On this episode of The Bounce, the focus is on the challenges of dealing with difficult people in churches. Jim Newheiser, director of the Christian counseling program at Reform Theological Seminary in Charlotte, shares his insights on how pastors and church leaders can navigate these challenging situations. The podcast encourages pastors and gives them fresh energy to tackle ministry challenges. Bob Lepine, our host, also shares the importance of leaving a review for the podcast and listening to previous episodes. The episode looks at why apologetics are essential for pastors and training people to defend their faith. Overall, this podcast is produced by the Great Commission Collective, a group of churches committed to expanding the gospel by planting churches and strengthening leaders in local churches.

Jim Newheiser is a church leader who has experienced the challenges of building community in smaller churches. He has witnessed people come to church expecting to find all the programs they need, but when faced with the reality of a smaller congregation, many simply complain and leave. Jim's approach to this problem is to empower church members to start their own ministries, as he did when a group of parents wanted a youth group for their children. While most of the families eventually left for churches with established programs, Jim's leadership demonstrates the importance of community building in even the smallest of churches.

Timestamped Overview

[00:09:56] Focus on pleasing God, not people. Trust God for satisfaction in ministry. Don't be dependent on people, be dependent on God.

[00:12:52] Be submissive to church leaders and join a local church; refusal to join is like self-excommunication.

[00:15:49] A speaker received unhelpful critiques after a conference, including suggestions to address different topics, and others' opinions represented on behalf of groups. The COVID pandemic exacerbated divisions between church factions. Some attendees also criticize the pastor's compensation package.

[00:22:08] People who leave the church can be difficult to resolve. It's best to wish them well and help them find another church where they'll be shepherded. Focus on taking care of those who want to be in the church, and leave those who leave to their own choices.

[00:24:08] People who think they have a calling to ministry should be recognized by the church. God will tell the congregation if someone is called to preach. Frustrated individuals who pressure leaders to give them opportunities may not be trustworthy and it's important to get to know them first.

[00:26:38] Maintaining church unity and purity is important, and a plurality of leadership can help deal with divisive people. The Bible provides guidance on correcting opposition with kindness and gentleness, and discipline may be necessary for sinfully divisive individuals. Pastors should avoid defending themselves excessively in these situations.

[00:28:40] Church divisions over unimportant and secondary issues, with some individuals promoting heretical views and others being doctrinally divisive. The author suggests firm action, including asking for repentance or expulsion from the church.

[00:36:53] Relying on wealthy donors can be both positive and negative for small struggling churches, as some may demand influence and abandon the church if they don't get their way, leaving pastors and congregations in a difficult situation.

[00:38:54] Don't be surprised by suffering, watch over your own soul, recognize God is sovereign, protect your family, love your enemies, and focus on where God is working, not on trouble.

[00:41:29] Reasons for leaving ministry: loss of Biblical qualifications, burnout, loss of desire, seeking wise counsel, untenable situations, family suffering. Endure through difficult times before making a sudden decision.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Reform Theological Seminary in Charlotte: https://rts.edu

Neil Shenvi's book "Why Believe":https://www.amazon.com/Why-Believe-Reasoned-Approach-Christianity/dp/B0B4QNJGDJ

Great Commission Collective: https://gccollective.org

The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/

9Marks: https://www.9marks.org/

Acts 29 Network: https://www.acts29.com/

Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/

Ligonier Ministries: https://www.ligonier.org/

Gospel-Driven Church: https://www.gospeldrivenchurch.com/

Gospel Project: https://www.gospelproject.com/

Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/

The Gospel Coalition Podcast Network: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/

Together for the Gospel: https://t4g.org/ 

Banner of Truth: https://banneroftruth.org/us/

Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF): https://www.ccef.org/

Biblical Counseling Coalition: https://biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/

On this episode of The Bounce, we dive into the importance of mission and multiplication in local churches. We discuss how pastors need to share their vision with their congregations and identify gifted people to help with New Testament missions. Dave Harvey has been working in church planting for over three decades and has written a book that makes a case for partnerships between churches. We also explore the importance of sending away the best people to bring encouragement and nourishment to the local church. It's not about building a monument to a leader's legacy, but about flourishing in the season one is called to lead. Join us as we explore what it takes to extend the life cycle of the church and pass it on to the next generation.

Dave Harvey is the president of Great Commission Collective, an organization with the mission to plant churches and strengthen leaders. He leads the organization's efforts to multiply leaders, elders, planters, churches, and networks. Their partnership with local churches goes beyond simply planting them, but also includes providing training, coaching, and care to pastors and leaders. With a focus on both planting and strengthening churches, Dave Harvey and his team are dedicated to the growth and development of the local church.

