The Vine Church: Recent Episodes
The Vine Church
Do you pray for your pastors? Do you encourage them? Do you have realistic expectations for them? The office of pastor is simultaneously a rewarding and draining position. Pastors today have immense pressure on their shoulders and they need the support of their congregations. Peter Orr has written Fight for Your Pastor as an exhortation for church members to stand behind their pastors through the difficulties of ministry. Orr specifies ways in which congregations can be intentional in caring for church leaders, including prayer, encouragement, generosity, and forgiveness. Featuring stories from current pastors about their struggles, this book is perfect for thoughtful church members eager to understand the weight of their pastors’ positions and support leaders in their important ministry. For Thoughtful Christians: Specifically, those wanting to know more about their pastors and how to care for them Current: Features insight from pastors about their personal experiences in ministry Applicable: Gives practical examples of how to love and care for pastors, including specific prayers for church leaders and the best ways to encourage them You can find this book here.
In John 15, Jesus says, “I have called you friends.” But what does it mean to be friends with Jesus? In the early 1650s, theologian John Owen attempted to answer this question through a series of sermons, eventually compiled as Communion with God. The book is full of truths about having fellowship with God, but Owen’s work is often a struggle for modern readers to understand. In Friendship with God, pastor Mike McKinley takes a key idea or insight from Communion with God and clarifies it for readers in each chapter, giving them practical guidance for how to develop fellowship with God―such as obeying the Father’s commands, acknowledgment of sin, and prayer. Perfect for new Christians or for those without a church background, this accessible resource offers an introduction to the God who “wants you to know him and be known by him.” You can find this book here.
The topic of interpretation of the Bible is vital for all followers of Jesus Christ. God is a God who speaks and speaks through his word. In light of that, his we should be able who read well and apply his word to our lives.But how do we do that well? What are the consequences if we don’t do that well? Are there tools at our disposal to keep us away from the common pitfalls? Yes! Dr. Jonathan Pennington from Southern Seminary helps us very much in this short discussion surrounding his new book, “Come and See: The Journey of Knowing God through Scripture”. Tune in for this practical discussion!Get Dr. Pennington’s book here.
In this short podcast, Pastor Zach addresses the numerous questions that were received after preaching a sermon on church discipline on April 19th, 2023.
Follow up questions to the sermon on baptism preached on March 5th, 2023. https://thevinemadison.org/sermons/baptism-what-is-it-and-why-we-do-it/
- Are feeling your need for God and God electing you two sides of the same coin, or are they separate events?2. If we are predestined, when evangelizing are we lying sometimes if we say you can be saved since if they are not part of the elect they can’t be.3. How do we interpret verses such as 1 Timothy 2:3-4 where he says God desires all people to come to know him. If that is his desire and he is doing the predestination why are we all not saved?4. Does God predestine sin? Genesis 1 says that Adam and Eve were allowed to eat from any tree but not the tree of knowing good and evil. But they disobeyed. I know they are responsible for their sin, but was it God’s will for them to commit that sin?
Hear about the challenges of church planting in a place where poverty is one of the main concerns for the people living there. How can we be praying? What are some promises of God that these leaders are currently cherishing? All this a much more!
In today’s podcast we get an update from Justin and Laurel Eccles serving in Ecuador. They were sent out from The Vine around 16 months ago. Topics include, 1) Promises of God that are currently being cherished, 2) struggles, 3) testimonies of Ecuadorians benefiting from the training they are receiving, 4) much more!
For many people, their job is merely “the daily grind” needed to provide for family or pay the bills. Yet our work is a vital means for fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives and displaying his grace to those around us. We bear God’s image in our workplaces, experiencing his blessings and expressing his nature through our efforts, integrity, creativity, generosity, and excellence. No earthly chore is without the opportunity to observe his divine hand. No challenge in task or relationship is without opportunity to represent God’s heart.
