The Christ and Coffee Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rev. Dr. Haig Kherlopian and Rev. Jeremy Tovmassian
Learn about the transformative work of the Armenia Tree Project, an organization that has planted 8.5 million trees since the fall of the Soviet Union. Executive Director, Jeanmarie Papelian shares heartwarming stories of how their reforestation efforts have fostered community, restored ecosystems, saved lives and brings hope to people in need.
Join us as we dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Artur Asadurian, the founder of The Apologia Center. Artur shares his insights on the significance of understanding cultural contexts when sharing the truth. Discover more about his ministry at apologiacenter.com.
Communion should be the sacrament that unites all Christians, yet it remains a point of theological disagreement. In this episode, we welcome Anglican Priest, Father Astor, to explore the diverse beliefs surrounding the Holy Eucharist. Join us as we delve into the concepts of Transubstantiation, symbolic interpretation, and everything in between. Discover how different Christian traditions understand this central sacrament and what these views mean for the unity of the faith.
Rip Wahlberg shares the story of how he dealt with the pain of losing his 4-year-old son. Over a decade after the incident, he offers his wisdom and experiences on the podcast. For more information, you can purchase his book, Shattered: Surviving and Thriving After the Worst Pains of Life.
Do you know someone affected by domestic violence? Kathleen O'Donnell Dew, director of Safe Passage Heals in San Diego, discusses the ministry’s efforts that have helped thousands of women and children escape abusive situations.
Sierra Noel recently unveiled her debut single, "Completely God, Completely Man," offering listeners a glimpse into her forthcoming album. In this episode, she joins us to illuminate her journey of channeling her musical talents into ministry.
Emily Hibard shares her remarkable journey of faith and compassion in reaching out to individuals working in the sex industry. In this episode, Emily unveils her personal story of how she found herself on a path to help countless women discover God's love and grace. From building relationships based on trust to offering practical support and resources, Emily's journey offers profound insights into the power of unconditional love and redemption.
Jared Ossalear recieved his call to become a pastor at eight years old after Lonnie Frezibee prayed over him. Hear his story of twists and turns, and diverse career paths that have shaped his path to becoming a church planter and pastor.
Mark Atteberry opens up about his unique journey, revealing his personal testimony and how the Lord called him not to pursue full-time ministry but to be an actor in Hollywood. Gain an exclusive glimpse into the life of an actor as Mark shares his experiences, challenges, and the profound wisdom he has acquired along the way.
Content Creator Ruzanna Tovmasyan invites us to explore her life's narrative, tracing her transformation to authentic Christianity during her upbringing in a strict religious environment to her unexpected foray into stand-up comedy. Ruzanna's journey unfolds as a testament to resilience, faith, and genuine self-expression through art and comedy.
Get ready as we sit down with Matt Bennett, the CEO and Founder of Christian Union, to explore the unique landscape of Ivy League ministry. In the upcoming episode, Matt will share his firsthand experiences and insights into what it's like leading Christian ministries on prestigious campuses. Christian Union develops and connects transformative Christian leaders at America’s most influential and secular universities and in key cities. For more information, you can visit christianunion.org
Are you navigating through a challenging season and seeking spiritual strength to endure? Join us in this episode as Aren and Trina Bahoudourian share their personal journey of drawing close to God amidst suffering. They candidly discuss their experience with chronic illness and the loss of a child, revealing how, in the midst of adversity, a calling was placed on their hearts to support others in their pain. Discover the inspiring story behind Remain, a gospel-centered ministry dedicated to encouraging individuals in difficult seasons to remain faithful to God with resilience. For additional information, visit their website at Remainwithus.org.
Michael Sewell joins the podcast to share his inspiring journey of faith—how he initially embraced it, later distanced himself due to experiencing corruption within the church, and ultimately rediscovered his connection with God during a life-altering moment on the brink of death. As an accomplished actor, singer, and pastor, Michael channels his faith into his work, including a powerful one-man musical play titled "Heart in a Box," where he conveys his personal testimony to captivated audiences. Additionally, he extends his platform through his YouTube channel, "Check Your Head," where he generously shares the impactful testimonies of others from around the world.
Nancy Gastil epitomizes the essence of the greatest generation. Shaped by the crucible of the Great Depression and tested by the tumultuous era of World War II, her life is a testament to resilience and strength. Engaging in conversation with Nancy unveils a treasury of wisdom. From vivid tales of her upbringing in Los Angeles to the profound sharing of her testimony, including the privilege of being mentored by Corrie ten Boom, every word resonates with the depth of a life richly lived. Her positivity shines through, even in recounting the challenges she faced while caring for her husband battling Alzheimer's.