"We've got to recognize that there are people that are gifted that way and not only identify and release them, but have the church recognize the beauty of that, the importance of that, and then how exciting it is that the church gets to be a part of that." - Dave Harvey

Timestamped Overview

[00:07:34] The importance of gifted people in local churches working together to fulfill the New Testament mission and the need for an understanding of the apostolic function in modern times.

[00:11:39] Prioritizing local church doesn't mean exclusivity, but recognizing other ministries that result in and reproduce churches. These outside ministries must be accountable to a local church, but the church should recognize and release gifted individuals to be part of them.

[00:14:42] Church health requires mission and a focus on something beyond the entity itself to thrive. Church planters often experience a shift in attention towards the church entity rather than mission. Multiplication and reproduction are essential for renewing the church and bringing in vital nutrients.

[00:19:11] Churches have life cycles, and their longevity depends on multiplying and carrying out their mission. Leaders must come to terms with this and focus on flourishing in the present while preparing for the future.

[00:22:06] Renewal through mission is crucial for extending the life and vitality of the church. Mission and sacrifice keep the dynamic of the church alive and prevent it from becoming sterile. Sending away best people encourages and nourishes the local church.

[00:26:18] The text discusses the importance of multiplying disciples and passing on knowledge to others for multiplication to occur. The goal is to instill the idea of multiplication from the fundamental level of discipleship to the growth of a church.

[00:28:41] The importance for pastors and elders to be convinced of the significance of church partnerships, and to lead the church through the process of considering and understanding the benefits that partnerships bring. This can be achieved by orienting the elders, discussing and looking at Scripture, and involving network representatives, before introducing the idea to the church in a preaching series or personal relationship.

[00:32:14] Money is a way to express faith and commitment, but church planting is more effective in shaping culture and extending the life of the church through mission and multiplication. Planting qualified individuals and supporting them cultivates enthusiasm and excitement within the church community that transcends its local boundaries.

[00:34:54] Quality of church life depends on giving and not just growth. Importance of training and sending leaders, and giving away ministry, money, and people for transformational impact and getting the gospel to the next generation.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

"Stronger Together" by Dave Harvey: https://www.amazon.com/Stronger-Together-Partnership-Virtues-Exponential/dp/0310140226

All Dave Harvey Books: https://revdaveharvey.com/books/

"The Pastor's Justification" by Jared C. Wilson: https://www.amazon.com/Pastors-Justification-Applying-Christ-Ministry/dp/1433536641/

"The Trellis and the Vine" by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne: https://www.amazon.com/Trellis-Vine-Colin-Marshall/dp/1925424669

Northwood Church: https://northwood.church/

- Website: Glocal.net

"The Art of Neighboring" by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Neighboring-Building-Genuine-Relationships/dp/080101459X

The Great Commission Collective: https://gccollective.org

On this episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepeen chats with Pastor Dean Insera about the importance of childlike faith and following Jesus on the journey toward becoming a true disciple. They discuss the meaning of repentance, the significance of developing healthy habits, and the role evangelism plays in disciple-making. They also touch on the topic of gender and sexuality from a biblical perspective. With a focus on empowering pastors to make disciples, this episode offers practical advice for cultivating a thriving Christian life, featuring helpful resources like Dean's Bible study "Marks of a Disciple" and his books on purity culture. Tune in to learn more about how to become an authentic disciple of Christ.

Dean Inserra is a pastor and author based in Tallahassee, Florida. He is the pastor at City Church in Tallahassee and has written several books, including The Unsaved Christian and Purity. Dean's Bible study on the subject provides insight into what a healthy, thriving disciple of Christ looks like compared to a generic churchgoer. His book, The Unsaved Christian, discusses the difference between casual cultural Christianity and authentic biblical Christianity in our culture today. Dean's work and writing have made him a valuable resource in the world of church planting and strengthening pastors.

Timestamped Overview

[00:05:29] Being a faithful Christian involves following Jesus and not just having nominal cultural Christianity. Discipleship and evangelism are both important aspects of faith.

[00:09:06] Don't mistake the secondary benefits of faith for the gospel itself. Jesus is not just a source of guidance or motivation, he is the savior and invites us to live with him.

[00:10:38] Use material possessions as tools to lead people to Christ instead of emphasizing their temporary benefits. Forgiveness of sins and being reconciled with God through Christ is the primary need. Share personal experiences to connect with the person and point them towards the gospel.

[00:14:13] The speaker apologizes for being on the phone and explains that the first marker of a healthy Christian life is a repentant life - not just at conversion, but constantly being aware of and turning away from sin. Repentance is necessary to understand the kindness, love, and holiness of God.

