The Gathering Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Gathering
The Gathering Church Podcast provides sermons, special audio messages, and all-new conversations with members of the congregation aimed to help you live the Abundant Life Jesus promised.
Join host Peter Varberg as he engages in an insightful conversation with Beto Olmos, a cherished member of the Gathering community recognized for his welcoming spirit as the leader of the hospitality team. In this captivating episode, Beto opens up about his transformative journey — from ascending the corporate ladder in the hospitality industry to embarking on a soul-stirring quest across the globe. Listen closely as he shares his deeply personal encounter with faith, embracing a new season of life guided by the teachings of Jesus and lessons learned from the IMPACT School of Discipleship.
Join host Peter Varberg as he interviews Jen Beitel, a Gathering member whose journey to ministry leadership is nothing short of inspiring. Jen shares her story of transformation and how she now leads a ministry focused on helping parents and their teenage children establish a biblical worldview. Tune in for insights on faith, growth, and purpose in this engaging episode.
Embark on an insightful journey as Scott Wessell, our IMPACT and Youth Pastor, opens up in an exclusive interview about the exciting developments within our new youth ministry at The Gathering. Immerse yourself in Scott's personal narrative as he unfolds the profound impact of youth ministry on his faith, offering a unique perspective influenced by his role as a father to a son in the same age group. Delve into the ministry's mission of guiding and empowering our youth "adults in training" to navigate life's challenging questions with confidence. Discover the ways in which you can actively impact this future generation.
Host Peter Varberg interview his father, Paul Varberg, a lifelong missionary in the Philippines who also grew up as a missionary kid there. Join us as Paul shares insight on what it's like to live a life overseas as a missionary and how to serve God within our own sphere of influence no matter where we are.
Daniel candidly shares his journey from battling alcoholism to discovering a renewed faith in Jesus. His missionary experiences in Israel and India, meeting his wife Yvette, and establishing a house church all lead to the transformational story behind the new church he's planting, Christ Collective Church.
Fritz shares his journey from growing up in Alabama, to joining the marines, how he met his wife, to his faith story of shifting his perspective from seeing Christianity as a list of things that he had to do, to a personal relationship with Jesus based on grace.
Join us as Charissa shares her inspiring journey from being a fitness coach and professional bodybuilder, to discovering Jesus and establishing a ministry centered on a Christ-driven approach to body image. Charissa's story reveals her profound journey of uncovering her true identity anchored in Christ and igniting a compelling call for others to embark on their own transformative journeys.
Join us on Sal's incredible journey from a challenging childhood, entrepreneurial middle school days, and single parenthood to finding love, faith, and a spiritual home at The Gathering. It's a story of divine pursuit and unwavering love from a steadfast, unfailing Father.
Get ready to dive into Phil's incredible journey – from growing up in church and just going through the motions, to having his faith ignited by seeing his roommate live out his Christian beliefs, to experiencing God through genuine community, and continuing to live out his faith among friends and neighbors.
Join Alanna Sullivan as she interviews her very own mother in law, Deb Nore, as she shares her journey from her early days in the church, stepping away, years of soul-searching, battling an abusive relationship and illnesses, to starting fresh in San Diego during the covid pandemic.
Welcome to the Gathering Podcast. Today we will be continuing our series on the Impact School of Discipleship as I interview one of Impact’s teachers, Aeron Sullivan, about his class “Big Bible Overview.”
Welcome to the Gathering Podcast. This podcast is all about you experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised. We do this through stories, teachings, and testimonies about God’s unyielding faithfulness. Today we are introducing a new series focused on the Impact School of Discipleship. We’ll be interviewing different teachers to let you crash their class and also take away some of the nuggets. We hope you’ll be inspired to take your spiritual life to the next level and help you understand a bit more about what happens upstairs at our church.
Today, we will be interviewing the Impact School of Discipleship Director, Scott Wessell, about one of the most popular classes at Impact called “Design” which helps students to figure out their purpose and calling.
Welcome to the gathering podcast; this podcast is all about helping you experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. We do this through stories, teachings, and testimonies about God’s unyielding faithfulness. As you probably could tell, the podcast team is taking a break for the summer, but we have a special episode we wanted to release leading up to Impact’s upcoming vision week.
Today Peter Varberg interviews several current students and alums from Impact who reflect on their experience with the program. They talk about the highs and lows of Impact and offer some encouragement for those considering joining the program.
Whether or not you are sold on Impact, I would encourage you to attend Impact’s vision week, which runs from August 30th to September 2nd, 9-1 every day. You’ll have a chance to mingle with new and old students, learn more about the program, participate in some great worship, hear powerful testimonies, and listen to insightful and inspiring teachings.
We hope to see you there.
Today Peter Varberg interviews Ivan Ortega. You have seen Ivan around on any given Sunday, but if you haven’t had a chance to get to know him, he has a fascinating story and powerful testimony. Today Ivan dives deep into faith, autism, and the redemptive power of Jesus. We also have a special guest join Ivan, Linda Martin, President of a ministry called Miracle 139. Miracle 139 focuses on helping children worldwide with disabilities, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This week your host, Alanna Sullivan, interviews Kelsie Kinden.
Kelsie formerly served in the US Navy and has her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Many of you probably know Kelsie, and if you haven’t met her, I am sure you would recognize her as she has been attending The Gathering from the beginning. Today though, we hear Kelsie’s vulnerable testimony about her journey through mental health.
