl online at www.karlvaters.com

Summary In this episode, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the importance of discovering, developing, and deploying spiritual gifts in the church. They highlight the key points made by Ken Hemphill in his book 'You Are Gifted' and emphasize the need for a comprehensive church-wide strategy to help individuals identify and utilize their spiritual gifts. They suggest implementing a teaching series, utilizing sermon-based small groups, and providing mentorship and training opportunities. The goal is to create a culture shift within the church that focuses on serving the Kingdom of God and edifying the church. Ken Hemphill's You Are Gifted Preaching Outline Mentioned in Podcast (Make it your own; give credit; don't plagiarize) Spiritual Gifts ... 1. are GIVEN by GOD - 1 Cor. 12:7 2. are DISCOVERED by SURRENDER - Romans 12:1-7 3. EDIFY the CHURCH - Eph. 4:11-12 Stages of mobilization (the 3 points above are used to question and guide the stages of mobilization) DISCOVER DEVELOP (1. Mentor 2. Train 3. Serve) DEPLOY Takeaways Discovering, developing, and deploying spiritual gifts is essential for the growth and edification of the church. A comprehensive church-wide strategy is needed to help individuals identify and utilize their spiritual gifts. Implementing a teaching series and sermon-based small groups can facilitate the discovery and development of spiritual gifts. Mentorship and training opportunities should be provided to support individuals in their journey of discovering and deploying their spiritual gifts. The focus should be on serving the Kingdom of God and edifying the church, rather than just serving within the local church.

Summary Dr. Ken Hemphill discusses spiritual gifts and their importance for the local church community. He defines spiritual gifts as gifts and abilities given by God, emphasizing that they are good gifts and should be received with interest. He also highlights the importance of surrendering to God and utilizing these gifts for the edification of the church. The dangers and concerns of spiritual gifts include both overvaluation and undervaluation. Overvaluation can lead to a sense of spiritual elitism, while undervaluation can result in a mechanical church that lacks the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Hemphill suggests that churches need to prioritize prayer, consider the needs of the community, and look carefully at individuals' passions when helping them discover and utilize their spiritual gifts. In this conversation, Dr. Ken Hemphill discusses the importance of understanding and utilizing spiritual gifts in the church. He emphasizes the need for individuals to discover their gifts and use them to serve others. Dr. Hemphill provides practical advice on how to identify and develop spiritual gifts, including asking key questions, seeking honest affirmation, and trying different areas of ministry. He also highlights the importance of community and the role of the church in nurturing and mobilizing believers in their giftedness. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the flourishing of spiritual gifts in different contexts, such as reaching out to Muslim women and engaging in the Great Commission in local communities. You Are Gifted book. Takeaways Spiritual gifts are gifts and abilities given by God and should be received with interest and gratitude. It is important for individuals to surrender to God and utilize their spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. The dangers of spiritual gifts include overvaluation, which can lead to spiritual elitism, and undervaluation, which can result in a mechanical church lacking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Churches can help individuals discover and utilize their spiritual gifts by prioritizing prayer, considering the needs of the community, and looking carefully at individuals' passions. Understanding and utilizing spiritual gifts is essential for effective ministry in the church. Individuals should actively seek to discover their spiritual gifts and find ways to use them to serve others. Asking key questions, seeking honest affirmation, and trying different areas of ministry can help in identifying and developing spiritual gifts. Community and the role of the church are crucial in nurturing and mobilizing believers in their giftedness. Spiritual gifts can flourish in various contexts, such as reaching out to specific groups and engaging in the Great Commission in local communities.

Summary The conversation explores the topic of forced terminations in non-denominational and Calvary Chapel churches. It discusses the lack of oversight in Calvary Chapel churches and the role of the senior pastor in affiliation. The conversation also touches on the process of termination and the importance of accountability and prevention. It addresses the issue of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and conflicts within the church, emphasizing the need for a healthy church culture and effective conflict resolution. In this conversation, Bill Holdridge and Kenneth Priest discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy church culture and resolving conflicts biblically and effectively. They emphasize the need for pastors to lead with integrity, authenticity, and a focus on the Great Commission and Great Commandments. They also discuss the challenges of dealing with divisive individuals and the importance of unity and forgiveness within the church. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of recent scandals on the church's reputation and the need for churches to be a positive influence in their communities.