[00:15:37] Regular repentance through prayer and confession, not playing "attorney" in our relationship with God, and listening to others' feedback is important for believers to maintain the right pattern of life.

[00:21:29] Discipleship is about cultivating healthy habits and routines, rather than solely focusing on authenticity and feelings. These habits should include prayer, reading the Bible, and attending church, which connect us to God's voice, ear, and body. There are no strict rules for when to engage in these habits, as long as they are practiced consistently.

[00:24:10] Creating healthy habits in prayer and faith is important, like having a plan or reading plans/apps. We should value these habits as much as physical activities and not get caught up in trendy ideas about authenticity.

[00:35:05] Rejecting gender and sexual norms is rejecting God as per the example in Romans 1. The Bible is clear on gender and sexuality, and rejecting them is rebelling against God. However, one can struggle with cultural immersion or family members who do not follow these norms. The Bible's teaching on gender and sexuality is as clear as love your neighbor and Jesus rising from the grave. Paul chose same-sex relations as an example of rebellion against God. Ultimately, our problem is a posture of rejecting God for what we want, not just in sexuality.

[00:38:12] The speaker believes that incorporating evangelism as part of discipleship is important and that churches should prioritize creating a culture of inviting friends and celebrating baptism. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of evangelizing to the people we know, rather than just targeting atheists and agnostics.

[00:41:51] Build relationships and trust with churches that prioritize caring for people and preaching the word over style. Ensure clean and friendly children's ministry and a welcoming environment. Avoid political and insensitive topics. Confidence in the whole experience is crucial for inviting others.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

"Marks of a Disciple" by Dean Inserra: https://www.amazon.com/Marks-Disciple-Bible-Measurements-Growth/dp/153597866X

- City Church in Tallahassee (Dean's church): https://www.citychurchtallahassee.com/

- "The Unsaved Christian" by Dean Inserra: https://www.amazon.com/Unsaved-Christian-Reaching-Cultural-Christianity/dp/0802418805

- Bethlehem Seminary: https://bcsmn.edu/

- The Great Commission Collective (GCC): https://gccollective.org

On this episode of The Bounce, we have the privilege of hearing from three special guests, Philip, John, and Corey, who are involved in ministry in Muslim-dominated countries. They discuss how God is at work in these countries and how churches in North America can support and strengthen this work. We learn about the challenges of engaging with Muslim people, both in Muslim countries and here in the US, and get tips for starting conversations with those who don't believe in eternal security. The speakers share inspiring stories of Christians in the Middle East, including one of a terrorist leader who turned to Christ after Jesus appeared to him. The podcast also touches on the risks involved in evangelizing in these countries, and how the Arab community is mobilizing for church planting. Join us for a fascinating discussion about building bridges with Muslim communities and supporting the work of church planters in hostile environments.

"Those guys who have lived the thick darkness of their system, when they come out to the light, they highly appreciate the light far more than us, and they wanted to share that light with their fellow Muslims and particularly with their families."

— Phillip

Timestamped Overview

[00:08:53] Churches partner to expand the Gospel with the belief that working together is stronger, and finding ways to accelerate the Gospel's expansion in Muslim countries.

[00:10:27] Question about operating in the shadows as a Bible trainer and church planter.

[00:13:31] Challenges of being a Muslim background believer (MBB) in a 97% Islamic country and counting the cost of believing the gospel.

[00:15:30] Are distorted gospel messages present in Africa and Muslim-majority countries? Do podcast editors deal with such distortions?

[00:19:42] How can US churches engage better with Muslims in their community?

[00:21:51] Exploring reports of God speaking in dreams in the 1040 window and Muslim countries.

[00:24:30] Corey encourages pastors to take the gospel to all nations and partner with others to fulfill the mandate of the Great Commission.

[00:27:08] Comparing the level of commitment and passion between converts from a majority Muslim background and those from the United States. Wondering if there is a deeper level of excitement and passion among the former due to recognizing the disparity.

[00:30:19] Promotion of Ministry of Streams International & Great Commission Collective's international outreach; call to action to subscribe, like, and leave a review of the podcast; teaser for next episode on identifying marks of authentic discipleship with guests from City Church in Tallahassee.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Streams International: https://streamsinternational.org/

Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

On this episode of The Bounce, we explore the challenges of discipleship in urban communities and why churches need to adapt to the new reality of diversity in their neighborhoods. With the rise of gentrification, pastors must focus on building real relationships and partnerships with organizations that might not agree theologically. We also discuss the initiatives of MyBLVD, which offers a church planning training program for leaders, pastors, and planting couples to minister in majority minority multitenic spaces. Additionally, we talk about mission trips and why partnerships should be mutually beneficial to eliminate obstacles and perpetuate a sense of community within the church. Join us for an insightful discussion on how to engage biblically and holistically in our surrounding neighborhoods and cities.