In this podcast, author and pastor Bryan Chapell shares this biblical perspective of vocation, explaining how God gives purpose to our work by making it an instrument of his grace to our own hearts, as well as a way of bringing his goodness and glory into our world. Chapell explains how we can worship God by our work, rising above drudgery, duty, or self-interest with the understanding that our jobs are unique callings for displaying God’s character and care. Our work is worship when we see the glory beyond the grind, the mission in the mundane, and the grace at work.
Pastor Doug Logan is the Vice President of Advancement for the Acts 29 church planting network. He has many years of pastoral experience working among people in poverty in the inner city. Doug has a deep passion for the truth of God’s word to penetrate every aspect of human life. You will hear his passion from the very beginning of this conversation.
David and Linda Johnson are faithful members of The Vine Church. They are unique at The Vine because we don’t have many members who are in their sixties or seventies. But the Bible says that wisdom often comes with age and those who walk with the wise will become wise. So take 30 minutes and listen to the wisdom that comes from these beloved senior saints!
At The Vine, we are seeking to mobilize the church to serve different marginalized populations in Madison. Listen in for how we are calling all Vine members to take part in this!
At The Vine, our Sunday morning has an intentional structure. Have you ever wondered why we structure our service the way we do? If so, this podcast is for you! In the end, our service seeks to follow an order that reflects the movement of God in our world. After listening to this episode we are confident that it will provide new and rich meaning to your Sunday morning experience.
Mr. and Mrs. G live in a country in North Africa where they labor to see churches planted in a place where it is technically illegal to be a Christian. As you can imagine this is no small task, but God raises the spiritually dead here and there alike. Nothing is too hard for his Spirit. Listen in to learn more about their culture and the unique challenges of the work they are attempting to do. It’s a fascinating conversation.
Christians belong to God’s own family. This promise is difficult for some people to believe, and even for some believers to remember in their day-to-day struggles with shame or regret. But it’s repeated throughout the Bible, reflected in Christ’s genealogy, and true of the church today; God’s family is filled with broken people whose stories are a testament to his staggering love.
In He Is Not Ashamed, Erik Raymond takes a close look at the “family portrait” of God—filled with imperfect people throughout Scripture—and shows that God is not repelled by anyone’s shameful past, but delights to redeem and receive those who believe in him. Studying Hebrews 2:11 and other passages in both the Old and New Testaments, Raymond shows that Jesus’s heart is bent toward those who have an embarrassing history, feel far from God, or struggle with sin. By studying God’s abounding love for undeserving people, Christians learn to accept his grace and confidently embrace their place in God’s family portrait.
Today on The Vine Conversations podcast we welcome Emma Leeson, one of the directors of Every Daughter here in Madison, WI. Every Daughter is a ministry that seeks to engage with women who have been or are being trafficked and exploited sexually.
See more information by going to their website at www.everydaughter.com
For most people with children, parenting is the best thing and the hardest thing they have to do in life. The little years can be especially exhausting but also so rewarding! In light of this, Zach and Kim Nielsen are joined by James Davenport for a well-rounded Biblical discussion concerning parenting our little ones for the glory of God.
In our search for meaning and purpose, we can be influenced by idols like outward beauty and ability, sex, abortion, and gender fluidity. Even good things like marriage and motherhood can become symbols of idolatry. We may sense that these counterfeits are hollow and leave us feeling unsettled, but where should we turn instead? Jen Oshman equips us to reject the empty, cultural promises of our age and recognize our unshakable and eternal identities in Jesus. Addressing timely topics such as the sexual revolution, LGBTQIA+, social media, and feminism, Oshman provides compelling cultural analysis and engaging discussion questions to help us uncover God’s good design and purpose for our lives. Good news awaits—we really were made for so much more.
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Article: Opinion: Consent is not enough. We need a new sexual ethic. Book: Rethinking Sex: A Provocation
Jen’s Book: Cultural Counterfeits
Hear an update from The Vine’s very own, Justin and Laurel Eccles. What is going on in Ecuador? How is their ministry taking shape? What are they learning? How can we pray for them? All these questions answered and more! Check it out.