Podcast Introduction The conversation delves into the topic of pastoral terminations within the context of the Southern Baptist Convention and non-denominational church fellowships. It explores the reasons, impact, and emotional aftermath of forced pastoral terminations, as well as the biblical perspective on the grounds for terminating a pastor. The discussion also highlights the personal experiences of the speakers and the challenges they faced in dealing with church leadership and congregational dynamics. The conversation delves into the personal experiences of Shelby Hazzard and Alan Stoddard, both of whom have faced forced pastoral terminations. They discuss the impact of these experiences on their lives and ministries, as well as strategies to reduce pastoral terminations in church life. The conversation also touches on the need for thoroughness in the call process and the importance of building a wall of leaders around pastors for support and protection. Takeaways Pastoral terminations are often driven by internal power struggles, territorial disputes, and resistance to the pastor's preaching and teaching. The emotional impact of forced pastoral terminations can be profound, leading to feelings of betrayal, loss of trust, and a questioning of one's calling to ministry. The biblical grounds for terminating a pastor are primarily related to gross moral failure and unrepentant heresy, as outlined in the pastoral epistles and church doctrine. The experience of forced pastoral termination can shape a pastor's perspective on trust, church leadership, and the challenges of navigating congregational dynamics. The conversation sheds light on the complexities and personal toll of pastoral terminations, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support within church communities. Forced pastoral terminations can have a profound impact on the lives and ministries of pastors. Thoroughness in the call process and building a supportive leadership team are crucial in reducing pastoral terminations. The need for pastors to be willing to lose their job in the process of revitalizing a church. The importance of understanding the battle that pastors face and the support needed from their spouses. The real-life challenges and experiences of pastors in navigating the complexities of church life and ministry.

Summary The conversation explores the topic of spiritual formation and soul care, particularly in the context of the black church. Dr. Wayne Cooper shares insights from his dissertation and discusses the challenges and opportunities for implementing spiritual formation in the church. The conversation also touches on the need for pastors to be equipped in this area and the potential impact of spiritual formation on church communities. Lincoln Ave. Christian Church Fresh Encounter Ministries Takeaways Spiritual formation and soul care are essential for the health and growth of churches in the black community, as they foster a sense of community, belonging, and empowerment. The introduction of spiritual formation in the black church presents unique challenges, including the need for pastors to be equipped and the introduction of new concepts to the congregation. There is a growing interest among younger pastors in multicultural churches to focus on spiritual formation and soul care, recognizing the need for a shift in emphasis from social grievances to spiritual development. The implementation of spiritual formation in the church involves educational programs, small group ministries, and the provision of resources and materials to facilitate the understanding and practice of spiritual disciplines. Dr. Wayne Cooper's research and dissertation have the potential to impact the black church and other church communities, with plans to share his findings through workshops, seminars, and conferences. The conversation emphasizes the transformative nature of spiritual formation and the importance of aligning with God's plan for personal and communal growth.

Summary In this conversation, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the lack of discipleship for new believers in churches. They highlight the need for a strategy and intentionality in discipling new believers, as well as the importance of relationship and experiential learning. Alan shares his journey of realizing the need for a strategy and developing a disciple-making evangelism approach. They emphasize the importance of equipping new believers to disciple others and the need for pastors and churches to prioritize new believer follow-up. They also discuss the upcoming release of Alan's book on New Believer Discipleship. Takeaways Many churches lack a strategy for discipling new believers, resulting in a low percentage of new believers being discipled. The traditional classroom model is not sufficient for new believer discipleship, as it lacks relational and experiential components. A strategy for new believer discipleship should focus on relationship, intentionality, and reproducibility. Pastors and churches need to prioritize new believer follow-up and develop a plan to disciple new believers. Alan Stoddard has developed a disciple-making evangelism strategy and has written a book on New Believer Discipleship.

Summary The conversation explores the state of small group life in churches, the decline in commitment to small groups, the impact of COVID-19 on small group engagement, and the importance of intentional spiritual formation. It also delves into the ideal structure of Sunday school classes, the significance of discussion in small groups, and the role of pastors in discipling small group leaders. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional, discussion-based small groups for effective spiritual formation. Chapters 00:00 - The State of Small Group Life in Churches 08:08 - The Ideal Structure of Sunday School Classes 25:21 - The Importance of Intentional, Discussion-Based Small Groups Takeaways The decline in commitment to small groups in churches is influenced by factors such as COVID-19, fear of engagement, and ineffective church models. Intentional, discussion-based small groups are essential for effective spiritual formation and disciple-making. Pastors play a crucial role in discipling small group leaders and should prioritize intentional, discussion-based small groups in church life.

Spiritual Formation Begins in the Pulpit CGN Media - media that points to Christ. CGN International Pastors and Leaders Conference  Summary In this conversation, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the role of preaching in spiritual formation. They explore the idea that disciple-making begins in the pulpit and emphasize the importance of preaching that is text-driven and focused on the Word of God. They also discuss the fruit of effective preaching, such as people bringing their Bibles and actively engaging with the text. The conversation highlights the need for pastors to prioritize character and the importance of ongoing spiritual formation in the life of the church. Takeaways Disciple-making begins in the pulpit, with the pastor setting the stage for spiritual formation in the church. Text-driven preaching, focused on the Word of God, is effective in spiritual formation. Preaching that encourages people to bring their Bibles and actively engage with the text is important for spiritual growth. The fruit of effective preaching includes people bringing their Bibles, actively engaging with the Word, and experiencing spiritual formation. Prayer and taking notes during sermons can enhance the impact of preaching on spiritual formation. Chapters Introduction and Setting the Stage 03:07 Disciple Making Begins in the Pulpit 06:01 The Importance of Text-Driven Preaching 13:47 Preaching that Drives People to Their Bibles 33:31 Enhancing the Impact of Preaching: Prayer and Note-Taking 35:44 Conclusion