Dhati Lewis is the Lead Pastor of Blueprint Church in Atlanta, Georgia and the President and Founder of MyBLVD. He was born and raised in California and later moved to Texas where he completed his undergraduate studies from the University of North Texas. He later earned his master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and his Doctorate of Ministry in Great Commission Mobilization from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Timeline

[00:05:46] The text discusses the challenges of discipleship in urban environments due to diversity and cultural differences. Urban no longer solely refers to inner cities, but to density and diversity. Discipleship is a challenge due to the interconnected and interpersonal nature of the practice.

[00:08:13] Changing the approach to ministry to reflect the diversity of local neighborhoods is important, especially in cities where there are majority minority multiethnic populations. The shift should be from an ethnic mythology to a neighbor mythology, where churches aim to reach their neighbors. Discipleship should be a primary platform for making disciples rather than relying solely on Sunday gatherings. The approach to ministry needs to change as more people living in poverty move to suburbs and rural areas.

[00:15:17] Summary: The purpose of church gatherings and missions should be understood. Tangible expressions of the church should be created where people live, work and play. Church buildings should be seen as missionaries within the community. Blueprint Church has partnered with many non-profits and schools in the neighborhood to become a person of peace within the community.

[00:19:04] Educate people and create mutually beneficial partnerships to engage holistically with current affairs. Upper-class should think lowly, and marginalized should think highly.

[00:21:36] Partnerships should be mutually beneficial, embracing mutual brokenness, and avoiding perpetuating the mentality of "I need even for the person who is receiving it."

[00:26:12] Building relationships beyond transactions is essential for suburban churches to effectively do ministry in urban neighborhoods. Real problems are only identified through authentic relationships and proximity. Transactions should not be the basis of partnerships, but rather a commitment to each other beyond short-term transactions.

[00:28:49] For a successful partnership, it's important to define the goal and whether issues are principle, prudence, or preference. Also, partnerships can be formed for hospitality, not just to spread the gospel.

[00:33:24] The urban context is seeing an increase in churches being planted, more pastors seeking coaching and consulting, and an emphasis on sending missionaries to the city. People who love the city are being raised up as missionaries.

[00:36:22] Training leaders for multicultural ministry is vital for the changing demographics of America. It's essential to recognize the new reality and act upon it rather than waiting too long. Churches can't remain homogeneous and must embrace multiculturalism to be fruitful and fill the earth made up of different people and groups.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

MyBLVD: https://www.myblvd.co/

Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

Goorin Brothers Hat Shop: https://www.goorin.com/

On this episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine interviews Dr. Wayne Grudem. Dr. Grudem talks about his own journey and experiences in ministry, his belief in complementarity in marriage and the church, and his thoughts on the state of the church today. Bob and Dr. Grudem also touch on topics such as the need for revival in the church and the question of whether all-male leadership is a litmus test for biblical authority.

About Wayne:

Wayne Grudem is a theologian and scholar who has taught at numerous seminaries and universities around the world. He is currently a Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Phoenix Seminary, a post he has held since 1985. He was born in 1948 in Livonia, Michigan, and was educated at Harvard University, Westminster Theological Seminary and the University of Cambridge. His career began with a chance visit to Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife when they were looking for relief from Margaret's chronic pain issues. His books on theology, ethics, and Christian living are widely read and have been translated into many languages. He is best known for his work, Systematic Theology, which has been hailed as a must-have for any serious student of the Bible.

Overview:

[00:05:28] Man moves for wife's sake and is greatly blessed.

[00:08:51] Producing a translation between the RSV and NIV with clarity and accuracy.

[00:11:29] Margaret was a supportive and selfless wife, encouraging Bob to stay and fulfill his ministry at Trinity in Illinois despite her own desires.

[00:14:14] Many people prayed for me, resulting in my being one of 5% of Parkinson's patients least affected after 6 years.

[00:18:55] Biblical passages teach men and women are equal in value and personhood, but have different roles in marriage and the church; complementarianism is the dominant position in evangelicalism.

[00:20:43] Churches undermining Scripture leads to erosion of biblical authority; all male leadership is a litmus test for believing the Bible.

[00:23:03] Jesus builds church, growth movement since 1950, predominantly in Latin America, Africa, Asia, with potential for Europe and North America.

[00:24:58] Pray for revival, increase faith, preach truth and confront sin.