Today we welcome Mr G. (name abbreviated for security concerns) to the Vine Conversations Podcast. In this interview we learn more of what it means to plant churches In North Africa. The challenges to this task are certainly unique from an American perspective. Mr. G. recounts some heartbreaking stories, but also victories of God’s word and Spirit in this part of the world. Don’t miss it. It will inspire you.
Jonathan K. Dodson (MDiv; ThM) founded City Life Church with his wife, Robie, and a small group of people. They have three great children. Jonathan is also the founder of www.gcdiscipleship.com and author of several books including the award-winning The Unbelievable Gospel: Say Something Worth Believing, Gospel-Centered Discipleship, Here in Spirit, and Our Good Crisis.
You can find all of Jonathan’s books here.
On The Vine Conversations podcast we welcome The Vine’s very own, Naomi Ledgerwood. As a single person for her whole life, she has numerous insights and reflections about being single to the glory of God. This is an often overlooked topic in the local church and The Vine seeks to remedy that! Please tune in for this important conversation about what it means to single and how married people can attempt to walk in their shoes.
It is rare that I (Zach) am disappointed in an episode that we have recorded of The Vine Conversations podcast. But after having recorded 56 episodes as of today, this one has to be in the top 3. That recommendation should be enough to convince you to listen! Don’t judge a podcast by its title! The title above might sound boring but as you hear where the conversation goes you will be quickly convinced that this issue is vital to our discipleship as followers of the Triune God.
Dr. Kelly M. Kapic is professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, where he has taught since 2001.
You can find Dr. Kapic's books that we talk about in this episode here: You’re Only Human Overcoming Sin and Temptation Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering Communion With The Triune God Here is the article from Desiring God Ministries that he references in this episode
From cover to cover of the Bible, God calls his people to advocate for those on the margins of society. It hard to be more on the margins of society than if you are an orphan with no parents. In light of that, today’s Vine Conversations podcast deals with the topic of physical adoption of orphans. We have the privilege of being joined by Kim Nielsen and Christian Oser (wife of one of East Side Church’s elders) who are adoptive mothers. We are also joined by Alexa Kellin and Amira Oser who are children who have been adopted. It’s very interesting to hear both of their perspectives! We know many Vine families have considered growing their families through orphan care and/or adoption and even if you have not yet considered it, we would encourage you to listen in!
Among the many families of The Vine Family, two of our families have named their boys after a famous Christian author named C.S. Lewis. The Nielsen’s son, Emery, has the middle name of Lewis due to their love of C.S. Lewis. In addition, Nathan and Jenn Wright named their firstborn son, Lewis, as well for the same reason.
Many people already know that he is famous for writing The Chronicles of Narnia, but he wrote so much more during his life beyond the fantasy genre.
Why is C.S. Lewis so compelling? Why is he still in print many decades after his death? Why should you pick up his books for the sake of your discipleship?
In this podcast, Dr. Louis Markos, of Houston Baptist University, helps answer all these questions and many more!
You can find Dr. Markos’ books here: https://amzn.to/3J5ohio
In this edition of the semi-regular Vine Staff version of the podcast, we talk about must-read book recommendations, and share some stories from our lives that you probably have never heard. This includes the time that James Davenport almost had Emily arrested by the police. You'll want to hear that details about that for sure!
Jared C. Wilson serves as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO. In addition, he serves as the director of the Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church. He’s the author of numerous books, including Gospel Wakefulness, The Prodigal Church (a World Magazine Book of the Year in 2016), The Pastor’s Justification, Supernatural Power for Everyday People, The Gospel Driven Church, and most recently The Gospel According to Satan: Eight Lies About God that Sound Like the Truth.