Alanna explores some heavy topics with Kelsie from abuse as a child throughout her adulthood. Most importantly, she shares her testimony about how God has been a redeemer in her life and how Kelsie has experienced God’s protection time and time again.
You have probably seen him on drums almost every week in worship, and you even see him up front leading worship from time to time. But do you know Scott Bergen’s story? Well today Peter Varberg dives into Scott’s testimony with Scott to discover how he met the Lord, where his love of music comes from, and for the heart and vision God has given Scott to best impact the Kingdom on his behalf.
Through the end of this season, we will hear testimonies from our congregation members, young, old, and everywhere in between. At the beginning of this series, Peter Varberg gave a short introduction on how to give your testimony. We aren't just sharing the power of others' testimonies through this series but also trying to help equip you to share the power of yours. Today, we have a follow-on conversation with Mary Ann Mariani.
Mary Ann has 20 years of experience as a Public Speaking Coach, working with companies such as HGTV, The Food Network, and Johnson & Johnson. Mary Ann also founded her public speaking ministry, Kingdom Presenters, in 2008, aimed at equipping Christian-based individuals and companies to communicate their message better and further their work for the Kingdom. She has worked with The Barnabas Group, Y-Malawi, Campus Crusade for Christ, and many other churches and non-profit groups.
Today she walks us through a process for framing our testimony and shares a version of her testimony.
Welcome to the gathering podcast. Last week we heard an interview between host Peter Varberg and one of our members David Alvarado. It was a vulnerable conversation around addiction and, most importantly, the victory over sin achieved through Jesus.
This week, we hear from Shelley, whose walk, while coinciding with Dave in over 30 years of marriage, has her own powerful testimony of places of healing and the mighty redemption Jesus brings in areas of forgiveness, relationships, and especially marriage.
This week Peter Varberg had the opportunity to interview David and Shelly Alvarado. David and Shelly have been married for over 30 years, so their testimonies are very tied together. However, they both have their unique walks with the Lord, so we’ll be hearing from them individually. This first week, we hear from Dave, whose testimony echoes the many who have had to walk through addiction with the Lord but can thankfully claim victory today with Jesus.
Over the next four months, we will hear testimonies from many of our congregation members, young, old, and everywhere in between.
This week we hear from Charlotte Gore. She has a fascinating and challenging growing-up story. Charlotte also has a remarkable testimony around God’s provision throughout her life, which has not been an easy road. We are confident you'll get to know Charlotte better by hearing her story, and as always, see that our God is indeed a faithful God looking out for his children.
All testimonies are powerful and God-honoring, but sometimes we can use a little extra help expressing them. Over the last two weeks, we've heard powerful and vulnerable testimonies from Lisa Pigeon and Ted Son. And for the rest of the season, we'll be continuing to feature testimonies from the congregation members of the gathering. Maybe even including yours.
Today, we're doing something a little different. Peter Varberg will walk through a 30-minute training on how to share your testimony. Hopefully, this will help give you some confidence to share about God's faithfulness in your life. And if you feel like God is prompting you to share more widely, you can reach out to Peter Alannah or me. And we can talk about getting you on this podcast in this series.
Last week we kicked off with Lisa Pigeon, a must-listen if you haven’t heard. It’s a story of betrayal and healing. Today we hear from Ted Son, who has found himself on the other side of a betrayal, but the Lord’s faithfulness is no less present and no less powerful. Our host Peter Varberg explores the topic of personal addiction with Ted, an issue that we often keep quiet on, but one that almost every person has experienced or has a closed loved one that has wrestled through it.
This is one of the most honest and vulnerable conversations we have ever had on this podcast, and I want to commend Ted on his courage to have this conversation. I hope you enjoy the conversation and can see just how profoundly the Lord is working in Ted’s life and our church through testimonies like this.
Over the next four months, The Gathering Church Podcast will be exploring testimonies from a number of our congregation members, young, old, and everywhere in between. We are kicking off what will become our most extended series yet, with Lisa Pigeon.
Lisa is someone you have definitely interacted with at Church, whether it's a Serve Sunday or at our welcome table on a worship Sunday. If you have ever interacted with Lisa, you probably experienced her as friendly, inviting, and warm. While you may have met Lisa, you may not know Lisa, so today, you get a front-row seat to Lisa's testimony about the power of God to transform her life. You'll hear about some of the darkest moments of life, which also happens to be where Jesus shines most brightly.
This February, we are exploring an often forgotten people group within churches, especially smaller churches, and that's singles.
Over the last two weeks, one of our Hosts (and eligible bachelor, Peter Varberg) interviewed other singles on what it's like to be single and advice and wisdom on navigating it. In today's episode, I had an opportunity to interview Peter on his journey through singlehood and what lessons God has taught him along the way. This is a rich and vulnerable conversation, and it's a great one to round off this month's topic of singlehood.
Yesterday was Valentine's day; make sure you message one of your single friends that you love them.
Welcome to this week's episode of the Gathering podcast. This podcast is all about helping you experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. This February, we are exploring an often forgotten people group within churches, especially smaller churches, and that's singles.
Last week we heard Peter Varberg interview author and host of the Heart of Dating Podcast, a podcast focused on helping empower Christian singles navigating dating in today's world. We shift gears this week and hear a powerful testimony and conversation with our very own Janet Baker. Janet lived most of her life single most of her life, until marrying Greg. You can listen to that love story on our podcast from this Valentine's Month series last year. The link is in the show notes.
