Together, they discuss the challenges facing local families, the organization’s innovative afterschool programs, and the importance of sustainable community engagement. From teaching life skills to providing rental assistance, NNH ensures neighbors not only survive but thrive.

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Timestamps for Key Discussion Points

00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and mission by Adam Whitescarver
00:25 - Welcoming guest Jenny Stripling and introduction to Northside Neighborhood House (NNH)
01:07 - Jenny’s role as Chief Development Officer: fundraising, marketing, and volunteer coordination
01:50 - Jenny’s personal story and journey to Chattanooga
04:10 - What drew Jenny to NNH and transitioning from a national nonprofit to a local one
05:18 - Celebrating 100 years of NNH: Origins and early programs
07:43 - Growth and evolution: Responding to community needs over the decades
09:39 - Launching the Community Schools program and embedding staff in schools
11:20 - Afterschool programs: Clubs, mentorship, and skill-building activities
13:40 - Expanding NNH’s reach: Addressing poverty north of the river
16:19 - Resource deserts and innovative solutions: Coffee Community Collective
18:47 - Addressing housing insecurity: Good Tenants Workshop and practical solutions
24:58 - Increasing need for rental assistance: Shifting focus since the pandemic
27:02 - Why supporting vetted nonprofits like NNH ensures impactful giving
29:13 - Building relationships with staff and the community: A story of success at Red Bank High
31:37 - Empowerment programs: Cooking and computer skills for self-sufficiency
33:53 - NNH thrift stores: A critical resource generating operational funds
38:17 - Volunteer opportunities: Schools, thrift stores, and committees
42:16 - Using white papers and community insights to guide programming
44:50 - Prayer requests: Supporting students and families facing summer challenges
46:44 - Vision for Chattanooga’s northside: Building a thriving, stable community

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Prayer Requests

Pray for students and families facing food insecurity and challenges during the summer months.

Pray for continued provision and support for NNH’s stability programs, especially housing and financial assistance.

Pray for the success of NNH’s outreach efforts to build meaningful community partnerships and foster long-term relationships with neighbors.

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Resources Mentioned

Northside Neighborhood House: https://www.nnhouse.org

Coffee Collective in Soddy-Daisy: A hub for resources and community building

NNH Thrift Stores: Supporting the mission through donated goods

Good Tenants Workshop: Educating renters on housing rights and responsibilities

Get Involved:

Visit https://www.nnhouse.org to sign up for the newsletter, explore volunteer opportunities, or support NNH’s thrift stores.

Stay Connected:

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for updates on future episodes and community initiatives.

----------------------------------------

Timestamps for Key Discussion Points:

00:00:03:04 - 00:00:25:22
Introduction
Adam Whitescarver introduces the podcast and welcomes listeners, giving an overview of the Chattanooga House of Prayer and the purpose of the episode.

00:00:26:00 - 00:00:49:06
Setting the Stage
Adam discusses the series focus on interviewing reputable nonprofits around Chattanooga, aiming to increase awareness and collaboration. He introduces guest Justin Wade, Executive Director of Partners for Christian Media.

00:00:49:06 - 00:00:56:11
Introduction of Justin Wade
A light-hearted exchange between Adam and Justin, setting the tone for the episode.

00:00:56:11 - 00:01:16:19
Partners for Christian Media
Justin Wade explains his role as the leader of Partners for Christian Media and introduces the organization's primary brands, including J103, JFest, Come On Let's Go, and JRadio.

00:01:16:20 - 00:01:43:00
Justin's Background
Justin shares his personal story, including being born and raised in Chattanooga, his family life, and his role at Partners for Christian Media.

00:01:43:02 - 00:01:54:22
Getting to Know Justin
Adam and Justin discuss Justin's active lifestyle, including his passion for running and triathlons, and how he balances that with family and ministry responsibilities.

00:01:55:00 - 00:02:25:02
Personal Life and Family
Justin talks about his daughters, his commitment to being present for his family despite a busy schedule, and the importance of making time for them.

00:02:25:04 - 00:03:04:06
Finding Time for Fitness
Adam and Justin continue discussing Justin's fitness routine, how he manages to train for long races like marathons and triathlons, and how he involves his family in supporting his training.

00:03:04:08 - 00:04:14:00
Work-Life Balance
A conversation about the balance between work, family, and personal time, and how Justin manages to stay active while fulfilling his leadership role at Partners for Christian Media.

00:04:14:02 - 00:05:14:02
The Role of the Family in Ministry
Justin reflects on how his family supports his ministry work, particularly during his triathlon training days, and the family dynamics of supporting ministry work together.

00:05:14:02 - 00:06:06:14
Professional Journey
Justin shares his journey of how he ended up at Partners for Christian Media, starting with a conversation over a job opportunity at J103 while working in a restaurant, and the unexpected path that led him into Christian media.

00:06:06:16 - 00:07:01:21
Early Days at J103
Justin describes his initial role at J103, waiting for traffic reports to come in while working at the station, and how he transitioned into more responsibility through a combination of boredom and initiative.

00:07:01:23 - 00:08:11:23
Learning on the Job
A humorous recount of how Justin took initiative to learn a new automation system at J103 and how this led to more opportunities for him within the organization.

00:08:12:01 - 00:09:01:23
The Evolution of Christian Radio
Adam and Justin discuss how Christian radio has evolved and the unique role J103 plays in the Chattanooga area, remaining locally based while other stations are more centralized.

00:09:02:01 - 00:10:17:01
Partners for Christian Media’s Impact
Justin explains the mission and model behind Partners for Christian Media, which includes a mix of community support from businesses and individuals, and how this hybrid model has helped them remain financially sustainable for almost 30 years.

00:10:17:03 - 00:11:01:08
J103 and the Community
The conversation shifts to J103’s local impact, focusing on how being based in Chattanooga gives the station a unique connection to the community, from local traffic updates to promoting local events and concerts.

00:11:01:10 - 00:12:05:08
Navigating Recessions and Challenges
Justin talks about how Partners for Christian Media has navigated challenges over the years, including economic recessions and the pandemic, and how the organization has adapted to these challenges.

00:12:05:10 - 00:13:01:08
Supporting the Community
Justin discusses how Partners for Christian Media prioritizes supporting local businesses and ministries and how they make decisions on who to partner with to ensure their mission aligns with Christian values.

00:13:01:10 - 00:14:00:13
Come On Let’s Go
An in-depth look at “Come On Let’s Go,” a platform for sharing Christian testimonies through video storytelling, and how it reaches people online who may not otherwise hear the gospel.

00:14:00:15 - 00:14:50:23
Testimonies with Impact
Justin shares the reach of Come On Let’s Go, with millions of views and thousands of people engaging with the gospel through personal testimonies, and how the platform has become an effective tool for online ministry.

00:14:51:00 - 00:16:00:23
The Power of Storytelling
Adam and Justin discuss the power of testimonies in reaching people who might not attend church, using online platforms to reach the lost, and the spiritual impact of sharing real-life stories.

00:16:01:00 - 00:18:00:00
JRadio and Other Ministries
Justin explains how JRadio was created to meet the demand for online music streaming, giving listeners a safe, Christian alternative to mainstream streaming services, while still fostering trust and community engagement.

00:18:00:00 - 00:19:00:00
JFest and Its Mission
Justin talks about JFest, the major Christian music festival hosted by Partners for Christian Media, its origins as a fundraiser, and how it has evolved into a major community event that brings people together from all walks of life.

00:19:00:00 - 00:21:00:00
How to Get Involved
The episode wraps up with Justin sharing ways people can get involved in the various ministries under Partners for Christian Media, whether through volunteering, sharing testimonies, or attending events like JFest.

------------------------------------------

Prayer Requests:

Pray for wisdom and discernment as Christian media navigates a rapidly changing digital world.

Pray for God’s provision and guidance for upcoming events like JFest and the expansion of media ministries.

Pray for open hearts as Partners for Christian Media shares the gospel through testimonies and music.

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Resources Mentioned:

J103: https://www.j103.com/

Come On, Let’s Go – https://www.comeonletsgo.com/

JRadio – http://www.jradio.fm/

JFest – https://jfest.com/

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for updates on new episodes and community events.

Anthony shares stories of his upbringing in Indianapolis, his passion for serving, and how his nonprofit is working to support Chattanooga’s inner city through mercy ministries, intergenerational service, and community empowerment.

This episode explores the challenges and opportunities of poverty alleviation, the importance of community partnerships, and the need for mentoring and training to help individuals break the cycle of poverty. Anthony’s vision for Hope for the Inner City extends beyond meeting immediate needs; it’s about building relationships and empowering people to achieve self-sufficiency and transformation.

-------------------------------

Jump Through the Conversation

[0:00] Introduction to the podcast and Anthony Watkins’ background as Executive Director of Hope for the Inner City.

[0:24] Anthony shares his origins in Indianapolis and stories of his family’s roots in Kentucky.

[1:59] Reflecting on his early years and family experiences that shaped his heart for service and ministry.

[5:49] How Anthony transitioned from a chef to ministry work and what led him to Chattanooga.

[8:20] The moment Anthony knew Chattanooga was where he was called to serve.

[10:45] Discovering Hope for the Inner City and its impact on his life and leadership.

[12:02] The merging of Inner City Ministries and Hope for Chattanooga to form Hope for the Inner City.

[15:00] Anthony explains the breadth of Hope for the Inner City’s programs, including utility assistance, food distribution, and home repairs.

[19:25] Shifting from merely meeting needs to focusing on training, education, and long-term community impact.

[25:00] How Hope for the Inner City works with local mission teams to serve Chattanooga’s seniors.

[30:20] Exploring Hope’s vision for community transformation through discipleship, evangelism, and practical support.

[35:12] The abundance of resources available in Chattanooga and the responsibility of using them to help others.

[41:00] Anthony shares stories of transformation, including the powerful impact of financial literacy programs.

[45:30] Encouraging individuals and churches to get involved by offering time, skills, and resources to those in need.

[57:17] The importance of building relationships and creating opportunities for lasting change.

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Prayer Requests for Hope for the Inner City:

Pray for more volunteers and resources to support the growing needs of the community.

Pray for the individuals and families served by Hope for the Inner City to find hope, healing, and transformation through the services provided.

Pray for Anthony and his team as they work to build a sustainable model of support and empowerment for Chattanooga’s underserved communities.

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Links and Resources:

Hope for the Inner City website: https://www.wearehfic.org/

Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

This episode highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships in the church, the development of prayer practices for youth, and how ministries can be more effective in discipling the next generation. Listen in to learn how you can engage with the Pray for Me Campaign to foster deeper community connections within your church.

--------------------------------

Jump Through the Conversation

[0:00] Introduction to the podcast and purpose of A Beautiful Church Podcast by Adam Whitescarver.

[0:25] Introduction to Tony Souder, his background, and ministry roles with One Hundred Years and the Pray for Me Campaign.

[0:40] Tony briefly explains his current work and role in intergenerational prayer and youth ministry.

[1:21] Tony’s personal journey and history: Born in Valdosta, Georgia, and his experience growing up in a military family.

[3:12] How Tony ended up in Chattanooga through his role as the first director of the Chattanooga Youth Network.

[4:07] The genesis of the Chattanooga Youth Network under the Chattanooga Resource Foundation.

[5:04] The strategy behind supporting youth leaders and building connections in Chattanooga through the Youth Network.

[6:10] Early challenges and successes of starting the network, including funding and building a collaborative culture among youth pastors.

[7:20] How Chattanooga’s youth pastors came together, overcoming perceived competition to work collaboratively.

[8:24] Building connections between youth leaders and forming regional networks and leadership communities for youth pastors.

[9:50] The role of prayer, accountability, care, and training in shaping the leadership communities and supporting youth leaders.

[12:18] The influence of Matt Brinkley and the importance of prayer and community in youth ministry leadership.

[13:15] The structure of these networks and gatherings for youth leaders, including prayer, training, and accountability.

[14:03] The development of the Pray for Me Campaign and its foundation in research showing the importance of multiple adult believers investing in young people's lives.

[16:17] How the Pray for Me Campaign creates intergenerational relationships to support youth and foster Christ-centered growth.

[17:39] The challenges of naming the campaign and how a key conversation with a church member led to the Pray for Me focus on prayer.

[19:20] The process of developing the Pray for Me Campaign into a practical ministry tool.

[21:04] How the Pray for Me prayer guide helps adults pray effectively for young people, focusing on Christ’s formation in their lives.