Find Jared's books here: https://amzn.to/38P4XFJ
J. Mack Stiles is the former pastor of a church in Iraq. He used to work as CEO of Gulf Digital Solutions and general secretary for the Fellowship of Christian UAE Students (FOCUS) in the United Arab Emirates. He worked for many years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in the United States. He is the author of Marks of the Messenger and Speaking of Jesus. He currently lives in Louisville, KY with his wife.
Find Mack's books here: https://amzn.to/3yVCc4E
Pastor Sam Storms has spent 39 years in ministry as a pastor, professor and author. He was visiting Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College from 2000–2004, and is currently Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. He has authored 22 books and founded Enjoying God Ministries. He’s a graduate of The University of Oklahoma (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M) and The University of Texas (Ph.D.). He and his wife Ann have been married for 40 years and are the parents of two grown daughters and have four grandchildren. On a more personal level, Sam loves baseball, books, movies, and anything to do with the Oklahoma Sooners. You won't want to miss this conversation!
Find Sam's books here: https://amzn.to/3kOKBSz
This week we have the honor of listening to Jim Ross. Jim oversees a ministry that seeks to advocate for at-risk children in some of the most challenging places in the world. You'll enjoy this conversation and hearing his stories from the far reaches of the globe will inspire you to engage the marginalized to a greater degree. He also gives a real time update concerning the severe challenges in Haiti right now from his relationships there.
A few weeks ago there was a suggestion made among the Vine Staff to have a guest host interview Pastor Zach. Pastor James was our first ever guest on the Vine Conversations Podcast and Laurel was interviewed soon after that - so it's time to turn the mic around and let Vine member Amy Anderson ask the questions! This is a great conversation that will help you to get to know Pastor Zach and what makes him tick!
Melissa Kruger serves as the director of women's content for The Gospel Coalition. She regularly teaches women in her community and speaks at women's conferences around the country. She is the wife of Michael J. Kruger, President and Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary-Charlotte. Together, they are busy raising their three children. Melissa is the author of "The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World" (Christian Focus, 2012) and "Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood" (WaterBrook Multnomah, 2015). Find all of Melissa's book here. https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-B.-Kruger/e/B007VXISS0?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000
Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) serves as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai in Ojai, California. He is the author of several books, including Anselm's Pursuit of Joy, Retrieving Augustine's Doctrine of Creation, Finding the Right Hills to Die On, and Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals. He and his wife, Esther, have four children. Here is a link to the video we discuss in the podcast - https://youtu.be/hWmY_eyQoj4 Find all of Gavin's book: https://www.amazon.com/Gavin-Ortlund/e/B07L6SN85B?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1623171297&sr=1-3
Collin Hansen serves as vice president for content and editor in chief of The Gospel Coalition. He has written and contributed to many books, most recently Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age, and hosts the Gospelbound podcast. He earned an MDiv at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and an undergraduate degree in journalism and history from Northwestern University. He edited Our Secular Age: Ten Years of Reading and Applying Charles Taylor and The New City Catechism Devotional, among other books. He and his wife belong to Redeemer Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and he serves on the advisory board of Beeson Divinity School.
With COVID restrictions lifting, it's a great time to think about the importance of evangelism. This is a vital part of what it means to make disciples at The Vine. How do we think about this? How do we do it? What are best practices? How can be intentional with loving boldness? At the end of the podcast, Zach references a three fold path for thinking about evangelism. That comes from an article her wrote a few years back. You can find that article here. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/hi-im-a-christian
Adam Griffin (DEdMin, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the lead pastor of Eastside Community Church in East Dallas, Texas. He previously served as an elder and spiritual formation pastor at the Village Church. Adam lives with his wife, Chelsea, and their three sons Oscar, Gus, and Theodore, in Dallas, Texas. The book we discuss can be found here. https://www.crossway.org/books/family-discipleship-case/ Highly recommended!
Brian Howard is the executive director for Acts 29. Brian has more than 28 years of proven leadership experience as a leadership coach, nonprofit executive, church planter, lead pastor, and business owner. He has successfully started three companies and several nonprofit corporations, and has coached thousands of leaders across the world. Brian holds a master’s degree from Talbot School of Theology. He has been married for 26 years to the love of his life, and they have four children. Of all the conversations we have recorded in the last 14 months, this one ranks near the top of my list. Please give it a listen! So much good stuff for us to think about as a church!
Kathryn Butler (MD, Columbia University) trained in surgery and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where she then joined the faculty. She left clinical practice in 2016 to homeschool her children, and now writes regularly for desiringGod.org and the Gospel Coalition on topics such as faith, medicine, and shepherding kids in the gospel. You can find Dr. Butler's books here. https://www.crossway.org/authors/kathryn-butler/
Lindsey Carlson has written a very helpful book aimed at young women and their growth into mature followers of Jesus. In this conversation we discuss her book, what it's like to parent teenagers in our world today, public school vs. private vs. homeschooling, the dangers of "purity culture" and much more! But take note, this podcast is not just for parents of teen girls. There a lot here for all of us at The Vine! You can find all of Lindsey's books here. https://www.amazon.com/Lindsey-Carlson/e/B07QV3JSY4?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000
Don't worry, this episode is not all about the unique nature of being married to a pastor, but this conversation will give you a glimpse into the world of ministry and marriage. Oftentimes being married to a pastor is a ministry all in itself. Jani Ortlund has recently written a short book about this and we have a really encouraging conversation about the ups and downs of ministry life in the church, how to maintain a healthy marriage, and what it takes to pursue perseverance. She has been married to Ray for 50 years and they are both in their 70s. They continue to serve the Lord in various ways through the local church and beyond. You can find Jani's books here. https://www.amazon.com/Jani-Ortlund/e/B001JRV0QG?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1618336037&sr=8-1
Joe Thorn is a really interesting guy. I think you will like him. He has a beautiful testimony that should move us to be faithful to share our faith and be bold. In this conversation we cover a lot of different topics. Political turmoil and how that effects that church, the increasing divide in our nation, the power of the internet as it relates to Christian discipleship and much more. Joe is the founding and Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in Saint Charles, IL. He and his wife met in college and together have four amazing children. Find Joe's books here. https://tinyurl.com/37kz88xb
This week on the podcast we welcome Trevin Wax. Trevin Wax is Senior Vice President for Theology and Communications at LifeWay Christian Resources. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and many other publications. He has worked extensively on The Gospel Project children's curriculum which has blessed the Vine so well in the past few years. In this episode we have a far reaching conversation about the danger of "hot takes", conversion stories, communist Romania, Trevin's latest book and more! Check it out! Find Trevin's latest book here. https://tinyurl.com/pjpvpw64
Pastor Mark Vroegop as written a very helpful book for those who seek to engage well with minorities hurting from the pain for racial injustice. His premise is that the language of lament that we find in the Bible is first step in the right direction as we seek to care for those on the margins. Christians may be uniquely equipped to suffer well with those who are suffering. May The Vine be a church like this!
Find Mark's books here. https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Vroegop/e/B075WMWYZ1/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
It's another Vine Staff episode of The Vine Conversations Podcast! In this episode we discuss lessons we have learned from COVID that will likely carry over into the future. For example, the importance of family time or the blessing of slowing life down a bit. Through all the pain and suffering of the past year, are there hidden blessings? We think so. There is much still to be thankful for!
Dr. Matt Harmon is Professor of New Testament Studies at Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. He has a passion for helping people understanding how to read the Bible. How can we make sense of it? How can we learn to apply it? How does it all fit together? All of these questions are vital for anyone seeking to follow Jesus. God's word is a gift and it is meant to be understood. A few simple tools can make receiving that gift enlightening and enjoyable. Dr. Harmon serves us very well in this podcast by sharing a wealth of knowledge and experience about how to do just that. You can find all of Matt's books here. https://www.amazon.com/Matthew-S-Harmon/e/B004P6DUZC/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_7
This is one of my favorite conversations we have done in our podcast series. Sam Crabtree is warm, wise and winsome. He has been a pastor for many years and has written several books, two of which are, Practicing Affirmation and Practicing Thankfulness, which we discuss in the podcast. Each of these books seems rather niche, but I would argue are vital to our growth as Christians. I think after listening to this podcast you will see why. We also spend a fair amount of time discussion suffering and the pain of miscarriage. I think many will also fine this segment meaningful and hopefully, helpful. Check out Sam's books here: https://www.amazon.com/Sam-Crabtree/e/B004AQ0ETC?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1614612329&sr=1-1
Women today often feel pressure to be all things to all people. This might even be heightened at times by certain forms of church culture. In light of this, some women can be tempted to focus on themselves way too much and then feel exhausted by the pressure to live up to everyone's expectations. Jen Oshman has written a very helpful book designed to help women feel a sense of freedom through the truths of the Gospel. You can't be all things to all people and God never designed you to be! Lasting joy is only found in giving ourselves away, not continually focusing on ourselves. This interview has women as an intended audience, but certainly men will glean much from it as well.
Check out Jen's book HERE. https://www.crossway.org/books/enough-about-me-tpb/
Does content from the internet feed your soul? It might not be impossible, but most of us find this challenging. But the reality is that the power of the internet is not slowing down anytime soon. How can we structure our lives so that we are not using media and the internet in ways that detract from a healthy relationship with God and with others? Today, on The Vine Conversations, we have a discussion with Brett McCracken where he lays out for us what it means to pursue emotional and spiritual health in a world that is dominated by the power of the internet. This conversation was informative and encouraging. I hope you find it so too.
You can find Brett’s new book, the Wisdom Pyramid here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433569590/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwtakeyourvi-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1433569590&linkId=f5683ebb224eb4a49f2b20d3fcaa59d2
In today’s episode of The Vine Conversations, we sit down with Dr. James Anderson. He is a professor of philosophical theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. In this engaging and educational conversation, Dr. Anderson helps us think about the foundations of our faith and how to help an unbelieving world see them as plausible and desirable. How can we engage in meaningful conversations with unbelievers? What is a worldview and why does it matter? How can we help unbelievers understand the significance of Christianity and consider it thoughtfully? As a church, we are called to make disciples among neighbors and nations. This conversation will certainly aide us in the pursuit.
Dr. Mark Talbot is a professor of philosophy and theology at Wheaton College and Seminary. Recently Dr. Talbot has released the first book in a series of four concerning suffering in the Christian life. If possible, the time to think Biblically about suffering is not when you are in the midst of it, but rather beforehand as a type of preparation. In this engaging and honest discussion we seek to equip believers with some helpful tools for thinking about suffering from different people in the Bible. How did they endure? What can we learn? What does God’s love and sovereignty have to do with it? How can we help people that are suffering deeply? These are central issues to the Christian life. May we be a people who walk well with one another.
26 On today's episode of The Vine Conversations we hear from Sam Allberry. Sam has written numerous books dealing with homosexuality and singleness. As a Christian who experiences same-sex desire, he has a perspective that will be helpful for all of us trying to think biblically about these issues. This is a crucial conversation to engage with as we seek to make disciples in the 21st century!
Chris Brauns is a pastor and author of the book, Unpacking Forgiveness. In today’s episode we discuss the intricacies of what the Bible means by forgiveness. How should it apply? When should it not apply? Why is it so emotionally challenging? This is subject that touches all of us if we want to follow Jesus. Don’t miss this one!
In today’s episode of The Vine Conversations, we welcome pastor and Upper Midwest Director for Acts29, Steve Treichler. Steve has been a pastor and church planter for many years now and our church will benefit greatly by listening to his wisdom. It gets to the heart of why we exist as a church together! Have a listen.
In the final episode of Vine Conversations Season One, the Vine Staff reflects on 2020, welcomes our newest staff member Houston (Bubby) Tucker, learns about Laurel’s pranks and looks ahead to 2021. Don’t miss it!
