Unpastorized Podcast

Do you ever scroll through old photos and suddenly remember just how far you’ve come? They say hindsight is 20/20, and maybe gratitude is too. What if the secret to being grateful right now is simply remembering how faithful God has been all along? On this episode, we are beginning a series all about gratitude, and starting by remembering what God has done.We discuss:Gratitude begins with remembering what God has doneTelling our stories helps us to sustain gratitude and inspire othersRemembering fuels hope - God is the same then, now and foreverThe Bible Project videos on Isaiah:https://youtu.be/d0A6Uchb1F8?si=FUPiFJ-9M1tCX-8Bhttps://youtu.be/_TzdEPuqgQg?si=wN2Mj84ctMaPUTxyFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Is this really what God wants me to do?” Maybe it’s a new opportunity, a risky conversation, or a challenge you didn’t ask for. Sometimes God’s call feels like a whisper that upends everything, and yet, it might be exactly what we were made for. On this episode, we're exploring how our friends and Christian community can help us to hear God’s voice and find our purpose.We discuss:The story of Esther and how her courage reminds us that God calls us to actHow community helps us discern God’s voice and live out our calling togetherEncouragement to say “yes” to God’s nudges in our livesA fun way to explore the story of Esther (Pastor Bruce’s favorite!):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyMpbGYR-0A&t=1657sResources:On Purpose: https://www.cokesbury.com/on-purpose-studyFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

Ever feel like your passions are just random? Like God couldn’t possibly care about your obsession with spreadsheets or cold brew coffee? Think again. What if the things that bring you to life are actually the very things God wants to use to bring life to others? On this episode, we're exploring how we can listen to God's voice and channel our passions.We discuss:How to channel our passions into purpose for GodAsking 5 questions to help us find purpose and meaningWorking from our baptism to live out our callingResources:On Purpose: https://www.cokesbury.com/on-purpose-studyFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

What if you could see the whole map of your life laid out in front of you, every turn, every decision, every outcome? Unfortunately that's not how life works. But you can learn to trust God with the next faithful step. On this episode of The Unpastorized Podcast we're talking about raising awareness and tuning our hearts to hear God’s voice.We discuss:We don’t need to know the future; we just need to take the next faithful stepPractical steps and tools to stay open to God’s voice in our livesAllowing the Holy Spirit to tune our hearts to God’s voiceResources:On Purpose: https://www.cokesbury.com/on-purpose-studyFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

What if life came with GPS instructions for God’s purpose and direction? Spoiler: it doesn’t. But we do have ways to listen for God’s voice. Join us as we begin season 3 of the Unpastorized Podcast, with a series all about finding God's voice in our passions.We discuss:How to recognize and overcome barriers to hearing God’s voicePractical ways to practice listening and obedienceUnderstanding our identityResources:On Purpose: https://www.cokesbury.com/on-purpose-studyFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

The sun is out… does that mean that our faith is out too? On this episode we’re talking about what happens when your discipleship hits summer mode, and how not to drift so far that you forget to pay attention to which direction God's leading you.We discuss:What the “Summer Slide” or “spiritual drift” is, and how to combat itDiscovering an anchor habit to keep you on track and connected to JesusHow to recenter your life and priorities with grace and intentionality Resources:A Disciple’s Path: https://www.cokesbury.com/a-disciples-pathThe Walk: https://www.cokesbury.com/the-walkFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

Have you ever wondered how to get started on a path to a life transformed by faith in Jesus? On this episode, we explore the step-by-step journey of discipleship, from being non-religious or a first time church visitor, to becoming a committed follower of Jesus who is leading others to new life in Christ.We discuss:What a discipleship pathway is and what it looks like, and how this can take the guesswork out of spiritual growth and faith formationStarting with the basics by finding your 3, and how this can look different as your grow as a discipleThe importance of inviting others along on this journey with youResources:A Disciple’s Path: https://www.cokesbury.com/a-disciples-pathThe Walk: https://www.cokesbury.com/the-walkFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

What does it actually look like to follow Jesus, beyond just showing up to church? On this episode, we’re diving into our United Methodist history to look at John Wesley’s marks of discipleship and how they still shape how we worship, serve, and grow as followers of Christ.We discuss:How marks of discipleship show us what it looks like to follow JesusA look at our United Methodist history to learn more about discipleship in small groupsHow and why to get connected in Christian communityResources:A Disciple’s Path: https://www.cokesbury.com/a-disciples-pathThe Walk: https://www.cokesbury.com/the-walkFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

What if being a disciple isn’t about having it all together, but about showing up, messing up, and still choosing to follow Jesus anyway? On this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to live a life centered on loving God and loving others, and why discipleship is way less about perfection and way more about progress.We discuss:The definition of a disciple of Jesus5 essential practices to living as a United Methodist ChristianFinding your 3 ways to worship, serve and grow at your church homeFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

We’re wrapping up our series called Anxious for Nothing and we get practical about living out a Biblical framework to combat anxiety and worry, especially when facing decisions that leave us feeling stuck. Let’s figure out how to lean on God together.Check out the rest of the Anxious for Nothing series in the Unpastorized Podcast:Part 1: Episode 219 | What to do when you’ve had enoughPart 2: Episode 220 | Overcoming anxiety with God’s nearnessPart 3: Episode 221 | Pray about everythingPart 4: Episode 222 | A peace that passes all understandingIn this episode:A review of how we can turn to God in the midst of life's challenges using Philippians 4:4-7 as a frameworkUnderstanding this Biblical framework and how we can apply it to real life situationsFinding encouragement to practice on a decision we need to makeFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