[23:15] How churches implement the Pray for Me Campaign: Recruiting adults as prayer champions for young people and fostering relationships across generations.

[25:16] The long-term impact of having three adult prayer champions for each youth throughout middle and high school.

[27:03] How the Pray for Me Campaign works across different church settings, from traditional youth ministries to family-focused ministries.

[29:09] Tony’s experiences working across denominations and making the Pray for Me Campaign adaptable for different church cultures.

[30:01] Tony’s personal journey and how prayer has shaped his ministry, especially through difficult times with his wife’s health.

[32:30] Stories of the Pray for Me Campaign’s impact: The powerful connection between Mr. Allen and Isaac, and how it illustrates the fast-tracking of belonging and relationships through prayer.

[34:18] How the Pray for Me Campaign builds community within churches and connects families across generational lines.

[35:02] The different age groups that can participate in the Pray for Me Campaign, from kindergarten through college.

[38:26] Barna research on the importance of intergenerational relationships for youth retention in churches.

[41:10] The Pray for Me Campaign’s reach and success: Translated into multiple languages and implemented in thousands of churches.

[46:08] How to implement the Pray for Me Campaign in your church and where to get resources.

[48:50] The importance of having a church champion for the Pray for Me Campaign and the step-by-step resources provided to help churches get started.

[51:25] How the Pray for Me Campaign is a valuable discipleship tool and its potential for creating deep relational connections within churches.

[54:23] The importance of prayer in building intergenerational relationships and fostering a sense of belonging within churches.

[58:22] How listeners can pray for Tony Souder, his family, and the continued growth of One Hundred Years and the Pray for Me Campaign.

[1:01:57] Tony’s vision for the future of the Pray for Me Campaign: Creating belonging and security within churches, leading to boldness in reaching out to others.

[1:04:22] Closing remarks and thank you from Adam Whitescarver.

-----------------------------------

Prayer Requests for the Pray for Me Campaign:

Pray for the continued growth of the Pray for Me Campaign, both nationally and internationally.

Pray for the youth leaders, pastors, and volunteers working to connect generations in meaningful prayer relationships.

Pray for more churches to embrace intergenerational ministry and for stronger connections between adults and young people.

-------------------------------------

Links and Resources:

Pray for Me Campaign website : https://prayformecampaign.com/

One Hundred Years website: https://ouronehundredyears.com/

Youth Leader Collective website: https://youthleadercollective.com/

Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

---------------------------------------

Jump Through the Conversation

[0:23] Introduction to Inza Hagins-Dyer and her role as Executive Director at Love’s Arm Outreach.

[0:59] Inza’s journey: From federal government work to leading Love’s Arm, her second career in ministry.

[2:54] History of Love’s Arm: Founded by Mamie Nankivell in 2005 to reach women involved in trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

[6:15] The challenges of scaling a ministry: Mamie’s transition to executive leadership and the role of prayer in sustaining the mission.

[8:32] The power of prayer: How consistent prayer shaped the success of Love’s Arm.

[11:40] Who Love’s Arm serves: Primarily women survivors of trafficking and addiction, and occasionally men who have experienced trafficking.

[14:17] The scope of trafficking in Chattanooga: The city as a major hub for trafficking in the Southeast.

[17:02] Common denominators of trafficking victims: Early childhood abuse, trauma, and the cycle of addiction.

[21:04] Real stories: Survivors’ paths to Love’s Arm and how trauma affects their decision-making.

[22:42] Love’s Arm’s approach: Trauma-informed care and its importance in rebuilding survivors’ lives.

[29:52] The role of volunteers and the need for unconditional love in ministering to survivors.

[34:18] Breaking free from trafficking: How addiction and trauma often keep survivors trapped in cycles of exploitation.

[37:48] How pornography fuels trafficking and sexual exploitation.

[39:55] Fundraising challenges: Measuring success and the difficulty of showing traditional “outcomes” in trauma recovery.

[45:10] Success stories: The first graduates from Love’s Arm’s long-term residential program and the impact on their lives.

[47:39] The power of love and forgiveness: Inza’s personal story of forgiveness after losing her mother to violence.

[52:47] Call to action: How listeners can support Love’s Arm through prayer, donations, and volunteering.

---------------------------

Prayer Requests for Love’s Arm Outreach:

Pray for protection and healing for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Pray for Love’s Arm’s staff and volunteers as they continue to bring hope and restoration to those in need.

Pray for increased community support and resources to sustain and expand the ministry.

Links and Resources

Love’s Arm Outreach website: https://lovesarmoutreach.org/

Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

Patti shares her inspiring journey from a fashion merchandising career to leading CEF, highlighting how the organization’s mission to spread the gospel to children began in 1937 and continues to grow through their Good News Clubs and summer programs.

This episode dives into the opportunities for churches to partner with CEF, the life-changing impact of reaching children with the gospel, and the crucial role of volunteers. Listen in to discover how your church can get involved in local schools and communities to support the spiritual development of children.

----------------------------------------------------

Jump Through the Conversation

• [0:22] Introduction to the podcast, guest Patty Harris, and the focus on evangelism through nonprofits.
• [2:00] Introduction to Patty Harris and her background, moving from fashion merchandising to ministry leadership.
• [2:46] Patty’s journey into ministry and her roles with Scenic City Women’s Network, Crown Financial Ministries, and eventually Child Evangelism Fellowship.
• [3:55] Overview of Child Evangelism Fellowship: Its founding in 1937, global reach, and mission to evangelize and disciple children.
• [6:52] History of the Greater Chattanooga Chapter and its 50+ years of service in the area.
• [8:07] Programs offered by CEF, including the Good News Club and Summer Missionary Program.
• [10:24] How the five-day clubs work in partnership with churches and their role in reaching children during the summer.
• [12:27] The impact of volunteers, from teenagers to senior citizens, and the vital roles they play in the success of the Good News Clubs.
• [15:46] The power of church partnerships: Building relationships with children and their families through school-based evangelism programs.
• [19:46] Volunteer recruitment and training: How churches and individuals can support and lead Good News Clubs.
• [24:46] Challenges facing CEF: Resource needs, reaching more schools, and the threat of satanic clubs in public schools.
• [30:46] Prayer requests: Staff needs, protection from spiritual opposition, and expanding the ministry to all 102 elementary schools in the Chattanooga area.
• [40:46] Vision for the future: How evangelism through CEF can transform the city by reaching children and their families with the gospel.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Prayer Requests for Child Evangelism Fellowship:

Pray for protection against the spiritual opposition, particularly the rise of satanic clubs in schools.

Pray for the recruitment of staff and volunteers to continue the ministry’s expansion and effectiveness.

Pray for the outreach efforts to bring the Good News Clubs to all 102 elementary schools in the Greater Chattanooga area.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Links and Resources

Child Evangelism Fellowship website: https://www.cefchattanooga.org/

Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

Timestamps for key discussion points:

00:22 - Introduction to the podcast and guest Jonathan Ingram
00:39 - Jonathan’s background and personal introduction
01:11 - The pronunciation of Jonathan’s name
02:19 - Rebranding from Chattanooga Faith, Work, Culture to Faith Co-op
03:20 - Jonathan's vocational journey and how he got to where he is today
05:23 - Chattanooga Fellows Program and its impact on college graduates
07:22 - How Faith Co-op fosters community and discipleship in the workplace
10:22 - The significance of rebranding and the importance of storytelling
15:20 - Narratives about work: Sacred vs. Secular divide
17:39 - The role of faith in finding purpose in everyday work
22:09 - Overview of Faith Co-op’s programs: Chattanooga Fellows, Main & Market Fellows, and Faith Driven Network
26:47 - Faith and Work 101: Bringing faith into businesses and churches
28:22 - Faith Co-op's podcast: Weekday Saints, sharing stories of faith in everyday work
30:54 - Story of collaboration between two professionals to solve a healthcare gap for adults with special needs
34:12 - The importance of applying the gospel to daily work and business settings
35:37 - Challenges faced by Faith Co-op and the push to include diverse industries and demographics
40:47 - How Faith Co-op supports churches and pastors in discipling congregants
44:22 - Prayer requests and Faith Co-op’s 2024-2025 theme: Seeking wisdom
50:22 - Closing thoughts and future directions for Faith Co-op
52:22 - Final reflections on the relationship between faith and work

For more info on Faith Co-op: https://faithcoop.org

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on faith and community impact!

#FaithAndWork #NonProfitLeadership #Chattanooga #FaithCoop #BeautifulChurchPodcast #CommunityImpact #ChristianWorkplace #Discipleship #JonathanIngram #FaithDrivenNetwork

Listen in to learn how churches and individuals can get involved, the impact of life-changing mentorship, and the challenges facing youth today.

--------------

Jump Through the Conversation

• [0:24] Introduction to the new season, podcast updates, and welcoming Terry Davis from On Point.
• [1:07] Overview of this season's focus: partnering with various nonprofits, both faith-based and secular.
• [1:38] Introduction to Terry Davis and his role at On Point.
• [2:24] Terry's background: From youth pastor to a key role at On Point.
• [3:33] How Terry got involved with On Point through volunteering as a youth pastor.
• [4:30] Overview of On Point: its origins, mission, and abstinence education programs.
• [6:30] Development of the "Life on Point" curriculum and its focus on year-long engagement with students.
• [9:10] The importance of building relationships with students for long-term impact.
• [12:44] Terry's role in community engagement and building partnerships with churches and organizations.
• [15:24] The need for volunteers and how churches can partner with On Point.
• [19:24] Impact stories: Transformational experiences and success stories from On Point programs.
• [24:24] Addressing the challenges faced by youth today: violence, anger, and the need for positive role models.
• [28:24] How to get involved with On Point: Volunteer opportunities, training, and the impact of even small acts of service.
• [30:24] Discussing the effectiveness of abstinence education and its approach.
• [36:09] Current challenges facing On Point as an organization: growing needs, limited resources, and the call for community support.
• [40:24] Vision for the future: Expanding reach, more community partnerships, and increasing financial support.
• [44:24] Prayer requests for On Point: Supporting students, creating safe spaces, and fostering a desire for growth and learning.
• [47:44] Closing thoughts and a call to action for listeners to get involved and make an impact.

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Prayer for On Point:

Pray for the students in the programs

Pray for them to know how to live life to the fullest

Pray for safety in our schools

Pray for calmness, focus, and desire for the students and organization to learn and grow.

-----------------------------------

Links and Resources

On Point Website - liveonpoint.org

Pray Chattanooga (formerly the Chattanooga House of Prayer) website - praychattanooga.com

This season is all about spiritual rhythms and disciplines, and we’ve been using the last few episodes to focus on sabbaticals, a continuation of the practice of sabbath rest. In this episode, Micki Ann chats with our final guest of the season, pastor Grady Davidson, as he outlines his sabbatical experience.

Grady began thinking about pursuing a sabbatical after nearly thirteen years as a pastor at Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church. With the support of his leadership, encouragement from mentors, and assistance from the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program, the Davidson family set off on a fifteen-week sabbatical. This time was broken up into trips and activities that focused on three areas: exploring the past, embracing the present, and envisioning the future. The result was a fruitful time of rest and refocusing that not only refreshed Grady and his wife but provided him with the perspective and wisdom needed for the unexpected Covid season that developed just months after he returned to ministry.

Join us for the final episode of season 5 as Grady shares the three areas he hoped to address through the sabbatical, and stay till the end to hear about “the spiritual gift of plodding.”

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:26] Rhythms of sabbath and sabbaticals
• [1:53] Introducing Grady Davidson
• [3:44] The importance of sabbaticals
• [5:15] Defining sabbaticals
• [6:41] Thoughts and conversations leading to Grady’s sabbatical
• [10:27] Areas of focus for sabbatical
  • Grady’s pulpit ministry
  • Family and marriage
  • Empowering congregation to serve
• [18:15] Preparing the church for Grady’s absence 
  • Finding a temporary pastor
  • Outlining worship services
  • Organizing special events
• [20:39] Content of Grady’s sabbatical
  • Exploring the past
    • Tour of Israel and Jordan
    • Road trips with wife to places they’d lived
  • Embracing the present
    • Beach time with family
    • Integrating The Daily Office
  • Envisioning the future
    • 11 day solo trip in Montana
• [33:00] Processing the past
• [38:46] Takeaways and returning to ministry
• [42:32] Change in spiritual practices
• [46:38] Call to denominational leaders to advocate for sabbaticals
• [48:23] Final thoughts: “the spiritual gift of plodding”

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer
• Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Last episode, Micki Ann and Rusty McKie introduced the topic of sabbaticals. In this episode, Micki Ann interviews pastor Tracy Edwards, who shares his story of working with his congregation to take a much-needed break from ministry.