In this episode of The Vine Conversations, we hear from Ross Brown. Ross is a member of the Vine family, and along with his wife Katy, they have spent many years helping people understand how to use money for the glory of God. You won’t want to miss this episode!
Some resources discussed in the conversation:
The Total Money Makeover - https://amzn.to/3gfQG7R YNAB - https://www.youneedabudget.com
In this episode of The Vine Conversations, Zach and Kim Nielsen discuss lessons they have learned after 22 years of being married; the ups, the downs, the fun, the sorrow, and everything in between!
In this episode of The Vine Conversations, we welcome Pastor Dan Freng. Dan and his wife Kelly have an amazing story of domestic adoption. It's filled with ups and down and the Lord's faithful grace through it all. You will like Dan. He's a great dude.
In this episode of the The Vine Conversations, we welcome pastor Rudy Rubio from south central Los Angeles. He tells the remarkable story of growing up in the Latino gang life of Los Angeles. Drugs, violence, and chaos. But God got ahold of him while in prison and today he is pastoring a movement of church planting in one of the toughest areas in California. It's a fascinating story that you won't want to miss.
In today’s podcast we hear from Pastor Eric Weaver who lives in Forest City, IA where he pastors at First Baptist Church. He is a lifelong friend of Zach and we think you will enjoy this thoughtful conversation about Eric and Katie’s journey through international adoption from China. Adoption is an amazing way to advocate for the marginalized in our world and we hope this inspires and encourages you. Listen in as we hear their story.
This week we have the joy of welcoming Aaron and Meredith serving among a Muslim people group in Africa. Those of you who are familiar with the ministry of The Vine will know them well. We discuss terrorist threats, trying not to go stir crazy during COVID lockdowns, how to fight for joy in the midst of the struggle of church planting, and much more!
Today we welcome back Tyler St. Clair to the podcast. A few months ago we discussed racial justice with him in light of the murder of George Floyd. In today’s episode we continue the discussion along these lines. We address the issue of fatherlessness, poverty culture, discipleship in a diverse church, and the common difference in perspectives between white and black people, especially in reference to the police. We close with a few recommended resources for white people to continue their growth in understanding the black experience in America.
Oneness Embraced: Reconciliation, the Kingdom, and How We are Stronger Together by Tony Evans https://tinyurl.com/y4hro3en
Free at Last?: The Gospel in the African American Experience by Carl F. Ellis Jr. https://tinyurl.com/yxm6f9hb
Today on the podcast we welcome Dr. Justin Holcomb. He is a pastor, professor and author specializing in the area of sexual abuse victims. First, we discuss sexual abuse prevention as it relates to parents and their kids. Second, we also do a deep dive into how to help a survivor even if you have no formal training. Finally, we talk about how to protect the church as an organization from mismanagement of this type of situation. It’s hard a hard topic to discuss but very necessary for all of us. Below are some links to Justin’s books and the podcast concerning racial justice that we reference at the end of the discussion. Please check out both!
Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault (Link: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Justin-Holcomb/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AJustin+Holcomb )
As In Heaven Podcast (Link: https://www.asinhvn.com )
In today’s podcast we sit down with Laurel Eccles, James Davenport, and Zach Nielsen. We discuss the challenges of church life during COVID, we get a peak behind the curtain of staff life at The Vine, we answer the question, “What’s the best part and hardest part about working on staff at a church?”, and much much more!
Why is our sending workers to the nations for the sake of church planting such a big deal? In this interview we chat with Andy Kampman, the mobilizing pastor for The Austin Stone Church in Austin, TX. In his role there, Andy has had the opportunity to travel all over the world for the sake of church planting among places were there is no access to the Gospel. He will encourage us as a church that desires to do the same thing. In addition, we get a real time update from Beruit concerning the tragic explosion that rocked that city few weeks ago. We also hear a couple stories of profound suffering from Andy’s life and what he learned from it. Settle in and enjoy!