Why are there so many church divisions? Why does the New Testament stress the importance of church unity? These questions are addressed in this sermon given by Dr. Haig Kherlopian on January 14th, 2023 at Church For The Nations In Burbank.
Dr. Haig Kherlopian shares the sermon he gave when he was installed as the new Lead Pastor for the Church For The Nations in Burbank, California.
Happy New Year! Enjoy this collection of questions and answers from some of our amazing guests throughout 2023!
Learn the meaning of Christmas from a three year old in this Father and Son edition of the Christ and Coffee Podcast. Merry Christmas!
Dive into Pastor Serop Megerditchian's compelling journey—from shepherding a flock during the Syrian civil war to aiding refugees in Canada and now serving as a pastor in Southern California. Amidst the challenges, Pastor Serop imparts valuable lessons on maintaining a positive outlook in difficult circumstances and shares his wisdom on navigating ministry in an extremely individualistic culture. Join us for an insightful conversation that explores resilience, compassion, and the art of ministry in diverse settings.
Delve into the captivating world of comic book movies as Jonathan Robaina joins the conversation. Together, we unravel the intricate layers of comic book superheroes, probing the intersections of morality and cultural influences. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking exploration that transcends the screen, delving into profound themes that define our humanity and echo the grand narrative of Scripture.
Does the term "hospitality" conjure thoughts of a mere business sector, or does it resonate as the cornerstone of a transformative Christian virtue? True hospitality, when fully grasped, has the power to dismantle not only racism but all other divisive barriers.
In this episode, we explore the transformative power of gratitude to shield ourselves from entitlement and the victim mentality. Join us as Dr. Kherlopian guides us through a meditation, revealing the profound impact of cultivating thankfulness in our lives.
Join us for a powerful episode as we delve into the inspiring journey of Arman Kayamkcian, author of, “” In this candid conversation, Arman shares a testimony that speaks to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Don't miss this inspiring discussion that sheds light on resilience and redemption. Secure your copy of Arman's book, found at various book retailers, or visit armankaymakcian.com for more insights into his remarkable story.
Dr. Rob Reimer is on the podcast to discuss his new book, "The Tenderness of Jesus: An Invitation to Experience the Savior." The book focuses on how to shift our perspective, urging readers to view life through the compassionate lens of Jesus Christ rather than the daunting filter of the problem of evil. The conversation covers the complexities of failures in church leadership, the difference between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow, deliverance ministry, revival, how the church needs to deconstruct without deconstructing Jesus Christ in the process. For more information on his books and conferences you can visit his website RenewalInternational.org
In March 2022, a revealing national survey by Barna exposed a startling reality—42% of working pastors contemplated quitting. One of those pastors was Rev. Alexander Lang, after ten years, left the ministry altogether because of the unrealistic demands and expectations of the job. The blog post he wrote, "Departure: Why I Left the Church," raises some important talking points on the reasons why so many pastors do not end up retiring as one.
Joining us today is Dr. Jay Howell, the Lead Pastor of Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church near Knoxville, Tennessee. Together, we explore the themes raised in Rev. Lang's article and shed light on the broader crisis of pastors stepping down.
Step into the pages of history as Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood masterfully reveals the extraordinary narrative of "Joe the Turk," an unsung hero woven into the rich tapestry of American evangelism. Transport yourself to the turn of the 20th century when Nishan Der Garabedian, an Armenian immigrant, who is given the name "Joe The Turk" rises above the shadows of alcoholism to emerge as a luminous beacon of hope for thousands. Joe expanded the Salvation Army's footprint in America through his innovative ways of doing charity, creating music, and defending the right to free speech, all while leading thousands to a transformative faith in Jesus Christ.
Ever wonder what life is like being a Christian in the Middle East? Pastor Jiro Ghazarian is on the program to discuss the Christian institutions that have shaped him and have led him into full-time ministry. He discusses what life is like growing up in Lebanon, what it was like pastoring during the Syrian Civil War right out of seminary, as well as what it is currently like being an ordained minister in Lebanon during the current economic crisis.
Unlock the secrets to defeating procrastination in this empowering conversation with Life Coach and Pastor Jim Kermath. Dive deep into the roots of procrastination as Jim explores its potential causes, debunking common myths about time along the way. Armed with insights from social sciences and Scripture, he equips us with proven tactics to conquer procrastination, paving the way for you to achieve your goals and fulfill your responsibilities. Don't miss this transformative episode—it's time to break free from the grip of procrastination and step into a more productive, purposeful life!