In his seventeen years of pastoring, Tracy had never taken a sabbatical. It wasn’t until he was overwhelmed by the difficulty of leading a small congregation during the Covid crisis that he reached a breaking point. During a conversation with a counselor, Tracy was able to identify feeling dry and disconnected from God, problems which were affecting both his work in the church and his relationship with his family. With support and encouragement from his congregation and family, Tracy took a one-month sabbatical that culminated in a solo trip where the Lord spoke to the heart of the issue. 

This is the second of three episodes about sabbaticals. Listen in to this episode to hear more about Tracy’s experience and why sabbaticals are critical for ministry leaders.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:50] Explaining the extended focus on sabbaticals
• [2:03] What is a sabbatical?
• [4:06] Introducing Tracy Edwards
• [9:23] The unique challenges of being a pastor
• [11:37] Factors leading to Tracy’s sabbatical
• [15:19] Turning point: General Assembly
  • Conversation with a counselor
    • Hose analogy
    • Circle exercise
  • Feeling “dry” and disconnected from the Lord
• [18:49] The issue of pastors not being able to connect with each other
• [20:59] The dry place and ministry
• [23:03] Steps Tracy took for restoration
  • Connected with local counselor
  • Talked to leadership about sabbatical
  • Honesty with congregation
• [27:31] How Tracy’s family was affected
• [29:52] Details about sabbatical 
  • Unplugging from work/church
  • 10-day vacation with wife and daughter
  • Solo camping trip
• [32:37] Pivotal moment alone with God
• [37:31] Encouragement to take sabbaticals and following Jesus’s example
• [42:46] Churches: pray for your pastor
• [45:53] Practicals for those who aren’t able to take a sabbatical 
• [47:03] True vacation means skipping Sundays

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Earlier in this season, Adam and Micki Ann talked about the spiritual rhythm of sabbath, but what if you need more than one day of rest? In this episode, guest Rusty McKie shares advice on how to take a sabbatical. 

After pastoring for several years, Rusty sensed God leading him in a new direction, resulting in Steadfast Ministries, an organization that helps ministry leaders. One of Rusty’s focuses is sabbatical coaching, where he helps individuals make the most of an extended time away from work. Although sabbaticals can be for anyone, pastors in particular often need time to refocus and reconnect with the Lord. Rusty explains that pastoral ministry is a career with unique burdens and difficulties, such as mixing the personal, vocational, and spiritual parts of one’s life. Whether it’s time for deep rest or space to process through repressed grief, a sabbatical provides the opportunity to address hardships and make plans for a more sustainable life in ministry.

Even if you’re not a pastor or ministry leader, you can still use Rusty’s tips on caring for your own soul. Listen in to Micki Ann’s interview with Rusty, the first of three episodes about sabbaticals.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:19] Why focus on sabbaticals?
• [2:07] Rusty McKie’s ministry background and present work
• [6:06] Why Rusty chose the field of spiritual direction
• [10:15] What is a sabbatical?
• [12:24] Sabbatical coaching and book
• [15:13] The unique challenges of pastoral ministry
• [21:40] First steps for someone taking a sabbatical 
• [28:07] A crisis of grief
• [34:26] Planning your sabbatical
• [40:00] Processing big questions/issues
• [44:46] How to stay in restful space upon reentry
  • Spend time with God in silence and solitude and ask what needs to change
  • Utilize a Rule of Life
  • Anticipate old habits
• [48:57] Final thought: care for your own soul

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer
• Steadfast Ministries
• Sabbaticals by Rusty McKie

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

No spiritual practice is more connected to the Bible and the Church than the Lord’s Prayer. In this episode, Adam explains why knowing this piece of Scripture is so useful for praying comprehensively at any time.

The initial significance of the Lord’s Prayer is obvious – it’s the model prayer Jesus himself gave to his disciples; however, the Lord’s Prayer also represents the most-prayed prayer of church history, AND it covers all the areas Christians should be praying about regularly. So how do you incorporate this prayer into your spiritual rhythms? First, Adam says, you need to memorize it. Once you do, you can pray through the petitions quickly during in-between times (commutes, waiting for your coffee order, etc.) or sit down and go through the prayer slowly during your devotions.

Listen in to this episode to hear how using the Lord’s Prayer repeatedly can be transformative and why one church father called it “the summary of the whole gospel.”

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:27] Update: new facility!
• [2:36] Why do a whole episode on the Lord’s Prayer
• [3:44] The historical and ecumenical significance of the Lord’s Prayer
• [5:42] A comprehensive prayer
• [7:50] The gospel and the Lord’s Prayer
• [12:33] A prayer of few words
• [13:28] How to use the Lord’s Prayer as a spiritual practice
  • Memorization
  • Repetition
  • Praying on the go
  • Utilizing the petitions
  • Doing a “deep dive”
• [23:22] The importance of the first line
• [26:07] Connecting your life and needs to the prayer
• [28:09] The Lord’s Prayer as a communal prayer
• [31:43] “So deep, but so easy”
• [34:26] Adam and Micki Ann recite the Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Does how we use our bodies matter theologically? According to guest Joey Schlabs, the answer is a definitive “yes!” In this episode, Micki Ann dialogues with Joey about embodied spirituality and the why and how of making embodied choices. 

Between his academic interest in unexplored topics in the church and his curiosity about the theology of everyday life, Joey has spent more than five years researching the sacred importance of our physical bodies. He explains that humans were made to have embodied presence (physically dwelling with God) and embodied attention (purposefully interacting with the physical world). Within these two paradigms, we are tasked with making choices about how to be present and attentive in the here and now. How we make these decisions is a spiritual discipline that shapes and prepares us for eternity with God.

Listen in as Joey and Micki Ann discuss what embodied spirituality has to say about technology and how he and his family engage these ideas in their daily lives.  

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:58] Introduction to Joey Schlabs
• [5:38] How Joey came to focus on this topic
• [9:12] Defining “embodied spirituality” 
• [13:21] Embodied presence
• [16:18] Embodied attention
• [23:22] The “Garden to City” paradigm
• [27:22] Babel, Babylon, and the rival city
• [30:52] Technology as relief from our physical burdens
• [41:33] Making embodied choices
• [48:38] The science of the brain following the body
• [52:27] The habitude of embodied choices
• [56:58] Joey’s experience doing spiritual disciplines in community
• [1:00:07] Final thoughts and book recommendations 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer
• Every Moment Holy (Vol. I) by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
• Every Moment Holy (Vol. II) by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
• You Are What You Love by James K. A. Smith

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:37] Why talk about spiritual practices on this podcast
• [1:34] The etymology of “examen”
• [2:51] What is The Examen?
• [6:19] The steps of The Examen
  • 1. Looking back on your day with God
  • 2. Reviewing your day and expressing thanks
  • 3. Paying attention to feelings (consolations and desolations)
  • 4. Asking for forgiveness
  • 5. Looking ahead to the next day
• [14:50] What it really means to examine our feelings
• [18:20] Adam’s thoughts on this practice
• [22:26] The benefits of “living your day twice”
• [26:13] The importance of reflection
• [29:20] The fruitfulness of The Examen
  • Being able to see that God is at work in your life
  • Knowing our own hearts
  • Reflecting
• [32:37] Closing thought from John Calvin

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:49] Why the Ten Commandments?
• [4:24] The Ten Commandments and human flourishing
• [7:00] The Ten Commandments and human spirituality
• [10:52] Remembering the “upward call”
• [13:44] Changing popular perception of the Ten Commandments 
• [18:58] How to use the Ten Commandments as a spiritual discipline
  • Memorization
  • Praying through them
• [21:25] Challenges of this practice
• [26:12] Exploring the Ten Commandments in the context of a prayer retreat

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:18] What is Lectio Divina?
• [9:30] “Dryness” and changing the way you read Scripture
• [14:53] The four movements of Lectio Divina
  • (Bonus) Preparation
  • 1. Read
  • 2. Reflect
  • 3. Respond
  • 4. Rest
  • (Bonus) Resolve
• [24:20] Adam’s advice to task-oriented people
• [26:07] How the movements of Lectio Divina can help you hear God outside of reading Scripture
• [31:34] The invitational aspect of Lectio Divina

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:50] What is a rule of life?
• [6:14] How Adam found himself needing a rule of life
• [11:01] Why Adam’s spiritual practices were draining and how he reconfigured them
• [16:51] The individual and corporate aspects of the rule of life
• [19:32] The importance of writing things down
• [20:40] Adam’s growth with his rule of life
• [25:54] Example from the retreat guide on how to develop a rule of life
• [32:52] On starting small
• [37:50] The benefit of doing the rule of life in community
• [40:52] Adam’s family and the rule of life

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer
• Rule of Life Retreat Guide by Adam Whitescarver

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:31] Addressing misunderstandings about the Sabbath
• [3:55] God’s creation of the first Sabbath
• [8:54] Connection between the Sabbath, eternity, and Jesus’s work on the cross
• [11:07] Defining sabbath rest 
• [14:54] What it means to “remember” the Sabbath
• [20:20] What’s keeping you from resting?
• [26:33] Plan, prepare, and practice
• [29:35] Doing Sabbath on a different day
• [33:11] Jesus and the Sabbath
• [35:00] Information about ChattHOP’s Sabbath Retreat Guide

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer 
• Sabbath Retreat Guide by the Chattanooga House of Prayer
• The Sabbath by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:22] Explaining silence and solitude
• [2:31] Acknowledging and dealing with discomfort
• [5:21] Creating a place of peace
• [8:09] Explaining stillness
• [9:42] The importance of addressing our reactions to silence, solitude, and stillness
• [16:48] Tips for cultivating these rhythms 
• [24:51] Identifying the desire to develop these practices
• [26:04] Benefits of silence, solitude, and stillness 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:19] Introduction to Micki Ann
• [6:34] How a difficult season deepened Micki Ann’s intimacy with Christ
• [9:56] Micki Ann’s calling and growth in ministry 
• [14:59] Adam’s observations and encouragement to twenty-somethings
• [16:04] The relationship between action and formation
• [20:04] Micki Ann’s history with ChattHOP
• [23:48] Current role as Spiritual Formation Director
• [25:30] The inception of Rhythms at ChattHOP
• [29:47] What retreats at ChattHOP look like
• [33:30] Some of this season’s topics/rhythms
  • Silence and solitude
  • Cultivating intimacy with God
  • Meditative approach to Scripture
  • Sabbath
  • Forms of prayer
  • Understanding worth of human bodies
  • Rule of life
• [39:11] Why one should attend a ChattHOP retreat

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer
• Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
• Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Ken Sauer knew he was called to be a pastor from a young age, but it took a radical experience with a cult, ten years of depression and spiritual wandering, and the MTV Video Music Awards to get him to start his ministry journey. Now, Ken is the pastor of Red Bank United Methodist Church, a congregation with a long history and a reputation for its food bank ministry. In the final episode of Season 4, Ken and Adam talk about the strengths of Methodism, how Red Bank UMC is doing post-pandemic, and what Ken sees happening in Chattanooga and across the nation. 

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:42] Ken’s background and long road to ministry
  • [1:00] Journalism career
  • [2:24] Call to ministry and lifestyle in highschool
  • [4:33] The impact of events in college
  • [7:03] Opening a heavy metal t-shirt shop after losing his faith
  • [11:11] Turning point: MTV VMAs
  • [14:09] Seminary and reflections on the previous 10 years
• [15:41] Ken’s long struggle with faith and depression
• [20:28] Church location, service times, connection information
• [21:57] History of Red Bank UMC
• [24:58] Red Bank UMC’s role in the community
• [28:06] Ken’s experience running food pantries
• [35:28] Unity and division in the United Methodist Church
• [44:27] What it means to be a connectional denomination
• [49:28] More historical and general information about the UMC
• [56:52] How Red Bank UMC is doing post-pandemic
• [1:02:55] Sociological trends in the US and the dwindling of church culture
• [1:09:03] Final exhortation to believers

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Red Bank UMC website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Pastor Terry Evans knows what God has called his church to do – minister to the community. Grace Pointe Assembly of God has found ways to serve local oncology patients, homeschool groups, special needs kids and their families, and more. Alongside its outreach, Grace Pointe makes space for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as demonstrated by two miracles of healing that happened at a recent church revival.

