Restore Podcast: Recent Episodes
Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
A podcast seeking to Restore the Vision, Restore the Mission, Restore the Church. Presented by Javier Diaz, North Region Pastoral Ministries Field Associate for Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
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For episode 119, we are sharing a short recording originally posted to Florida Conference's social media accounts featuring a conversation with Julie Cook, great-great-great granddaughter of Ellen G. White who was one of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's early pioneers.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Video version of this interview.
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Exploring Elmshaven, Ellen White's final home, 1900-1915, where she wrote nine of her most influential books.
- TikTok
- More footage of Elmshaven.
- TikTok
- "The original laptop."
- TikTok
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Episode 118 features a great conversation with Pastor Dan Serns, director for North Pacific Union Conference church revitalization, church planting, and lay members. We talk about his faith journey, church planting and revitalization, how he stays focused on Jesus, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Personal web site
- Transforming/Revitalizing Your Church
- X (formerly Twitter)
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In episode 117, I have an inspiring conversation with Dr. Jennifer Schwirzer, LPC, Ed.D. Jennifer is founder of Abide Network, a transformative platform offering faith-based mental health coaching. Drawing from her personal journey and passion for accessible mental health care, she shares how Abide Network's compassionate coaching, online courses, and uplifting community are helping people find clarity, purpose, and healing through a Christ-centered approach. Tune in to hear her insights on integrating faith, mental wellness, and more!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Jesus Meditations
- Mental Health Evangelism Starter Kit
- Abide Network
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Episode 116 features an amazing, personal, and in-depth conversation with Spencerville Church Lead Pastor Chad Stuart. We go deep into his faith journey, his call to ministry, the fire at Spencerville that made headlines, evangelism, why he left social media, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Spencerville Church Web Site
- Direct Giving Link
- E-mail and Prayer Requests
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In episode 115, I have an amazing missional conversation with my friend Pastor Abdiel Del Toro. We talk about his faith journey, how God saved his life, leadership, discipleship, his book, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Book—Cambiar o No Cambiar: La Decision Que Puede Transformar Tu Iglesia
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- Social Media
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Episode 114 features Carla Monnier, youth and young adult pastor of WholeLife Church in Orlando. She shares her incredible story that will bless and challenge you.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Pacific Union College article: "A New Sense of Identity"
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In episode 113, we talk with North American Division President Alexander Bryant. He dives into his faith journey, evangelism, leadership, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Dr. Bryant's Biography
- Pentecost 2025
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In episode 112, we welcome back Dr. Heather Thompson Day to discuss her new book, What If I'm Wrong? Navigating the Waves of Fear and Failure. This conversation, and the book, will inspire and challenge you.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Previous episodes with Heather
- 82-I'll See You Tomorrow
- 67-It's Not Your Turn
- 31-Communicating the Gospel in the 21st Century
- Web Site: heatherthompsonday.com
- Book: What If I'm Wrong? Navigating the Waves of Fear and Failure
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Our guest for episode 111 is Dr. James Doggette, senior pastor of Patmos Chapel Church in the Orlando area. We had an incredible conversation about his faith journey, evangelism, mission, leadership, preaching, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Patmos Chapel at the Well Activity Center
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Episode 110 celebrates the Restore Podcast's ninth birthday by welcoming back Pastor Rodlie Ortiz who has appeared on previous episodes as both a guest and co-host.
In this conversation, we take a deep dive into his faith journey, what it was like being mentored by a well-known pastor for 12 years, his current journey at Campion Church, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Past Restore Podcast episodes
- Evangelism in the 21st Century
- Communicating the Gospel in the 21st Century
- Theodicy of Love: Cosmic Conflict and the Problem of Evil
- Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church
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Episode 109—the first for 2025—features an incredible conversation with Melina Thomas, a young adult leader and inspirational speaker seeking to lead and empower people in their walk with Jesus. In our conversation, she relates her personal testimony and more. You will be inspired and challenged by this conversation.
I also invited Pastor Juan Rodriguez, Florida Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director, to cohost this episode.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Melina's web site
- Digital Missions Lab live stream from Fort Myers Church (YouTube link)
- Book: Pass the Bubbly
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It's episode 108—the last for 2024—and I talk with prolific writer and Adult Sabbath School editor for the last 25 years, Clifford Goldstein. Cliff talks about his faith journey, apologetics, what it's like being editor of the Adult Sabbath School lesson, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Clifford Goldstein's Testimony
- Book: The Clifford Goldstein Story
- Book: 1844 Made Simple
- 1844 Made Simple videos
- YouTube Playlist alternative
(official site may not display videos properly for everyone)
- Book: Graffiti in the Holy of Holies
- Book: Risen—Finding Hope in the Empty Tomb
- Current Adult Sabbath School Quarterly
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In episode 107, I welcome Gabriel and Eileen Cardona as they share the story of their journey to accept God's call to be missionaries. You will be inspired and challenged as you listen to their incredible testimony of God's grace and love.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Cardona's Adventist Frontier Missions fundraising page
- Cardona's TikTok page
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In episode 106, I welcome Dr. Darius Jankiewicz to the podcast. We dive into his faith journey and have an amazing conversation about the doctrine of salvation and justification by faith, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Dr. Jankiewicz' videos on Adventist Review TV
- Doctrine of Salvation series, StudyDeeper YouTube playlist
- The Dynamics of Salvation article from Ministry Magazine
- Book - Salvation: Contours of Adventist Soteriology
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We are joined in episode 105 by Dr. Richard Hickam, Corporate Director of Music and the Arts at AdventHealth. We talk about AdventHealth's first music album release called Imagine Wholeness, music and the arts, his faith journey, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Richard Hickam on LinkedIn
- Richard Hickam on YouTube
- AdventHealth Music teaser video
- AdventHealth Music: Imagine Wholeness album
- Restore Episode 12: Worship, Music, and the Church
- Restore Episode 68: Practical Ministry In Today's World
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In episode 104, we have a great conversation with Ken Wetmore, senior pastor of WholeLife Church. He talks about his faith journey, call to ministry, and what it was like transitioning to WholeLife after Pastor Andy McDonald retired, having served the congregation since 1985!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Restore Podcast Episode 5: Andy McDonald - The Story of Florida Hospital Church
- WholeLife Church
- This Is WholeLife podcast
- Ken's WholeLife blog
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Dr. John Peckham is back for episode 103 to talk about his newest book, Why We Pray: Understanding Prayer in the Context of Cosmic Conflict. Be sure to pick up a copy of this book that will bless and challenge you.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Book: Why We Pray: Understanding Prayer in the Context of Cosmic Conflict
- Prayer Books Recommended by Dr. John Peckham
- Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference by Philip Yancey
- Knocking On Heaven's Door: A New Testament Theology Of Petitionary Prayer by David Crump
- Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores by Dian Langberg
- Past episodes featuring Dr. John Peckham
- Episode 32: Theodicy of Love: Cosmic Conflict and the Problem of Evil
- Episode 66: Divine Attributes
- Episode 95: God With Us - An Introduction to Adventist Theology
Send us a Text Message.
In episode 102, we chat with Raewyn Orlich, associate pastor for discipleship and nurture at La Sierra University Church. We talk about her faith journey, call to pastoral ministry, and her book, In Grandpa's Shoes: An Invitation to Intergenerational Discipleship. I know you will be blessed and challenged by this conversation and her book.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Book: In Grandpa's Shoes: An Invitation to Intergenerational Discipleship
- Podcast:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Pastor Orlich—La Sierra University Web Site
Send us a Text Message.
For episode 101, we hear from Kevin Christenson, head of Hope Studios, the cinematic arm of Hope Channel International. He and his team are behind the recently released feature film, The Hopeful, which begins to tell the story of the Adventist Church. I know you will be blessed and challenged by this conversation.
More information about the movie is at TheHopefulMovie.com where you can also sign up to screen the film at your church.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Kevin Christenson's web site
- Kevin on Instagram
- The Hopeful movie
- Hope Studios
On this, our 100th episode of the Restore Podcast, we welcome back Pastor Ivan Williams who was our guest on episode 2 back in March 2016. He returns to talk about his new role, leadership, mission, his faith journey, and more.
Speaking on a personal note, thank you to everyone for listening and sharing the Restore Podcast through these 100 episodes.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Restore Podcast episode 2—Adventist Evangelism in North America
On episode 99, I talk with Rich Aguilera who has been a leader in children's ministry for many years, creating content of all kinds to bless kids and families that lead them to know Jesus. This conversation is for everyone regardless whether they are involved in children's ministries. You will be blessed as you hear his journey from a career in architecture to going full-time doing children's ministries, as well as the importance of teaching and empowering our kids in the way of Jesus, and so much more! A must-listen episode!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- One Mustard Seed
- Support via Patreon
- Streaming Platform
- Radio/Podcast
- TV Show
- Week of Prayer
- Publishing
- Events
- Movies
- One Mustard Seed YouTube channel
- Kids' Bible Zone YouTube channel
For episode 98, I have a great conversation with Shawn Boonstra, Speaker/Director for Voice of Prophecy. We talk about his faith journey, mission, discipleship, and so much more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Voice of Prophecy web site
- Cycle of Evangelism
- Discovery Mountain Radio Show for Kids
- VOP YouTube Channel
- Discover Bible Studies
- VOP Facebook Page
On the Restore podcast's first episode of 2024, we have Pastors Andrea Jakobsons and Jonathon Cobb from Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church. They talk to us about their faith journey, call to ministry, leadership lessons, and so much more! You will be blessed and inspired by this conversation.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Kettering Church
- Book—Mighty Prevailing Prayer: Experiencing the Power of Answered Prayer by Wesley L. Duewel
- Book—The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
- Book—Live No Lies by John Mark Comer
Episode 96, the last for 2023, we have a great conversation with Brent Hardinge and Marshall McKenzie, director and assistant director of pastoral care, respectively, for Adventist Information Ministry. AIM is a function of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Church which focuses on digital evangelism, interest tracking, and connecting media ministry interests to the local church.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- AdventistInfo.org
- BibleInfo.com
- A Picture of God
In episode 95, we welcome Dr. John Peckham back to the podcast to discuss his new book, God With Us: An Introduction to Adventist Theology. He also gives a brief update on the new role he accepted earlier this year, and then we spend some time unpacking his book.