[00:25:45] God made all people in His image and should not be judged by color; concerns about tech's influence and gender confusion in children.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

- Systematic Theology by Dr. Wayne Grudem: https://www.amazon.com/Systematic-Theology-Second-Introduction-Biblical/dp/B086LKDN1J

- Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem: https://www.amazon.com/Recovering-Biblical-Manhood-Womanhood-Gruden

- Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: https://cbmw.org/about/danvers-statement/

- Great Commission Collective (GCC) website: https://gccollective.org

- Stronger Together by Dave Harvey (book): https://www.amazon.com/Stronger-Together-Partnership-Virtues-Exponential/dp/0310140226

On this episode of The Bounce, we explore the role of music in a church service and how pastors can collaborate with their musical community to create powerful and memorable worship experiences. Our guest is Matt Merker, a worship leader, hymn writer, and author of the book 'Corporate Worship.' We learn that corporate worship encompasses all aspects of a service, from preaching, to reading, to singing the Word. We discuss the importance of hymns and songs that are rooted in theology, and poetry and how they can sustain listeners for a lifetime. We dive into the significance of prayers, instruments, and the order of service and how they can enhance or detract from a worship experience. We also touch on the important responsibility of pastors to be discerning when choosing songs and using them to reinforce the storyline of the Gospel. Join us as we explore the powerful impact of corporate worship and the importance of creating meaningful and memorable experiences for believers and non-believers alike.

About Matt Merker

Matt Merker is a pastor, theologian, and liturgist who is committed to helping Christians understand and live out the patterns and principles of biblical worship. Growing up in a church that emphasized the public reading of scripture, Matt found a passion for understanding how the elements of Christian worship can be arranged to reinforce the storyline of the Gospel. He now uses his skills to equip churches in the areas of prayer, praise, confession, intercession, and celebration of the sacraments. Matt is devoted to helping people connect to God through meaningful worship.

Key Moments

[00:03:37] Historical patterns of Christian worship: prayer, praise, confession, intercession, scripture, hymns, psalms, spiritual songs, teaching, offering, baptism, Lord's Supper, reinforcing Gospel story.

[00:05:27] Corporate worship combining Spirit-led passion with historical rootedness and structure.

[00:07:18] Collaboratively planning worship service with the senior pastor and other staff.

[00:09:17] Pastors should understand the power of music and study it to deepen their understanding of how it moves us and can help us remember the truth.

[00:12:38] Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength through psalms, sermons, and hymns.

[00:16:34] Source of songs is a legitimate consideration for pastors, honor each other's consciences, Romans 14, great songs not scarce, local languages for gospel-spreading.

[00:22:22] Include non-believers in church service, explain church terms, speak directly to visitors, and use an apologetic level in sermons/songs.

[00:27:25] Enhance support and beautify singing to glorify God without distraction.

[00:31:06] Prayer is important for churches and should include a global perspective and the gospel message.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God's People (9Marks: Building Healthy Churches): https://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Worship-Gathers-Building-Churches-ebook/dp/B08CS1VW1X

Getty Music: https://www.gettymusic.com

The Great Commission Collective: https://gccollective.org

On this episode of The Bounce, Bob Lapine interviews Allister Groves, President of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF), to discuss the book Untangling Emotions. Allister speaks to the importance of modeling healthy and godly emotions as pastors and exploring the emotions of those in the Bible, such as David and Peter. Bob and Allister then discuss how the book challenges the idea of having an "A-list" and "B-list" of emotions and how Jesus expresses a range of emotions which can be seen in the Bible.

"If you love Jesus, if you love his church, if you love his kingdom, then you will actually mourn with those who mourn and you will feel a weight on your soul of a burden of concern." - Alasdair Groves

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

The CCEF website: https://www.ccef.org

To find out more about Dave Harvey's new book, Stronger Together, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Stronger-Together-Partnership-Virtues-Exponential/dp/0310140226/

To purchase Untangling Emotions, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Untangling-Emotions-Gods-Gift/dp/1433557827/

The Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org

In this episode of The Bounce, Bob and his guest, Collin Hansen, discuss the life of Tim Keller and his move from Westminster Seminary to plant a church in New York. They discuss the revival that happened there, which was due to a combination of God’s work and Tim’s unique gifting. The idea of contextualization is explored, which was a key part of Tim’s ministry, and ways that young church planters can apply what he did well in the area of Mercy Ministry.

"The word [contextualization] has a broad meaning, but Tim seemed to zero in on every culture. You have to be a student of your [context] to be able to apply the gospel in whatever culture you're in." - Collin Hansen

Collin Hansen is an American journalist who serves as vice president for content and editor-in-chief for the Gospel Coalition. He is best known for his writing on the New Calvinism, and he hosts the Gospelbound podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin Hansen: https://www.amazon.com/Timothy-Keller-Spiritual-Intellectual-Formation/dp/0310128684

All books by Collin Hansen: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Collin-Hansen/author/B001JRUY4U

The Prodigal God by Tim Keller: https://www.amazon.com/Prodigal-God-Recovering-Heart-Christian-ebook/dp/B0017SYNZM

All books by Tim Keller: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Timothy-Keller/author/B001H6SAQW

Redeemer City to City: https://redeemercitytocity.com

The Great Commission Collective: https://gccollective.org

On this episode of The Bounce with Bob Lepine, Bob speaks with Trevin Wax, a respected author, and Bible teacher. In their conversation, they discussed Trevin's spiritual practices related to prayer, his journey of faith, and the thrill of orthodoxy.

“Prayer can be an incredibly powerful tool in one's spiritual journey; it helps us stay connected to our faith and develop a closer relationship with God. Developing a Closer Relationship With God Through Prayer and incorporating prayer discipline into your life are both essential steps towards achieving inner peace and being at one with our Creator.” - Trevin Wax

Trevin has been practicing prayer discipline since August 2019 - especially during the pandemic. During this time, he found it easy to focus on his daily prayers and make them even more meaningful. He is currently working on The Life of Jesus in 30 Prayers guide, which follows the same structure as the Lord's Prayer but takes you through the gospel.

Learn how prayer can be an incredibly powerful tool in your spiritual journey; it helps you stay connected to our faith and develop a closer relationship with God.

Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Wheaton College. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has contributed to The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today, which named him one of 33 millennials shaping the next generation of evangelicals. Some of his books are Rethink Your Self, This Is Our Time, and Gospel-Centered Teaching. He and his wife Corina have three children.

Here is a list of resources that were mentioned during this episode:

• Books by Trevin Wax: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Trevin-K.-Wax/author/B002BOHGPU
• The Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org
• Information on GCC's Partnership with Cedarville University: https://gccollective.org/partners
• 
  

In this episode of the Bounce Podcast, Pastor Bob Lepine and Dr. Jeremy Kimball discuss the importance of a healthy theological foundation in churches. They explore why theology is important, how it can be intimidating, and how it can be divisive. They also discuss how to teach theology in a winsome way and how to make it accessible to church members. 

Dr. Jeremy Kimble is passionate about teaching college students the truth of God’s Word. His hope is that through his courses, students will grow in their love for God and others, rightly understand the grand narrative of Scripture, and apply theological truths to everyday life. Dr. Kimble is committed to teaching in the classroom, mentoring students in smaller settings, and speaking in churches, camps, and conference settings. He served in pastoral ministry for eight years and currently serves as a co-leader of an adult Sunday School class at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville. Dr. Kimble's academic interests include biblical and systematic theology, ecclesiology, hermeneutics and homiletics, discipleship and spiritual growth, and biblical and pastoral leadership.

“We can look at the creeds and just see how that was defined and talked through and, and, and why did all these creeds talk about God as Trinity? Because they recognize that actually your salvation is embedded in that.” Jeremy Kimball

“I think when people passively sit and receive information, it's easy to forget. As soon as I have to teach it to someone else, it ensures I better know something about this.” Jeremy Kimball

Mentioned in this Episode:

Deep Discipleship: How the Church Can Make Whole Disciples of Jesus by J.T. English https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Discipleship-Church-Whole-Disciples/dp/1535993529

Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage by Gavin Ortlund https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Right-Hills-Die-Theological/dp/1433567423

Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael Reeves https://www.amazon.com/Delighting-Trinity-Introduction-Christian-Faith/dp/0830839836

Cedarville University https://www.cedarville.edu

Information on Cedarville’s partnership with GCC: https://gccollective.org/partners

Great Commission Collective https://gccollective.org

On this episode of The Bounce, guest Micah Klutinoty joins us to discuss his transition from Worship Pastor to Lead Pastor of Gospel City Church in Granger, Indiana.  Micah discusses his entry into Worship Ministry and the fact that he never had any expectation that he would ever pastor a church. Micah and Bob also discuss some key takeaways on how to handle the transition of a senior leader with grace and trust.

Micah is married to his best friend, Nicole, and together they have the privilege of raising their beautiful girls, Reese and Callie, and their rambunctious boys, Blaze and Zion. One of Micah’s greatest passions is helping the local church produce passionate, contagious worshipers who seek to glorify God alone. Beyond pointing our church to Christ, Micah loves having fun with his wife and kids. They enjoy the beach, lots of action, and traveling to see family.

"Don’t hire a good musician who loves Jesus. Hire a theologian who is good at music." -Bob Lepine

"I think we make a bigger deal, probably, of those big vision casting things in our minds sometimes… and sometimes it’s trusting the Lord with the small things, and He’ll put the momentum behind it." - Micah Klutinoty

Mentioned in this Episode:

Gospel City Church in Granger, Indiana: https://mygospelcity.org

The Great Commission Collective: https://gccollective.org

On this episode of The Bounce, Eric Posteluk looks at the often-overlooked discipline of prayer in our ministries. Placing prayer at the center of your church allows God to move in big ways and to receive the glory. Eric shares some stories of how prayer has been central to Mosaic Church, and evidence of God’s hand at work.

Eric Posteluk is the Senior Pastor at Mosaic Community Church in Joliet, IL. Eric preaches the Bible most Sundays, casts the vision for the church, leads the staff, connects with people, counsels, and alongside the elders, and oversees the doctrine, direction, and discipline in Mosaic Community Church.

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire: What Happens When God's Spirit Invades the Hearts of His People by Jim Cymbala: https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Wind-Fire-Happens-Invades/dp/0310350603

A Hunger for God (Redesign): Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer by John Piper: https://www.amazon.com/Hunger-God-Redesign-Desiring-through/dp/1433537265

Mosaic Community Church: https://www.mccjoliet.org/

The Great Commission Collective: https://gccollective.org

Scott Hollingshead is the Lead Pastor at Doxa Church in Rocklin, CA. Scott founded Doxa in the fall of 2013. Scott is married to Erin and they have three children: Jolie, Matthew, and Emma. Scott has a Masters of Divinity from The Master's Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from UCLA.

“If mission is the main thing, if fulfilling the great commission is the main thing, there are many good causes that could get us off the big cause, the big important responsibility that we have. We have to stay on mission. And so we do this by what we value. We do this by what we talk about and isolate down to in announcements. We do this by looking at the website and you see the things that we're gonna be committed to… every single ministry that gets approved funnels through the lens of how is this helping us fulfill the great commission?” Scott Hollingshead

Doxa church website: https://www.doxa.church

4 Emotions of Christmas by Bob Lepine: https://www.christianbook.com/the-four-emotions-of-christmas/bob-lepine/9781914966262/pd/966262 (Purchase price of $1.49 per copy)

Matt Smethurst and Bob Lepine discuss the role of Deacons in the local church. During this 30-minute episode, Matt dismantles several misconceptions about how Deacons are to serve and how their role contrasts with that of the Elder. 

Matt Smethurst is the lead pastor of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia; an editor at The Gospel Coalition; and author of Before You Share Your Faith: Five Ways to Be Evangelism Ready (2022), Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (2021), Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures for Approaching God’s Word (2019), and 1–2 Thessalonians: A 12-Week Study (2017). He and his wife, Maghan, have three children.

“I would say that there are basically two ways to get deacons wrong… I think they can be summarized in two ditches we can easily fall into. One is to wrongly elevate deacons into the role of de facto elders, but the other is the wrongly reduce deacons or demote deacons to that of… glorified janitors.” - Matt Smethurst

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River City Baptist Church in Richmond, VA: https://rivercityrichmond.org

Great Commission Collective Website: https://gccollective.org

Debate between Ligon Duncan and Tim Keller on Women Deacons: https://presbycast.libsyn.com/bonus-duncan-keller-talk-deacons-deaconesses-2009

Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (9Marks: Building Healthy Churches) by Matt Smethurst: https://www.amazon.com/Deacons-Strengthen-Building-Healthy-Churches/dp/1433571625

Before You Share Your Faith: Five Ways to Be Evangelism Ready by Matt Smethurst: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09V4K8H84

All Books by Matt Smethurst: https://www.amazon.com/Matt-Smethurst/e/B07QB6CFYK/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

The Plurality Principle by Dave Harvey: https://www.amazon.com/Plurality-Principle-Maintain-Leadership-Coalition-ebook/dp/B08W8HB9SF

In this bonus episode of The Bounce, Crawford Loritts and Bob Lepine discuss leadership.

"I have come in recent years to conclude that most people get burned, not necessarily because they're doing too much. Most people get burned out because they're doing what God called them to do the wrong way, and they're doing it in their own energy and in their own and in their own strength. And sometimes we are separating too much what God's called us to do from our personal growth and sanctification and the assignments that God gives us." Crawford Loritts

Crawford Loritts is the Senior Pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia. He has served as a national evangelist with the American Missionary Fellowship and the Urban Evangelistic Mission, as well as Associate Director of Campus Crusade for Christ. He co-founded Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Leadership as an Identity: The Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence by Crawford Loritts: https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Identity-Traits-Lasting-Influence/dp/0802455271

Crawford Lorrits on RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/teacher/999907

All Books by Crawford Lorrits on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Crawford-W-Loritts/e/B001JSE1T8/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU): https://www.cru.org

In this episode, Bob Lepine interviews Andy Snider about the difference between being Bible Centered and Gospel Centered. Being Gospel Centered does not mean neglecting to preach the Bible; quite the opposite. When we talk about being Gospel-focused or Gospel Centered or preaching the Gospel on Sunday, we are talking about something that is more expansive than just an altar call and an invitation

"We're preaching the whole counsel of God, and it's focused through the lens of the good news that Jesus is Lord and that redemption has been accomplished through Him. So we preach that's the good news that we need to hear every single week and then be exhorted to live accordingly, to be comforted by that good news." - Andy Snider

Andy Snider has master's and doctoral degrees in systematic theology from The Master’s Seminary, where he also served as a professor for 11 years. After an additional 2 years of teaching at BMA Theological Seminary, he was led by the Lord into full-time pastoral ministry at Radiant Church. He is married to the amazing Pam Snider, and together they have three grown daughters and six grandchildren.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Radiant Church, Austin TX: https://www.radiantaustin.com

Redeemer Chruch, Little Rock AR: https://www.redeemerlr.org

Simeon Trust Preaching Workshops: https://simeontrust.org/workshops/

J.I. Packer's Famous Essay on Christ's Death: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/j-i-packer-on-christs-death/

The Gospel by Ray Ortlund: https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Portrays-Building-Healthy-Churches-ebook

The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Christ/dp/1614279667

John Piper's Six Point Summary of the Gospel: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-six-point-summary-of-the-gospel

In this episode, Dave Harvey interviews Bob Lepine about his new book, Building a Stronger Marriage: The Art of Oneness. Many pastors sacrifice marriage and family for ministry. Bob and Dave offer practical solutions to common issues that can derail a pastor's marriage.

"So the question about our past is not who can we blame for our past, but how can our past events give us understanding in our present moment so that we can live rightly before God." - Bob Lepine

"The past is significant, but not causal." - David Powlison

Bob Lepine is best known to radio and podcast listeners as the long-time cohost of FamilyLife Today® and as the on-air announcer for Truth for Life with Alistair Begg. Bob is the teaching pastor at Redeemer Community Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, and he serves on the Board of Directors for the Great Commission Collective and as a member of the Revive Our Hearts Advisory Board. He is the author of Building A Stronger Marriage (2022), The Four Emotions of Christmas (2022), Love Like You Mean It: The Heart of a Marriage That Honors God (2020), and The Christian Husband (1999). Bob and his wife, Mary Ann, have five children and ten grandchildren.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Build a Stronger Marriage: The Path to Oneness (Ask the Christian Counselor) by Bob Lepine: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Stronger-Marriage-Christian-Counselor/dp/1645073076

When Sinners Say "I Do" by Dave Harvey https://www.amazon.com/When-Sinners-Say-Do-Discovering/dp/0976758261

The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande: https://www.amazon.com/Peacemaker-Biblical-Resolving-Personal-Conflict/dp/0801064856

The Art of Marriage Bible Study: https://shop.familylife.com/p-1863-the-art-of-marriage-small-group-kit.aspx

The Great Commission Collective website: https://gccollective.org

A complete transcript of this episode can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ULRzJNOwtfYHP148y79UIaSNCMIZDqFR5EjoPpeTK9I/edit?usp=sharing

In our first episode, Bob Lepine and Dave Harvey discuss the breaking situation with Matt Chandler and the Village Church in Texas. As details are revealed, there are lessons we can learn from how the elders handled the situation - and reminders that we need to be on guard in our own ministries.

Dave Harvey (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is president of Great Commission Collective, a church-planting ministry in North America and abroad. Dave was a pastor for 34 years, and travels widely across networks and denominations as a conference speaker. He is the author of When Sinners Say “I Do”, Am I Called? and I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger Through Life’s Defining Moments. Dave and his wife, Kimm, live in southwest Florida. He also writes at https://revdaveharvey.com, and you can follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RevDaveHarvey.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Hedges by Jerry B Jenkins: https://www.amazon.com/Hedges-Paperback-Redesign-Marriage-Protect-dp-1433531550/dp/1433531550

Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp: https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Calling-Confronting-Challenges-Pastoral/dp/B09C2SQZ5V

Lead by Paul David Tripp: https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Gospel-Principles-Leadership-Church-ebook/dp/B08CBKMP28/

The Great Commission Collective website: https://gccollective.org

A complete transcript of this episode can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZVcyerZANGNJke4BJyf9f8zl7BQokUBLsCeVuTl_LX4/edit?usp=sharing