The Pros and Cons of a Devotional Life  Welcome to the STOKE IT UP podcast.  A podcast encouraging you on your journey with God.  The stoke it up podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to people to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows and ways to support the ministry.  The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org Pastors and Leaders Conference at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa https://conference.calvarychapel.com/ I’m Alan Stoddard and I am joined by Kenneth Priest for a conversation on the pros and cons of a devotional life. We are all spiritually formed by many influences. Should you have a quiet time? What does it look like? What do you do when you hit a dry season? Let’s jump into the conversation, and as we do, think about your own spiritual growth and disciple-making influences.  Summary In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of a devotional life. We share personal experiences and insights on how to cultivate a meaningful devotional practice. We emphasize the importance of reading the Bible, listening to the Bible, using devotional books, and engaging in prayer. We also highlight the need for flexibility and grace in maintaining a devotional routine. Overall, we encourage listeners to prioritize their devotional life as a means of spiritual formation. Chapters Introduction and Personal Background 03:24 The Argument Against Devotions 09:16 The Importance of Devotions for Spiritual Formation 21:37 The Devotional Approach to Scripture 25:18 Plan B for Devotions 27:46 10 Ways to Stoke Up Your Devotional Life 38:20 Conclusion and Encouragement Takeaways Cultivating a devotional life is crucial for spiritual formation. Reading the Bible, listening to the Bible, and using devotional books are all valuable practices. Having a backup plan for devotions is important for busy or unpredictable days. Engaging in prayer and using different models of prayer can enhance the devotional experience. Flexibility and grace are key in maintaining a devotional routine.

Dr. Kenneth Priest joins the Stoke It Up Podcast as a co-host. Kenneth has a undergraduate degree in Theology and an Master of Religious Education (MARE) from Southwestern Seminary. He earned a D.EdMin from Midwestern Seminary in church revitalization. Today, we start to focus the podcast on spiritual formation. We want to encourage you in your journey with God. What does that look like? This about your own spiritual journey. Join the conversation.

How to create a Bible culture in the church Use a physical Bible. Use the Bible.com QR code on screen as you begin to preach. Turn up the lights in the room. Push physical with digital Bible use.  Use sermon-based small groups. Announce the version of the Bible, you’re going to use in the pulpit and get everyone to get that version. Offer a “how to preach” school of ministry course. Use social media as a tool to encourage people to engage the word. Use multiple Bible apps and show people how to do that. Model in your life, and in the pulpit, what you want others to do: Be expository. Be encouraging. Show the Bible is essential.

In this podcast with Aleise Elsenboss and Renea Kren, we talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of The Chosen.  We give a review of season four. What were our favorite scenes and what are the challenges? We also talk about some of the hard things like flags on set and problems with the Latter-Day Saints (LDS/Mormons). We delve into Christian movies and the whole scene.  Alan Parr interview with Dallas Jenkins. Calvary Global Network

In this episode, I walk pastors and leaders through possibilities for sharing the gospel and extending a response opportunity for Easter 2024.

The Stoke It Up! podcast is a part of the CGN media family. Check us out on our social media handles. I give you 4 things that can help you get ready for Easter. Take a listen. Share in social media. Give me your feedback. What will your takeaway be?

What is next? I have been in a busy dry season in some ways. How do we negotiate those seasons of life and move forward? The secret sauce is that we have inside help. God lives in us. Faith in Christ (Gal. 2:20) ignites the fire of God in us. Check this episode out. Check out the CGN media page. Check out the Calvary Global Network! Join us!

Welcome to the Stoke it up! podcast. This podcast exists to encourage you in your journey with God.  I am Alan Stoddard and I am your host. Today, I have James Walker on the podcast. He’s the executive director of Watchmen Fellowship. Today the topic is, “the Bible, atheists, and culture.“ Today we talk about why someone should believe the Bible and light of other scriptures in the world. We also talk about the Need to talk with atheists. But there’s a unique twist to this part. Take a listen and you’ll find it. We don’t want to just be conversing with atheists, but we want to… We no longer live in a culture with home turf for the gospel. We have to know why we believe what we believe.   Increase your ability to share the gospel within our context today, not yesterday. To do that we’re going to have to talk with the atheists, agnostics, and those who are hostile to Christianity.  I would be interested in your feedback, of course. Share this in the media circles where you think it can do some good.  The Stoke it up! podcast is a part of the CGN media family. I encourage you to go and follow CHN on our social media handles.