Make sure to take advantage of the 15% discount Andrews University Press has offered to listeners of this episode through January 2024. Use the promo code RESTORE2024 to receive the discount.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Biography
- Direct Andrews University Press book link: God With Us: An Introduction to Adventist Theology
- Use promo code RESTORE2024 when checking out for a 15% discount, valid through the end of January 2024.
- Episode 66-John Peckham: Divine Attributes
- Episode 32-John Peckham: Theodicy of Love: Cosmic Conflict and the Problem of Evil
For episode 94, we have a great conversation with Dr. Alan Parker, professor in the School of Religion at Southern Adventist University. We talk about his faith journey, how Millennials and Generation Z view evangelism, and much more. This is a power-packed conversation that will bless and challenge you.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Bio/Contact
- Symposium paper and PowerPoint documents: (Dropbox link) Dr. Parker's data and research covering Millennials and Generation Z regarding evangelism.
Episode 93 features a discussion with Pastor Steve Leddy, evangelism and church planting director for Potomac Conference. You will be blessed as you listen to his personal story and our conversation about discipleship, church planting, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Contact Pastor Steve Leddy
- Potomac Conference Pastoral Ministries Team
- North American Division Evangelism Institute: ACTS Church Planting Support System
On episode 92, we talk with Dr. David Trim, director of the General Conference Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research. In this conversation, he speaks of his faith journey, what his department actually does, why we need such a department, his recent book release, and much more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research
- Adventist Research
- ASTR YouTube
- Adventist Encyclopedia
- Book: Hearts of Faith: How We Became Seventh-day Adventists
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
Episode 91 is an amazing conversation with award-winning Christian filmmaker Martin Doblemeier. Martin has made more than 30 films on faith, religion, and spirituality. His latest film is titled Sabbath. You will be blessed and challenged by this conversation.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Journey Films
- Sabbath documentary film
- Other films
In episode 90, we talk with Chris Martin who, earlier this year, released his second book on social media entitled The Wolf in Their Pockets: 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead.
Part of the brief book description states, "Martin both exposes the ways the Internet is distorting our life in Christ and shows us how to faithfully respond. Martin teaches us how to care for people who are obsessed with followers, views, and likes—and how to love those whose online influences have filled them with cynicism and contempt."
You will be blessed and challenged by Martin's book and our conversation.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Chris Martin's Blog: Terms of Service
- 1st Book: Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media
- 2nd Book: The Wolf in Their Pockets: 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead
- Twitter: @ChrisMartin17
- E-mail: chris.j.martin17@gmail.com
Episode 89 is an amazing conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, speaker/director for the Jesus 101 Biblical Institute, a media ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. In this conversation, we discuss her faith journey, the meaning of righteousness by faith, practical ways to share Jesus, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Jesus 101
- Ministry Magazine article: "On what basis does God declare me righteous?"
- Dr. Elizabeth Talbot's thesis: "Rest and Sabbath in Matthew's Gospel: an investigation of Matthew 11:24–12:14"
- Jesus 101 mobile app
- Apple iOS
- Google Play/Android
On episode 88, we have an incredible, inspiring conversation that is sure to challenge you as well. Debleaire Snell is Speaker/Director for Breath of Life Ministries and senior pastor for Oakwood University Church.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Get Unrealistic by Debleaire Snell
- Breath of Life
- Amazon
- Breath of Life Ministries
- Oakwood University Church
- Restore Podcast Episode 37: Carlton Byrd
- Restore Podcast Episode 86: Leslie Pollard
For episode 87, we talk with Brady Shearer, YouTuber and CEO of Pro Church Tools. Brady and his team seek to help churches navigate their ministries through the single biggest communication shift we've seen in the last 500 years!
This episode is full of great digital content to help churches move the mission of God forward in the digital world in which we all live. Be sure to check out ProChurchTools.com for all the resources mentioned in the podcast and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Pro Church Tools
- YouTube channel
- SocialSermons custom social media service
- The 1-page Church Social Media Plan
Episode 86 celebrates our seventh anniversary of the Restore Podcast, and this edition celebrates Black History Month. Our guest is Oakwood University President Leslie Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., MBA. We talk about his faith journey, how Oakwood was founded, the future of Oakwood, leadership, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds
- Amazon
- Embracing Diversity: How to Understand and Reach People of All Cultures by Leslie Pollard
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- Protest & Progress by Calvin Rock
- Amazon
- Restore Podcast Episode 49: Calvin B. Rock, Protest & Progress
- Oakwood University
- Web site
- Mission and history
Episode 85—our first for 2023—we have a jam-packed conversation with Tim Madding, director of the North American Division Evangelism Institute (NADEI). In this conversation, we talk about his faith journey, being homeless at a young age, and his call to ministry. He defines and talks about plateaued, dying, and health churches, creating a multi-site church, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Tim Madding bio
- NADEI
- Beltsville Seventh-day Adventist Church
Episode 84 features a spirit-filled conversation with Pastor Dwight Nelson, senior pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. We talk about his call to ministry, leadership lessons learned, preaching, prayer, and so much more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Article: NET 98 Anniversary Celebrated at Pioneer Church
- Books:
- Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age by Sanjay Gupta
- The Rational Bible: Deuteronomy by Dennis Prager
- From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks
- Restore Podcast Episode 4 with Dwight Nelson and Rodlie Ortiz
- Pioneer Memorial Church web site
In episode 83, we have a power-packed conversation with Chanda Nunes-Henry, Executive Secretary and Pastoral Ministries Director for Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Chanda speaks deeply about her faith journey, call to ministry, and so much more! You will definitely be blessed, inspired, and challenged by this conversation.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Article: Pastor Chanda Nunes Elected As Nevada-Utah Executive Secretary
- Contact: cnunes{a}nevadautah.org
In episode 82, Dr. Heather Thompson Day returns, and this time, her husband Seth Day joins as they co-authored their recently released book, I'll See You Tomorrow: Building Relational Resilience When You Want to Quit.
You will be blessed with this conversation on relationships, communication, and more!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions
- Book—Daring to Trust: Opening Ourselves to Real Love and Intimacy by David Richo
- Amazon
- Book—I'll See You Tomorrow: Building Relational Resilience When You Want to Quit by Heather Thompson Day and Seth Day
- Amazon
- Podcast—Viral Jesus
In episode 81, welcome back Michael Campbell and discuss his new book released at the beginning of 2022, 1922: The Rise of Adventist Fundamentalism. This book will unpack the rise of Adventist fundamentalism and the 1922 General Conference Session.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Book—1922: The Rise of Adventist Fundamentalism by Michael Campbell
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- Book—1919: The Untold Story of Adventism's Struggle with Fundamentalism by Michael Campbell
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- Twitter: @m_w_campbell
- Facebook: AdventistHistorian
- Restore Episode 38 (updated with improved audio)
In episode 80, we talk with Karl Haffner, Ph.D., vice president of student experience at Loma Linda University. We discuss his faith journey, leadership, and more! You will be blessed and challenged by this conversation.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Book—The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey
- Amazon
- Book—No Greater Love by Karl Haffner
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- Book—Are You More Spiritual Than a 5th Grader? by Karl & Claire Haffner
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
In episode 79, we talk with Kendall Turcios who is pastor of Arise Miami Church. He details his faith journey leading to his current assignement at Arise Church. This conversation will both challenge and bless you!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Arise Miami Church
- Restore Podcast Episode 3
- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Church Is a Team Sport by Jim Putman
In episode 78, we have a powerful conversation with Melissa and Michael Gibson discussing the documentary, Return to Palau, which chronicles the story of Melissa and her family. It tells the "incredible true story of survival, faith, and forgiveness" as mentioned on the web site, below, where you can view the film.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Web site: returntopalau.com
- Special view link for Adventist pastors/leaders: returntopalau.com/adventists
- Article from Adventist News Network (ANN)
Episode 77 features a discussion with Larry Witzel who is an entrepreneur, respected innovator, and an inspiring speaker at the intersection of technology and ministry. He is founder and president of SermonView Evangelism Marketing.
In our conversation, we talk about his faith journey, event marketing, entrepreneurship, creating a healthy organizational culture, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Web site/bio: larrywitzel.com
- SermonView: sermonview.com
- Interest Tracker: interesttracker.org
- Evangelism Web Sites: evangelismwebsites.com
- Managed Event Marketing: evangelismmarketing.com
In episode 76, our guests are Andreas Beccai, senior pastor of Walla Walla University Church, and Albert Handal, campus chaplain at Walla Walla University.
In this conversation, they discuss their faith journey, what the last 2+ years have been like for their ministry, and so much more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Contact info: Walla Walla Church Staff
- Article: "Why Churches Should Drop Their Online Services" (subscription to New York Times required)
- Book: Deep Work by Cal Newport
- Dwell mobile app: dwellapp.io
Episode 75's guest is Susan Mettes who released a book in the fall of 2021 titled, The Loneliness Epidemic. In this book, she unpacks research about why people are lonely, the myths of loneliness, how we can help lonely people, and much more. It's a great book and an amazing conversation of an important topic.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Web site: susanmettes.com
- Book: The Loneliness Epidemic via Amazon
- Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)
Episode 74 is special edition for Black History Month where I have a great conversation with Benjamin Baker, Ph.D. He talks with us about what perhaps may be lesser-known facts and history of the journey of some Black Adventists.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Black Seventh-day Adventist History
- Web Site
- YouTube Channel
- Book: The Underground Railroad Records by William Still
- Book: Breaking Barriers: The First Ladies of Education by DeWitt S. Williams
- Article: Recognition Event Honors the Life and Legacy of Lucy Byard
- Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists
- Contact Dr. Baker
- Restore Podcast Episode 60-Hyveth Williams-Gervon Marsh: The Art and Beauty of Black Preaching
On this first episode of 2022, episode 73, we have a fun-filled conversation with Casio Jones and Felix Bangkuai who have been actively involved with health and fitness for many years.
Last fall, Florida Conference had its inaugural "Fit Together" health and fitness retreat at Camp Kulaqua where I was able to sit with them and have this conversation discussing their journey, what they believe is the health message, how churches can empower others in their journey of health and fitness, and so much more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- CASIO JONES
- Web Site and Contact
- Action65
- Discover New Victories
- Action4Life
- Facebook: facebook.com/CasioJonesHealth
- Instagram: @casiojoneshealth
- Twitter: @casiojones
- YouTube: youtube.com/bodyjones77
- FELIX BANGKUAI
- Facebook: @felix.bangkuai
- Instagram: @felix_bangkuai
- LinkedIn: Felix Bangkuai
For episode 72, we have Pastor Ben Lundquist. He is the young adult director of Oregon Conference, a sought-after speaker, and host of the Rise and Lead Podcast.
This is a power-packed, inspirational, and practical conversation I know you will find helpful and hopeful, especially as 2021 comes to an end and we are gearing up for 2022.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Rise and Lead podcast
- Twitter: @benjaminlund
- Instagram: @benjaminlundquist
- Facebook: facebook.com/benjamin.lundquist.96
For episode 71, we have a great and inspirational conversational with Heather Moor, Nina Vallado, and Kaleb Eisele who are the creators, producers, and hosts of the How the Church Works podcast. I know you will be blessed by this conversation, and I invite you to check out their podcast.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- How the Church Works podcast
- Kaleb Eisele
- Humans of Adventism
- humans@adventism.com
- Heather Moor
- Twitter: @heatherlmoor
- Set In Sands Films
- Nina Vallado
- NinaVallado.com
For episode 70, our guest is Reggie Joiner, founder and CEO of Orange. He also co-founded North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, with Andy Stanley.
During his 11 years as executive director of family ministry there, he developed a new concept of relevant ministry for children, teenagers, and married adults. In this must-listen episode, he talks to us about his personal call to ministry, empowering families and their children, and so much more!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Reggie Joiner bio
- Orange Conference
- Pedro Perez e-mail
- Book: A New Kind of Leader
- Paperback
- eBook
- Audiobook
- Free copy of A New Kind of Leader to the first 20 people (United States only) to e-mail path.adv@floridaconference.com
I'm really excited to tell you about today's episode as it is part of a Bible series we have created called Foundations: Exploring the Basis of Our Hope.
Foundations is a free six-part video series that explores the landmark beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Faith and fosters small group discussion. Grounded upon the key foundational truth that Jesus is our Salvation, it also explores the other five S's of Adventism—the Second Coming, Sanctuary, Sabbath, the State of the Dead, and the Spirit of Prophecy.
The series of videos will be released weekly for six weeks, beginning Wednesday, September 29. But, if you register now, you can receive each video ahead of time.
In episode 69 of the Restore Podcast, I speak with Pastor Matthew Lucio who hosts the Adventist History podcast and pastors Peoria Adventist Church in Illinois. We take an Adventist historical journey into how we came to believe the six different topics we cover in the Foundations series.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Foundations: Exploring the Basis of Our Hope
- Foundations series on Facebook
- Adventist History Podcast
- The Way of Life painting (Adventist Review article)
- Books
- A Search for Identity by George R. Knight
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- Tell It To the World by C. Mervyn Maxwell
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- A User-friendly Guide to the 1888 Message by George R. Knight
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- A Search for Identity by George R. Knight
In episode 68, Pastor Roger Hernandez returns to the podcast talking all things ministry. We are also excited to announce our first music spotlight! Be sure to listen for all the info.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Ramp by Roger Hernandez
- Roger Hernandez Social Media
- Web Site
- YouTube
- Sing a New Song
- More music by Lifelong Worship
In episode 67, we welcome back Heather Thompson Day, Ph.D., to talk about her recently released book, It's Not Your Turn: What to Do While You're Waiting for Your Breakthrough. Besides unpacking sections of her book, we also talk about her writing process and so much more. I know you'll be blessed by this conversation.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- It's Not Your Turn (option for Amazon purchase or autographed copy)
- Tasha Urich TED Talk
- HeatherThompsonDay.com
- Restore Episode 31: Communicating the Gospel in the 21st Century
In episode 66, we welcome back Dr. John Peckham, professor of theology and Christian philosophy at Andrews University. We have a compelling conversation about his recently released book, Divine Attributes: Knowing the Covenantal God of Scripture.
Although this is a deep dive theologically, and a bit philosophically, about some of God's attributes, John unpacks them in ways for all to understand, bringing deep meaning for our spiritual journey.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- John Peckham's Web Site
- John Peckham on Twitter
- Book—Divine Attributes: Knowing the Covenantal God of Scripture
- Web Site
- Amazon
- Restore Episode 32: Theodicy of Love
- Book—Theodicy of Love
- Web Site
- Amazon
In episode 65, we have Pastor Fredrick Russell who has been in ministry for more than 30 years as a pastor and a conference president. He currently serves as principal of True North Leadership Group committed to teaching responsible leadership. We have a great conversation in which he details his faith journey, ministry life, evangelism, and leadership.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- True North Leadership Group
- Fredrick Russell
- Bio
- Book—Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
For episode 64, we're dropping a special edition that was recorded during Florida Conference's Virtual Camp Meeting in April 2021. The theme, "Reconnect," was the panel discussion topic I led for the Sabbath School program.
Over the course of the past year with the pandemic—and currently, to some extent—many people have felt, to various degrees, disconnected with their community. In some cases, that means disconnection from their church. So how do we reconnect?
Dr. Derek Morris, President of Hope Channel International and keynote speaker for Virtual Camp Meeting 2021, takes part in the panel discussion along with Julie McLafferty, associate pastor at Forest Lake Church, and Gervon Marsh, Florida Conference Pastoral Ministries north area field associate, who has joined me on this podcast several times.
I hope you will find this conversation helpful and hopeful as we seek to be more intentional in connecting and/or reconnecting with Jesus and the mission He's given to us as His followers.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- YouTube playlist of all main meetings and seminars from Florida Conference Virtual Camp Meeting 2021
- Direct link to the beginning of the Sabbath School panel discussion from which this episode was edited.
In episode 63, I have an amazing conversation with well-known pastor and evangelist Mark Finley. Mark has been a pastor and is perhaps most known for his time at It Is Written.
In our conversation, we talk about his faith journey, evangelism in today's world, the power of the local church, and more. I know you will be blessed and challenged by this conversation.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- HopeLives365.com: main site
- HopeLives365BibleStudy.com: training site
- HopeLives365 on YouTube
- Living Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church on Facebook
In episode 62, I have a great conversation with our Florida Conference president, Allan Machado, D.Min. We discuss his faith journey, the many lessons he's learned over the course of that journey, specific lessons learned over the course of the past year, the future church, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Florida Conference Administration
In episode 61, we have the new speaker/director of the media ministry Faith for Today. Pastor Roy accepted this new role after previously serving as an associate pastor at Loma Linda University Church. We had a great conversation about his life, future plans at Faith for Today, and his current project, Indestructible.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Indestructible interactive series with Faith for Today partnering with local congregations.
- Faith for Today
- Web site
- Lifestyle Magazine
- Web site
- YouTube
- Roy Ice
- "Faith for Today," Restore episode 17 with Mike Tucker
Episode 60 of the Restore Podcast is in honor of Black History Month as we have a conversation about the art and beauty of the Black preaching tradition. I was blessed to speak with Dr. Hyveth Williams, professor of Homiletics at Andrews University Theological Seminary and senior pastor of The Grace Place Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Dr. Gervon Marsh who is part of our Pastoral Ministries team here at Florida Conference and holds a doctorate in preaching from Dallas Theological Seminary.
There's so much that can be said about this incredible topic, and surely not everything is covered in this one conversation. I do hope and pray this episode, along with the links, will be a catalyst for you to continue exploring and listening to the art and beauty of Black preaching.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Biographies
- Dr. Hyveth Williams
- The Grace Place Seventh-day Adventist Church
- Dr. Gervon Marsh
- Dr. Hyveth Williams
- Books and Articles
- Black Preaching: The Recovery of Powerful Art by Henry H. Mitchell
- Those Preaching Women: A Multicultural Collection by Ella Pearson Mitchell and Valerie Bridgeman Davis
- Preaching in Black and White by E.K. Bailey and Warren W. Wiersbe
- "Black SDA preaching: Balanced and binding or betwixt and between?" by Dr. Calvin B. Rock in Ministry Magazine.
- Preachers/Sermons Mentioned
- "Of Towers and Light" by Dr. Calvin Butts
- "Where Myrtles Grow" by Dr. William Houston Curtis
- "Let's Go (Take Some Risks)" by Dr. Marcus D. Cosby
- "The Unspoken Part of Ministry" by Dr. Claude Alexander
- "Protest and Progress," Restore episode 49 with Dr. Calvin B. Rock and Dr. Gervon Marsh
In this special episode of the Restore Podcast, episode 59, we speak with the creators of the Humans of Adventism documentary. This documentary explores the lives of Seventh-day Adventism in everyday life within specific topics covered in each episode. In this conversation, we dig a bit behind the scenes and much more!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Humans of Adventism web site
- YouTube
- Patreon
- Humans of Adventism documentary
- Devotional Series by Justin Khoe
- I'm Listening Series by Justin Khoe
- Restore Podcast Episode 24 with Justin Khoe
- Apple Podcast link
- Restore Podcast Episode 30 with Kaleb Eisele
- Apple Podcast link
In episode 58, our first for 2021, I had a great conversation with practicing psychologist and leadership coach Dr. Nick Howard who has helped pastors, leaders, and anyone who has come his way to flourish through God's grace.
With about 20 years of experience in this field, Dr. Howard brings a wealth of first-hand knowledge—both practical and theoretical. I hope this conversation is helpful and hopeful to those who listen and that it will encourage you, unashamedly, if needed to seek professional help if you are struggling in any way with mental health issues and/or wanting a coach for your life.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Contact Dr. Nick Howard
- Finish Well Group Web Site
- Values and Vision Work
- A Psychological Pandemic ~USA Today
- Book: Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry by Ruth Haley Barton
- Book: The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team, and the World by Peter Scazzero
In episode 57, I talk with Dr. Derek Morris, president of Hope Channel International, a television network of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Dr. Morris has held several roles in the Adventist Church. He has pastored and also taught for many years at Southern College (now Southern Adventist University). He has served as president of Hope Channel since 2016.
Dr. Morris and I talk in this episode about Hope Channel's growth, its current plans, and trajectory in the digital age. We also speak about his faith journey, preaching, miracles, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Hope Channel
- Hope Channel on Facebook
- Hope Channel on Instagram
- Hope Channel on Twitter
- Hope Channel Contact Info
- Hope Channel Bible Study Site
- Free Powerful Biblical Preaching eBook
- Use coupon code POWERFUL (all capitals)
- Code is only valid for eBook
A short devotional thought on giving thanks in the midst of this crazy, unprecedented 2020 year. I pray it will bless you!
Show Notes/Links:
- Henry Smith (Wikipedia page)
- Don Moen (YouTube): Give Thanks
In episode 55, we have Pastor Tara VinCross from Azure Hills Church in California. Pastor Tara talks about her faith journey and her recently released book on discipleship: Deep Calling: On Being and Growing Disciples.
- On Being and Growing Disciples is a wholistic discipleship movement—discipleship and disciple-making that emphasizes a life-long process, not a destination. It's about making space for God in the every day, bearing witness to transformation in the ordinary. It's about knowing truth and experiencing truth. It's about learning to listen to the voice of God in your own, precious life. It's about satisfying your longing with the only One who can satisfy your soul. All are invited. All are welcome to answer the deep call of God.
I hope this conversation will bless and encourage you to go and make disciples!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Bio for Tara VinCross
- Deep Calling book and resources from AdventSource
- Deep Calling book in Kindle or paperback from Amazon
In episode 54, we continue with part 3 of our tithing series featuring North American Division CFO/Treasurer Randy Robinson. We discuss how tithe is distributed at the Union, Division, and General Conference levels of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Along with valuable information regarding tithe distribution, you will find Randy's heart for mission at the center of his role.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Bio for Randy Robinson
- August 2020 Tithe Report (PDF)
- Index of all available past reports
On episode 53, we talk with Frank Hasel, Ph.D., an associate director at the Adventist Biblical Research Institute, and Michael Hasel, Ph.D., professor of Near Eastern Studies and Archaeology at Southern Adventist University. They were the authors of the second quarter 2020 Sabbath School lesson, "How to Interpret Scripture." We pray this in-depth conversation will be helpful and hopeful as we encourage you to engage with the Word of God.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Bio for Dr. Michael Hasel
- Bio for Dr. Frank Hasel
- Living for God: Reclaiming the Joy of Christian Virtue book by Frank Hasel
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- Adventist Biblical Research Institute
- A Thousand Shall Fall: The Electrifying Story of a Soldier and His Family Who Dared to Practice Their Faith in Hitler's Germany book by Susi Hasel Mundy
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
- Second quarter 2020 Sabbath School lesson, "How to Interpret Scripture."
- Adventist Book Center (hard copy purchase)
- Amazon (Kindle eBook purchase)
- Adult Bible Study Guide Archive access to web and PDF downloads (free)
- American Bible Society 10th Anniversary "State of the Bible" Survey Report
On episode 52, we welcome back Ty Gibson, author, speaker, director of Light Bearers ministry, and pastor at Storyline Church in Eugene, Oregon. He recently released his newest book, The Heavenly Trio: Exploring the Views of Ellen White and the Early Adventist Pioneers Regarding the Trinity.
For any leader or church member who has questions regarding our Church's past and current understanding of the doctrine of the trinity, or simply wants to dig deeper into this fascinating topic, this is not only a must-listen conversation, but also a must-read book.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Lightbearers Ministry: lightbearers.org
- Storyline Church: storyline.church
- Official Statement On the Trinity: adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental-beliefs/god/trinity
- The Heavenly Trio Book: Adventst Book Center or Amazon
- The Sonship of Christ Book: Adventist Book Center or Amazon
- Camp Meeting Sermon Series—The End: YouTube Playlist
- Teaching Series—Early Adventists and Social Justice: YouTube Playlist
- Ty Gibson on Twitter: twitter.com/tyfgibson
- Lightbearers on Facebook: facebook.com/this.is.light.bearers
- Camp Kulaqua FundRace: camprace.com
Episode 51 is part 2 of a series we started on tithing in the Adventist Church. Part 1 was episode 45 with Dr. Jud Lake titled, "Brief History and Theology of Tithing in the Adventist Church." In this part 2 episode, we feature Elisa Rahming, Florida Conference Treasurer/CFO, explaining how tithe is distributed and used in a local conference. We hope this series will be informative and helpful in explaining how tithing is used.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Are We Suing Ourselves? article by Elisa Rahming
- AdventistGiving.org
- North American Division Tithe and Offering Reports
On our 50th episode, we were privileged to have Pastor Seth Yelorda from Relove Seventh-day Adventist church in California. This is a power-packed conversation in which you will be blessed and challenged, and hopefully compelled to share so others will be as well. Pastor Seth is passionate about helping pastors, leaders, and churches have vision clarity for themselves and their organizations.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Relove Church: relove.church
- Vision Clarity: visionclarity360.com
- Vision Clarity YouTube: youtube.com/peterseth
- Twitter: @sethyelorda
- Facebook: facebook.com/BridgeSolutionsLLC
Episode 49 features a conversation with Calvin B. Rock who has been a major leadership voice in the Seventh-day Adventist Church for more than six decades as a pastor, church administrator, and writer. He was president of Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) from 1971-1985, and general vice president of the General Conference from 1985 until his retirement in 2002.
He has been an active participant in North American Adventism's continuing discussions of race relations. He holds a BA degree in theology from Oakwood University, an MA in sociology from the University of Detroit, and both a D.Min. and Ph.D. degree in religious ethics from Vanderbilt University. He is the author or editor of ten books.
In his retirement in Las Vegas, Nevada, he returned to active pastoring and has a heart for helping the Church better understand the full meaning of the righteousness of Christ.
Bio from Rock's book, Protest & Progress, link below.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Book: Protest & Progress: Black Seventh-day Adventist Leadership and the Push for Parity
- Ministry Magazine article: Black SDA Preaching: Balance and Binding or Betwixt and Between?
Pastor Dan Jackson has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for nearly 50 years. The last ten years, he has faithfully served as North American Division president. For episode 48 of the Restore Podcast, we bring this in-depth interview discussing his life journey, mission, Church restructure, retirement, and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Bio: nadadventist.org/nad_directory/staff/Daniel-R-Jackson
With the ongoing pandemic we are all dealing with, mental health issues have been rising. As important as it is to deal with our physical body, it is also important to promote mental and emotional health.
Practicing psychologist Annie Perez and family and marriage therapist Candy DeVore dive into this utmost important topic with practical tools and advice for everyone.
This is a must-listen episode, and we pray that it will be helpful and hopeful for such a time as this.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- CONTACT INFO
- Dr. Annie Perez: annie.perez@floridaconference.com
- Candy DeVore: cdevore@forestlakechurch.org
- WEB LINKS
- Free Guide To Living With Worry And Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty
- ChildMin.org - Excellent resource for articles with very doable and applicable tools
- How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on To Your Kids
- What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious
- Anxious Stomach Aches and Headaches
- Don't Just Avoid the Virus—Defeat It by Strengthening Your Immunity
- PDF DOCUMENTS
- Talking to children about coronavirus (British Psychological Society). Helpful practical advice for parents.
- Maintaining your mental health during social isolation (Australian Psychological Society). Practical advice for adults and parents.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) anxiety and staying mentally healthy for older adults (Australian Psychological Society). Practical advice for older adults.
- Psychological impacts of Coronavirus (Canadian Psychological Association)
- Protect Yourself When Someone at Home has COVID-19 (Florida Department of Health)
- Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
- PHONE NUMBERS
- Disaster Distress Hotline
1-800-985-5990
1-800-846-8517 (TTY)
Text TalkWithUs to 66746 - National Domestic Hotline
1-800-799-7233
1-800-787-3224 (TTY) - Suicide Help Hotline
1-800-273-8255
- Disaster Distress Hotline
What does the Bible say, if anything, about going through a pandemic such as COVID-19? Is it a sign of the end? This question and so much more with well-respected biblical scholar Dr. Jonathan Paulien of the Loma Linda University School of Religion.
Though we are living in uncertain times, we are certain that God is still on the throne and in control. Our trust is in Him. We are praying for you and we pray this episode will be a blessing to you during these unprecedented times.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Coronavirus and Prophecy on The Battle of Armageddon blog: revelation-armageddon.com/2020/03/corona-virus-and-prophecy
- Jonathan Paulien, Ph.D., bio: religion.llu.edu/faculty/faculty-profiles#paulien
- Wikipedia page: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Paulien
- God's Prophetic Surprises on LLBN TV: llbn.tv/gps
In 2016, the Seventh-day Adventist Church surpassed $1 billion in tithe collected. It's an amazing amount when we ponder from where we came and how the concept of tithing began and evolved within the Church.
So, with episode 45, we begin a series of episodes on tithing within our denomination. It's our hope you will not only find them informative, but you will be inspired and amazed how God has worked through the faithfulness of His people to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in fulfilling the mission given to us to let the world know Jesus is coming soon.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- The History and Use of Tithe (from Ellen White Estate)
- Tithe and Offering Resources from North American Division Stewardship Department
- In Search of the Store House
- In almost every discussion of tithing, the question of where the tithe should be sent comes up. The following paper (Adobe PDF link) prepared by G. Edward Reid looks at the storehouse question from several points of view, coming to a concise answer for today’s Christian steward. The following topics are considered:
- Seventh-day Adventist Church policy
- Scriptural perspective
- Counsel from Spirit of Prophecy
- Second tithe
- What to do with back tithe
- Why the Church was organized
- What about other ministries
- What if there are problems in the ministry
- Ellen White’s example
- The duty of the conference
- The eschatological significance of tithing
- In almost every discussion of tithing, the question of where the tithe should be sent comes up. The following paper (Adobe PDF link) prepared by G. Edward Reid looks at the storehouse question from several points of view, coming to a concise answer for today’s Christian steward. The following topics are considered:
- General Conference article on the use of tithe
- North American Division tithe and offering reports for the past 10+ years
In episode 44, I interview George Knight, Ed.D., M.Div., MA, emeritus professor of church history at Andrews University and perhaps one of the most living prolific writers in Adventist history. We spend time talking about his life, writing, women's ordination, and so much more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- ELLEN WHITE'S AFTERLIFE
- Adventist Book Center
- Amazon
In episode 43, we welcome back Pastor Richie Halversen of Bowman Hills Church. We talk about his book released last year, Darkness Will Not Overcome, which covers his struggle and recovery from opioids. We also spend some time speaking about evangelism.
Many, if not all, of us know someone (or even ourself) going through some kind of addiction. This is a great story of how God is able to give the victory.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- RICHIE HALVERSEN
- E-mail: rhalversen@me.com
- Twitter: twitter.com/richie59
- Bowman Hills Church: bowmanhills.org
- DARKNESS WILL NOT OVERCOME
- Adventist Book Center
In episode 42, we are delighted to have Pastor Sam Rainer with us. He's the pastor of West Bradenton Baptist Church. Our conversation is all about church revitalization as Sam is currently going through a church revitalization and helps other churches/pastors do so as well.
Sam is also co-host of the Established Church Podcast, president of Church Answers, co-founder and co-owner of Rainer Publishing, and president of Revitalize Network.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- SAM RAINER
- Web Site/Biography: samrainer.com/about
- Twitter: twitter.com/SamRainer
- MINISTRIES
- West Bradenton Baptist Church: westbradenton.org
- Church Answers: churchanswers.com
- Rainer Publishing: rainerpublishing.com
- Revitalize Network: revitalizenetwork.org
- Established Church Podcast: spreaker.com/show/est-for-the-established-church
In episode 41, we have an in-depth conversation with Pastor Andres Flores of Epic Church in Chicago. We talk about what it was like to plant the church in 2012 and what has happened in the seven years since. You will be blessed to listen to Pastor Flores as he gives some keen insights and thoughts about his journey at Epic.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- ANDRES FLORES
- Facebook: facebook.com/j.andresflores
- Twitter: twitter.com/pastorandres777
- EPIC CHURCH
- Web: epicchurchsda.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/EpicChurch
- Twitter: twitter.com/EpicChurchChi
- Instagram: instagram.com/epicchurchchi/
- YouTube: youtube.com/epicwired
- ARTICLE ABOUT EPIC CHURCH
- Global Mission: csps.globalmissioncenters.org/the-makings-of-an-epic-church
In episode 40 of the Restore Podcast, we are joined by Forest Lake Church Senior Pastor Geoff Patterson, Executive Pastor Tim Nichols, and Collegiate/Young Adult Pastor Juan Martinez discussing the church's past, present, and future trajectory in ministry.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- FOREST LAKE CHURCH
- Web: forestlakechurch.org
- Facebook: facebook.com/forestlakesdachurch
- Twitter: twitter.com/forestlkchurch
- Instagram: instagram.com/p/B3EkzqZAM6a/
- Live Services: forestlakechurch.churchonline.org
- Archived Services: vimeo.com/forestlakechurch/videos
- GEOFF PATTERSON
- Facebook: facebook.com/geoff.patterson.5283
- Twitter: twitter.com/pattersongeoff
- TIM NICHOLS
- Facebook: facebook.com/tim.nichols.754
- Twitter: twitter.com/tgnichols
- JUAN MARTINEZ
- Facebook: facebook.com/juan.martinez.50115
- Twitter: twitter.com/JMartinez110
In episode 39 of the Restore Podcast, we talk with the Speaker/Director of It Is Written, Pastor John Bradshaw. It Is Written is a ministry that has been touching lives for more than 60 years. It was the first religious program broadcasgt in color to hit television in 1956.
Pastor Bradshaw shares from his heart, being very transparent about his personal journey, the past and present, and challenges with It Is Written and his take on evangelism in today's world.
Make sure to listen all the way through!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- JOHN BRADSHAW
- Twitter: twitter.com/bradshawkiwi
- Facebook: facebook.com/bradshawkiwi
- IT IS WRITTEN
- Web: itiswritten.com
- YouTube: youtube.com/itiswritten
- Twitter: twitter.com/itiswritten
- Facebook: facebook.com/itiswritten
On the 100-year anniversary of the 1919 Bible conference, Dr. Michael Campbell releases his book on the "epochal" event in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In episode 38, Dr. Campbell talks a bit about his personal journey, why he wrote his book, 1919: The Untold Story of Adventism's Struggle with Fundamentalism, the history and issues of the 1919 Bible conference, and the implications for today.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Michael Campbell Bio from Southwestern Adventist University: swau.edu/profile/michael-campbell
- Michael Campbell on Facebook: facebook.com/pastorsoup
- Michael Campbell on Twitter: twitter.com/thewalkingstick
- Spectrum Magazine interview: spectrummagazine.org/interviews/2019/new-book-uncovers-adventist-relationship-fundamentalism
- Book—1919: The Untold Story of Adventism's Struggle With Fundamentalism
- Adventist Book Center: adventistbookcenter.com/1919-the-untold-story-of-adventism-s-struggle-with-fundamentalism.html
- Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B07R6Y4Z1Z/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_ka0qDbSTKB621
- Book—Ellen White's Afterlife
- Adventist Book Center: adventistbookcenter.com/ellen-white-s-afterlife.html
- Amazon: amazon.com/Ellen-Whites-Afterlife-George-Knight-ebook/dp/B07PXGZMQG
Episode 37 features Dr. Carlton Byrd, senior pastor of Oakwood University Church on the campus of Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. He is also speaker/director for Breath of Life Ministries. In this conversation, Dr. Byrd speaks on his journey in ministry, evangelism/discipleship, and a brief inside look of his leadership at Oakwood and Breath of Life.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Bio: breathoflife.tv/who-we-are/dr-carlton-p-byrd
- Breath of Life Ministries: breathoflife.tv
- Oakwood University Church: oucsda.org
- Twitter: twitter.com/pastorcpbyrd
- Breath of Life on Twitter: twitter.com/breathoflifetv
- Breath of Life on Facebook: facebook.com/breathoflifetv
- Book: Free (pre-order at time of episode release)
Episode 36 features Ron Clouzet, D.Min., Th.D. (ABD), who serves as Ministerial Association Secretary for the Northern Asia-Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The conversation covers what it's like to minister and evangelize in the culture of that part of the world.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Official Bio: nsdadventist.org/ministries/ministries.html?DP_DAPT=8
- Information on Northern Asia-Pacific Division: adventist.org/en/world-church/northern-asia-pacific
- E-mail: clouzet@nsdadventist.org
- Twitter: twitter.com/ronclouzet
In episode 35, Bill Knott shares his faith journey from 18 years of pastoring churches, both large and small, to his current position as Executive Editor for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines. Adventist Review is the Seventh-day Adventist Church's flagship magazine, first published by James White in 1849.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Adventist Review: AdventistReview.org
- Facebook: facebook.com/AdventistReview
- Twitter: twitter.com/AdventistReview
- Adventist World: AdventistWorld.org
- Facebook: facebook.com/AdventistWorldMagazine
- Bill Knott on Twitter: twitter.com/AREditor
Sergio Quevedo is a pastor and church planter whose journey is one you will want to hear as he shares what God can do as we surrender our lives to Him and step out of our comfort zones.
In episode 34, Sergio speaks about his call to ministry, giving up a law school scholarship. As the same time that he is given three small churches to pastor, Sergio begins a journey that leads him to be part of planting three more churches.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Twitter: twitter.com/PrSergioQuevedo
- Facebook: facebook.com/sergissimo.quevedo
- One Connection Church on Facebook: facebook.com/oneconnectionchurch
Episode 33 is a powerful conversation with Jennifer Bolejack whose husband, Pastor Bradley Bolejack, tragically took his own life after suffering from anxiety and depression. Jennifer's counselor, Casey Horne, was also part of this incredible conversation that will help draw awareness to mental health issues.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Casey Horne web: ChampionFamiliesCounseling.com
- Casey Horne phone: (936) 900-8400
- (Services include video conference counseling.)
- Jennifer Bolejack e-mail: jenbole@gmail.com
- Jennifer Bolejack Facebook: facebook.com/jen.bolejack
- Jennifer's video testimony: youtu.be/r1192Uy8-JQ
- Adventist Review article: Calling Out the Majority: Why we need to talk about pastoral burnout, depression, and even suicide
- Counseling web site—find a counselor anywhere you are: theravive.com
- "We are a network of licensed and professional clinical counselors, therapists, and psychologists who strive to make mental health care safe, affordable, and accessible. We hold compassionate values in therapy that cares for the whole person. Our goal is to help people reach their potential, overcome difficult journeys, and effect real and lasting change."
In episode 32, we have an incredible conversation over one of life's greatest questions: If God is good and loving, why is there evil in the world?
In his latest book: Theodicy of Love: Cosmic Conflict and the Problem of Evil, professor and author John Peckham discusses this topic with a fresh, in-depth framework.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Book: theodicyoflove.com
- Book: Amazon link
- Bio: andrews.edu/sem/contact/faculty/john-peckham.html
- John on Twitter: twitter.com/jcpeckham
In episode 31, we kick off the new year with Heather Thompson Day, Ph.D., talking about how to better communicate in the 21st century—particularly communicating the gospel.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Heather's Web Site: heatherthompsonday.com
- Heather on Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorHeatherThompsonDay
- Heather on Instagram: instagram.com/heatherthompsonday
- Heather on Twitter: twitter.com/heathertday
In episode 30, we talk with Kaleb Eisele as he shares his journey of faith within the Adventist Church. Kaleb is a 27-year-old millennial who started the web site, Humans of Adventism.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Orangeburg Church on Facebook: facebook.com/OrangeburgAdventists
- Humans of Adventism Web Site: adventisthumans.com
- Humans of Adventism on Facebook: facebook.com/humansofadventism
- Humans of Adventism on Instagram: instagram.com/humansofadventism
- Kaleb on Twitter: twitter.com/KalebEisele
In episode 29, we talk with Pastors Walter Castro and José Cortez Jr. about Volunteer Lay Pastors.
Florida Conference has been at the forefront of this endeavor for many years. Here are some statistics regarding the VLP program in Florida:
- 89 mission groups/companies/churches led by VLPs
- VLP program started about 15 years ago
- Around $4.5 million in tithe comes from these churches
- We have VLPs from 18 nationalities
- The largest VLP-led church has 387 members
- We have three female VLPs
- Hundreds of baptisms come from VLP-led churches every year
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- North American Division Article about Volunteer Lay Pastors written by José Cortes Jr.
- North American Division Volunteer Lay Pastor Guidelines
- Walter Castro, Florida Conference Pastoral Ministries Field Associate for Volunteer Lay Pastors: Walter.Castro@floridaconference.com
In episode 28, we have a fascinating conversation with the authors of The Discipleship Gospel, Bill Hull and Ben Sobels. In the book, Bill and Ben expand on several points, particularly, (1) you cannot make disciples for a non-discipleship gospel, and (2) the gospel you preach determines the disciples you make.
Purchasing a copy of the book is strongly recommended. We've arranged a 20% discount with the publisher for the paperback version. Just click to HIM Publications, and apply the coupon code RESTORE before finalizing your purchase.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- The Discipleship Gospel: Use RESTORE coupon code to purchase at 20% discount.
- Bill Hull: billhull.net
- Ben Sobels: cypresschurch.org
- The Bonhoeffer Project: thebonhoefferproject.com
While attending the North American church planters boot camp, I had the pleasure of conversing with Pastor Edwin Vargas and his wife, Lisanette. Church planting is one of the most beautiful and challenging endeavors any follower of Jesus can undertake. This couple is on their third church plant. Listen to their story, and I know you will be blessed, challenged, and inspired—perhaps even to go and plant a church!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Edwin Vargas on Twitter: @predwingabriel
- Edwin Vargas on Facebook: Edwin Gabriel Vargas
- Newday Christian Church: newdaysda.com
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 26. I am Javier, your host. Wherever you may be and however you listen we always thank you for joining us on the journey to helping Restore the vision, Restore mission, Restore the church.
I'm really excited to have you listen to my conversation on this episode with Pastor Karl Vaters. He is the teaching pastor at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Fountain Vally, California, where he's been a pastor for more than 20 years.
Karl has been a small church pastor all of his life, and he's written two books about it. The first book he wrote, The Grasshopper Myth, we briefly mention as we focus on his most recent book which I recently finished reading, Small Church Essentials: Field-tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250. In the book's introduction Karl mentions:
"This book is not about how to get your small church to become a big church. It's also not about how small churches are better than big churches. They're not. And it's definitely not about settling for less. It's not about wanting churches to be small; it's about wanting small churches to be great."
The fact is, most churches in North America have fewer than 200 in attendance and are considered a small church. The question is: What does a healthy small church look like? This book fleshes that out.
An offer for you if you're quick: the first three people to e-mail me at javier.diaz@floridaconference.com and ask about Small Church Essentials will receive a FREE copy.
Two final notes: First, I encourage you to look into attending EC3, the Southern Union's Evangelism Conference, coming this fall. More info is at southernunion.com/ec3. Second, we usually take a break of a month or two in the summer, so stay tuned for the next episode of the Restore podcast a couple months from now.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Karl Vaters on Twitter: @karlvaters
- Karl Vaters on Facebook: Karl Vaters
- Karl Vaters Web Site: newsmallchurch.com
- Cornerstone Christian Fellowship: cornerstonefv.com
Welcome to the Restore Podcast where it is our goal to help Restore the vision, Restore the mission, Restore the church. I am Javier, your host for episode 25, and I am joined by my friend and colleague Rudy Alvir as co-host
My guest on todays episode is Ty Gibson. He's co-director of Light Bearers ministry and lead pastor of Storyline Adventist Church, both located in Eugene, Oregon. Ty is a highly sought-after speaker and has written several books.
In this conversation, we talk about how Light Bearers started, we talk about Storyline Church, and much more. You will definitely want to listen to that "much more" part as well.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Ty Gibson on Twitter: @tyfgibson
- Storyline Adventist Mission Group: storyline.church
- Light Bearers Ministry: lightbearers.org
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 24. My name is Javier and I'm your host, along with my friend and colleague Rudy Alvir joining this episode as co-host. I hope that wherever or whatever you may be doing as you are listen that this podcast will be a catalyst to help you Restore the vision, Restore the mission, Restore the church. I always like to start by thanking everyone who is listening, has subscribed to this podcast, and and has shared it. I hope you continue to do so.
I’ve been so excited to release this episode and, to be honest, the next ones we have coming are episodes you will definitely want to hear. But let me tell you a little bit about how I encountered my guest today on this episode. I had come across Justin Khoe's videos online and, as I did some checking and watched his YouTube videos, I felt impressed to try and get him on the podcast.
Recently, I was in Michigan on the campus of Andrews University and, as I was walking and talking with a good friend, I ended up being introduced to Justin who was there to make a presentation at a conference happening that weekend. I don’t normally do this, but I immediately asked him if he would be interested in recording an episode. He said "yes," and we actually did it a few hours later that same day.
Justin has a very unique and interesting story of why he started That Christian Vlogger as an outreach to spread the gospel. If you've heard of Justin, you will love this episode as he really opens up his heart. If you've never heard of him before, you will blessed immensely as you listen, and I highly encourage you to check out his YouTube channel. Just search for "That Christian Vlogger."
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Justin Khoe on YouTube: That Christian Vlogger
- Justin Khoe on Facebook: Justin Khoe
- Justin Khoe on Twitter: @jkhoe
- Justin Khoe on Instagram: @jkhoe
- Justin Khoe's Web Site: ThatChristianVlogger.com
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 23. My name is Javier and I'm your host. It is our goal to help Restore the vision, Restore the mission, Restore the church. Regardless of when or how you listen, thank you for listening, and please continue to share the podcast far and wide.
Though a majority of our listeners are from the U.S., of whom we are thankful, I want to say a special HELLO to all those listening from outside of the U.S. such as Australia, Canada, U.K. South Africa, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, Barbados, Sweden, and I’m sure there are others as well.
I know that you will be blessed by the conversation I had with Pastor Jennifer Deans of Living Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church. In this episode, we talk about her journey to becoming pastor of Living Faith. We also dig into her journey toward making disciples along with creating a culture of discipleship at Living Faith.
I encourage you to listen carefully as she fleshes out her discipleship process, and I’m sure you’ll find it interesting when we spend a few moments talking about some of the practical ways Living Faith has set funds aside for people to use.
Be sure to check out the show notes for the books Jennifer mentions, the discipleship group web site she talks about, and the three points she states shows a person is open to being discipled.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Living Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church: livingfaithsda.org
- Living Faith Church on Facebook: Living Faith Church
- Living Faith Church on Twitter: @LivingFaith_SDA
- Ignite Discipleship Web Site: IgnitedDiscipleship.com
- Books:
- Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels
- Whisper by Mark Batterson
- End of Me by Kyle Idleman
- Starfish Movement by Dan Grider
- Three Ways You Can Tell People Are Open to Discipleship
- Open to the Holy Spirit
- Teachable
- Teachable by Me (the one doing the discipling)
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 22. My name is Javier and I'm your host. I hope that wherever and whatever you may be doing as you listen that this podcast will help you in your journey to help Restore the vision, Restore the mission, Restore the church.
With the release of this month's episode, we celebrate our two-year anniversary of the Restore Podcast! It's hard to believe how quickly time flies. For those who may be wondering why we are on episode 22 instead of 24, we take off a couple of months in the summer to regroup and assess the podcast. Just as we will do this summer.
With that said, I again thank all of you who listen, share, and have let me know how you've been blessed by the podcast and have encouraged me to continue. Thank you so much!
Since it is our two-year anniversary, I thought it would be good to interview one of the two guests who was on the very first episode. That first episode's topic was essentially what the podcast would be about.
This month, I interview Mike Cauley, Florida Conference president, and we get to hear and dig a little deeper into his personal story and journey in ministry.
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 21. My name is Javier and I'm your host.
Our desire is that this podcast can be a tool for you to be inspired, challenged, and informed in ways to help Restore the vision, Restore the mission, Restore the church.
By the time this episode is released, the first month of 2018 will almost be in the rearview mirror of history. I hope and pray that you are off to a good start, especially when it comes to moving forward with the mission that God has given His church.
Last month, we released my conversation with Pastor David Asscherick, and I want to thank you all of you for the great responses from that interview and the many lessons and thoughts that came from it. Of course I again thank David for his time and openness. If you haven't had the chance to listen to it I highly advise that you do.
I'm very excited to bring to you my interview with Matt Stockdale. Last month in early December, I had the opportunity to speak at the Triad Adventist Fellowship, the church Matt Stockdale leads in the Triad area of North Carolina. For those who may not be acquainted with the Triad area, it consists of the region surrounding the three major cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. Matt is not a pastor, per se. He's actually a District Attorney in North Carolina, yet also leads the church. In this conversation, I cover his journey that lead him to not only continue to practice law, but also lead this new church that was launched in 2014.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Triad Adventist Fellowship web site: triadadventistfellowship.com
- Triad Adventist Fellowship on Facebook: Triad Adventist Fellowship
- Triad Adventist Fellowship on Twitter: @TriadAdventist
- Matt Stockdale on Facebook: Matt Stockdale
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 20. My name is Javier and I'm your host.
It’s hard to believe 2017 is almost over! I want to thank you all for listening throughout the year. I hope and pray the stories and themes we have shared have been a catalyst and an inspiration that will help you Restore the vision, Restore the mission, Restore the church. Please continue to share and subscribe if you haven’t already, and if you have a moment please leave a comment.
This episode is an interview with Pastor David Assherick. He is currently pastor of Kingscliff Church in Australia.
For some time, David has been one of the most well-known names within the Seventh-day Adventist community of faith. In this interview, we cover how he got started, his time as a public evangelist, his first pastoral stint, and then how things are going for him at his current church.
I want to thank David for his time and transparency throughout this interview. Though it is a long interview, I encourage you listen ALL the way through! I know you will be blessed and challenged by what you will hear.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Contact
- Facebook: David Asscherick
- Twitter: @dasscherick
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 19. My name is Javier and I'm your host.
Friends, I hope you’re all doing well and ready to finish of the year strong. As we recorded this episode, Thanksgiving was upon us. Like you, I have so much for which to be thankful. First and foremost, I’m so thankful for God’s mercy, grace, and love toward me and you. Truly, the more I think upon it, the more I have to say, "Thank you, Jesus!"
I’m also thankful for all of you that take the time to listen to the Restore podcast and share it with others. Thank you, again, and please keep it going. Subscribe, leave a comment, and let others know. Our goal is to tell stories and cover topics that will help Restore the vision, Restore the mission, Restore the church to what God intended it to be.
My guest today is Pastor Shawn Brace. He pastors two churches in the great state of Maine. We had a wonderful conversation as we reminisced a bit and laughed together, but more importantly spoke on mission, discipleship, and what that looks like in a state known for being one of the least religious in the country and more.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Study
-
Pew Research Center: How Religious is Your State?
-
Books by Jeff Vanderstelt
- Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Everyday Stuff of Life—Amazon
-
Gospel Fluency: Speaking the Truths of Jesus into the Everyday Stuff of Life—Amazon
-
Contact
- Facebook: Shawn Brace
- Twitter: @shawnbrace
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 18. My name is Javier and I'm your host. Wherever and whatever you are doing as you are listening, our hope is that this podcast will help you in your quest to restore the vision, restore the mission, restore the church, because we who call ourselves followers of Jesus are the church.
As always, I thank you for taking the time to listen and share this podcast. Please feel free to let me know what you think. If you have any ideas, topics, or stories you feel we should have on the podcast, let me know. You can contact me via Twitter, @javid21, or via e-mail: javier.diaz@floridaconference.com.
In this episode, my guest is Pastor Bernie Anderson, and we are talking about overcoming pornography. This is a topic as relevant as ever, and perhaps you know someone, or you are someone struggling with pornography. I truly encourage you to listen to this conversation as we touch on some really deep and personal points. Please do share this episode with anyone you think would benefit, whether they are struggling with pornography or any other addiction.
Be sure to listen until the end (hopefully without fast forwarding!) as Bernie makes a very important announcement about the next step in his life!
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Articles
- The Gospel Coalition: Porn Is Not Harmless. It's Cruel.
-
Barna: The Porn Phenomenon
-
Web Resources
- bernieanderson.org
- xxxchurch.com
- x3pure.com
- x3groups.com
- x3watch.com
-
smallgroupsonline.com
-
Books
- Breaking The Silence—Amazon / Adventist Book Center
-
Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids—Amazon
-
Contact
- Facebook: Bernie Anderson
- Twitter: @pastorb33
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 17. My name is Javier and I'm your host. I want to thank everyone once again for listening and sharing this podcast. Our desire remains the same, to share stories and speak on relevant topics that will help restore the mission, restore the vision, restore the church.
In this episode episode, I am truly excited for you to listen to my conversation with Mike Tucker. Mike is Speaker/Director for Faith For Today. It is the oldest religious television broadcast in the world.
In our conversation, Mike speaks a bit about his journey in ministry leading to joining Faith For Today. Yet, we spend a good amount of time talking about grief, as Mike's wife, Gayle, passed away last year in April. This is something we all at some point have or will experience. I really appreciate his willingness to be open and transparent in how he dealt with losing his long-time companion Gayle, and where he's at now. We end by touching a bit on the current climate of the church.
The topic of grief is perhaps something that we don’t talk about much. I hope you will share this episode with someone, anyone, you think would be helpful for them.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Faith For Today Television: faithfortoday.tv
- Facebook: facebook.com/faithfortoday and facebook.com/FFTMikeTucker
- Twitter: @faithfortoday and @FFTMike
Welcome to Restore Podcast episode 16. My name is Javier Diaz, and I am your host. We are glad to be back after short break during the summer. I appreciate that, during our time away, the podcast has continued to grow. Thank you for listening and sharing the episodes.
In this episode, we speak with Pastor Kymone Hinds from Journey Fellowship Church. He is a church planter, has just written a book titled This Is chURch: Where You Fit In, and also hosts his own podcast. I’ve been wanting to him on the Restore Podcast for some time, and I was glad that he agreed to participate.
I think you will find this conversation helpful and useful to your ministry. I so appreciate his openness, willingness along with his transparency.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Kymone Hinds' web site: kymonehinds.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/pastorhinds
- Twitter: @kymonehinds
- Podcast: Ideas to Life
- Book: This Is chURch: Where You Fit In
- Remember, the first person to e-mail Javier asking about the book will receive a free copy.
Hi everyone, and welcome to Restore Podcast episode 15. I am your host, Javier Diaz, and I'm delighted that you've decided to listen as we endeavor to help restore the vision, restore the mission, restore the church.
I'm amazed how this little podcast has been steadily growing and, of course, I thank you for that. Our sole purpose is to create a resource that can help in some way restore the mission and vision of the local church.
I want to give a special shout out to all our listeners outside of the US. Specifically, I want to say hello to those listening in Japan. Yes Japan! So…Konnichiwa! Which, of course, is Hello in Japanese. And Arigatou gozaimashita! Which is Thank You! Hopefully soon we can perhaps interview someone from Japan on our podcast!
For this episode, I believe you will be highly blessed with my conversation with Pastor Randy Roberts. He is the Senor Pastor of Loma Linda University Church in California. It is one of the largest Adventist churches in North America. We talk about how he came to Loma Linda, some of the joys and challenges, and perhaps most importantly the church's current transition and refocus on growing disciples.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Loma Linda University Church web site: LLUC.org
- The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus' Essential Teachings on Discipleship by Dallas Willard
- Randy Roberts' Four Points on Growing Disciples:
- Worship
- Study/pray
- Engage in community
- Serve-need base/word base
Hello everyone and welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 14. I am your host, Javier Diaz, and I am so thankful that you've chosen to listen.
The Restore podcast exists to help restore the vision, restore the mission, restore the church. We do this through telling stories of different churches and how they are on the journey of transformation, and also by having conversations about different relevant topics facing the church today.
The Restore podcast slowly but surely continues to grow. We thank you for listening and hope that you will share it with others. Please do subscribe to the podcast so you won't miss when we release our monthly episodes.
On this episode, our guest is Pastor Jose St. Phard from Bolingbrook Seventh-day Adventist Church in Illinois, less than two hours from Chicago. We invited him to our Restore Conference in January, but in this episode we dive a bit deeper into the transformational journey of Bolingbrook Church.
You will want to listen all the way through as it is an amazing story of a church that began with only 40 or so in attendance and a person telling Pastor Jose that their church was the "frozen chosen." But today, Bolingbrook is a church of approximately 400 members with a mission that is the first thing you read on their web site: "Creating spaces for the people God misses the most."
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Bolingbrook Church Web Site: bolingbrook.church
- Jose St. Phard E-mail: info@bolingbrook.church
- Jose St. Phard Twitter: @jphard
Hello everyone and welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 13. I am your host, Javier Diaz, and I hope this podcast helps to restore the vision, restore the mission, restore the church.
I want to thank you for taking time and listening to the Restore podcast, and I pray that whatever you might be doing—driving, running, cooking, whatever it might be—that perhaps you will be challenged, encouraged, and blessed by today's topic.
As I was preparing for this episode which I've titled, Is Public Evangelism Dead?, I came across an article in Ministry Magazine—an international journal for pastors published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which many of you know about. The article was entitled, Is Public Evangelism Obsolete? I found it incredible interesting that I would find such a headline published more than 30 years ago when some are asking the same question today.
In this episode, I speak to Roger Hernandez, ministerial and evangelism director for Southern Union Conference, and Richie Halversen, senior pastor of College Drive Church and church planting director for Gulf States Conference. Both are very passionate and actively engaged in public evangelism. At the time I recorded the interview, they were both about to begin meetings. We had a great conversation about what public evangelism is, whether it still a viable means of reaching people, money, and more. I believe you will find the conversation very intriguing.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Is Public Evangelism Obsolete? | Ministry Magazine
- AlphaUSA | ministry web site mentioned by Richie
- Richie Halversen: blog | Twitter | e-mail
- Roger Hernandez: blog | Twitter | e-mail
Hi everyone, welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 12. I am your host, Javier Diaz.
It's good to be back after not posting an episode last month. Of course last month we held our Restore Conference and it was truly a lot of work to put on but an incredible blessing—especially hearing from several pastors/leaders telling us how they were inspired and challenged by the conference. If you weren't able to make it, we are updating our web site to add pictures from the conference, including many of the main stage speakers. So, as soon as the site is ready I will let you know.
Before telling you about this episode. I again want to thank all of you for listening and sharing with others this podcast. I also want to thank several of you that have encouraged me to keep doing them. With this 12th episode, I have now been doing this for a year. Over the course of this year, we've had more than 1,000 total plays to the Restore Podcast. So again, I say thank you and please continue to share and subscribe to the podcast!
With that said, I'm really excited for you to hear this episode entitled Worship, Music, and the Church.
I invited three incredible, God-loving people who love the church and love music! Though they do introduce themselves, allow me to tell you a little bit about them:
- Tami Cinquemani is Worship Pastor at Florida Hospital Church. She has served there for more than 20 years, and became Worship Pastor in 2009. She also completed her masters degree in worship studies at the Robert E. Webber Institue for Worship Studies.
- Richard Hickam serves as Minister of Music at Florida Hospital Church. Richard is a versatile composer, conductor, arranger, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is also the founding music director and conductor of the East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra and served for more than a decade as the band and orchestra director at Collegedale Academy in Tennessee.
- Denar Almonte is Worship Leader for Forest City Spanish Church. He is an incredible worship leader, singer, and music producer. He spent 12 years as leader of the well-known Spanish Heritage Singers. Along with leading worship at Forest City, Denar currently leads a music group called Promise.
We had an incredibly great and fun time talking about what worship is and what it might look like in the gathered experience, as well as when the church is scattered during the week. We spent a good amount of time talking about how they prepare for their worship gathered experiences and so much more.
I believe this is the longest episode I've recorded thus far, but I hope that you will take the time to listen, because I believe you will be blessed by listening to this amazing conversation I had with them.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God's Call to Justice by Mark Labberton
- For the Glory of God: Recovering a Biblical Theology of Worship by Daniel I. Block
- The Worship Architect: A Blueprint for Designing Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful Services by Constance M. Cherry
Welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 11 where it is our hearts' desire to help restore the vision, restore the mission, and restore the church through God's strength and power.
I'm your host, Javier Diaz, and it is hard for me to believe that, at the release of this episode, we are less than two weeks away from the end of 2016 and the start of 2017. Ever since we began this podcast in February, it's been a learning experience for me getting into the podcasting world. Though I listen to many podcasts, it's a bit different to start working on one. Yet, it's been a blessing to talk with and learn from so many people. I thank all of you who take the time to listen and even give some feedback. Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing this podcast.
Before I introduce this month's guest, I want to remind you of the upcoming Restore Conference happening January 30-31, 2017. The discounted early registration priced at $99 ends December 31 and increases to $150 after that, so be sure to click over to RestoreTheMission.com and register right away to get the lowest price.
Since we are in the thick of the holidays, we are giving away TWO registrations to the conference. Send an e-mail to me—javier.diaz@floridaconference.com—with your answer to the following question (one guess per person), and the first two correct answers will win a Restore Conference registration:
- Which episode of the Restore Podcast do you think has been listened to the most number of times? (Hint, this is episode 11, so the answer is one of the first 10)
Again, only one guess per person is allowed, and the e-mail with your answer must also include your full name, city, state, and church membership.
In addition to the first two correct answers receiving a free registration to the Restore Conference, the third correct answer submitted will receive a free copy of a book authored by this month's guest, Juliet Van Heerden. Her book is entitled Same Dress, Different Day: A Spiritual Memoir of Addiction and Redemption. Juliet is an educator, speaker, and writer who holds a Master of Science degree in Literacy Education. Juliet states:
"Same Dress, Different Day: A Spiritual Memoir of Addiction and Redemption chronicles my journey from victim to victor as I struggled to break free from codependency's suffocating cycle. I learned to see my Savior as the soul mate and provider that my chemically dependent spouse could never be. God's healing grace is not only for the addicted, but also for the broken ones who love them."
Throughout this year, we have told several stories of churches on their journey of restoration. I'm so glad to bring you this personal story of restoration.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- JulietVanHeerden.com personal web site
- SameDressDifferentDay.com by Juliet Van Heerden
-
additional purchase options
-
Connecting: Healing Ourselves and Our Relationships by Dr. Larry Crabb
- The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson
- Codependency for Dummies by Darlene Lancer
- A Woman's Guide to Breaking Bondages by Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock
Hello and welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 10. I'm your host, Javier Diaz, and I'm joined by my two friends and colleagues Tim Goff who is the Ministerial field associate for Central Florida and Rudy Alvir who is the Ministerial field associate for South Florida.
I'm excited to share with you this podcast in which we have a conversation regarding the question, "What does it mean to be part of the church?" This question in one shape or form has been on my heart for some time. I hope this particular podcast can be a platform to help further engage this utmost important question.
I also want to remind you of our Restore Conference just about two months away. Make sure you go over to RestoreTheMission.com for all the info we'd love to see you all at the conference.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- The Church: The Gospel Made Visible by Mark Devers
- Why Bother with Church? by Sam Allberry
- Surprise the World: the Five Habits of Highly Missional People by Michael Frost
Hello and welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 9. I am your host, Javier Diaz.
The Restore Podcast continues to expand its reach, and that is due thanks to all of you that are listening and also telling others about this podcast. We truly hope the content that we are delivering will be helpful to you in someway on your journey of restoring the mission we have as the church.
I want to encourage you to consider attending our Restore Conference January 30-31, 2017, here in Orlando, Florida. It's looking to be an incredible two days of worship, praise, learning, and connecting. You can get more information and register at RestoreTheMission.com.
I'm excited to share my conversation with Pastor Dustin Hall, senior pastor of Southview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You might remember Dustin who was part of our panel discussion for episode 6.
Southview Church has experienced incredible growth in the last couple of years and is on a journey to have the church be a center of influence in the twin cities area.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Southview Seventh-day Adventist Church: southviewsda.org
- Dustin Hall on Twitter: @PastorDHall
- Dustin Hall on Facebook: dustin.hall.71
- Bulletin Plus Church Suite: bulletinpl.us
- Southview Connect iOS app: Southview Church Connect
- Southview Connect Android app: Southview Church Connect
Hello and welcome to the Restore Podcast episode 8. I am your host, Javier Diaz, and I want to thank everyone who is listening and sharing this podcast.
In this episode, I talk with four pastors in different areas who are actively engaged in reaching millennials:
- Dr. Allan Martin is the pastor of Younger Generation Church which is the vibrant young adult ministry of Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.
- Pastor Ben Lundquist is the Young Adult Director at Oregon Conference and Young Adult Coordinator for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.
- Pastor Alex Voigt is Associate Pastor at Port Charlotte Seventh-day Adventist Church. He has been doing a great job and reaching and empowering young adults.
- Pastor Morris Thompson is Associate Pastor at Miami Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church. Those who listen regularly to this podcast will recall Pastor Thompson was part of our previous episode as we featured his church. Because I personally know of what he's being doing with young adults in Miami, we invited him back to be part of this episode.
We had a great conversation about who millennials are, exactly, and how to engage with them. We spoke about worship services for millennials and mentoring, as well as had a little fun during our conversation as you will notice.
As a reminder, registration is open for our Restore conference that will take place Jan. 30-31, 2017. Two of our confirmed keynote speakers are Ed Stetzer and Michael Frost. Also, several pastors/leaders will share their stories on how God is leading their journey to restore mission in their church.
As of this episode, we are about four months away from the next Restore conference. Be sure to register online today.
Show Notes/Links/Resources
- Article: "To attract young people to your church, you’ve got to be warm. Not cool."
- Book: Growing Young
- Report: Barna Group—Adventist Millennial Research
- Facebook: NAD Young Adult Ministry Advisory
- Younger Generation Church
Web Site: YGchurch.com
Leadership/Training Blog: http://University.YGchurch.com/
A. Allan Martin, Ph.D.: amartin@YGchurch.com
In this episode, we are talking with the pastoral staff and first elder of Miami Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church. This is the largest English-speaking Adventist church in Miami and also one of the oldest.
Miami Temple is one of those churches that many in the Miami area gravitate toward on a week when, for whatever reason, they don't want to go to their home church. Yet, Miami Temple has been, and still is, on a thorough transformational process that has empowered them to be on a journey to be the missional church God has called them to be.
We also have some exciting news to share. As most of you know, this podcast was born out of the inaugural Restore Conference held in January of 2016. The next conference will be January 30-31, 2017, at Forest City Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. We are finalizing our lineup of speakers and breakout sessions, but the speakers will include Ed Stetzer Ph.D.—a prolific author and well-known conference and seminar leader. You can register today at restorethemission.com and we look forward to seeing you there.
This month's episode is a candid panel discussion about some of the social issues that have dominated the news. Part of the goal of this particular episode, along with creating a space to have this conversation, is also to dialogue about how the Church should respond to what has been happening. As you listen, it will most likely evoke differentiating opinions. This is, in part, what this episode is about. We need to have these conversations and listen to each other as well.
The diverse panel consisted of the following pastors: Ivan Williams, Ministerial Secretary for the Adventist Church in North America; Tim Nichols, Florida Conference Vice President for Pastoral Ministries; Myron Edmonds, Pastor of Glenview Church in Cleveland, Ohio; Dustin Hall, Pastor of Southview Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Nelson Fernandez, Pastor of two churches in the Greenville/Clemson region of South Carolina.
NOTES: We experienced technically difficulty approximately 10 minutes into the main discussion which lasted sporadically for five minutes. The recording is clear after that segment, so please press on through. Also, in the past couple episodes, we've concluded by asking guests a fun/lighthearted question, and we do finish this episode in such a manner. We hope you enjoy.
On today’s podcast, I have a conversation with Andy McDonald, senior pastor of Florida Hospital Church. He has been the pastor there for more than 30 years—something that is not often seen in our faith community; a pastor being in the same church for that length of time. We had a wonderful, lively conversation about when he first arrived in the early '80s and going all the way to present day and what that journey has looked like, not only for the church but also for him as the pastor through all these years. Thanks to Pastor Andy for taking the time to record and Chad for his help recording it.
In Episode 4, we have a great conversation with Senior Pastor Dwight Nelson and Evangelism Pastor Rodlie Ortiz at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. We talk about what evangelism in the 21st century is and/or might look like. They also share an evangelistic project they are launching In October 2016. We hope this conversation will spark a continued discussion among those who listen about reaching people for Jesus in your current cultural context. If you have any questions or thoughts about this or any podcast episode, you can contact me at javier.diaz@floridaconference.com
Recently, the North American Division of our Seventh-day Adventist denomination initiated a five-year plan called Plant1000. Along that line, Florida Conference is hosting the church planters boot camp at Camp Kulaqua the last weekend in April. In this episode, we have a great discussion on church planting with four pastors who are actively involved church planting in some form. Our prayer is that this episode will be a great conversation starter as well as be helpful in answering some questions regarding church planting.
In this episode, Javier Diaz introduces Ivan Williams, Ministerial Director for North American Division and discusses evangelism across the country.
The Restore Podcast seeks to Restore the Vision, Restore the Mission, Restore the Church. In this premiere episode, Javier Diaz speaks with Florida Conference President Mike Cauley and Vice President for Pastoral Ministries Tim Nichols.