Tired of church fights and divisions? Tired of the lack of platforms that promote church unity? Well, this podcast is for you. Pastor Haig shares the vision and mission for the Christ and Coffee Podcast by sharing key passages of Scripture on church unity as well as his own personal testimony of growing up in three very different church traditions.
Is it unconstitutional for a public high school football coach to pray in the middle of the field after games? Is it discriminatory for a web designer to turn down making a website for same-sex weddings? Is it discriminatory to get government assistance to attend a religious private school? Legal expert Mark Movesian helps us unpack these three important Supreme Court cases by first taking a look at how the first amendment came into existence in America and how it is currently being interpreted by the Supreme Court. Professor Movsesian is the Frederick A. Whitney Professor of Contract Law and Co-Director of the Center for Law and Religion.
When the church tries to be cool, it gets cringy. Tanks at a church conference? The Lion King gospel? The sparkle creed? Jonathan Robaina and Haig Kherlopian take a look at video clips where churches try to be culturally relevant but at the expense of losing Christianity in the process. Analyzing these videos leads to a deeper conversation about faith, culture, and entertainment.
Nancy Kherlopian is on the program to discuss with Haig Kherlopian his doctoral research on social media and millennial culture. Millennials are the first generation to be digital natives, and it has affected not just how they communicate, but it has shaped their way of thinking and even how they worship.
Feeling overwhelmed with online dating? The Date Doctor Christie Kederian is back on the Christ and Coffee Podcast to walk us through the Christian online dating process from getting the first date to engagement. From knowing what to filter on a profile to choosing the right first date, Dr. Kederian shares the data that has worked for people in finding their future spouse.
The Date Doctor Christie joins the conversation to share with us all the latest insights into the Christian world of dating. How does one date with traditional values in today's world? What are some roadblocks church culture creates for Christian dating? Why does it seem like there are no suitable matches? Dr. Christie Kederian is an esteemed therapist and professional matchmaker who has worked for eHarmony and a Match.com affiliate company. Dr. Christie has helped thousands of people create lives they love and find the love they deserve. For more information, you can visit drchristiekederian.com
Sylvia Puentes shares her testimony from dabbling into various New Age practices to encountering the Risen Jesus Christ during the darkest season of her life. Sylvia has her own podcast, Save By Grace Podcast, where she collects the testimonies of others to instill faith, encouragement and remind others of the love of God.
What is the difference between preaching and teaching? Is preaching an innate gift or a skill that can be cultivated through learning? Dr. Jeffery Frymire joins the conversation sharing his wisdom on all things homiletics.
Dr. Frymire has 30 years of pastoral ministry experience. In 2010, He obtained a Ph.D. in Practical Theology with an emphasis in Homiletics at Fuller Theological Seminary. In 2012, he was appointed to Asbury theological seminary in Orlando, Florida as Associate Professor of Preaching. He has three sons who are all in ministry
Nancy Kherlopian is back on the program to discuss all things food and faith. Join us as we explore insights on how food plays a vital role in fostering connections, shaping our identities, and creating culture. For those hungry for more, Nancy's blog, Armenianfoodie, on Instagram offers an abundance of inspiration and culinary delights. Get ready for a thought-provoking exploration of the profound role of food in our spiritual lives.
Is it biblically sound to baptize babies who are yet to develop their own personal belief in Jesus? Join Father Astor and Pastor Haig in a thought-provoking discussion that delves into the timeless question: What truly lies behind the sacrament of baptism? In this captivating dialogue, they tackle the age-old debate between Credo vs. Paedo baptism.
Dr. Ani Shahinian shares her journey from studying Western Christian apologetics at Oxford University to finding a spiritual home in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Dr. Shahinian research focuses on the topic of Armenian Christian Martyrdom. https://oxford.academia.edu/shahinian
Joel Webb shares his journey of finding grace and healing after growing up in a toxic church environment. From Canada to Cameroon, Joel finds his calling to pursue full-time ministry as part of the Free Methodist denomination. Check out The Pastor's Call Podcast, where Joel interviews church leaders about how they found their calling in church ministry. www.thepastorscall.com
Pastor Jelani Aswad shares his journey from being a hip-hop artist to a worship leader, from being a Black Hebrew Israelite to a Christian pastor. You can check out his music online and can see his new fashion line by visiting messianicsupply.com
Do we have a choice in our salvation? Is accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior predetermined before we are born? Pastors Astor and Haig discuss the difference between free will and predestination, explaining the history and the various theological positions from each side.