The Bible talks about a peace that passes all understanding... a peace that doesn't make sense. If you've ever struggled with anxiety or the need for control, join us on this episode as we discuss how surrendering to God brings the kind of peace that holds you together when life is falling apart.In this episode: Understanding the power of God’s supernatural peace Asking (and answering) how God’s peace guards our hearts and minds Peace comes from a choice to trust God in the midst of life’s challengesFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

On this episode, we're diving into some of the hardest battles we face - the ones no one else can see. Anxiety, fear and stress creep into our lives, but what if those worries were actually a signal to turn to God in prayer? Join us as we flip the script and discover that prayer might just be the most productive thing we can do.In this episode: Using anxiety as a signal to turn to God We don’t get to decide what God can handle… worrying about it? Then pray about it! Prioritizing prayer over productivityFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

When we encounter times of uncertainty, it's normal to feel alone and isolated, or even that no one could possibly understand what we are going through. But the truth is, we aren't alone. On this episode we are continuing our series about being anxious for nothing, and learning that God's nearness isn't just a promise, it's a game changer for how we navigate life's struggles, anxieties and uncertainties.In this episode:Understanding anxiety and when (and how) to seek professional helpLooking at how we isolate ourselves when we feel overwhelmed and anxiousThe importance of remembering the nearness of GodHow God’s nearness give us peace and comfort so that we can witness to othersFollow the Unpastorized PodcastFacebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcastX: @unpastorizedpodWatch on YouTube @jeromechurchonlineVisit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

Is it possible to truly be anxious for nothing? We live in a world filled with uncertainty, stress, and endless demands, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. On this episode, we are kicking off a new series on the podcast, and today we'll be uncovering the joy that comes from shifting our focus from our circumstances to God's unchanging goodness, even when life feels heavy. In this episode: Understanding anxiety and when (and how) to seek professional help Looking at the mistakes we make that cause us to reach our breaking point Learning how rejoicing can be the antidote to burnout and anxiety Follow the Unpastorized Podcast Facebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcast X: @unpastorizedpod Watch on YouTube @jeromechurchonline Visit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

We live in a time of information overload- we get opinions and suggestions and advice from everyone and everything we interact with. So how do we quiet the noise and focus on hearing the truth of God speaking to us? In this episode: What does it mean to say, “we believe God’s words are true?” How we know that we can trust God’s words How to discern that God is speaking to us (and hear what He’s saying) Some other episodes to check out: 201 | Is doubt the enemy of faith? Is there a God?: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/7fS4pV5HuQb 202 | Wrestling with the Biblehttps://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/wOWcoU5HuQb Follow the Unpastorized Podcast Facebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcast X: @unpastorizedpod Watch on YouTube @jeromechurchonline Visit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

Have you ever wondered if God still speaks today? On this episode we're exploring the life-changing truth that God is not silent. God’s voice isn't just for the pages of the Bible — it’s for you and me, here and now. So, are you ready to listen? In this episode: How God still speaks to us today What we need to do to make sure we hear the voice of God How we can use the powerful words of God to overcome sin Follow the Unpastorized Podcast Facebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcast X: @unpastorizedpod Watch on YouTube @jeromechurchonline Visit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

Happy New Year! Whether or not you are still trying to figure out your New Year's resolution, we've got a great suggestion on how to start the new year right with a bold and powerful prayer. Wesley Covenant Prayer (original version, as shared in this episode): I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. Wesley Covenant Prayer (modern version): I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, Praised for you or criticized for you. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and fully surrender all things To your glory and service. And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, You are mine, and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, Let it also be made in heaven. Amen. Follow the Unpastorized Podcast Facebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcast X: @unpastorizedpod Watch on YouTube @jeromechurchonline Visit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

Merry Christmas! Enjoy this special bonus episode as we discuss the incarnation of Jesus and what it truly means for all of us. And as always, some laughs, lots of opinions and plenty of sarcasm.  Follow the Unpastorized Podcast Facebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcast X: @unpastorizedpod Watch on YouTube @jeromechurchonline Visit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

Do you like a good mystery? Or would you prefer to know exactly how and why everything works? On this episode, we're digging deeper into who Jesus is, looking at the full divinity and full humanity of Christ. And spoiler... if you want the mystery to be solved, you might not love this episode. In this episode: Understanding what (and why) we believe about Jesus Exploring the fully divine nature of Jesus Acknowledging the mysteries of faith and the reassurance of God’s love for us Study resources:https://www.cokesbury.com/The-Christmas-Letters?srsltid=AfmBOooPeV0M4dAWSEp8G4YfKsqQXFgrwYQnwdUskkt-bHheO06X6K0- Hypostatic Union graphic: https://i0.wp.com/thinkingonscripture.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/hypostatic-union-diagram.jpg?resize=196%2C164&ssl=1 Follow the Unpastorized Podcast Facebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcast X: @unpastorizedpod Watch on YouTube @jeromechurchonline Visit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com

If you know the story of Jesus's birth that we tell at Christmas, you know that God came to earth as a little baby, born in a manger. But do you ever consider how Jesus was FULLY human? On this episode, we're discussing the humanity of Jesus, and the joy that we find in his example of love and humility. In this episode: Understanding the theological concept of kenosis Why Jesus became fully human Our response to the humanity and humility of Jesus Study resources:https://www.cokesbury.com/The-Christmas-Letters?srsltid=AfmBOooPeV0M4dAWSEp8G4YfKsqQXFgrwYQnwdUskkt-bHheO06X6K0- Follow the Unpastorized Podcast Facebook & Instagram: @unpastorizedpodcast X: @unpastorizedpod Watch on YouTube @jeromechurchonline Visit our website: unpastorizedpodcast.com