In this episode of The Vine Conversations, we chat with MaryBeth Lundgren, a certified Biblical Counselor, former InterVarsity staff member, and wife of nine years. MaryBeth spent the first 54 years of her life as a single person and has sound, godly wisdom and insight on how Church can be a blessing to single people, what we get right, what we get wrong, and how we can grow in this area. It was a joy to interview MaryBeth. You are sure to like her and learn from her.
Yes, really. On the podcast today we welcome Marlene Sorenson. She has labored to expose the darkness of sex trafficking in Madison for many years and will help us, Vine Family, be aware of what is happening in our very own city. This conversation is not for the faint of heart. The darkness of sin is hard to listen to at times, but it is good for us to be aware so that we can be praying, fasting and serving our city, brining light into the darkness, providing hope and help by the power of Jesus.
Do you ever struggle with your life feeling super ordinary, boring, normal, and lacking in spark? Do you fantasize about doing something wild and radical? What if you are already doing something very radical but you just can’t quite see it? Does Jesus want to adjust our definition of “success”? These are important questions of the human experience. Dr. Zack Eswine has a way of helping Christians walk their path of discipleship that you will find refreshing and unique as we confront these questions in this podcast. You can find all of Dr. Eswine's books here https://www.amazon.com/Zack-Eswine/e/B001JS8HVG%
Description: What’s it like to be a Supreme Court Justice in the state of Wisconsin? How can one do this job for the glory of God? It was a joy to have this conversation with Brian Hagedorn, a friend for ten years, a member of the initial core team of The Vine Church and great husband and father. In this intriguing conversation, we chat about schooling choices for kids, what daily life is like for him as a judge for the highest court in Wisconsin, being a Christian in a high profile job and more. Have a listen today!
In this in depth interview we hear from Steve and Sandi Youngren, founders and leaders of Compassion Connection, a ministry of church planting and leadership development in Ecuador. The Vine has been partnered with them for many years now for the sake of church planting. In this interview we learn much about their lives, call to ministry, stories from the field, and how to suffer well through COVID-19.
Tune in this week on Vine Conversations for an interview with Madison businessman and entrepreneur, Tony Tucci. Listen in on the conversation as we talk about the call to missions, living cross-culturally, processing the grief of losing his mother at a young age, how to walk with those who are hurting deeply and the humility of asking for help when you are up against a financial brick wall.
In this engaging interview we have the pleasure of hearing from Dr. David Murray. Dr Murray is a seminary professor, pastor, and author of numerous books. He has served as a personal counselor and mentor to Pastor Zach and brings a wealth of wisdom to this episode of The Vine Church Conversations Podcast. Dr. Murray and Pastor Zach’s discussion covers anxiety, depression, social media overload, Christians and mental health, medication, parenting, and much much more. You won’t want to miss it!
The term “counseling” sometimes is loaded with baggage. "It’s just for the super weird people, it’s always super structured, and only done by professionals." The Bible assumes that this is not the case. All followers of Jesus in the local church should be equipped to counsel one another from the Bible. In this interview, Laurel Eccles (MA Biblical Counseling, Southern Seminary), help unpack this understanding. It’s a great conversation about discipleship in the local church.
The issue of racial justice has received heightened awareness in recent days. In this engaging conversation we hear from Pastor Tyler St. Clair as he unpacks some of his perspective on these issues. We learn about his life growing up in Detroit, how he has experienced racism in his life, how he gave his life to Christ, advice for people wanting to grow in understanding, and much more. Enjoy!
At The Vine, we have a large population of young moms. This is a unique time in life with unique challenges. In this episode, we hear from seasoned mother, Kim Nielsen as she shares from her heart some encouragement for women at this life stage.
In this, our first ever Vine Church Podcast, we learn a lot about our newest staff member, James Davenport. We go deep into sexual purity, infertility, growing up in the great state of Iowa, and his vision for Next Gen and The Basement. It’s a great conversation that you won’t want to miss.
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