Dr. Anna Shanazari joins the conversation to share her research on the pros and cons of being a pastor's kid. In addition, Anna shares her own story of being the granddaughter of a pastor who was martyred in Iran two days before she was born as well as what life was like as a teenager as a pastor's kid in Southern California. This conversation provides a lot of insights into parenting in general.
Pastor Vache Sevajian joins the conversation to share his journey from being a double Division I athlete at UCLA in Track and Field and Football to receiving his call into full-time pastoral ministry. We talk about sports, ministry, and more in this coffee hour conversation.
Kurt Heineman joins the conversation to discuss his journey from being a Presbyterian minister in Silicon Valley to becoming a financial planner. We discuss why many of our pastoral colleagues have left the ministry to pursue other careers, the stigma behind talking about money in general, the importance of a proper theology about money, and so much more.
Want to learn about the history and influence of the Anglican Church movement? Then this conversation is for you. Gain an understanding of how the Anglican Reformation took place, its spiritual practices, and some of the key figures behind Christianity's third-largest denomination.
Father Astor Yelangueuzian and Dr. Haig Kherlopian discuss what it is like being pastors when the church in America is in decline. They share their testimonies and what they think are some roadblocks for people connecting to church life.
Pastor Jim Kermath, Lead Pastor of Church For The Nations, joins the program to discuss how to become self-aware of your strengths. In addition to being a pastor, he is a Gallup certified Strength Finders coach, where he shares how this assessment came into existence and how it can help both individuals and organizations flourish by focusing on what people are naturally good at.
The Christ and Coffee Podcast is back and gone Hollywood! After a year-long break, Dr. Haig Kherlopian invites his favorite guest, Nancy Kherlopian on the program to give a life update on their move from New York City to Southern California. Topics of discussion are the differences between LA and NYC, the role of the Pastor's wife, and what will it look like raising the pastor's kids when the church in America is in decline.
Artur Asaduriyan, Apologist and founder of Apologia Center, joins the Coffee Hour conversation by sharing his journey of faith and finding himself in the world of Christian Apologetics. He talks about common questions people have in regards to the Christian message, such as the validity of the Bible and all things related to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Joseph Garabedian, Pastor of St. Nareg Armenian Church, shares his journey from Baghdad to the City of Angels and how he ended up becoming a bi-vocational minister. Pastor Joe shares his testimony of when he became a Christian through the ministry of a Brazilian evangelist when he was a teenager in Iraq and how he got called into the ministry at the worst possible time during the 2008 recession. Joe also speaks about how he manages to serve his family, his church all while also continuing his contracting company. Grab a cup of coffee and join in on this Christ centered conversation.
Jong Eun Lee is an adjunct professor at the American University School of International Service. He is South Korean, but grew up in Saint Petersburg, Russia. His research specialty is on alliance management during the Cold War and he offers his insights into the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia. We talk about Russian-Chinese relations, a history of sanctions, the purpose behind NATO, possible outcomes and so much more.
How do you rediscover your cultural identity after exile? How do you practice your religion after being a couple of generations removed from it? Pastors Haig and Jeremy gain some spiritual insights from the book of Ezra-Nehemiah and apply to today. They talk diaspora communities, systems theory, marrying outside your religion, Christ and Culture, and so much more! Grab a cup of coffee and join this conversation!
Why do I get so anxious when my friends and I have disagreements? Why do I run from potentially good relationships just when they're starting to get good? In this episode, pastors Haig and Jeremy explore attachment theory, an important psychological construct that helps connect our past experience of caregivers to our present relationships. And just in case you think it's all going to be theory and jargon, Frozen, Iron Man and Good Will Hunting make some guest appearances to drive home the point. So we hope you'll settle in, get comfy and join us for this warm coffee hour!
Pastors Jeremy and Haig discuss themes of the book of Chronicles. Why is the Book of Chronicles at the end of the Hebrew Canon? What are some of the similarities and differences to the Books of Samuel/Kings? This and so much more are discussed in this episode of Christ and Coffee.
Pastor Jeremy is back on the podcast to resume their crash course series through the entire canon of Scripture. The two pastors discuss major themes and the overall outline of 2nd Kings.
What makes a movie a Christmas movie? Using Die Hard as a case study, Father Astor Yelangueuzian and Pastor Haig look for common themes that make a movie a Christmas one. Many other movies are discussed including Home Alone, A Christmas Prince, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Rocky IV. Do you think Die Hard is a Christmas Movie? What are your thoughts on what makes a film a Christmas Movie?