In this episode, Janet shares the struggles of being single, especially for so long, and offers a wealth of wisdom to those single today. This is a must-listen for anyone single, knows a single, or knows and loves Janet.
It is February, and Valentine's day is just around the corner. We wanted to focus on relationships this month, but we are doing something a little different in 2022. We are talking about singlehood and the various joys and challenges of being single.
Today, Peter Varberg interviews Best Selling Author, Coach, Speaker, and fellow single Kait Warman, the Heart of Dating Podcast host. Kait and Peter dive into Kait's story a little bit and get some practical advice for those who are single and perhaps struggling through singlehood.
This is a great crash course in what it's like to be single if its been a while for you, and without a doubt, you are in a community with singles. We hope this is insightful, maybe even educational, but definitely encouraging for those who are single.
This week we hear from Lisa Thompson and Lisa Pigeon, who lead our serve first Sundays.
In this conversation, Alanna Sullivan covers a lot of ground with Lisa and Lisa. They talk about the history and genesis of serving first at the gathering and why service is important to cultivate in a church.
They also beautifully recap the serve-first projects from 2021, some of the behind-the-scenes fruit from those projects. Lastly, they give us a preview of what to expect in 2022 and a call to all of us to get involved.
This week we join Host Alanna Sullivan in a conversation with Becky Friberg and Danielle Bergen around Kids and Youth Ministry. They share about their love for children and kids' discipleship but don't shy away from their tasting and struggles through the ups and downs of ministry and life.
They share their heart for the ministry and what we are trying to achieve through kids and youth at the gathering, and they talk a bit about how you can get involved.
You don't want to miss this super vulnerable and inspiring conversation.
The Gathering Podcast will be focusing on ministry leaders from the church this month. The first is Jared Nepute, The Gathering's Worship Leader. Jared shares a little about his testimony, how he got into music, and by extension worship. He also shares some plans he has this year to help develop a Heart of Worship within the congregation.
In the 1980s, the founder of Horizon Christian Fellowship here in San Diego decided to expand the mission of the fellowship and start a discipleship school focused on making missionaries to help reach the world lost. That man was Mike Macintosh, and he invited our very now Pastor, George, into the program in the late 80's.
That program was called HSE, and it was influential in George becoming a missionary. After a decade plus of missions work, George was then invited to take oner the program as director. This episode is all about the Genesis of HSE, how it let to Impact 195, and how that is leading to Impact today.
Lately, the episode explores what the new Impact program will look like, who it is for, and how you can get involved. This is the final episode in our 100 days to Impact series.
We hope to see you this Friday for our Christmas Eve Service starting at 4PM at The Gathering Church at Grace Chapel.
We will finish our our 100 days to Impact Series with George Clerie next Tuesday.
This week on the Gathering Church Podcast we continue our journey of 100 days to impact by exploring stories and testimonies from those who attended and who served at HSE and Impact195.
Today our host Peter Varberg interviews Co-Host, Alanna Sullivan, and The Gathering's Podcast Editor, Aeron Sullivan. In 2016 Alanna and Aeron's world was rocked when they came to faith, found God, and were led to Impact. The title of this Podcast says it all. We hope you enjoy part II of II.
This week on the Gathering Church Podcast we continue our journey of 100 days to impact by exploring stories and testimonies from those who attended and who served at HSE and Impact195.
Today our host Peter Varberg interviews Co-Host, Alanna Sullivan, and The Gathering's Podcast Editor, Aeron Sullivan. In 2016 Alanna and Aeron's world was rocked when they came to faith, found God, and were led to Impact. The title of this Podcast says it all. We hope you enjoy part I of II.
Today our host Peter Varberg interviews Nick Yates. Nick has an amazing energy I think you’ll enjoy, and an even more amazing journey and testimony, being part of the one and only class to participate in Horizon School of Evangelism and Impact 195. You’ll hear about Nick serving in many capacities from missionary to college pastor, as well as the high’s and lows that have come with his walk with Jesus.
Ultimately, Nick offers some insight from the vantage point of someone who is now in marketplace ministry about how identity and purpose transcend the ministerial or pastoral titles we sometimes wear as we partner with God in his Kingdom.
Jen Law helped found a non-profit called Hopestart with Frederick Clerie. If you have been around Impact or The Gathering, you have probably heard about Hopestart. Today, our host Alanna Sullivan interviews Jen Law about how the Lord used Impact to lead her to Hopestart, its impact on the children and families of Haiti, and finally, how you can partner with Hopestart. It is also a wonderful testimony to how the network of relationships created at Impact has helped build Hopestart.
Today our host Alanna Sullivan interviews Renee Keven on her experience with Impact over 10 years ago. No journey with the Lord is direct, and Renee vulnerably shares her very real story that shows us that Impact continues to make an impression on the lives of graduates well after they graduate.
Special Announcement: The Gathering Church is hiring two full-time positions.
The first is for a Communications Manager who will be responsible for all outgoing and internal communications at The Gathering. Think of it as a hybrid position (50% Marketing & 50% Volunteer Coordination).
The second is for a Impact Manager who will be responsible for driving operations and pastoral care at Impact School of Discipleship Launching in January.