Listen to this episode to hear Terry and Adam discuss Terry’s call to ministry, the structure of the Assemblies of God, and Grace Pointe’s current outreach focus.

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:28] Church location, service times, connection information
• [3:05] History of Grace Pointe
• [6:07] How Terry came to be a pastor
• [10:26] Comparing onramps to ministry in different denominations
• [14:10] Overview of Assemblies of God
• [18:17] Comparing disciplinary methods in different denominations
• [23:16] Grace Pointe’s outreach to Chattanooga
• [29:56] Gifts of the Holy Spirit at Grace Pointe
  • Happens in addition to works of faith (outreach)
  • Two recent healings
• [33:08] Theology of healing
• [43:19] What God is doing at Grace Pointe
  • Focus on young families
  • The importance of small groups
• [53:39] Dealing with challenges as a pastor
• [57:19] Final exhortation to believers

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Grace Pointe Assembly of God website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

From coming to the Lord at six years old at a revival at the church to leaving a thriving ministry in Indiana to return as its senior pastor, Dr. Ternae Jordan’s life and ministry have been undeniably connected to Mount Canaan Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Following in the footsteps of his father, the previous pastor, Ternae keeps Mount Canaan focused on serving the community, even through the recent pandemic. 

Listen in to this episode to hear Ternae talk about his church philosophy, his experience in inner city Fort Wayne, and his thoughts on the black church.

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:16] History of Mount Canaan Baptist Church
• [4:21] Ternae’s attitude toward ministry
• [7:24] Ternae’s church and street ministry in inner city Fort Wayne
• [12:34] More on Ternae’s ministry in Fort Wayne and his transition back to Chattanooga
• [22:08] Mount Canaan’s role in Chattanooga
• [27:55] Church location, service times, connection information
• [29:52] How 2020 affected Mount Canaan
  • Increased viewership
  • Facilitated racial reconciliation events 
  • Advocating for COVID-19 help for underserved communities 
• [35:34] On African-American church tradition 
• [45:02] Why Ternae joined the Southern Baptist Convention
• [51:21] Final exhortation to believers

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Mount Canaan Baptist Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Association with any denomination comes with both pros and cons. Although The Crossing changed its name to attract those who might have a negative view of the Church of God, this congregation has not strayed from its Pentecostal roots. In fact, Pastor Chad Harris has made it a point not just to understand the history of the church but to make sure The Crossing continues to offer an “authentic Pentecostal experience” that is grounded in sound theology and the Word of God. 

Check out this episode to hear Chad talk about how Pentecostalism is expressed at The Crossing and how he came to be their pastor and to listen as Chad and Adam discuss teaching and ministering to the next generation.

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:49] About Pastor Chad Harris
• [3:01] History of The Crossing
• [4:52] Hereditary pastorship in the Church of God
• [6:52] Reason for the church’s name change
• [9:02] Church location, service times, connection information
• [10:18] What Chad learned during a lunch with the church’s longest member
  • The church has always been Holy Spirit-focused
  • The church always began to die when it wasn’t addressing the next generation
• [15:42] Adam talks about catechisms
• [19:53] More on the Pentecostal history of The Crossing
• [21:28] Chad’s vision for The Crossing
• [28:38] The challenge of changing a church’s culture
• [35:44] The Crossing’s prayer culture
• [43:36] Chad’s experience at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary
• [45:13] How an individual can “responsibly” seek a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit
• [53:29] On how Pentecostals miss out by not teaching theology to their children
• [57:08] What Chad sees God doing in Chattanooga and across the nation
• [1:05:03] Exhortation to not be consumer-minded with church

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• The Crossing Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Pastor Melody Winderweedle’s call to ministry came in the form of a dream – two dreams, actually. In 2015 when the founding pastor of Ekklesia was called to another state, he asked Melody and her husband, Bud, to take over the pastorship. When they both had prophetic dreams on the same night, they realized that this is what God was leading them to. 

Ekklesia, a Vineyard-associated church, makes space for the Holy Spirit to move, dreams (and healing!) included. In this episode, Adam and Melody discuss personal and biblical experiences of God’s power, what it’s like to be a Vineyard church, and how Ekklesia has been advocating for local students.

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021. Ekklesia has since changed locations. For more information, please visit their website.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [2:44] Church location*, service times, connection information
• [3:10] How Melody and Bud came to be the pastors of Ekklesia
• [8:50] Prophetic dreams
  • Melody and Bud’s prophetic dreams that lead them to accept the role at Ekklesia
  • Adam’s examples of dreams from the Bible and his own experiences
• [17:05] What Melody’s ministry has looked like in the past five years
• [19:18] Difficulties of pastorship and the importance of community support
• [23:00] Background information on the Vineyard Movement
• [26:46] Praying for healing/theology of miracles
• [33:17] Melody’s healing story
• [42:45] More information about the Vineyard Movement
• [48:25] Ekklesia’s place in Chattanooga
• [55:59] What Melody sees God doing in Chattanooga
• [1:01:38] Exhortation to “humbly listen to one another

*Special note*: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021. Ekklesia has since changed locations. For more information, please visit their website.


Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Ekklesia Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

City Church seeks to be just that – a church for the city. Even though it isn’t the oldest or largest congregation in Chattanooga, City Church has a reputation of being a “mother church” due in part to how they live out their mission. Lead Pastor Shannon Chapman says that City Church doesn’t need or want to lead every outreach opportunity in the city – “we just want to be involved.” 

But what really makes City Church unique is how they value both the experience of the presence of God and the Word of God. Listen in to this episode to hear more about City Church’s culture and what Shannon sees God doing at City Church and in Chattanooga in this season.

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:22] Church location, service times, connection information
• [2:10] History of City Church
• [5:31] City Church’s heart for Chattanooga
• [6:20] What it means to be a Church of God church
• [9:25] City Church’s emphasis on the presence of God
• [14:23] Stewarding spontaneous moments with order
• [18:43] Balance between Scripture and experience
• [22:13] Knowing how to steward the experience after it happens
  • Adam’s examples from Scripture
  • Experiencing the Word of God to know that it’s true
• [29:04] City Church’s role in the city of Chattanooga
• [30:41] Shannon: “God is stirring things in the heart of Chattanooga”
  • Urgency, hunger for God
  • How Shannon is learning that “God meets us at our level of desperation”
• [34:18] The origin of City Church’s heart for Chattanooga
• [38:04] City Church’s prayer culture
• [43:55] What God is doing in City Church
• [50:49] Back to Shannon’s observations on what God is doing in Chattanooga
• [52:49] Exhortation to create quiet space

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• City Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Tony Walliser has what he calls a “small-church-pastor heart” despite being the senior pastor of one of Chattanooga’s largest churches. During his twenty-six years on staff, Tony has seen Silverdale Baptist Church grow into four venues and thousands of members. But Silverdale’s current discipleship initiative is not for the sake of adding to those numbers. Listen to this episode to find out why Silverdale is starting home churches, how Tony came to Christ and how God has dealt with his insecurities, and what three things make up the backbone of Silverdale’s culture.

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:51] Tony’s early years and introduction to the gospel
• [6:52] Church location, service times, connection information
• [8:23] Background on Silverdale
• [11:44] On staying at Silverdale for so long
  • Tony’s “small-church-pastor heart”
  • Tony on realizing when he’s taking on a yoke that isn’t his
• [16:20] How God has addressed Tony’s insecurities
  • Childhood insecurity: “there’s nothing that you have to say that anybody wants to hear”
  • God’s promise to Tony from Exodus
• [23:52] Missions and worship, growing, and serving as Silverdale’s emphases 
• [34:53] Information about Oaks Coffee House
• [36:30] Silverdale’s prayer culture
• [42:37] Silverdale’s current focus on discipleship through a home church model
• [51:53] Exhortation to be doers of the Word
• [53:48] Tony’s vision for Chattanooga to be a “city on a hill” 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Silverdale Baptist Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, you’ll find City Collective, a community that not only doesn’t shy away from sticky topics but asks the questions many Christians are afraid to ask. Lead by pastors Matt Moore and Brookes Jones, City Collective attracts the unchurched, de-churched, and disillusioned with the goal of building a true family that pursues not just faithful deconstruction but also reconstruction into a “humble orthodoxy.”

In this episode, Matt and Brookes explain what deconstruction means and how it leads to scriptural adherence. Listen in to hear them tell Adam about deconstruction within Scripture, issues with fundamentalism, and how confession and repentance are helping their church grow into a family. 

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:58] Introduction to pastors Matt Moore and Brookes Jones
• [1:29] Church location, service times, connection information
• [3:10] What does it mean to contextualize the gospel?
• [5:53] The church culture of City Collective
  • Matt: recognizing the place of City Collective within the Church as it exists in Chattanooga
  • Brookes: City Collective is made up of people who are tired and who don’t think the Church is doing what it’s supposed to
• [13:35] City Collective’s culture of embracing questions and struggles
  • Matt: we should be having the conversations everyone else is having
  • Brooks: why wouldn’t we engage issues of post-modernity and deconstruction?
• [21:04] Deconstruction
  • Definition and why it’s significant in the 21st century (Brookes)
  • How Jesus deconstructed culture via Scripture
• [25:03] Faithful deconstruction and the role of the prophetic voice (Matt)
• [28:41] On discipleship/spiritual formation and expressions of fundamentalism (Brookes)
• [32:23] How City Collective creates space for both grace and forward movement
  • Adam: On how the reformed tradition handles correction within the body
  • Matt: Jesus’s vision for the Church
  • Brookes: Confession and repentance
• [42:15] On healing and confession in the family context of the church
• [48:40] Final exhortations to believers
  • Brookes: “stay”
  • Matt: practicing empathy like Jesus

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• City Collective website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Even though he knew God had called him to one day be a senior pastor, Michael Lindon didn’t expect to step into that role at the age of twenty-five. Michael planted Living Faith Church in Hixson, Tennessee in 2006, and since then, he has been leading his congregation to “save lives, empower believers, and further the gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

Through copious scripture quotations, Michael gets to the theological root of the Word of Faith movement and explains the connection between faith, grace, and the Word of God. Listen in to this episode as Michael tells Adam about planting a church, the diversity of Rhema churches, and the question he thinks ministry leaders should be asking.

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:38] Church location, service times, connection information
• [3:36] How Michael came to plant Living Faith Church
• [11:30] Living Faith’s purpose
• [13:22] Challenges in developing a team
• [18:51] Excellence as a value at Living Faith
• [24:23] On the need for a team
• [26:02] Michael and Living Faith’s association with Rhema 
• [28:28] How Living Faith highlights listening to God in a faithful context
• [31:35] On the Word of Faith movement
• [43:58] Diversity in Rhema churches
• [51:45] Michael’s encouragement to ministry leaders to simply ask God, “Show me your glory”

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Living Faith Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

From becoming a Christian in his early twenties to serving as a pastor focused on community and justice, Elder and Senior Pastor Troy Brand’s life story and ministry is packed with intensity and a devotion to the word of God. Challenged by an ultimatum from his girlfriend (now his wife), Troy joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church while in the Marines. Now, as the Senior Pastor of Orchard Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chattanooga, TN, Troy leads his family and his congregation in intentionally honoring the Sabbath and serving the community with compassion and justice.

Join Troy and Adam as they explore some of the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and what Troy and Orchard Park do to lift burdens and fight for justice in Chattanooga.

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:52] Troy’s childhood and background
• [8:17] How an ultimatum from Troy’s wife (then girlfriend) brought about his conversion
• [15:08] Church location, service times, connection information
• [16:58] Some basics on Seventh-day Adventists
• [18:26] All about the Sabbath
  • [18:46] What Seventh-day Adventists believe about the Sabbath
  • [23:02] How the Sabbath is observed
  • [25:17] Theological context of the Sabbath
  • [34:44] What Friday nights look like for Troy’s family
• [38:33] On being like Jesus
• [41:11] Background information on Orchard Park Seventh-day Adventist Church and their place in their community
  • Chattanooga Purpose Center
  • Unburdening people to be able to worship
• [52:40] Brief aside on Troy’s pursuit of knowledge and admonishment to not judge Seventh-day Adventists based on only a few distinctives
• [54:47] The role of Troy and Orchard Park in justice and anti-racism initiatives
• [58:09] The reputation for high-quality music in the black Seventh-day Adventist Church
• [1:00:48] The prayer culture of Orchard Park
• [1:05:34] How God has been blessing Orchard Park
• [1:08:23] What Troy sees God doing in the city of Chattanooga
• [1:12:45] Troy’s final exhortation to believers 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Orchard Park Seventh-day Adventist Church website
• Chattanooga Purpose Center website
• LEAD Pledge website
• The LEAD Anti-Racism Challenge book

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Although he grew up at Ridgedale Baptist Church, Doug Plumlee spent thirty years away from this Chattanooga, TN congregation before returning eight years ago as Senior Pastor. In this episode of A Beautiful Church, Doug tells Adam about his background, his church’s emphasis on community and outreach, and his vision for Ridgedale. That vision is centered around discipling believers to equip them to go into their communities as missionaries for Christ. 