Dr. Ron Choong, Executive Director of the Academy For Christian Thought (actministry.org) joins the coffee hour to discuss his new book, World's Oldest Bible: Science and The Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Dr. Choong combines his expertise in world religions and science to provide insights into understanding the Dead Sea Scrolls. Known as the Malaysian Indiana Jones, Dr. Choong also tells stories about his adventures in Ethiopia, Armenia, the Ancient City of Palmyra, and many other countries where he has done extensive research.
Méliné Kinossian joins the podcast to talk about an evangelisitic ministry she started in Venice Beach, California. She discusses tactics that worked to get people's attention and shares some amazing testimonies along the way. Mel also talks about how it was like growing up as a Christian in France, how she would get in trouble for wearing her Armenian Cross in public school and how she would be arrested in France for doing the type of evangelism she does in Venice Beach. This and so much more is discussed on this episode of the Christ and Coffee podcast.
Peter Telian founder of Altar Coffee and Books joins the conversation to discuss his journey from from Northern California, to visiting his ancestral homelands in Turkey, to opening up an American influenced coffee shop and bookstore in Yerevan, Armenia. He discusses the vision behind Altar Coffee and Book and the spiritual role the Armenian people need to play for the world. We also discuss coffee.
Dr. Mike Kaiserian joins the conversation to discuss what life has been like as an Emergency Room Doctor during Covid-19. When does someone have to be hospitalized for Covid? What happened to the doctors in Florida? Can Covid-19 affect your pregnancy? Why are hospitals understaffed? This and so much more get discussed.
Pastors Haig and Jeremy discuss the structure, the key themes, and why 1st Kings is within the Biblical canon. Sit back and enjoy this warm Coffee Hour.
Executive Director and CEO of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (amaa.org), Zaven Khanjian, joins the podcast to discuss his recent trip to Armenia, Artsakh, Syria and Lebanon. He tells us what he experienced on the grounds and discusses the various programs the AMAA has in each country.
Greg Sarian joins the program to discuss how his faith has shaped his career. Greg is the founder and CEO of Sarian Strategic Partners, sarian.hightoweradvisors.com, which has been named one of the top advisory teams in the state of Pennsylvania by Barrons and Forbes. He can be seen on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg, sharing his financial expertise to the masses. Today, he discusses the importance of being a good steward with God’s money.
Pastor Daniel Albarian of Christian Outreach for Armenians Church shares his wisdom on how to be an ethnic church that reaches all people regardless of their ethnic background. We discuss the tension of trying to preserve our ethnic identity while being faithful to the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations. Grab a warm or cold cup of coffee and listen in on this Christ-centered conversation.
It's the 50th episode of the Christ and Coffee podcast! What better way to celebrate than to talk about the biblical book Leviticus! What's behind all of the animal sacrifices, rituals and purity laws? Is there any relevance to this book for the modern reader and how should we better understand the book as a whole? Settle in, get comfy and join us for this warm coffee hour!
In episode 49 of the Christ and Coffee podcast, pastors Haig and Jeremy continue the Crash Course series on the 66 books of the Bible. This week they're talking up the book of Exodus. They give a brief overview of the text and probe some of the highlights. So settle in, get comfy and join us for this warm coffee hour!
In Episode 48, Pastor and Missionary Craig Simonian joins the program to talk about how it was living through the Artsakh War this past Fall and discusses the current mood on the ground. He talks about the ministry he is doing with wounded soldiers in Armenia and how he is helping them deal with trauma. Craig shares some additional testimonies of people coming to faith and shares his hope for the future of Armenia.
In episode 47 of the Christ and Coffee podcast, pastors Haig and Jeremy begin a new Crash Course series on the 66 books of the Bible. This week we're kicking the series off by talking all things Genesis. What is the theme of the Book of Genesis? What are some of the highlights and uniquenesses of the text? Settle in, get comfy and join us for this warm coffee hour!
Bryan Montany joins the program to discuss his journey from atheism to Christianity. During the conversation, the Problem Evil, the Fine-Tuning Argument, the historical evidence of the existence of Jesus, Ravi Zacharias, and Traditional apologetics versus revelation are all discussed.
In Episode 45, Nareg Khosafian, Founder of Improve Month, discusses the importance of having daily accountability to execute your monthly goals. You decide the goals, Improve Month will help you keep them. Improve Month is free for anyone who wants accountability for their goals
Want a healthy soul? Dr. Rob Reimer talks about unpacking the suitcase of your soul through the application of seven transformational principles. Dr. Reimer tells us how the Soul Care course came about and why it is important to process these principles with others. Soul Care is now available on e-course. Visit www.renewalinternational.org for more information.