We are on the journey of 100 days to impact by exploring stories and testimonies from those who attended and who served HSE and Impact195. Today, our Host Peter Varberg dives into Greg & Janet Baker’s story of how they ended up at Impact, the impact it had on them, and how it even helped lead to their love story.
Special Announcement: The Gathering Church is hiring two full-time positions.
The first is for a Communications Manager who will be responsible for all outgoing and internal communications at The Gathering. Think of it as a hybrid position (50% Marketing & 50% Volunteer Coordination).
The second is for a Impact Manager who will be responsible for driving operations and pastoral care at Impact School of Discipleship Launching in January.
Scott and Dina were both catapulted into their life with Jesus through Horizon School of Evangelism (HSE), and then were brought into the ministry that came out of HSE, Impact 195. Hear the story of Impact, and more about what Impact offered its students. The Gathering is looking to launch a discipleship school, like Impact, later this year, and this gives you a foretaste of what may be to come!
Impact school of ministry relaunches in less than 100 days. And we're doing 100 days of testimonies and stories around impact leading up to its launch at the end of January.
Today we hear from one of the original impact team members, Cisco. Cisco talks to Peter Varberg about joining Horizon School of Evangelism, and then going on to help found Impact, and then later Impacto, a discipleship school modeled after Impact, but planted as a mission down in Oaxaca, Mexico.
This is an inspiring journey of faith, trust, obedience, and abundant life.
In this episode, Alanna Sullivan completes her interview with Becky & Peter Friberg. we hear the happy ending to the epic story of Becky & Peter's wild ride through the season around Impact. They also share a little about Impact who it might be valuable for, and what kind of fruit you can expect from attending.
Over the next 100 days we will be exploring amazing testimonies from graduates of Impact as we prepare for Impact to launch in January, 2022.
The first testimony we explore is a powerful one. Alanna Sullivan interviews Becky and Peter Friberg on their individual experiences in Impact, and how it worked in their lives together. Becky attended first, followed by Peter, but Impact was intertwined in their collective story of redemption and restoration.
Peter Varberg interviews Willie Briscoe, Founder and Director of Hope Leadership Academy.
Willie Briscoe had first-hand experience of growing up without a father in the home and desired to fill that gap in homes across San Diego County. HLA is a year-round comprehensive youth ministry that seeks to ensure that youth from fatherless homes in underserved communities receive support, guidance, and a plan to break the cycles of divorce, poverty, and hopelessness.
HLA will be the focus of the October Serve First Sunday at The Gathering. Learn more at HLA.Org
What's up with rest and sabbath?
Is this just about Netflix and chill, or is there something more?
Why did God place keeping the Sabbath holy next akin to not murdering people in the Ten Commandments?
In this episode of The gathering Podcast we explore the discipline of Sabbath and will help you discover why rest is such a big deal to God.
When Covid first hit in 2020 community was virtually torn out from underneath people. Peter Varberg interviews four unique members of his own Home Gathering Community that reflect on this time and use it was a way to explore the concept of community: its value, it's fruit, and the discipline it takes to foster it.
Hear from two conversations on the spiritual discipline of Journaling.
Peter & George discuss the basics journaling, and how it can be used as a practice on its own or to reinforce other spiritual disciplines.
Second, you will hear a conversation between Alanna and Brittany Pendleton (Formerly Atterbery) on how to combine journaling with creative arts to accelerate the process of hearing from God.
This week we launch Season 2 of The Gathering Podcast. Peter Varberg interviews Michelle Madden, a chaplain from the Rock Church who specializes in Suicide Prevention and Suicide Loss.
This is a powerful and extremely helpful episode for anyone in God's family who may encounter someone contemplating suicide, or walking with someone close to another who is.
This is in preparation for the Serve First Sunday this week, the Mental Health Resource Fair.
This month we have explored both the highs and lows of fatherhood from members of our congregation, and today we hear from Tim Whitcomb about the tragic story of his own Father, and how his father's sin led to a life defined by loss, abandonment, and grief.
Yet, this is a story about God, and so Tim's story becomes one defined by hope, redemption, forgiveness, and love. This will be the final episode of our series on fatherhood and the last in of season one. It’s one of the most powerful testimonies you’ve heard on the podcast yet.
Except for Serve 1st Podcasts, the Gathering Podcast will return in late August. Have a great summer.
Hear an amazingly vulnerable and real testimony about the challenges of fatherhood from one of our very own stay-at-home-dads, Miguel Morton. Miguel shares a little about how he became a father and then dives in deep about the real struggles of fatherhood. Struggles many fathers have experienced, but often don't talk about, let alone share. Miguel's bravery, courage, and humility shine through in this awesome conversation between Peter and Miguel.
Hear the amazing testimony of Sebastian Matthews as he shares about his relationship with his father, his relationship with his children, and the redemptive relationship with his ultimate Father in Heaven and how God has knitted it all-together into a beautiful story of hope and love.
Ali found more than just a husband in Sam, she found a father for her son, Uriah. Sam took on more than just being a new husband to Ali, but a father all in one. Experience the story as told by Sam and Ali as they explore the journey of an unconventional courtship, marriage, and adoption through their story of falling in-love.
Listen to an interview between Host Peter Varberg and Director of a groundbreaking new documentary "The Matter of Life." Go behind the scenes on the story behind the story, as well as get a sneak peak to some of the topics and stories the film explores.