During this conversation, Adam and Doug discuss how Southern Baptist churches spring into action in times of crisis, the growing emphasis on prayer at Ridgedale, and what God is doing in Chattanooga and at Ridgedale specifically. 

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:13] General information for Ridgedale Baptist Church and Doug’s background
  • Church location, service times, connection information
  • How Doug grew up at Ridgedale and how he ended up as Senior Pastor
• [4:29] Doug’s call to ministry while earning an electrical engineering degree
• [9:07] Ridgedale’s focus on making disciples
• [12:46] How expository preaching and community groups foster discipleship
• [17:12] Challenges to Doug’s vision of discipleship
• [20:41] Adam asks Doug what would have helped during his first years as pastor
• [24:53] How Ridgedale and Southern Baptist churches in general excel at crisis response
• [28:20] Ridgedale’s small groups
• [31:09] Adam’s experience listening to the Bible in lieu of other media
• [32:50] How Doug is trying to grow the prayer culture at Ridgedale 
• [37:23] How God is using Ridgedale in this season
• [39:41] Doug’s observations on how God is using ChattHOP and the teamwork of various churches in Chattanooga
• [46:27] Doug’s encouragement for believers to identify their callings and then go out as missionaries for Christ 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Ridgedale Baptist Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

New Monumental Baptist Church isn’t just a “church in the community” – it’s “the community church.” That’s how Reverend Dr. Greg Odom characterizes his church, a 129-year-old congregation in the Woodmore neighborhood of Chattanooga, TN. In this episode of A Beautiful Church, Greg tells Adam about his background and call to ministry as well as the history, worship style, and ministry focuses of New Monumental.

As Greg and Adam unpack the legacy of the church, Greg explains the challenge of changing outreach styles to youth and the strong, generational faith that keeps the New Monumental community listening to God.

Note: This podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
 

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:50] Introduction and background on Reverend Dr. Greg Odom
• [7:27] How Greg’s involvement in ministry started with music
• [11:20] Church location, service times, connection information
• [12:13] What services are like at New Monumental Baptist Church
• [17:14] Historical background of New Monumental
• [20:14] A brief digression on how Greg’s approach to ministry has been impacted by his parents’ roles in church
• [21:28] More on the history of New Monumental
• [24:13] New Monumental’s impact on the community
• [29:37] On the challenge of reaching youth and young adults
• [35:44] Faith as a major quality of New Monumental
  ○  The difference between African-American Southern Baptist churches and white Southern Baptist churches
  ○  The generational and communal aspects of faith
• [43:33] The prayer culture of New Monumental
• [48:07] Greg’s take on what God is doing both at New Monumental and the Church universally in this season
• [50:00] Greg’s exhortation to take everything to God in prayer and to trust Him

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• New Monumental Baptist Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Why should a twenty-first century Christian explore one of the oldest branches of Protestantism? In this episode of A Beautiful Church, Reverend Phil Hanner explains the importance of historical liturgical worship as practiced by the Anglican Church and, more specifically, at Anglican Church of the Redeemer in Chattanooga, TN. As Adam and Phil discuss both church history and the history of Redeemer, Phil makes the case for a worship experience that depends on a liturgy that can trace its roots back beyond the Apostolic age.

While Phil explains how liturgy keeps us focused on Christ and connected to God’s story, he and Adam discuss the differences between Anglicans and similar denominations, what services are like at Redeemer, how the Anglican Church changed with the Reformation, and more.

Note: This podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:08] An overview of Anglican Church of the Redeemer
• [4:54] How worship at Redeemer emphasizes awe and reverence
• [10:14] How kids tend to respond at Redeemer
• [12:30] Church location, service times, connection information
• [14:38] History of Redeemer
• [17:29] The consistency/longevity of Anglican worship
  • How a familiar liturgy helps you to focus on God and fights against individualism
  • Observations on changes in church worship due to revivals and other events and how different worship styles might affect discipleship
• [25:58] The relationship between the Anglican Church of North America, Redeemer, and other Anglican churches
• [30:13] Differences between Anglicanism and Catholicism
  • Respect for the Catholic church and the necessary changes brought by the Reformation
  • Brief note about transubstantiation
  • Thoughts on John Calvin/Calvinism
• [35:11] Redeemer’s contribution to the body of Christ in Chattanooga
• [43:32] Prayer culture of Redeemer
• [47:48] Phil’s final exhortation to pray as a home

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Anglican Church of the Redeemer website
• The Book of Common Prayer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

On this episode of A Beautiful Church podcast, we’re continuing to talk to Father Kevin Rigdon who founded and serves at St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church in Cleveland, TN. If you haven’t listened to part one of our conversation, be sure to listen here! He shares some interesting thoughts about what the Orthodox Church brings to this region, the prayer culture of St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church, a bit of ancient church history, and more. Fr. Rigdon discusses how God is teaching his mission “the one thing needful” in this season - “mission” being a word they use to call their church.

Fr. Rigdon expresses how he believes that God has used Covid to provide us the opportunity to die to ourselves on behalf of other people and to teach us to become more like Him. Listen in to our conversation and hear how Kevin continues on the importance of practicing thanksgiving.

Note: This podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation

• [0:42] What Orthodoxy brings to the table for the Church in this region
  • Breakdown of what “Church” is to Orthodox communities
  • A bit of ancient church history
  • Being the church for the Orthodox is a rightly glorifying life - which means dying to yourself.
• [15:23] Orthodoxy stands as a reminder that there is an unbroken continuity, not simply with the first century church, but all the way back [to the beginning].
• [22:44] How Orthodoxy does an outstanding job tying everything back to history
• [23:33] Breaking down the prayer culture of St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church and how personal prayer is rooted in liturgical prayer
• [25:17] For the Orthodox families, there is a dedicated space or altar in their homes called the icon corner or “the beautiful corner”.
• [29:05] How God is teaching the congregation of St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church “the one thing needful”
• [30:54] A quick tangent on whether or not we will be hungry in heaven
• [31:38] How God has used Covid to provide us the opportunity to die to ourselves on behalf of other people
  • How God is teaching us how to become like Him
  • How God is allowing us to be more intentional about who, why and where we are
• [34:40] What Kevin feels like God is doing in Chattanooga as a whole
• [35:21] The importance of practicing generosity and practicing thanksgiving
  • The distinction between giving thanks to God in all circumstances vs for all circumstances
  • To live a right glorifying life requires thanksgiving.
  • Everything that we give thanks for - God has taken it, received it, filled it with His divine power and then He gives it back to us as communion.
• [44:44] An exhortation to practice thanksgiving to God, no matter the emotion you are feeling

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church website
• Ancient Faith Radio
• The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

On this episode of A Beautiful Church podcast, we’re talking to Father Kevin Rigdon who founded and serves at St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church in Cleveland, TN. He shares some interesting thoughts about what makes the Orthodox Church different including their “unit” service format, their hierarchy, and more. Fr. Rigdon dives into the difference between the western “legal (judge/jury)” paradigm and the eastern “hospital” paradigm and expresses the unique calling of their mission - their “mission” being a word they use to call their church.

Fr. Rigdon breaks down some of the challenges he and his mission have faced in living out this calling and perhaps one of the biggest challenges the western Church faces today. Listen in to our conversation and hear how a posture of thanksgiving and offering unto the Lord has continued to bless this community.

Note: This podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
 

Jump Through the Conversation

• [2:00] Differences and appeal of Orthodoxy
• [3:50] Kevin’s backstory and how he became an Orthodox priest
• [9:29] Church location, service times and how to get connected
• [10:27] How Orthodox services happen in “units” and why liturgical anticipation happens frequently
• [14:21] The importance of understanding Orthodoxy
• [15:07] Additional ways to get connected and learn more about St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church
• [15:29] How St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church started
• [17:00] Difference between a mission and a parish and a breakdown of the hierarchy of the Orthodox Church
  • How Orthodoxy is sometimes mistaken for Catholicism.
  • Some recent statistics on the Russian Orthodox Church
• [24:42] The unique calling or responsibility of St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church, Being the Church, into two parts:
• 1. Kevin talks about how humans are the priests of creation. Our purpose is to offer the creation that God has given us back to God - to offer the matter of our lives (vocation, family, friends, enemies) to God in thanksgiving.
• 2. Being a hospital. Kevin dives into the difference between the western “legal (judge/jury)” paradigm and the eastern “hospital” paradigm.
• [34:52] Some challenges Kevin’s mission has faced in living out this calling and perhaps one of the biggest challenges the western Church faces today

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• St Maria of Paris Orthodox Church website
• Ancient Faith Radio

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

In the final episode of this season, the conversation takes a downward turn – into hell, that is. Adam, Joey, David, and Keith finish discussing the purpose of Jesus’s death before turning to the subject of God’s character and what hell is like.

Athanasius may emphasize God’s goodness, but is that how modern Christians describe God? This issue bookends a discussion of various ideas about hell in light of God’s character. The group characterizes hell as an experience caused by a negative response to God’s love instead of being a punishment for sins committed; however, the fact of God’s wrathfulness cannot be ignored, and Joey and Keith wrestle with how justice fits into the picture. 

This concluding episode is not only full of eruditeness but funny anecdotes about Martians, asbestos, and Sunday school. Listen in to hear the end of the discussion of Athanasius’ On the Incarnation!


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:07] Adam’s intro
• [2:33] How Athanasius emphasizes God’s goodness
  • Connection to several heresies
  • God isn’t just wrathful
• [4:55] Athanasius’ optimistic/comprehensive view of Jesus’s death
  • You have to “opt out” of God’s redemption
  • Does God make the choice for us to go to hell or do we?
• [6:15] David: God is somewhere in the middle of our benevolent and wrathful pictures of Him
  • God’s love is still shown by people existing in hell as non-existence is worse
  • Why God wouldn’t force people into heaven
• [8:31] David: heaven and hell are “the same reality perceived differently”
  • Analogy of loving/hating an embrace
  • [10:09] Keith: Orthodox view of hell is hating God’s love for you
  • [10:50] David: hell is emotional separation from God
• [11:42] Rabbit trail on Lewis and accents
• [13:37] Joey: Protestants agree that righteousness is love of “the things of God” and wickedness is opposing those things
• [14:24] Debate about whether God is punishing and wrathful or loving and if those attributes can coexist or are contradictory
  • [15:46] Joey: God’s justice is an important part of His character
    • Keith: punishment is not the same as justice
    • Consequences vs punishment
  • [18:52] God’s character and the Reformation
• [19:52] The “how” of God’s redemption is simply Him taking a body
  • [20:40] Doctrine of justification developed later
    • Keith: it’s overexplaining
    • Joint Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification in the 1990s
• [21:41] More on God’s motivation for redemption
  • Book recommendation from David
  • Stories from Sunday school

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• On the Incarnation (Adam’s recommended edition)
• Joey Sherrard’s ministry
• Keith Kettenring’s ministry
• David Carter’s ministry
• Jesus Shock by Peter Kreeft (book recommendation from David)

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Don’t let the jokes at the start of this episode fool you – the conversation gets intense as the group debates different emphases on God’s redemptive plan.

In On the Incarnation, Athanasius explains that God chose to send Jesus Christ “for the sake of His [own] name.” But, as Keith and Adam discuss, modern evangelicals typically say that God’s redemption was because of mankind’s sinfulness. Through examples from their own church backgrounds, Joey and David help show how both answers are correct, and the group generally agrees that God redeemed man for His own honor/glory AND to address sin. 

But why do we need to understand both reasons? The group gives some insightful answers about how God redeeming for God’s sake lines up with the rest of Scripture, how by abolishing death God dealt with sin and its consequence, and how these reasons together give a more complete picture of the gospel. 

Bonus: listen to this episode to find out the origin of the word “erudite!”


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:40] Adam’s intro
• [3:34] General goofiness, jokes and notes about southerners and various denominations
• [10:41] Why did God redeem mankind? For the sake of His name
• [12:00] Keith: for modern evangelicals, God’s redemption is all about the forgiveness of sins
  • God sent Christ to bring us into union with Himself
  • God’s reason is divine, not individualistic
  • We are tied to His glory
  • [13:49] Adam: yes, evangelicals do emphasize God sending Jesus for our sins
    • Keith: correct, but incomplete
    • Keith: would evangelicals disagree with Athanasius?
• [15:17] Joey: difference between a “two-chapter gospel” (fall, redemption) and a “four-chapter gospel” (creation, fall, redemption, new creation)
  • Four-chapter gospel closer to what Athanasius is saying
  • God redeems us not just “legally” but to be made new
  • [16:20] David: original grace, corruption, elevated grace
• [19:21] Why the emphasis (on people or on God) matters pastorally
  • [19:58] Joey: emphasis on God as the cause is consistent with how God is talked about in the Bible
    • God’s goodness is primary, not His anger/wrath
    • Opposes our narcissistic tendencies 
  • [22:37] Keith: “death was defeated by death”
  • [22:46] Joey: more complete view of the gospel
• [25:12] Adam’s outro, disclaimers, recap

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• On the Incarnation (Adam’s recommended edition)
• Joey Sherrard’s ministry
• Keith Kettenring’s ministry
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Last week, the group began looking at Athanasius’ relationship with reason and philosophy, debating whether or not he was strategically using philosophy in On the Incarnation and what place philosophy has in modern apologetics. This episode continues the conversation and moves into a rousing discussion about whether or not an encounter with Jesus Christ is a sufficient introduction to the faith or if reason is needed as well. 

After revisiting how context affects the perception and use of philosophy within the Church, the group responds to Keith’s claim that On the Incarnation is exclusively using the person of Jesus as its argument, not philosophical reasoning. Joey and David contend that Athanasius uses reason to prepare the audience for an encounter with Christ, but Keith makes a historical argument that people experienced Jesus through the church itself. This opens the door for general discussion about how people come to faith: by experiencing Jesus, or through reason, or both. 

This episode is rich in theological dialogue with real implications about how we ought to live and evangelize. Listen in to hear Keith’s take on how Christ can be encountered, how this connects to Jesus’s disciples and the saints, and more!


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:05] Adam’s intro and recap
• [3:12] Argument that there’s only one God because of one creation
• [4:23] Protestant tendency to be “Biblicists” 
• [6:05] Using philosophy might be about culture, not education
• [7:01] Argument that God sent Jesus at a specific time when people had a reasonable capacity for receiving the Incarnation 
• [9:06] Different church traditions have different standards for what can be used in addition to scripture
• [11:25] Keith: Athanasius is using Jesus as his apologetic, not reason/philosophy
  • [13:37] Pastoral task is to return to putting Christ at the center as On the Incarnation does
  • [14:49] Using reason can obscure Jesus’ power to affect us directly
    • What’s needed in our modern context
    • Manifested in the Church, Eucharist, miracles
• [17:00] Joey: Athanasius is using philosophy to “clear the ground” to get people from an experience with Jesus to deeper faith
  • [17:37] David: Scripture says to “always be ready to have a reason for your faith”
  • [18:20] Keith: not accurate to Athanasius’ context; Christ is manifested in the Church
    • Modern approach doesn’t trust Jesus to be enough
    • Looking for reasons/arguments outside the Church ignores existing ways to “enter into the life of Christ”
  • [21:09] Joey: the mind/reason engages at some point
    • Problem: we get it backwards by addressing reason first
    • David: sainthood isn’t about knowledge
  • [23:17] On encountering Christ
  • [25:30] Joey: the mind must be involved in experiencing Jesus, especially to record those experiences in words
    • Keith: those experiences came out of ascetic practice, not intellectual 
    • David: “the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth”
  • [26:55] Keith: experience with Christ doesn’t have to involve reason/philosophy
    • Example of brother’s work with special needs kids
    • “The way we know God is without words”
    • Words are not totally excluded: prayers, Bible, etc., but Christ is at center
• [30:23] Keith: we’re drawn to Athanasius because of his emphasis on Christ
• [31:22] Drawing connections to Athanasius’ work The Life of St. Antony
• [33:04] Becoming more like Christ = becoming more fully human

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• On the Incarnation (Adam’s recommended edition)
• Joey Sherrard’s ministry
• Keith Kettenring’s ministry
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Is Scripture or philosophy (reasoning) more useful in defending the faith? For both Athanasius and twenty-first century Christians, the answer is, “it depends.” In this episode, the group looks at Athanasius’ use of philosophy in On the Incarnation and discusses why we should use the same approach today. Along the way, they discuss philosophy’s place in Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant doctrine. 

Although Athanasius uses Scripture aggressively in the portion of the book addressed to the Jews, On the Incarnation starts out with more philosophical arguments. There is some discussion about whether or not Athanasius is doing this on purpose, but David quotes directly from the text to show how the author is intentionally referencing Greek philosophy to appeal to a non-Christian audience. The group agrees that reasoning from Scripture is useful only if the audience knows and adheres to Scripture, but because our culture is largely “biblically illiterate,” philosophical reasoning is more appropriate and more convincing. The Catholic church in particular has formally embraced the use of philosophy in apologetics. 

Listen in to this conversation to hear more about Catholic and Protestant takes on philosophy and how Scripture itself promotes this form of reasoning.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:44] Adam’s intro and disclaimers on episodes 5-8 (technically 6-9)
• [4:20] Significance of Athanasius using philosophy
  • [5:45] Addressing an un-Christian audience, similarly to modernity
  • [6:56] Shows Christian faith can go toe-to-toe with other schools of thought
• [8:04] Is Athanasius intentionally using philosophy?
  • [8:22] Issue of semantics
  • [9:41] Issue of how different traditions use reason and philosophy
  • [11:20] Identifying Athanasius’ audience
  • [12:30] Quotations of Athanasius’ use of philosophy
• [14:05] Brief aside on philosophy and Catholic dogma
• [15:07] Using truth as found in secular philosophy for reasoning to a secular or pagan audience
• [16:23] Protestant issue of only using Scripture
  • [17:34] Example of Nicene Creed wording
  • [18:41] Example of modern arguments
• [19:50] Adam’s summary and outro

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• On the Incarnation (Adam’s recommended edition)
• Joey Sherrard’s ministry
• Keith Kettenring’s ministry
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

In this episode, the conversation takes a deep dive into theology! The group goes through an overview of On the Incarnation before turning to the topic of deification.

On the Incarnation is broken down into five sections. The first three sections deal with different “divine dilemmas” (life and death, knowledge and ignorance, the death and resurrection of Jesus). The last two sections are refutations, one to the Jews (using Scripture to show how the Old Testament points to Jesus) and one to the Gentiles (explaining more about the importance of the incarnation and showing how the Christian faith had already influenced Greco-Roman culture). 

This last section contains a famous quote that is paraphrased as “God became man that man might become God,” and this becomes the jumping-off point for the group to discuss deification. One major difference between how deification figures into Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant doctrine is whether it indicates the process of becoming united with Jesus (especially with regards to his human side) or with the Trinity. Broadly, all parties agree that deification is like (but not the same as!) sanctification in that we become God-like (but not God in essence) only by grace through Jesus Christ.

Listen in on this conversation to hear Keith and Joey explain the nuances of deification in Orthodox and Protestant belief as well as how some of Athanasius’ other works add to this discussion. Bonus: find out if Adam invented the word “nerdery.”


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [2:14] Brief overview of On the Incarnation
  • The divine dilemma regarding life and death
  • The divine dilemma regarding knowledge and ignorance
  • The death of Christ and resurrection of the body
  • The refutation of the Jews
  • The refutation of the Gentiles
• [9:26] Brief explanation of deification
  • Very important to the Orthodox Church
  • Difference between sanctification and deification
  • Roles of free will and grace
• [14:15] Agreement between Catholics and Orthodox Christians on deification
• [16:08] Protestant emphasis on union with Jesus and his humanity
• [17:40] Points of disagreement
• [19:04] Catholic perspective on deification and the fall
• [20:01] More on deification from an Orthodox perspective
• [23:30] How Athanasius’ accompanying works help to flesh out deification
• [25:05] Summary of deification discussion by Joey
  • Point of agreement: grace and Jesus
  • Point of disagreement: details about the incarnation

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• On the Incarnation (Adam’s recommended edition)
• Joey Sherrard’s ministry
• Keith Kettenring’s ministry
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

A few episodes ago, Adam, Joey, Keith, and David all gave reasons for why you should study the patristics. In this episode, they’ll convince you why On the Incarnation specifically is both helpful and impactful. The group shares how they’ve used this book in their various ministries and discuss some of the major themes and features of this work. 

From usefulness in preaching to supporting the lyrics of a popular worship song, On the Incarnation has had very practical applications for this group of ministry leaders. And there’s no doubt that Athanasius has influenced the churches each of them belong to – there’s a baby in David’s parish named after Athanasius, and this church father is, as Keith notes, a hero in the Orthodox church.

The conversation also underscores the deep and sometimes personal insights of each contributor. One theme is that the tone and content are not just optimistic but “triumphalistic” as Athanasius explores the importance of Christ’s physical body, the fall, and more. Listen in to this episode to find other highlights from the book, learn about Keith’s hospitality ministry, and hear Adam and the crew geek out about more words.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:36] Intro/fasting and feasting/man buns/Chattanooga and Dante’s Inferno
• [6:22] Practical and personal applications after reading On the Incarnation
  • [7:10] Joey: used Athanasius while preaching on Hebrews 2
  • [8:35] David: useful for sermon prep, quotations
• [9:14] Brief rabbit trail Athanasius’ name and “kerygmatic”
• [10:30] Keith’s name chosen at baptism and his hospitality ministry
• [13:12] Return to practical and personal applications
  • [13:12] Adam: how Athanasius helped him defend a line in a Hillsong song
  • [14:53] Keith: insights increase with each reading
• [16:11] Reflections on the whole book
  • [16:34] Joey: Athanasius’ holistic approach
  • [17:29] Keith: challenging ideas/concepts
  • [19:23] Adam: triumphal tone
  • [21:34] Keith: the incarnation
  • [22:00] Aside on apophatic theology
  • [25:49] David: Athanasius’ triumphalism 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• On the Incarnation (Adam’s recommended edition)
• Joey Sherrard’s ministry
• Keith Kettenring’s ministry
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Why Athanasius? In this episode, Adam, Joey, Keith, and David answer this question by discussing Athanasius’ reputation in the church, his historical context, and his tenacity for orthodoxy.

As one of the first great theologians to write after the Christianization of the Roman Empire, Athanasius is considered a pillar of the church for his works on basic doctrine such as the divinity of Christ. Athanasius’ life involved a lot of movement: he fled persecution in Alexandria as a child, spent time with monks in the desert, and was exiled five times. But in spite of physical dangers and heretical opposition, Athanasius remained persistently committed to defending the faith.

Listen to this episode to find out more about St. Athanasius including how he compares in height to Adam and how he almost got exiled over a non-theological issue.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:32] Intro and musings on the word “erudite”
• [1:29] Why read Athanasius?
• [3:57] Why Athanasius is a pillar of the church
• [5:46] Physical description of Athanasius
• [7:32] Events that made Athanasius “doggedly determined”
  • Challenge of Arian heresy
  • Persecution in Alexandria
  • Anthony and other monks
• [14:11] On failure and suffering
• [19:23] Brief note on Athanasius’ “side hustle”

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• On the Incarnation (Adam’s recommended edition)
• Joey Sherrard’s ministry
• Keith Kettenring’s ministry
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

What happens when a Presbyterian pastor, an Orthodox layperson, and a Catholic rector record a podcast? Don’t worry, there’s no punchline ahead, just plenty of conversation both enlightening and entertaining. In this episode, Adam introduces season three’s guests, and they immediately dive into what the patristics have to offer twenty-first century believers.

This season, Adam isn’t the lone Presbyterian; he’s joined by Joey Sherrard, an Associate Pastor at Signal Mountain Presbyterian who has a PhD in systematic theology from the University of St. Andrews. Although he’s no longer a pastor (and no longer Baptist), Keith Kettenring also has a PhD in educational studies from Biola University in California. Finally, returning to A Beautiful Church podcast is Father David Carter, rector of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, who is, among other things, licensed in Canon Law. 

Together, these ministry leaders set up the rest of this season by discussing why it’s important to study Christianity’s theological foundations as crafted by the church fathers, the reliability and applicability of the patristics, and how these writings fulfil both an intellectual and a spiritual need. Listen to this episode to hear more about why this group has chosen to read the church fathers and why you should too.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:29] Introduction: Pastor Dr. Joey Sherrard
• [0:55] Introduction: Dr. Keith Kettenring
• [2:01] Introduction: Father David Carter
• [3:05] Patristics and Prayer group
• [4:09] Why should we study patristics?
  • Unity
  • Return to foundational beliefs
  • Participating in centuries-old conversation
  • Patristic writings closer in time to when Scripture was written
  • Connection between early AD unchurched audience and modern post-Christian audience
  • Useful for evangelism
• [11:54] More on historical scholarship
• [15:26] Why modern scholarship isn’t necessarily better
• [18:12] On the continuity of Christianity
• [20:17] Patristic writings address mind and heart simultaneously
• [23:50] The importance of revisiting the fundamentals

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• On the Incarnation (Adam’s recommended edition)
• Joey Sherrard’s ministry
• Keith Kettenring’s ministry
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

If you’ve listened to any episode of this podcast, you know we focus on the things that connect believers from different denominations and backgrounds. And even though we might disagree on a thousand points, one of the things that connects virtually everyone in the body of Christ is the foundational theology crafted hundreds and hundreds of years ago by the fathers of the church.

On Season 3 of A Beautiful Church, Adam is joined by three local ministry leaders from various ecumenical backgrounds to look at St. Athanasius’ work On the Incarnation. You’ll hear reasons for reading patristic works, the life of St. Athanasius, discussion and application of his work, and more!

What motivates two people from very different church backgrounds to get together and talk about theology? If you’ve listened to the rest of this season, you know the answer: unity. In this epilogue, Adam describes his and David’s friendship, how their ministries overlap, and how they reject potential antagonism even while they disagree about theology and doctrine. 

There’s plenty of differences between Protestants and Catholics, but as this season has shown, there’s also shared beliefs. As Adam says, “Unity is compelling, it’s life-giving, it’s important.” Whether you’re Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, or from another Christian tradition, the goal is the same: spreading the gospel of hope throughout the world. And when we can do that together, we can truly be a beautiful church.  

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

What do Catholics and Protestants believe about the Eucharist/Communion? For Catholics, this may be the most important episode of this season, and it’s certainly one of the most theologically complex. Adam and David discuss the commonalities and disagreements among various church traditions as they explore transubstantiation.

Like many of the topics covered this season, there’s significant agreement between Catholics and Protestants about the Lord’s Supper: both believe that Jesus’ sacrifice transcended space and time, and both believe that Communion has a physical and a spiritual component. But unlike most Protestant denominations, Catholics believe that once the bread and wine of the Eucharist are consecrated, they become both physically and spiritually the body and the blood of Jesus Christ through transubstantiation. 

Listen in on this episode to hear Adam and David dispel myths about how and why the Eucharist is observed. Bonus: don’t miss equally interesting discussions about shampoo and Bible editions.  

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [2:00] Intro – “The Catholic bugbear”
• [2:38] Mischaracterizations of the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist
• [3:51] Anamnesis
• [5:00] Disclaimers and discussion of various editions of the Bible
• [7:33] Four main theological positions
  • Communion is a memorial/sign
  • Communion elements are physically bread and wine, spiritually Christ’s body and blood
  • Communion elements exist alongside Christ’s body and blood (consubstantiation)
  • Communion elements are physically and spiritually Christ’s body and blood (transubstantiation)
• [10:16] Explanation of transubstantiation
  • Accidents vs substance before and after consecration
  • Overlap with other traditions/denominations 
• [15:15] The significance of the Last Supper and Jesus’ death being outside of time
• [18:40] Adam’s summary and explanation
• [20:33] Appeal to emphasize Communion as a “means of grace”
• [21:55] Nuances of the memorial perspective and anamnesis
• [24:41] Historical precedents and arguments
• [27:30] Connection between the Eucharist and the priesthood 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Last episode, Adam and David began their discussion about justification and found points of agreement between Catholic and Protestant theologies. In this episode, they consider grace and works and explore different articulations of the relationship between the two.

Both Protestants and Catholics agree that we are saved by grace, not by works; however, as Adam mentioned in the last episode, doctrinal emphases can be as much of a “bugbear” as doctrinal differences. This is evident as David stresses our volitional responsibility for works (as illustrated in the parable of the talents) while Adam describes works as the fruit that comes from Christ’s transforming power. Fortunately, the conclusion of both sides of this argument is the same: grace precedes works. 

Listen in on this episode as Adam and David continue to pursue unity by revisiting the effects of the Reformation and addressing modern misconceptions in both traditions. 

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:39] Recap of last episode
• [2:55] Misconceptions of Catholic beliefs concerning justification by grace
• [5:08] What it means to be saved by grace
• [5:49] Salvation vs justification and works
  • Parable of the talents
  • The mortal sin of omission
  • Analogy of grace/works and driving a car
• [9:57] Protestant understanding of works and the “utter gratuitousness of grace”
• [11:58] Adam’s summary of points of agreement about grace and works
• [13:23] The transformative aspect of salvation
• [15:29] Misunderstandings about God’s character
• [17:55] More thoughts on disunity and historical context

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

At the heart of the Reformation and the division between the Catholic and Protestant churches (and therefore, on some level, this season of A Beautiful Church Podcast) is the subject of justification. Although this was Martin Luther’s primary doctrinal issue, over the years, ecumenical dialogue has found much unity in theology between Protestants and Catholics. In this episode, Adam and David discuss some of those points of agreement.

Unfortunately, much of the division in the Church is due to decades-old political disputes and semantic issues. Or, as Adam and David point out, sometimes what is perceived as a difference in doctrine is really just a difference in emphasis. There’s common ground concerning justification, especially when it comes to hell, objective truth, and the salvation that comes exclusively through Jesus Christ.

Adam and David discuss these points and more in the first of two episodes on the subject of justification. Tune in to episode 9 to hear them continue the conversation by exploring the relationship between grace and works.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:17] Adam’s disclaimer and opening comments about unity
• [2:54] Context for discussion of justification
• [5:31] David’s caveat
• [6:28] Political/geopolitical and linguistic/semantic issues in the Reformation and beyond
• [8:56] Doctrinal emphasis vs doctrinal differences
• [10:20] Rabbit trail about pronunciations
• [12:25] Original sin
• [13:45] On the existence of hell
• [15:35] Evangelical Protestants and objective truth
• [16:43] Conversion experiences and discipleship
• [21:14] Mortal sin vs venial sin
• [25:40] The real significance of Jesus’ death
• [28:15] Various perspectives on hell
• [33:43] Jesus Christ is the only Savior

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry
• The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (free PDF from the Lutheran World Federation)
• The Biblical Foundations of the Doctrine of Justification

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

What’s the difference between divorce and annulment? And what does it mean for marriage to be a sacrament? Adam and David answer these questions and more as they discuss how the Catholic Church handles marriage and separation. 

If you want to understand the Catholic perspective of marriage, you have to understand sacraments. As Adam and David explain, a sacrament is “an incarnational moment” where God acts on a supernatural level at the same that man acts on a material level. As two people are joined together in a marriage ceremony, God joins them together spiritually, giving weight to Jesus’ words, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” Although physical separation is sometimes necessary and encouraged (for example, in the instance of spousal abuse), the Catholic Church does not recognize divorce. An annulment, which is the process of declaring a marriage “unlawful,” is the only option for a Catholic to have their marriage dissolved. 

Listen in to this episode to hear David’s grace-filled advice for Catholics who are separated or divorced, and, of course, Adam and David engage in more wordplay.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:31] Thoughts on unity and “catholicity”
• [3:27] Opening thoughts on marriage and morality
• [4:21] God’s creation of marriage
• [6:59] Explanation of the sacraments
  • Example of baptism
  • Protestant view of the sacraments
  • Matter and form
• [11:59] Sacrament vs covenant
• [14:26] Why separation is accepted but divorce isn’t
• [16:32] Conditions for annulments
• [19:39] Matthew 5:32 and “sexual immorality”
  • Translation issues
  • Premarital intent to be unfaithful
  • Jesus’ amplification of Mosaic divorce
• [25:34] Divorced Catholics
  • [25:53] How to live as someone who has been abandoned by a spouse
  • [27:40] Options for living as someone who has divorced and remarried 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry
• The Gift of Self by Maria Pia Campanella 

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Not everyone is called to celibacy, and not everyone is called to marriage, but these lifestyles don’t receive equal attention in many Christian circles. In this episode, Adam and David examine celibacy, how it’s handled in Christian culture, and why it’s an important part of the Catholic witness to the world. 

Celibacy among Catholic clergy isn’t just a legalistic requirement, or a way to sidestep sexual temptation, or a convenience for those who aren’t particularly interested in marriage (in fact, David was told, “if you wouldn’t have made a good husband and father, you shouldn’t be ordained as a priest”). It’s a radical declaration that what is eternal is more precious than “the goods of this world” and a sacrifice to serve the church in lieu of a spouse. But celibacy is not as celebrated or supported as it should be, particularly within the Protestant church where marriage is idolized. “The world needs celibacy now more than ever,” especially in response to the effects of the sexual revolution. 

Listen in to this conversation as Adam and David talk about the priestly life, types of celibates, and the difference between asexuality and celibacy.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:45] The life of a Catholic priest
• [4:08] The “radical witness” of celibacy
• [6:14] Why celibacy is needed in the 21st century
• [8:40] How celibates are viewed in Protestantism and Catholicism
• [10:50] Sexual morality and same-sex attraction
• [12:29] Lack of attention in churches towards celibates and singles
• [14:07] Life for married priests
  • What clergy can be married
  • Reformation issues with unmarried clergy
• [17:18] The effective witness of dissimilarities among Christians 
• [19:21] Sexuality in modern culture
  • Difference between asexual and celibate
  • Correlation between the sexual revolution and pedophilia among clergy
• [22:45] Sexual issues in marriage and mutual witness
• [24:54] Different types of celibates
• [28:21] About those who are celibate/single for a time
• [30:07] Closing thoughts

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

One of the hallmarks of Catholicism is the intercession of the saints. Although this practice is not shared by Protestants, Christians can at least agree on most of the theology about why this may even be possible. With sufficient Greek and Latin tangents, Adam and David explore what Catholics say about those who have passed on and how this is practically applied. 

Undergirding this type of prayer is the belief that Christians who have died are now alive in Christ, living with Him, and capable of affecting what happens in our world through their connection with God. Catholics may pray to the saints directly and remember them with icons and relics, but this isn’t the same as worshipping them. The communion of saints represents, among other things, the community of the church (both the living and the dead) and the ancestry of Christians.

Listen in to this episode to hear Adam and David address common objections to praying to the saints, superstition, and the importance of death and tradition.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [2:03] What it means to pray to the saints
• [4:08] Brief aside, Adam’s “cultural question”
• [4:51] What it means for the saints to be “alive in Christ”
• [5:55] Scriptural references of talking to those who have passed on
• [8:43] How the saints represent community and heritage
• [11:41] Lack of rootedness/continuity in Protestantism
• [12:23] Secular vs Christian views of death
  • Meaning of “the communion of saints”
  • Saints are alive in Christ
• [14:10] Flippancy and superstition vs sacramentality
• [16:19] Protestant and Catholic responses to issue of superstition
• [17:42] The intercessory role of the saint
• [20:40] Why pray to a saint instead of Christ?
• [22:57] Scriptural basis of saints’ authority
• [24:45] The liturgical significance of praying to the saints
• [27:12] Issue of tradition in Protestant churches
• [29:10] Quote from the Catholic catechism on intercession of the saints
• [29:51] The mystery of the method and remembering heroes of the faith

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

By now, you know that Father David serves at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. And even if you haven’t seen it in downtown Chattanooga, you probably have a picture in your mind of what a Catholic church looks like – beautifully designed, highly decorated, even awe-inspiring. In this episode, Adam and David explore the purpose behind Catholic architecture, criticisms, and alternatives.

From ancient temples to medieval cathedrals, there’s a precedent for beautifully constructed places of worship both inside and outside of Christendom. But specifically for Catholics, churches have a very symbolic quality; they represent what Catholics believe about God and reflect who they are as Christians. The permanence and visibility of such buildings embody what the Church should be in a way that house churches and church plants just can’t, according to David. 

Listen to this episode to hear more about the theology of architecture as Adam and David discuss basilicas, monuments, and doctrine.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:41] What is a basilica?
• [2:45] Episode preface
• [3:16] The liturgical importance of Catholic churches
• [5:49] The Basilica of Saint John Lateran
• [9:36] Dedication of a new altar at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul
• [10:22] When the ideal building isn’t feasible
• [11:56] Why beautiful church buildings are worth the money
• [15:45] What about house churches?
• [21:43] The importance of things that create a permanent physical memory
• [25:28] Criticism of the church planting movement
• [26:53] Reasonable criticism of focus on architecture
• [27:50] Summary and thoughts from Adam
• [29:51] Extending thoughts on rootedness to doctrinal issues

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Confession is prescribed in the Bible, but how well do Christians practice it? Although their system may be disputed by others, Catholics excel at this spiritual discipline. In this episode, Adam and David explore how the Catholic Church does confession and why every Christian should have a confessor in their life. 

Although it looks similar to accountability, confession is not quite the same thing; Adam describes it as “giving an account” and “admitting you are not who you want to be.” For a Protestant, this looks like finding someone who can provide a safe space for this level of vulnerability. For a Catholic, this process is built into the life of the church through designated times, spaces, and confessors. But the dispute is typically about whether or not the church has the authority to offer forgiveness – and you may be surprised at what Scripture has to say.

Join David and Adam to hear more about the power to forgive sins, the difference between mortal and venial sins, and to find out just how reverend David really is.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:15] Reverend vs. very reverend
• [3:58] Appeal to Protestants concerning confession
• [5:09] Confession vs. accountability
• [5:48] Who to confess to
• [7:06] Effects of confession
  • Sins are forgiven
  •  Help to be holier
• [10:08] Legal protection for confessors
• [14:00] Can the church forgive sins?
  • [14:51] Story of paralytic healed by Jesus
    • Jesus had the power to forgive sins
    • Jesus gave the power to forgive and retain sins to the apostles 
  • [17:59] Point of agreement: Jesus gave humans the power to forgive sins
• [22:51] Protestants should practice confession
  • Adam’s experience
• [24:27] Issues with authority
  • Confession got discarded by Protestants when the church split
  • Why confession should happen with a mediator 
• [28:42] Mortal vs. venial sin

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

If you’re Catholic, you’re familiar with the deuterocanonical texts. If you’re Protestant, you probably know these books as the Apocrypha. And if you’re a Christian, regardless of tradition, these books may be worth reading. In this episode, Adam and David discuss what Scripture is and what makes up the different canons.

After discussing the New Testament, David and Adam briefly explain the historical context of and requirements for canonization. This topic generates both agreement and disagreement: although both parties concur that there are that must be excluded, the Catholics accept the deuterocanonical texts and include them in their Bible while Protestants do not and often view them critically. However, Adam offers several reasons why Protestants should at least read this collection of books, especially if the goal is a unified Church. 

There’s much more to this episode than debating what texts are Scriptural. Listen to this conversation to hear Adam and David talk about the formation of the New Testament (which is accepted by both traditions), the connection between Jesus and the deuterocanonical books, and what it means for Scripture to be inspired and inerrant.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:23] Preview of current and future topics
• [2:16] Vatican II document Die Verbum
• [3:07] Catholic view Scripture as a “mirror to the lived faith of the Church”
  • Example: New Testament
• [7:53] Issue of canonization and defending the Church against heretical texts
  • Agreement on being “Jesus-based Christians”
  • Examples of Gnostic gospels
  • Process of canonization
  • “Almost” canonical books
• [13:45] The Septuagint
  • Explanation of protocanonical and deuterocanonical
  • The Apocrypha
  • The relative importance of different books of different canons 
• [18:06] Addressing Protestant sentiments on the deuterocanonical books
  • Unfair accusations leveled at Catholics
  • Jesus’ relationship to these books
  • Protestant arguments
  • Paul’s quotations from Septuagint
  • The issue of fear
• [22:11] Scripture as inspired and inerrant
  • What inerrancy means
  • Dead Sea Scrolls and old arguments against the validity of Scripture
• [29:00] Adam’s summary and outro

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry
• Dei Verbum (document from Vatican II)

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

Latin enthusiast, Canon lawyer, and – pilot? These are some descriptions of Reverend Father David Carter, but his most important role is as priest and rector. Educated during the reign of Pope John Paul II, David entered seminary at a time when the tenor of Catholicism was shifting, particularly in academia.  

In this episode, you’ll not only get to hear about David’s hobbies and his time in Rome, but you’ll also get a preview of some of this season’s topics as Adam and David discuss the “why” of this season, touching on the Reformation, Vatican II, and more.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:35] History of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul
• [1:49] David’s love for Latin
• [3:17] Goals for podcast
• [4:15] Addressing potential reactions from Catholics and Protestants/disclaimers
• [7:24] David’s education and why it matters
• [11:04] The influence of Pope John Paul II
• [14:51] What it means to be a conservative priest
• [16:40] Unity and the effects of the Reformation
  • [17:12] Magisterial Reformers
  • [18:03] Reformers never intended to split
  • [19:30] Could the split have been prevented?
• [21:25] Problems that arise when Christians fight each other
• [23:07] More fun facts about David

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

It’s no secret that the Church is full of division – in the local church, amongst denominations, and between different Christian traditions. This division creates hostility in the Church and thwarts its witness to the world; unity is needed for the Church to be as effective as possible.

Season 2 is one step in that direction. Adam is joined by Reverend Father David Carter, rector of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Through their conversations each week, Adam (a Protestant) and David (a Catholic) will elucidate some misunderstandings about the Catholic church and highlight the connections between these two traditions.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• David Carter’s ministry
• Catechism of the Catholic Church

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:13] Adam’s intro about pastors
• [1:56] Disclaimers
• [2:43] How a pastors’ prayer group helped Zach become healthy
• [4:57] Why consistent attendance matters
• [7:56] The “cord of three strands” principle 
• [8:53] The importance of sharing with other pastors vs spouse
• [9:40] The power of praying and sharing
• [11:54] The spiritual discipline of attendance
• [14:17] Confession and refining character in community

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Orchard Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:12] Adam’s intro comparing Zach and other pastors to Paul
• [4:19] How Zach has led and influenced the congregation
• [6:40] How diversity in leadership leads to diversity in the church
• [7:46] Outreach to lower-income families
• [9:20] Preaching vs practicing diversity
• [10:30] Getting over the awkwardness
• [11:27] Generational diversity 
• [13:51] Being “anchor” people
• [17:26] Adam’s closing exhortation 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Orchard Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:17] Disclaimers to this episode
• [2:10] Comparing Zach’s church plant vs a denominational church plant
• [4:39] Zach’s life before starting a church, including his pet marker business
• [8:51] Zach’s call to plant a church and encouragement from pastor and father
• [13:33] The start of Orchard Church
• [16:32] Early growth at Orchard Church
• [17:41] Zach’s advice to start taking up an offering
• [18:57] How God’s hand was evident in the people He brought to Orchard Church
• [21:41] Adam’s epilogue on bivocational pastorship 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Orchard Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:16] Adam’s preface and thoughts on how pastors view themselves
• [1:55] Disclaimer about recording and introduction to Zach and Orchard Church
• [6:05] How Zach has learned to manage being a bivocational pastor
• [9:43] How more support might have helped
• [10:38] Zach’s advice to other bivocational pastors
• [13:36] Saying “no” and stewarding time
• [15:25] How sustainability for Zach has resulted in sustainability for Orchard Church

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Orchard Church website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:25] Why Seth stays at Fairview Church
• [3:47] Living from the theology of the cross
• [5:39] Seth’s excitement for God’s work at Fairview
• [7:11] Adam’s closing thoughts on Seth and community

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Fairview Church of the Nazarene website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [2:04] How and why Seth preaches from the lectionary
• [6:11] Adam on filling up and flowing out
• [7:13] Why consumerism keeps volunteers, donors, and exemplary families from flocking to churches like Fairview
• [11:45] Judging churches by the wrong criteria 
• [14:22] Consumerism expressed in how we use our time
• [16:20] Consumerist mindset vs a kingdom mindset
• [18:24] How to get parents to let their kids mingle with “those” kids
• [19:41] How consumerism affects a pastor’s definition of success
• [22:10] Qualitatively vs quantitatively measuring success 
• [25:14] Focusing on making disciples

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Fairview Church of the Nazarene website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:56] Loving others even when it’s hard
• [6:48] Specific groups of people Seth and Fairview minister to
• [8:17] Story of building relationships two kids and their grandfather 
• [11:35] Creating an after-school program to meet observable needs
• [14:45] Why it’s ok for church programs to naturally end and why that can cause pastors to struggle
• [18:55] Why rest and sabbath are important

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Fairview Church of the Nazarene website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:15] Introduction to Pastor Seth Thompson and Fairview Church of the Nazarene 
• [5:04] The community context of Fairview 
• [7:29] Seth’s education and the demographic of Fairview 
• [10:44] Some of Seth’s ministry challenges
• [12:32] How to find your identity in the cross of Christ
• [16:36] Friendship, support, and accountability with other pastors
• [21:00] Our egocentric nature vs Jesus’s kingdom mindset

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Fairview Church of the Nazarene website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:48] In the Apostles’ Creed, did Jesus descend to the dead, to hades, or to hell?
• [5:10] Why “place of the dead” may be the most accurate translation
• [6:29] Issue caused by translation in the Book of Common Prayer
• [8:14] The difference between hades and hell
• [10:27] How the Jewish people understood hades, paradise, and the afterlife
• [11:50] Correct translation matters because it emphasizes Jesus’s actual death
• [14:51] Nuances of hell and Tartarus
• [15:41] The ecumenical importance of the Apostles’ Creed
• [16:40] The importance of affirming that Jesus actually died
• [17:48] Presbyterians and the Lord’s Prayer

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• The House website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• ·       [2:04] Embracing the many expressions of the Church in receiving and sending off college students
• [5:59] Why younger generations aren’t attracted to church
• [7:59] How churches and youth pastors can do a better job about handing off students to college ministries
• [9:03] The difficulty of the transition to life beyond college 
• [11:33] How parents and youth pastors can prepare high school kids for college
  • Expose them to new ideas
  • Encourage abstract thinking
• [15:07] Anecdotes from Jason and Adam
• [17:18] What is the purpose of the university?
  • Expectations and promises
  • The college biosphere
• [20:44] Jason’s two questions to college students
  • How is this degree preparing you for life after college?
  • What do you want?
• [23:09] How churches and youth pastors can help high school kids transition to college
  • Help them find Christian community
  • Keep in touch with them
  • Give space and hope when they wrestle with faith

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• The House website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:55] Contributing factors to anxiety and depression in the lives of college students
• [1:57] Story about taking a break from screen time
• [4:13] How we’re impacted by the immoral use of technology 
  • Story about question posed to designers
  • Exploiting addiction
• [7:03] Adam’s observations about smartphone addiction
  • Mark 4:19 and spiritual implications
  • Decision fatigue 
• [12:18] Smartphones and the demand for attention
• [14:32] Gen Z’s response
• [17:54] How Jason teaches about technology and social media
  • Advice to college guys after first dates
  • Delayed gratification, risk, and vulnerability
• [22:47] The cycle of how generations view and respond to each other
• [27:01] How Gen X responded to the major events of the late 20th century
• [29:13] How Millennials have responded to Gen X
• [29:43] The remedial changing of institutions 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• The House website
• The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:27] Who Jason is and how he ended up working at The House
• [4:10] Jason’s plans vs God’s plans
• [7:18] Running a nonprofit
• [9:43] Challenges in communicating generosity to students
• [12:43] Having the right perspective in a ministry with frequent turnover 
• [17:56] When students stick around
• [19:46] Addressing anxiety, depression, and social media in college ministry
• [23:54] Social media and the loss of intentionality
• [26:49] Brené Brown/“crappy” first drafts 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• The House website

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.