What can a comic book series about a witch and her robot husband teach us about life? Apparently a lot!
In episode 43 of the Christ and Coffee podcast, pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down to talk about the new Marvel mini-series WandaVision. SPOILER ALERT: if you haven't yet watched the whole show, listening to this episode will give away all the secrets! The overarching theme of grief and moving on is discussed. We also veer into deep metaphysical waters when we talk about Vision's use of the ancient conundrum, "The Ship of Theseus." So, come on and settle in, get comfy and join us for this warm coffee hour!
Christianity is on the decline in the Western World, but is on the rise in the Global South. Rev. Dr. Patrick Dunn, a former missionary in South Africa, joins this coffee hour to discuss this trend and what we can learn from it. Prosperity Gospel, celebrity pastors, house churches, church hypocrisy and so much more are discussed.
In episode 40 of the Christ and Coffee podcast, pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down with Rev. Razmig Minassian, Executive Director of Camp AREV Ministries. Razmig shares the history of the camp, how it's been coping during COVID-19 and how he ended up becoming the camp's Executive Director. He also lays out the broad vision for camp in the years to come. So, we hope you'll settle in, get comfy and join us for this warm coffee hour!
In this episode of the Christ and Coffee podcast, pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down with Pastor Laldinpuia Rodawla (Pastor Lal) to talk about the coup currently taking place in Myanmar. Pastor Lal is Associate Pastor of Christian Education and Congregational Care at Providence Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a Burmese Christian leader, Lal shares some of the history of Myanmar and the current humanitarian crisis facing the country. We hope you'll settle in, get comfy and join us for this warm coffee hour!
Lent is next week, will you be fasting? Matt Bennett, founder and CEO of Christian Union (Christianunion.org), a campus ministry that focuses on leadership development, joins this warm coffee hour to discuss the importance of the spiritual discipline of fasting. Matt quotes a lot of Scripture and shares incredible testimonies related to this forgotten spiritual practice in western culture.
Pastor Drew Hyun talks about pastoring in a post-2020 landscape. Pastor Drew is the founder and pastor of Hope Church Midtown, as well as the founding pastor of Hope Church, NYC. He introduces us to Alpha Course and the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship program. We also get to explore his spiritual journey and his deep love for New York City. So, settle in, get comfy and join us for this warm coffee hour!
From Armenian Christmas/Epiphany to Baptism of our Lord, we explore all the Christian themes that swirl around the church calendar during the first week of January. So, settle in, get comfy, and join us for this warm coffee hour!
Pastors Haig and Jeremy talk about Advent. What is it? Why is it so important? How does it shape the life and practice of the church? Especially in this digital space we inhabit, we speak to the counter-cultural ways that Advent shapes us in patient anticipation of God's arrival among us. So, settle in, get comfy and join us for this warm coffee hour
Let's face it, 2020 has been a year! We're coming towards the final stretch here and it's safe to say that each and every one of us has had to process some sort of loss or distress this year. In episode 34 of the Christ and Coffee podcast, pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down to talk through all the craziness the year has thrown at us. Whether it's processing loss, coping with grief, or simply laughing at the absurdity of it all, we think this 2020 Group Therapy session is well needed! So, settle in, get comfy, and join us for this warm coffee hour!
This week has been a traumatic week for all Armenians. Monday's events shocked the diaspora and began a process of grieving for all Armenian people. Pastors Haig and Jeremy join guest Donald Wilson Bush. Donald is a political activist and descendant of president Woodrow Wilson. He has embraced the cause of the Armenian people and over the past 40 days, has been traveling across America protesting against Azeri aggression, demanding recognition of Artsakh. We speak to the pain of this present moment as well as the potential next steps forward for the Armenian Diaspora.
Pastors Haig and Jeremy bring you behind the scenes to the birth of a sermon! We try out a new segment we're calling "This Week In Preaching" where we model a brief sketch of how we craft sermons for our congregations. You can join us with your comments and feedback as we walk through the process. Philippians 2:6-11.
Rev. Axel Kaegler is the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spinnerstown, PA. In honor of Reformation Day, we decided to “nerd out” on our shared love for the hot-tempered, oft controversial celebrity of the Reformation, Martin Luther. We share our favorite Luther anecdotes and try to explain him within the context of his day. So, join us for this warm coffee hour!
Rev. Nerses Balabanian is the pastor of the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church in Fresno, CA. His life is filled with a passion for music and creativity. We enjoyed sharing time with him and hearing about his journey to create music that works for the church; music that invites genuine worship. We also got him to share his most embarrassing musical moment with us! So, join us for this warm coffee hour!
