The SMC Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Southern Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church
As the war in Ukraine wears on, refugees continue to flow out of the country, initially to one of the border countries where some decide to seek asylum…
I recently attended Exponential Conference and the statement that stuck with me ever since was…
Friends, imagine what it would look like for hundreds of believers coming together in fasting and agreeing prayer on a specific day of the month, each month, on the first Friday…
In these next four episodes, we will reintroduce the sails we are hoisting as a Conference. The first sail (which is critical to all the others) is "mobilizing prayer." We believe that prayer is the “ignition source of a Spirit-fueled movement.” And we are calling the people of God to increased hunger for a work of God in our midst manifested through committed prayer.
In today’s vision cast, let’s unveil the four strategic goals and the singular outcome that we are dreaming about for the Southern Michigan Conference. Each “goal” represents a “sail” that we are calling every church to hoist.
During this year’s Annual Conference State of the Work address, Superintendent Rhodes shared a metaphor of a tall, masted ship to help us think about the relationship between God’s role and our role in igniting a Spirit-fueled movement. In this week's "Dream Again" address, he takes us deeper into that vision.
Superintendent Bruce Rhodes shares with us the mission and metaphor that the SMC is headed towards as we continue to dream again.
Join us as Myron Pierce leads us through our first session of our Disciple-Making Intensive!
The Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church is hosting a Holy Land Trip early next year…
Jerry Jacoby fully lived every moment of his life passionately, playfully, courageously, and with authentic honesty…
Former Pastor Ward Sipes (who served in his retirement at The Arbor Church in Spring Arbor, MI)…
Somerset Beach Camp is recruiting for college-age or recently graduated male counselors and office staff…
A couple months ago a friend and I were invited to help deliver COVID relief packages to a local refugee family…
Journey of Faith Community is launching a new ministry called Clothes on the Go, a mobile clothing closet for the working poor.
Former Pastor Vern Hettinger (located at Renovation Church) passed onto his heavenly reward on…
At Enlace (a Spanish word for a link or a bond) we want to be “a community of hope.” Our dream (vision) is to…
We are excited to announce that beginning on July 1st, Pastor George Houston will be joining Mission Igniter as the Assistant Director of the Detroit Initiative…
The LIVE STREAMING FOR CHURCHES course is designed to help small to mid-size churches improve their “live streaming” services…
Crunch! I watched in horror as the hood of my VW Jetta crumpled like tinfoil while I honked the horn with all my might…
When news of having to close our doors and go to online services came last March, I knew absolutely nothing about how to have a virtual service…
On Sunday, April 18th, our Watervliet congregation observed a special groundbreaking service celebrating their kick off of construction…
Annual conference is now scheduled as a one-day event on Saturday, October 16th at Jackson Free Methodist Church…
Congratulations to Kaye Kolde, Harry Matthews, Monica Harold and Mark Hendricks for recently…
We are offering Missional Living Retreats for your group—large or small. I’m excited about these retreats, because…
This past week pastors from all across the Southern Michigan Conference gathered together…
Evergreen Church's mission is to join God in the renewal of all things as everyday missionaries of Jesus Christ in the fullness of the Spirit where we live, work, and play…
Join us for "A Conversation with SMC Leaders on Race, Justice & the Church," a panel discussion with several of our leaders including Pastor Jeff and Monica Harrold, Pastors George and Dr. Sheila Houston and Pastor Myisha Cunningham as they speak to these critical issues facing our nation, communities and churches.
While coronavirus has effected us all, it hasn't stopped us. In this new episode of The SMC Podcast, we take a look at some of the things that the SMC has been up to throughout the stay-at-home order the last few months.
While bold proclamations serve to stir people to action, let us first be a people who are committed to love and wisdom before we consider regathering…
This week on The SMC Podcast we sit down with Pastor Andy Bentz to hear about how Forge has been helping him lead Warren Road Church.
Our Free Methodist brothers and sisters in Africa and Asia urgently need your prayer and support right now…
As we prepare for our upcoming Awakening Prayer Nights, we are working on compiling songs that we believe will fit the event and its themes…
Domestic violence, drug abuse, and homelessness create vulnerabilities whereby a person may be trafficked. The Set Free Movement seeks to not only end human trafficking but also to offer hope and healing. What Sheryl Colter is doing in Milan, Michigan is a great example…
Because of our fundamental commitment to this mission, we have hired Pastor Erick Ewaskowitz as our Director of Coaching and Training…
This week we sat down with Pastor Kaye Kolde to talk about the Rooted curriculum which she and several other churches in our conference have been using to transform their small groups and congregants. It's not your standard curriculum and has a great potential to deeply disciple your congregants.
Every Shepherd's call is to raise up the next generation of preachers and teachers. The problem is that most don't know where to begin…
This week we sat down with Pastor Paul Jones to learn more about the creation and implementation of the Foundry Multiplication Network in the Downriver area.
Superintendent Rhodes catches our pastors up to speed on all the events coming up in the first half of 2020! Make sure to mark them all down on your calendars and register for those that require registration!
The Credentialing + Ministerial Development ministry of the Free Methodist Church offers online courses as part of the ordination process…
Watch our latest video as Bruce and Dustin discuss some of the details of our upcoming Awakening Prayer Nights.
Our Conference Leadership Board has approved hiring SMC Elder Dustin Weber to become our newest Assistant Superintendent following Michael Forney’s departure as the new Pacific Northwest Superintendent…
Our Conference is proud of the leadership of Dr. Pastor Sheila Houston who will be recognized by the Mayor's Office in the city of Seattle today for her work of advocacy and education against human trafficking in the Northwest.
The team at Crossroads Community Church has launched a new location and has plans to launch more! How did they do it and how will they continue to do so? We ask these questions and more in today's episode.
With the recent announcement of Michael's nomination to be the new superintendent of the Pacific Northwest Conference, Superintendent Bruce sits down with him to talk through the changes and address some of the questions you might have.
Nancy and Ashley share the stories of their first Royal Family Kids as they get ready for next year.
This week on the podcast we talk with Thomas Ramundo about his boot camp for intercessors, which tells a bit of his story in discovering the power of prayer and inspires us all to get on our knees as well.
Jamin talks with Dave Luke about everything Somerset Beach, including next week's family camp!
Annual Conference 2019 is just around the corner and Superintendent Rhodes is here to fill us in on the details on the event in order to prepare our hearts for where the Spirit is leading us this year.
Last week was our move and unpack week. We spent the entire week unpacking, organizing and getting the furniture in its the right place. Julie was needed in Dearborn to help Dustin and Megan as she was in the hospital for a few days…
The Dearborn Free Methodist Church formed Revive Network in 2017 to provide services that help meet practical, emotional and relational needs in Metro Detroit. The Chandler Center was birthed when Revive Network leaders saw the opportunity to repurpose the building that was formally used by the Lincoln Park Free Methodist Church. Today we talked with Tom Jacobs, to catch up on what's been happening in this ministry since it launched back in summer of 2018. They've been doing amazing work which has capitalized upon all of the great work Lincoln Park FMC had done in the community already.
With the news that all three of our Bishops were going to step aside allowing space for a new generation of leaders to take their place, there was much hope and expectation that the FMCUSA would shift to a Board of Bishops representing greater racial diversity…
We had 52 people visit us yesterday for our launch and there were representations from 5 different major recovery groups from Jackson present…
If you had planned on staying at The Inn at Harbor Shores for Annual Conference 2019, make sure you book your stay by May 13th…
At Raven-Brook Recovery Church, it is our mission to, "Recover the lost and equip the found." In our purest form, we are a healing ministry that seeks to bring healing and life to all dimensions of struggles humanity may have…
The 4th National Prayer Summit held the day prior to the 2019 General Conference is called "Deeper Awakening" for good reason…
Coldwater would like to extend a conference-wide invitation to partner with them and Royal Family Kids!
The Cahill's will be in Michigan and have opportunities to meet with churches regarding their missionary work in Africa…
Want to learn more about the new bishop candidates? Check out their interviews with The FMC Radio Show.
This week we sit down with Nancy Forney and Ashley Tohm to hear about how Royal Family Kids is teaming up with Coldwater FMC to bring about a special camp for foster kids. Nancy and Ashley had both been apart of this ministry in Washington and are now looking to bring it to Michigan. Learn more about it and how you can get involved!
Out of the more than 30 candidates considered, Kaye brings the strongest set of qualifications: commitment to obey Jesus; unique gifting mix…
The Board of Administration, as part of their biannual meeting on Saturday, April 6th, accepted the recommendation of the Bishop Search Committee to present five candidates for bishop…
This week on The SMC Podcast Jamin talks with Mark VanValin and Erick Ewaskowitz about Forge Motown. To get involved, contact Mark VanValin: markvanvalin@missionigniter.org
The dinner was being prepped and their was lots of hustling going on, the door bell rang at my friend’s house, and rang again. I answered the door and was delightfully surprised to see two of the girls from soccer camp along with their brothers and parents…
Come hear about what's going on at Evergreen Church in Ann Arbor with Pastor Derik Heumann. See what their missional communities are like and learn how John Wesley's "bands" have been reinvigorated in their ministry.
Seth & Hlawn Hlawn will be on "home assignment" from April 18 to July 31.They have begun the process of scheduling speaking engagements with churches during these dates…
You are excited about Fresh Expressions, but you know that you can’t start a movement alone. We want to help you overcome the barriers that are standing in the way. Don’t miss this FREE equipping experience from Fresh Expressions US on April 1st, 2pm EST! In this upcoming webinar you will:
- Learn how to help your congregation understand and move into fresh expressions
- Discover practical ways of gaining buy-in and exploring possibilities with your entire congregation
- Find paths for moving people from skeptic to supporter
Sign up here.
The 7th Circuit Court has ruled that the Minister’s Housing Allowance is constitutional! This means your housing allowance will remain in effect.
Forge gives itself as a servant to the local church. As we have sought to listen and learn from pastors and leaders throughout the country…
We call you to prayer for the people of Mozambique. Late last week, Cyclone Idai moved through Mozambique and into Zimbabwe and Malawi…
The multiplication matching grant exists to encourage and empower Southern Michigan churches and and leaders to multiply churches…
The Southern Michigan Conference recently hosted 13 of our national Superintendents along with several spouses for a two day leadership coaching event.
Over the last several months you have heard about the "Parking Lot Tax". If you have, you know that there has been some real confusion about the requirements and rules related to this new potential tax on non-profits including every one of our churches…
Today we talk with Paul Parker, pastor over at Cornerstone Community Church in Battle Creek. Paul shares the story of how they got into doing dinner church in an apartment building in town, and where that has continued to lead them.