The Matter of Life is an Open and thoughtful discussion about abortion. The film takes you on a journey to unravel the complexities of the abortion debate by addressing the issue through science, philosophy, history, and powerful personal stories. The film answers hard questions and provides hope for the future.
https://www.thematteroflife.org
This month, we're focusing on topics that relate to motherhood, both those lived and those lost. In this episode, Lisa Thompson shares a powerful story about an abortion she had when she was young, and the battle with shame and guilt she's endured most of her life.
It is also a testament to God's healing power, Christ's victory in our lives over sin, and the redemptive power our stories can bring to the world.
This testimony took a lot of courage to share, and we hope you feel the power of her vulnerability, her authentic and undeniable trust in God, and the freedom that can come when shame is broken.
This a must listen and is also the final episode on motherhood this month.
This month, we are focusing on topics that relate to motherhood, both those lived and those lost. Today, you’ll hear a conversation with Dina Wessell, Marty Reneau, Marta Ortiz, and Alanna Sullivan about their experiences with miscarriage. They talk about the deep pain, how they leaned on God through the heartbreak, and now how their testimony may help others find healing.
Today's episode features a panel of three stay-at-home mothers interviewed by Alanna Sullivan. They cover both personal and parental challenges of staying home full-time, as well as some of the joys and opportunities to experience God through full-time motherhood!
Features: Jane Racuya, Abrey Kamp, and Sarah Doria
Music By Jared Nepute
This is the first of four Podcasts throughout the month of May focusing on different aspects of motherhood.
This first installment comes just after May's Serve Sunday, which was focused on serving single moms in our community. The Gathering congregation put together gift baskets with encouragement, gift cards, and treats for single moms, and received inspiration about how Jesus redefines the meaning of family for us, including welcoming single moms and their children into our own families.
Today we hear from Allie Sterner, who shares her powerful story as a single mother of 4 and God’s redemptive love that took her from the verge of suicide to a mother alive in Christ.
This week host Peter Varberg and Aeron Sullivan discuss the resurrection, and more specifically, how we respond to the news of the resurrection? This is the final episode of this month where The Gathering Podcast has been focusing on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Music by Jared Nepute & Poor Bishop Hooper
Welcome to Episode Two of a discussion on Jesus and the Cross. This first episode dives into the Biblical Story from the perspective of the cross. What is Jesus going to accomplish by going to the cross? In this episode, Host Peter Varberg and Aeron Sullivan help explore exactly how Jesus does accomplish all the Biblical expectations, but in a way no one expected.
Music by Poor Bishop Hooper.
Welcome to Episode One of a two part discussion on Jesus and the Cross. This first episode dives into the Biblical Story from the perspective of the cross. What is Jesus doing? What is he accomplishing through the cross? We hope this discussion between Host Peter Varberg and Aeron Sullivan help shed new light on how everything happening from Pages 1 and 2 of the Bible culminate in Jesus, and ultimately in the cross.
Music by Poor Bishop Hooper.
This week listen to Pastor George and Peter discuss the Rebellious Entry, or what is oftentimes referred to as the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Jesus enters Jerusalem as king, but not in the way almost anyone was expecting.
Music by Poor Bishop Hooper
Mike Ortiz grew up in the church, but the typical culture swept him away until God. God stepped in to save him from some health problems and then took Mike Ortiz on a series of steps from simply attending a Bible Study, to a Discipleship School, all the way to the far end of Haiti where he served as a missionary for 2-3 years. Mike and his Wife Marta now serve as Shepherds at the Gathering.
This is a great story on how small steps of faith can lead to a big life of impact.
Fredrick Clerie left Haiti when he was young in pursuit of education, and after turmoil and political upheaval made the hard choice to not return... until the Lord called him to return to his childhood home of Haiti to help serve those most vulnerable.
Listen to a powerful testimony of how God is working through Fredrick and the Non-Profit Ministry he leads, Hopestart International, to bring help and hope to our brothers and sisters in Haiti.
This week, The Gathering is partnering with the San Diego Rescue Mission to help serve those who currently do not have a home. The conversation today is on this very topic and will help provide perspective and prepare our hearts to serve San Diego's homeless, or as our guest likes to say, our neighbors.
Estreanda Yates led a homeless ministry within the Rock Church for over 10 years, but her story with the homeless started much younger. Today, host Alanna Sullivan has a conversation with Estreanda about her very own personal testimony as it relates to homelessness and the powerful ministry work she did with our neighbors.
Today's episode focuses on Tim & Pam Whitcomb, who have been married for nearly 30 years. They both met a little later then some, which also coincided with them meeting the Lord. It is a unique story and closes out this month focus on marriages and relationships.
They tell us about how they met, and also the challenges and beauty that came with them coming into their relationship with the Lord at the same time. They grew together with the Lord, and together with one another at the same time. They also provide some great advice that any couple at any stage should really take to heart. We hope you enjoy this final installment in this month's series.
Today's episode focuses on Bill and Leah Impey, who have been married for 34 years. It covers a little about them, and how their lives both set a course of Bible College where they met and quickly fell in-love.
They reflect on some of their early victories and struggles, as well as share some timeless wisdom that any couple at any stage of their relationship can incorporate into their life to be a better husband or wife.
Today's episode is the epic origin story of our very own Kelsey and Jared Nepute. They talk about they found each other, how Kelsey found God, and then how God used a girl to get to Jared.
They discuss their experience growing in their relationship with God, which, no surprise, grew the relationship between one another. They talk about conflict, grace, and provide some great practical advice for any marriage, but especially for those entering the early years of their own marriage and relationship.
Enjoy!
Todays episode is a love story about a young couple who developed a romance over YouTube and Instagram. Samuel Impey, son of Pastor Bill Impey, and YouTube music artist, Marylou Villegas, developed a relationship online before ever meeting in real life.
The couple's story kicks off an entire month focused on relationships. The two have been dating for over 3 years, including a long-distance relationship strained by not just distance, but closed borders amidst a global pandemic, but they have come out the other side stronger for it. It's a wonderful story and is capped off by music by Marylou Villegas herself.
We hope you enjoy!
Overview:Today’s podcast features one of your hosts, Peter Varberg, as the guest on the show. Peter shares a powerful story about how God has worked in his life as he has struggled with depression over the last 8 years. This will be the last installment during our monthlong focus. Peter is interviewed by Aeron Sullivan.
First Struggles (0:00-13:00)Peter shares about a traumatic event in his early-adulthood that brought him into his first struggle with depression and what that taught him that still sticks with him today.
Identity, Worry, & Anxiety (13:00-27:00)Peter shares about his work as a missionary overseas, and discusses depression and anxiety that accompanies his return home and quest to find work, and then struggling with whether the work was meaningful.
Journey to Today (28:00-37:00)
Finally, Peter talks about how those experience shave been used by God. He talks about a simple acronym people can use as they struggle with anxiety and depression, and ultimately gives us a message of hope that he finds in Jesus.
Overview
On today’s podcast, Bessy Holdren, a marriage and family therapist, talks with Alanna Sullivan on Identity formation, what true Biblical Identity looks like, and how to use a simple acronym PBC (Prayer-Bible-Community) to stay rooted in a Biblical Identity during challenging times.
Identity Form: 0:00 - 13:00Bessy talks about her own identity formation growing up as an immigrant child from Honduras.
Identity Formation: 14:00-19:00
Bessy talks about factors that typically influence identity formation and how Covid has been a catalyst in exposing these early formational challenges.
Identity Formation: 19:30-30:00Bessy talks through Biblical identity and a simple acronym to root us in Biblical identity during challenging times (PBC).
- Prayer
- Bible:
- Community:
Bonus: 17 Bible Verses to Remind You of Your Identity in Christ
- John 1:12 ~”Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
- Romans 8:28~ “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.“
- Ephesians 1:7 ~ “ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.“
- John 15:16 ~ “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.“
- Romans 6:6~ “ For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”
- Genesis 1:27 ~ “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
- Jeremiah 1:5 ~“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
- 1 Peter 2:9 ~ “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.“
- Galatians 2:20~ “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
- John 15:15~ “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
- Ephesians 2:10~ “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
- Philippians 3:20~ “ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ”
- 2 Timothy 1:7~ “ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Colossians 3:1-4~ “ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
- Romans 8:37~ “ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.“
- Psalm 139:14 ~ “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17~ “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Overview
On today’s podcast, Celeste Garcia talks with Alanna Sullivan about how vulnerability is a key to unlocking deeper community and creates a path to growing closer to God. Celeste is a trained Psychologist that currently works with at-risk youth within San Diego County.
Shame & Vulnerability: 0:00 - 12:00
PartI: Celeste shares about her own experience with shame and vulnerability as a child and also as a Christian young in the faith. She shares how deep community in home gatherings helped her to be vulnerable accelerating her relation with with the Lord.
She also covers some of the basics of shame and vulnerability. Biblical Connections: 12:00-22:00
Part II: Celeste covers biblical connections to the importance of vulnerability and carrying one another’s burdens. She also covers some practical advice with the congregation around how vulnerability, both as a one who enters into vulnerability, but also as one who bears it for another is of the utmost importance in intimate community.
Overview
On today’s podcast, Hosts Peter, Alanna, and Producer Aeron talk a little about The Gathering Podcast, why and how it got started, and also what to look forward to in 2021.
- The first half (through minute 16) focuses on the podcast, how and why it got started, as well as what to expect from it in 2021.
- The second half (through minute 30) focuses on Peter, Alanna, and Aeron, a little about them in the context of the Podcast, as well the sharing of a Google Form where you can share your own feedback, thoughts, or recommendations for the podcast!
FEEDBACK FORM
Overview
On today’s podcast, Pastor Bill Impey talks with Peter Varberg about exercising wisdom this year as we transition from 2020 to 2021 to take a pause and try to hear from God about what he may be speaking to you personally at this time of transition.
**Introduction to Hearing from God: 0:00 - 16:00
Common reasons you may not be hearing from God: 16:00-26:00
Lesser-Known reasons may not be hearing from God: 26:00-60:00
How to find your one word: 60:00-85:00
Resources**
Inner Healing & Prayer Guide
Practicing the Presence of God
My One Word
The Promise Principle
Overview
On today’s podcast, Debbie Roller, a member of the Gathering and longtime missionary, is interviewed by Alanna Sullivan on her work in the Philippine. We also talk about how her own testimony and witness to God’s redemptive work in her life brought her out of similar circumstances to those she ministers today.
**Debbie's Child Testimony: 0:00 - 9:30
Debbie's Adult Faith Testimony: 9:30-19:30
Debbie's Growing Faith and Heart for the Marginalized: 19:30-27:00
Debbie's Missionary Work 27:00-47:00**
- Starting her school
- Ministries she supports
- How to get involved & support
Faith Moves Mountains
Overview
In the eighth episode of The Gathering Podcast, you will hear from Pastor George Clerie interviewed by Peter Varberg on the topic of Christmas. George and Peter discuss the impacts of Covid on our Christmas traditions, and the opportunities it affords us to hit reset this year. 2020 is an opportunity to refresh our understanding of Christmas, and what we allow to take our attention in relation to Christmas. It's a great discussion you don't want to miss.
**Intro Discussion - 0:00
A Russian Christmas - 4:30
Christmas Texts - 8:00**
- John 1:1-5 & 14: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
- The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
- Matthew 1:20-23: But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Key Truths from the Text:
- 11:24 Truth #1- Jesus the Word (Logos) God fully conceived and fully expressed
- 15:30 Truth #2- Jesus (the Word) became flesh (fully human)
- 18:45 Truth #3 - Jesus came to be God with us. He didn't swing by for a visit but he made his dwelling.
- 24:06 Truth #4 You saw Jesus, you saw God- He is Awe-inspiring, Christmas should be a time of awe
Key Takeaways from the Text:
- 29:21 #1 Salvation "God Saves"
- 31:37 #2 Identity
- 37:36 #3 Courage
- 40:07 #4 Mission
43:28- Analogy of Bill Gates
Resources:
BibleProject Videos:
Luke 1-2
Heaven & Earth
Overview
In the seventh episode of The Gathering Podcast, you will hear from Ray Pigeon interviewed by Peter Varberg on the topic of cultivating healthy habits. Ray is a medical doctor who specializes in internal medicine. Ray speaks from both a biblical and medical perspective as he discusses healthy habit building with Peter.
Intro Discussion - 0:00-6:00
Ray talks a little about his past and how his family seemed destined to enter the medical field.
Taking Care of Yourself With Diet 6:00-24:00
**Taking Care of Yourself Physically 24:00-34:00
Taking Care of Yourself Emotionally & Spiritually 34:00-49:00**
Resources:http://www.lowcarbmd.com
www.dietdoctor.com/
Overview
In the sixth episode of The Gathering Podcast, hear from Jeff Doria, interviewed by Peter Varberg on the topic of healing, and how to experience healing with God. Jeff shares his experience as a clinical chaplain on the topic of healing, as well as help us to understand healing by defining it.
Intro Discussion - 0:00-13:00
Jeff talks about three areas of healing:
- Physical Healing
- Emotional Healing
- Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
- Divine or Spiritual Healing
- Matthew 8:17 "This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
- James 5:14-16 "Is anyone among you sick?
Scriptural Flyover - 13:00-40:00
Jeff covers healings as found in the scriptures. He also shares about his own personal experiences of healing through ministry work, and also as a benefactor of healing through his family's experience with medical challenges with his daughter(s).
- Old Testament
- Jeremiah 30:17 "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD"
- Psalm 30:2 "LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me."
- Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
- Psalm 103:2-6 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
- Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
- Jesus - the Healer
- Matthew 4:23-24 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
- Luke 13:11-13 - Crippled woman for 18yrs was healed.
- John 5:1-15 — Healing of the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda.
- John 9:1-7 — Jesus heals the blind man with mud and saliva after he washes at the Pool of Siloam.
How Jesus would heal
- Jesus always addressed the obvious physical need in order to address the greater spiritual need.
Purpose of Spiritual Gifts:
- 1 Cor. 12:7-10
- v.7 - each of us has a spiritual gift. The gift(s) are given for the “common good” (NIV)
- v.11 — spiritual gifts are God’s will to the church as He distributes and determines.
- 1 Peter 4:10-11
- As Christians, the use of our spiritual gifts is a form of exercising faithful stewardship of God’s grace for the purpose of 2 things...
- Mutual edification of the Body of Christ
- Glorify God
- As Christians, the use of our spiritual gifts is a form of exercising faithful stewardship of God’s grace for the purpose of 2 things...
- Romans 12:6-8
- v.6 — Spiritual gifts are a grace given to us as Christians to use them.
Sarah’s story as a missionary in India
- “The Day Priya Walked Her Cow” — https://www.sdrock.com/stories/sarahdoria/
The Remedy - 40:00-47:00
The acronym HEAL
- H - Hope in Jesus as our ultimate healer.
- E - Expectation for God to fulfill His ultimate purpose in your life .
- A - Acknowledge His Sovereignty & Goodness over your life, You’re not in control, He is...
- L - Letting go of the outcome, let the God of all comfort, comfort you. Surrendering the outcome to the Lord.
What to pray for healing over.
- Pray for healing over your/others' physical ailments, sicknesses, and disease.
- Pray for healing over broken hearts.
- Pray for healing over wounds caused by others in your life, or pain you may have caused to others.
- Pray for healing over our nation, and the world around us. As we experience God’s healing, we can experience God's peace (shalom).
Overview
In the fifth episode of The Gathering Podcast, hear from Ali Kaun, interviewed by Alanna Sullivan on the topic of fear and anxiety. Ali shares about her personal struggles with stress and anxiety and how God walked her through a physical, emotional, and spiritual healing process that took over a decade.
Discussion
0:00 - 8:00 Ali introduces her first experience with anxiety while doing overseas missionary work in Asia, which ultimately brought them home.
8:00 Ali talks about her second big bout with anxiety after her husband Devin was hit by a drunk driver just after becoming new parents. She walks through God's faithfulness in healing her from anxiety through that experience and draws a correlation with the story of Naman in Kings.
The Remedy - 14:00Ali outlines three major areas that God healed over many years before she was able to leave crippling fear and anxiety behind her.
- Physical
- Emotional
- Spiritual
Lasting Peace - 25:00-35:00
Finally, Ali goes over a number of scriptures and stories from the scriptures that help cast light on how God has spoken through prophets and authors of the Bible to help give us peace, and how the Bibles and God's work can help create calm and an everlasting sense of peace.
References:
Scriptures
- 1 Peter 5:7
- Matthew 6:31-34
- Philippians 4:6-8
- Matthew 11:28-30
- Isaiah 26:3
- Psalm 4:8
- John 14:27
"From Panic to Power" - by Lucinda Bassett
San Diego Christian Counselling
Overview
This is the fourth episode of The Gathering Podcast. Today’s “conversations with the congregation” episode is a conversation between George Clerie and host Peter Varberg around the topic of stress, what it is, and some practical tips on how to let God lighten the load and take care of it for you.
Discussion
0:00- 10:00 George explains what Stress is, and introduces scriptural passages that address stress, and how they offer us practical wisdom to apply in our own lives, today.
10:00- 35:00 George introduces the acronym CALM.
C - Choose to rejoice... in God's sovereignty, providence, and mercy.
A - Ask for help
L - Learn to be thankful
M - Meditate on good things
35:00-40:00 George offers the congregations a few more tips and emphasizes the need to be in community as one of the primary ways to combat the sources of stress in our lives.
Overview
This is the third episode of The Gathering Podcast. Today’s “conversations with the congregation” episode is a conversation between Scott Wessell and host Peter Varberg around the history, concept, and practice of God's Presence.
Discussion
0:00- 11:00 Scott explains what joy/happiness are and why they seem so elusive.
11:00- 23:00 Scott explains how to learn to experience consistent joy and happiness by understanding where joy comes from and how to “choose joy.” They also talk about Isaiah 26:3
23:00- 30:00 Scott explains the Nehemiah ch 8:10 “the joy of the Lord is my strength and what it has to do with choosing joy. He explains what to do with inappropriate emotional responses.
30:00-38:00 Scott explains how the act of focusing on something raises the importance of the thing you are focusing on.
38:00-42:00 Scott explains his favorite spiritual practice and how it helped him deal with lies he had been believing since his childhood.
42:00- 52:30 Scott explains how you can practice the presence of God and some practical tips to incorporate it into your life.
52:30- 54:55 Scott explains how to get out of your own way and shares an illustration about our how God desires closeness to us.
54:55- 59:17 Scott runs an experiment of Peter and walks him through an powerful process called “transferring emotions.”
Extra Resources
The Practice of the Presence of God
Book on Amazon
Youtube Audiobook
Click Here
Hope Christian Meditation
Mindfulness App
Overview
This is the second episode of The Gathering Podcast. Today's "conversations with the congregation" episode is a conversation between the host Peter Varberg, and pastor Bill Impey.
Discussion
0:00 - 9:00 Peter introduces the conversation and Bill sets up the context at the Corinthian Church in which Paul's letters concerning spiritual gifts take place in.
9:00 - 25:00 Bill shares a testimony around his own spiritual gifts and some practical stories around identifying and experiencing the gifts.
25:00 - 44:00 Bill takes listeners through 1st Corinthians Ch 13. and provides a Biblical perspective on the spiritual gifts.
44:00 - 49:00 Bill shares some practical advice to our congregation on how to think about spiritual gifts, their purpose, and their benefit to the church.
Extra Resources
If you would like to learn more about spiritual gifts, check out these resources below!
Experiencing the Spirit - By Henry Blackaby
Renovation of the Heart - By Dallas Willard
Discovering Your Leadership Style. - By David T. Olson
Mere Christianity - By C.S. Lewis
Overview
This is the inaugural episode of The Gathering Podcast. Today's "conversations with the congregation" episode is a conversation between the host Peter Varberg, and a member of the Gathering, Aeron Sullivan.
Aeron lives in PQ with his wife, daughters, and mother and has been attending the Gathering since it was originally planted in 4S Ranch. He serves on the board of the Gathering and also leads product and growth at BibleProject, a Christian EdTech ministry. You can find more about them at BibleProject.com
Discussion
0:00 - 12:00 Introduction & sharing of Aeron's testimony as it related to work.
12:00 - 25:00 Peter and Aeron talk through Ecclesiastes and provide commentary on the problem with Work in America today, including problems Christian's experience in relation to work and identity.
25:00 - 43:00 Aeron takes us back to Genesis to discuss identity and vocation and reclaims the Biblical perspective on Vocation.
43:00 - 50:00 Aeron provides the congregation some takeaways on how to apply this new Biblical thinking on Vocation.
Extra Resources
If you would like to learn more about the topic of work and vocation, check out these resources below!
BibleProject Podcast on Sabbath - https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/7th-day-rest-sabbath/
"Every Good Endeavor" by Timothy Keller - https://www.amazon.com/Every-Good-Endeavor-Connecting-Your
Gallup Strengthfinder - https://www.amazon.com/Every-Good-Endeavor-Connecting-Your/dp/1594632820