Dr. Heather Ohaneson. Heather is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at George Fox University in Portland, OR. She also shares our love for the curious and eccentric 19th Century Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard. We sit down to talk with her about some of Kierkegaard's best works and how he's contributed to our own understanding of the Christian faith. We also each share some of our favorite Kierkegaard stories -- in which duck priests, clowns, and other odd characters make their appearance. So, join us for this warm coffee hour!
Ken Fish is the director of the Orbis Ministries (https://orbisministries.org/) and the Orbis School of Ministry (https://orbissm.com). Ken drops in to share his experiences of doing the work of God's Kingdom in our homeland of Armenia. We discuss some of the challenges facing the church today. Ken also shares his story of God's calling on his life -- how he heard God's call and struggled over many years to obey.
Nanor Balabanian is a teacher and non-profit worker who just relocated to Yerevan. The day after her big move, armed conflict broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In this episode, we discuss the spirit of the people on the ground in Armenia. We share some practical ways we, as the diaspora, can get involved and support our brothers and sisters living in the homeland.
Dr. Derek W. Taylor talks about his newly released book, Reading Scripture as the Church: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Hermeneutic of Discipleship. Dr. Taylor talks about the life of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed in a Nazi prison camp. We focus on the methods of how Bonhoeffer believed the church should read and use the Bible and how it provides guidance to the 21st Century church.
Dr. Kenell Touryan, A real-life Tony Stark, describes his journey from building nuclear warheads to pioneering sustainable, renewable energies! He also shares his wisdom on navigating the always controversial topic of faith vs. science.
Silva Khoshafian shares her incredible story of battling cancer three times over the last six years. Her strong, joyful presence in the midst of difficulty is a testimony to God’s abundant grace.
Rev. Nishan Bakalian joins the podcast to discuss what it was like to experience the massive explosion that devastated Beirut, Lebanon on August 4th, 2020. He provides insights into the economic crisis the country is facing while dealing with Covid-19, political instability, and the destruction caused by the giant explosion. Most importantly, Pastor Nishan shares ways in which we, the listeners, can provide support to the Lebanese people so that they can rebuild.
Pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down with Rev. Shant Barsoumian for their final conversation about the I Am statements. What does Jesus means when he says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." -John 15:1
Pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down with Rev. Shant Barsoumian for a conversation about what Jesus means when he says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6
Haig and Jeremy sit down with Rev. Shant Barsoumian for an informal conversation about what Jesus means when he says, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" -John 11:26-27
Pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down with Rev. Shant Barsoumian for an informal conversation about what Jesus means when he says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:1-21
The "I AM" Series continues. This week, the three pastors discuss what Jesus means when he says he is the light of the world. “Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Join us for a new Summer Series on the I AM statements in the Gospel of John. Rev. Shant Barsoumian joins us for an informal conversation about the first of seven “I AM” statements in John’s Gospel — Then Jesus declared, “I AM the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."
How do you exercise your spirituality? What are the Christian practices that form us as students of Jesus? Pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down with Dr. Michael Robb and Avo Adourian to talk about conversatio.org — a website dedicated to the exploration of Christian spiritual disciplines. Mike is a regular research contributor to the site and has been studying the theology of Dallas Willard for several years. Avo is the design developer for conversatio.org and has appreciated Dallas's spiritual formation techniques since he came across his book Divine Conspiracy. Join us as we work out what it means to grow and mature in the way of Jesus.
What could two pastors and a software developer possibly have to talk about together? Turns out … a lot! Bruce Momjian, co-founder of PostgreSQL, shares some leadership tips he’s learned along the way and offers us up wisdom for living well in a tech society. He also shares his story of becoming a Jesus-follower and accepting Him without having all the answers.
Pastors Haig and Jeremy circle back to a conversation with Dr. Matthew Silverman. We discuss a wide range of Coronavirus topics — asymptomatic carriers, transmission trends, why Asian countries are doing a better job handling the pandemic than America, should you sing in church and the benefits of wearing a mask. There’s even a free lesson on how to interpret the overwhelming barrage of statistics that flood us daily!
How does the trauma of our past affect the relationships of our present? As Armenian-Americans generations removed from genocide, do we bear the subconscious scars of our ancestors? In this episode of the Christ & Coffee podcast, pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down for a conversation with Dr. Christie Kederian (www.drchristiekederian.com). Dr. Kederian is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has done extensive research on the topic of intergenerational trauma, specifically as it applies to the Armenian community.
In this week’s special Father’s Day episode of the Christ & Coffee podcast, pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down for a warm conversation with their dads. They discuss fatherhood, share stories of life-lessons learned and occasionally, drop some high-level, grade-A dad jokes. Don’t say you weren’t warned!
Settle in for a conversation about those two topics you never discuss on a first date — politics and religion. In this episode #11 of Christ and Coffee, pastors Haig and Jeremy sit down for a conversation with Rick Barry, co-founder and executive director of the Center for Christian Civics (christiancivics.org). We explore polarization, civil dialogue, and the importance of centering Christian conversations on politics around the core identity we share as Jesus’ followers.
Pastor Jirair Ghazarian from Beirut, Lebanon shares his story of pastoring the Armenian Evangelical Church in Kessab, Syria during the war. We also discuss the current situation in Lebanon and its parallels to the civil unrest we are encountering here in the States. Join us as we talk about Accumulated Corruption … The Language of Foot-Washing … The 3 Evils of Racism, Militarism, and Materialism … and so much more in this warm coffee hour conversation.
What is the relationship between the Church and the Holy Spirit? How can we begin to discern the difference between the Spirit of God and other spirits? This week on the Christ and Coffee Podcast, in honor of this coming Sunday of Pentecost, pastors Haig and Jeremy explore the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church. Listen in as they discuss everything from Memorial Day weekend, to the deep mysterious works of the Trinity!
Forgive and forget? Time will heal all wounds? Are these really all there is to forgiveness or is there a depth not captured in these cliches? In this week’s episode of Christ and Coffee, pastors Haig and Jeremy explore the Christian practice of forgiveness. It’s a virtue deeply embedded in Jesus’ command to love our neighbor and a profoundly difficult way to practice; a way that requires a community of spiritual support. So, join us as we take our time discussing this big, bad F-word — forgiveness.
Sometimes the term ’narcissist' is thrown around as an insult or a criticism. But what exactly is a narcissist? In this episode of the Christ & Coffee podcast, pastors Haig and Jeremy do a deep-dive discussion on the personality disorder called narcissism. The conversation starts with a book both read recently titled: “When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse” by Chuck DeGroat (link in comments). They discuss the potential origins of narcissistic personality disorder as well as the possibility that the tendency towards narcissism is hidden in all of us. So listen in and explore how love and honesty may just be the two core virtues that liberate our tendencies towards narcissism and narcissistic relationship patterns.
Scientist, Dr. Matthew Silverman, shares with us the latest developments about COVID-19. He goes into great detail about what the virus is and where it most likely came from. He gives us reason to believe that the disease may attack our blood vessels more so than the lungs. Dr. Silverman talks about new light bulb technology and gives us insight into why a vaccine may be developed quicker than expected. Dr. Silverman also provides hope in the midst of suffering. He shares how he overcame stage 4 cancer when he was a freshman in High School and how that was the reason, he became interested to pursue the sciences.
Rev. Berdj Djambazian, is the Minister to the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA) and he shares his journey of ministry that has taken him across the globe. This podcast begins with a church burning in Marash during the Armenian Genocide and ends with a story of a church being built in the deserts of Darfur. We learn about what the Armenian Evangelical Movement is all about, what life as a pastor was like during the Lebanese Civil War, and so much more. You do not want to miss this podcast.
Rev. Dr. Douglas Balzer is the first guest on the Christ and Coffee Podcast! Doug serves as the Director of Innovation in the Western Canadian District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA). He talks about his calling into ministry, gives us a history about the C&MA, tells us the difference between Canadian evangelicals and American evangelicals, gives advice on how to hear from God and Promotes his first book, The Empowerment Pivot: How God is Redefining our View of Normal, is out in stores now.
Easter is over, now what? Join Pastor Haig and Pastor Jeremy, with a cup of coffee in hand, as they discuss the implications of Jesus ascending to Heaven. Topics discussed are: What is heaven? Where is heaven? Why is ascension important? What does the ascension have to do with me? What is the connection between the Ascension and Pentecost? This and so much more!
Listen to Pastor Jeremy and Pastor Haig wake up in the morning by drinking coffee and talking about Jesus. They explore the different theological positions of atonement and talk about the significance of Easter. They discuss the various Atonement Theories: Substitutionary, Christus Victor, Ransom, Moral Influence, Recapitulation Theory, and more are covered in this theologically action-packed conversation.
It is the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Pastors Jeremy and Haig are taking their conversations to the internets. Hear these two noobs talk about why they are starting a podcast, their friendship, how church life is looking in the coronavirus quarantine world, and so much more as they anchor their conversation in unpacking Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday!