Summit Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Summit Church
In the second week of our series called Inevitable, Pastor Mel teaches how Christians should walk through health setbacks. Proverbs says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength." A positive outlook as you endure health crises doesn't mean you're denying what's happening, it means you're trusting God. Mel unpacks several of Christ's healing miracles and explains why God wants us to confess our lack and our need to be healed. Being healed is an invitation to change, and we don't like change even if it's healthy change. Are you so comfortable with the broken life that you are leading, that you would rather stay this way? The message finishes with Mel explaining why Jesus is more interested in fixing our hearts than fixing our problems.
In week one of our series called Inevitable, Pastor Mel talks about the inevitability of financial setbacks and how we should strive for a godly relationship with money. He explains how a large number of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, even those who have a relatively high income. Scripture warns us that our lives are not measured by how much we own, but that we should seek first the kingdom of God rather than building our own temporary kingdoms. Mel points out how the two words Jesus uses to describe how we feel when we ignore God in our finances are "fear and anxiety." The message finishes with an encouragement for us to tithe our first-fruits and how doing so is a reminder that God is responsible for our provision.
In the fourth and final week of our series called Meet God Here, Pastor Mel teaches about the characteristics of God's presence. Preaching through selected scriptures in Exodus, Mel shows how the presence of God provides rest. Moses was a great man of faith and he didn't want to enter the Promised Land without God. Moses understood it's better to be in the wilderness with God than to be in the Promised Land without God. God's presence is more important than the promise. Mel explains how in the absence of God's presence, we will find alternative gods. In this message you'll learn why God's presence is greater than success, wealth, and happiness. The message concludes with Mel making the case that God's presence is what differentiates His people.
Pastor Collin McKnight preaches live in Blairsville on week three of our series called Meet God Here. Throughout scripture God met with His people on the mountain, but now we can meet Him through Jesus wherever we go. Charles Swindoll said, "God enjoys turning wandering people into worshipers, transforming drifters into pilgrims who receive His words, follow His ways, believe His promises." Israel was called to the mountain to worship God, and today Jesus is the mountain to whom God is calling all who believe.
In the third message of our series called Meet God Here, Pastor Mel explains the role of holy places in our worship. Throughout history, both inside and outside the faith, people have considered high places to be holy. Elevations like mountains and hills have frequently been considered holy locations. Mel talks about several locations in scripture which God's people privileged as being holy. These include Shiloh, Jerusalem, and Mount Gerizim. It's easy for the faithful to become attached to specific places like churches or cathedrals as unique venues where one must go in order to meet God. In the final analysis, the sole factor for determining holiness is the presence of God - so any location where God is present becomes a holy place.
Mel, Collin, and Michael discuss their thoughts on the Inauguration of President Donald Trump. Was the pageantry appropriate or did it go over the top? What can church leaders learn from the technical failure during Carrie Underwood's performance? Should schools close on Inauguration Day? The conversation turns to the best way to treat those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. What should you say? What should you avoid saying? How does this treatment differ from how you treat someone whose loved one is dying but still alive? What about how you handle someone who is himself dying? The episode finishes with a discussion about why unity may not be desirable as an ultimate goal. What are some problems with making unity your highest value?
In the second part of our series called Meet God Here, Pastor Kim teaches how we meet God in community. Western culture has made individualism an ideal by promoting freedom, rights, and satisfaction of our own desires. Kim explains how human beings are created as image bearers of God with an inner need to connect with each other. Preaching through Acts 2, Kim presents four marks of a healthy Church and a healthy follower of Christ. The Church should be devoted to the teachings of scripture, to fellowship, to sharing meals together (including taking Communion), and to prayer. The Spirit of God brings followers of Christ into intimate relationship with Himself, but He also brings followers of Christ into abiding relationship with each other.
Mel and Michael discuss Craig Groeschel's perspective on the value of keeping tenured, trusted leaders together. They also talk about how Jesus viewed the Church. Is Christianity really about relationship more than it is about religion? We learn from Mel why it's important to remain calm when leading through challenges. What are his strategies for inspiring confidence when things are uncertain? Is there such a thing as a noble lie? The conversation finishes with ways a leader can be decisive with his use of authority despite the universal inner-need to be liked by others.
Listen to Wesley Huff on Joe Rogan's podcast here.
Listen to Craig Groeschel's Leadership podcast here.
Mel and Michael talk about practicing prudence while also remembering God tends to deliver in big, unexpected ways. How do you keep yourself open to God's improbable works while also being cautious to make good decisions? What is the right way to think about miracles? Do we expect too much? How can an organization foster a culture of honoring leaders without corrupting the humility of those leaders? What does it mean to follow God's opportunities wherever they lead you? Does this apply to job titles as well as geographical locations? How does understanding this help you find your calling?
Summit Church's theme for 2025 is: Meet God Here. Our first series of the year kicks off this theme and part one focuses on fasting. What does it mean to fast in a way that honors God? What happens when you fast? What are some common mistakes you might make when attempting a fast? Pastor Mel answers all of these questions and more as he carefully works through Isaiah 58. This passage in Isaiah presents a look at God's people Israel participating in religious rituals while their hearts are far from God. Mel explains why God is primarily interested in the transformation of your heart and mind and how rituals like fasting are meaningless unless these more fundamental modes of obedience are first faithfully adopted.
Pastor Mel teaches systematically through a passage in Romans 8 to explain what it means for God to cause everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. This passage is often misquoted or misunderstood because the intention of the text and the meaning of the text is skewed by its interpreters. Mel works through Romans 8:28 nearly word-by-word to ensure each definition and nuance within the famous doctrine is captured. Most Christians believe God is good, but proper understanding of this passage in Romans may lead you to a conclusion that God is even better than you first believed.
In a special Christmas message, Pastor Mel preaches through John chapter 1 that Jesus is the light of the world. He explains why it's fitting for us to celebrate the birth of Christ near the winter solstice because Jesus is the light who came into a darkened world. Mel draws out the analogy to light by reminding us that light energizes, light attracts, and light reveals. He teaches why all of these attributes are common to Jesus as well. The message finishes with an encouragement for each of us to carry light into the world - even if we feel like our own light is insignificant.
In the final message of our series called In the Meantime, Pastor Mel teaches why weeping is both acceptable and to be expected while you wait. Often we don't get to choose whether we wait, but we always get to choose how we wait. Preaching through 2 Corinthians, Mel talks about Paul's famous thorn in the flesh and how Paul begged the Lord three times to take it away - yet the Lord didn't. He also tells Mary's story and how she stood near the cross when her son Jesus was crucified. He explains how tragic this scene must have been and how crushed Mary must have felt. The message finishes with a reminder of the salvation we have in Jesus. Christians are set free to weep with hope because they don't need to grieve as those who have no hope.
Mel and Michael talk about succession plans. Why is it important for every organization to have pre-drafted succession plans? Should these plans take on the character of advance directives in case the leader is no longer around to execute them? You can also expect to learn about staff development. Should staff development fall on the shoulders of the leader or should it be delegated to managers? Do succession plans need to be in place for each employee you bring onto the team? Is there a right time or right way to make the successor aware that they are the planned replacement as leader? When you’re leading an organization how do you balance the wisdom of a proper succession plan with the value of being needed by the organization since you’re the only one trained to do your work?
In the third part of our series called In the Meantime, Pastor Kim teaches what it means to work while you wait. Waiting without working leads to apathy, laziness, bitterness, and hopelessness. The apostle Paul had plenty of opportunities to slip into these kinds of issues throughout his imprisonment but he chose to work while he waited. Paul worshipped, wrote prison epistles, and kept doing everything he could to spread the gospel. Kim also tells the story of Joseph and how remained diligent while he waited for the brith of Jesus.
In the second message of our series called In the Meantime, Pastor Mel teaches that we get to choose how we wait. We get to choose what we do in the meantime as we are awaiting results. Mel explains how Paul was made to wait at several points throughout his missionary journey, and that Paul chose to watch while he waited. He was watching to see how the churches were doing and watching to see what was needed. The wise men also watched with anticipation as they awaited the birth of Christ. In the first message we learned how worship redeems waiting periods, and in this message we learn how watching with expectation for God's next move can make our waiting periods more productive.
In the first message of our series called In the Meantime, Pastor Mel explains what to do when we're in the space between our expectations and results. What do we do in the meantime? Preaching through Acts 9, Mel explores what it must have been like for Paul while he was waiting to find out whether he would ever see again. During this time Paul worshiped, and we too must worship while we wait. Mel explains why worship redeems the waiting periods in our lives. Time spent waiting is not time wasted if you are worshipping during the waiting. The message finishes with Mel working through a passage in Luke 2 and showing us how Anna and Simeon long-awaited the birth of Christ.
Pastor Christina preaches through Matthew 26 and shows how Jesus exemplified godly obedience in the Garden of Gethsemane as well as throughout His Passion. Obedience means choosing to submit to and trust God's heart. Christina explains how obedience means choosing to be faithful and submitted in the mundane and in the painful. She finishes the message by challenging us that Christ's obedience calls for us to obey Him. How do we do this? Christina teaches that obedience truly begins with knowing the heart of God and abiding there.
Pastor Collin unpacks what it means to be a disciple and explains why there's more to the Christian life than initial conversion. Every next step we take with Jesus leads us to a deeper relationship with God. Brother Lawrence said, "The More we know Him, the more we will desire to know Him. As love increases with knowledge, the more we know God, the more we will truly Love Him. We will learn to love him equally in times of distress or in times of great joy. Let us occupy ourselves with knowing God." Every next step we take with Jesus leads us to a life of freedom and a role in God's greater mission.
In part two of our series called Absurdity of Generosity, Pastor Mel teaches how trusting in the providence of God is crucial to being generous. We can be generous with others because we know that God is generous with us. Generosity begins with the question, "What can God do with what I have in my hand?" Contentment is a key part of learning to be generous because if you're not content then you'll always be looking for the next gain. Preaching through Mark 6, Mel reminds us of the power of God's providence by unpacking the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. This message includes a special surprise of radical generosity given to a service-worker in our community.
In the first message of our series called Absurdity of Generosity, Pastor Mel explains what it means to be radically generous. At Summit Church we believe God has been radically generous with us and we want the world to see that in how we live and how we give. Mel dispenses with three myths when it comes to generosity: that you must be rich to be generous, that you only have to give if you can afford it, and that if you give God will make you rich. Mel uses the story of the Widow's Mite found in Mark 12 to explain how the amount of money in your bank account will not change the amount of generosity in your heart. The message finishes with two challenging questions: what can God make possible with what I have in my hand? What would it look like if the people of Summit Church began to live lives that are radically generous?
Mel, Todd and Michael discuss whether it's appropriate for Christians to support war-efforts. If world peace apart from Jesus is not possible, should we even strive for it as a goal? Next they talk about how to accept correction from your superiors. What are the best mannerisms to have in this moment? What some things you definitely should not do or say when receiving correction? They also talk about the distinctions between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. The conversation finishes on the topic of alcohol. Can drinking alcohol have positive effects for a Christian or should it be avoided entirely?
The fifth and final message of our series One Nation Under God brings Pastor Mel teaching about Christian generosity as well as the tithe. The thematic idea for this series is that political transformation is easy while spiritual transformation is hard. Mel begins by explaining the differences between how Romans and early Christians viewed money. Romans were stingy and self-serving, while Christians were open-handed and generous. Mel explains the distinctions between The First Tithe, The Festival Tithe, and The Poor Tithe. What does the Bible say about the spiritual significance of tithing? Mel finishes the message by challenging us that we fail to find peace with our finances because we fail to trust in God. The world will not be changed by our spare time and our spare money, but authentic Christian generosity has the power to change everything.
In the fourth message of our series called One Nation Under God, Pastor Mel helps us understand the truths about idolatry. The running theme for this series is that while political transformation is easy, spiritual transformation is hard. We often think of shrines and statues when we think about idolatry, but idolatry normally takes on a different form for us today. Mel explains how idolatry may not mean loving evil things, but loving good things too much and making them supreme over God. Some commonly idolized facets of life include success, fame, and identity. Mel provides two tests for our hearts to determine whether we have idols: where do we spend our money and where do we spend our time? The message finishes with a personal story from Mel's own life to illustrate what biblical repentance looks like.
In the third week of our series called One Nation Under God, Pastor Mel unpacks what the Bible teaches us about sex. He begins the message by contextualizing the Scripture through a comparison of the Roman view sex with the Christian view of sex. Scripture prohibits sexual sins including adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bestiality, and incest. Mel breaks down the neurological processes which occur during sex and explains how they are both helpful and motivating in the context of marriage - but destructive in the context of sexual sin. He finishes the message by reminding us of God's grace shown to the adulterous woman in John 8.
Mel and Michael discuss a range of topics including what to do when you say something you regret. How do you go about fixing it? The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Knowing this, how do you trust someone who has poor past behavior? What does Mel think about Artificial Intelligence? Does AI have a role in the Church or in his own ministry? What should we do when AI becomes indistinguishable from humanity? If there is no marriage in Heaven, does that mean the institution of marriage is inherently corrupt? The conversation finishes with death-bed conversions and whether such testimonies are good for the kingdom of God.
In week two of our series called One Nation Under God, Pastor Collin teaches about the Judeo-Christian values concerning the sanctity of life. The main idea for this series is that nations are changed when followers of Jesus give their lives for other people. Part of understanding this is the reminder that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Collin explains Summit's unashamedly pro-life position by preaching through Psalm 139 and John 3. He finishes his message by encouraging us to make sacrifices by seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
Mel, Todd, and Michael begin the conversation by discussing whether there's a real risk of Christian Nationalism emerging as a reaction to woke idolatry. What is Christian Nationalism? What makes a political leader a theocrat? Is it even possible or desirable to keep religion out of politics? Next they discuss Israel's multi-front war and whether or not it bears eschatological significance. Does it tell us anything about the end of days? The conversation finishes with a reflection on the immensity of information given to us each day. Will the truth get lost in the confusion if we don't self-restrict what we consume?
In the first message of our series called One Nation Under God, Pastor Mel explains some critical distinctions between church and government. Part of the reason our political conversations have become so contentious is because we've made our politics as sacred as the church. We idolize our politicians instead of remaining focused on Jesus. Political transformation is often easier than spiritual transformation. The early church thrived under political persecution because it offered a direct relationship with an intimate God. The first century church was countercultural, and they understood eternal life came by grace through faith - not by works. Through Romans 12 Mel encourages us not to copy the behavior and customs of this world, but to let God transform us into new people by changing the way we think.
In the fourth and final message of our series called More Than Christians, Pastor Mel explains the final phase of a disciple's development: to do as Jesus did. We should be baptized in water because Jesus was baptized in water. We should be led by the Spirit of God because Jesus was led by the Spirit of God. Jesus also prioritized prayer and being with God, even if it meant withdrawing from others for a time. We also see that Jesus went to church regularly and he preached the gospel boldly, which further solidifies the reasons for why we should not forsake the gathering of the saints. Perhaps most importantly, Jesus suffered in this world and he also loved sacrificially. Walking well through suffering and pouring yourself out to love others are the most difficult projects in doing what Jesus did. Under normal circumstances we cannot do it on our own, but by the power of the Holy Spirit we can live a life like Jesus lived.
In part three of our series called More Than Christians, Pastor Mel explains what it means to become like Jesus. He reminds us of the three goals of a disciple: to be with your rabbi, to become like your rabbi, and to do as your rabbi did. God's purpose for his people is for them to become like Jesus Christ. A disciple of Jesus is anyone who intentionally organizes their life around Jesus (being with him, becoming like him, and doing what he did). A non-disciple of Jesus is anyone who intentionally organizes their life around anything else. Becoming like Jesus means imitating him and surrounding yourself with an environment which promotes Christlikeness. Whether we're aware of it or not, we are busy becoming like something. We are being spiritually shaped and influenced at all times. Mel helps raise our awareness to this reality by reminding us our lives are perfectly designed to shape us into who we are at this moment. If we want to be shaped into something different, we need to change the way we do life.
In the second part of our series called More Than Christians, Pastor Mel explains how real disciples commit themselves to be with Jesus. John Mark Comer said, "This is the first and most important goal of apprenticeship to Jesus: to be with him, to spend every waking moment aware of his presence and attentive to his voice. To cultivate a with-ness to Jesus as a baseline for your entire life." Disciples abide in Jesus, rooted in connection to him by the Holy Spirit. Mel maps out a threefold strategy for cultivating connection to Jesus: gathering with God's people, prayer, and transformed thinking. To be disciples of Christ we must choose to live a life that is always attentive to God.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss why being part of a healthy Christian community is necessary for maintaining individual resilience. The investments and sacrifices you make for others determine the quality of your own experience. Next they talk about why money is not a good source for personal resilience. The conversation turns to why challenging sermons are so positively received. The episode finishes with a proposal that there are good reasons to believe the American Protestant Church is making some critical mistakes. What would you change about the Church if you could change anything?
In the first message of our series called More Than Christians, Pastor Mel explains some background behind the usage of the term "Christian." Jesus never used the word "Christian" but in the Bible it means "little Christ." Followers of Christ were probably called "Followers of the Way" before they were called anything else. To give us some insight into what a true Christian should look like, Mel walks through what life was like for disciples who studied under a rabbi. Your life as a disciple had three goals: to be with your rabbi, to become like your rabbi, and to do as your rabbi did. Discipleship isn't a class, rather it's a way of life. Mel presents data suggesting while 63% of Americans identify as "Christians", only 4% are actually following Christ. He finishes the message with a challenge by asking us the question: Is this what Jesus died for?
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss the principle of loving God first then loving your family - and how doing it in this order is actually the only way to love your family properly. What happens to the institution of the family as we become more godless? What are some common problems we see from people who idolize their families? Next they talk about how to stay motivated. What are some routines and practices you can put in place to keep you productive even when you don't feel like doing anything? The conversation finishes with a discussion of Christian resilience, and how resilience may become a master currency for the Church in the years to come.
In the fourth and final message of our series on the parable of the sower, pastor Mel delivers a sermon discussing the divine purpose of seed and fruit. In the first three messages we learned how a hardened heart, shallow roots, and the cares of this world all detract from our positive response to the gospel. In this message Mel teaches us what it looks like for a Christian to receive the seeds in fertile soil and yield a crop thirty, sixty, and even a hundred as much as had been planted. He discusses the fruit of the Spirit as markers for spiritual maturity. He also explains how some lost people will reject the preaching of the gospel while accepting the fruit of a life lived for Jesus. This phenomena reveals God's design for the seed and the fruit: the seed's purpose is to bear fruit, but the purpose of the fruit is to spread more seed.
In the third message of our series on the parable of the sower, Pastor Mel teaches about those who hear the gospel but are drawn away by the worries of this world and the lure of wealth. Often these people are racked with anxiety concerning temporary things like their career or even their familial relationships. Those who choose to serve wealth instead of serving Jesus have swallowed the lie that every problem is fixed with money. Sir Francis Bacon said, "Money is a great servant but a bad master." Mel preaches through selected scriptures and explains Christ's teachings on the cares of this world, the cost of discipleship, and seeking the kingdom of God above all else.
In the second sermon of our series called The Parable of the Sower, Pastor Mel explains the importance of being rooted in Christian community. What you are rooted in determines what your life is producing. People who are rooted in the love of Christ will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. A good question to ask ourselves in order to reveal where our roots are is, "What do we hold tightly when we find ourselves in crisis?" Aspen trees grow in community as their roots spread below the earth's surface and spring others to life to form a group. They are interconnected by their root system and share nutrients and resources to support each other. Resilient Christians are the same way as they join small groups and sacrifice for the community.
In the first message of our series called The Parable of the Sower, Pastor Mel teaches what it means to have a hardened heart. Preaching through Matthew 13, Mel explains why having a hardened heart prevents you from seeing and hearing God. The factors which contribute to a hardened heart are often associated with repetition. Repetition of pain can harden a person's heart, and repetition of performance can result in routines which make church mechanical instead of meaningful. Mel expresses how our hearts grow hard to beauty when beauty becomes routine. If you are unimpressed with God, if you are cynical of life, or if you see God as transactional, then this message is for you.
Pastor Kyle Hammond joins us for a special message on what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus. What do Christ followers know? What do Christ followers do? Kyle explains why, while we get to decide whether to be disciples of Jesus, we don't get to decide what a disciple of Jesus does. Disciples of Jesus are called to turn the other cheek, give the shirts off their backs, go the extra mile, help those in need, and give more than expected. Authentic belief must transform the way we behave because faith without works is dead. Pastor Kyle finishes his message with a challenge for us to decide whether Jesus is merely the Lord of our lips or truly the Lord of our lives.
Mel, Todd, and Michael open the conversation with the question of how much effort to spend stewarding the feelings of others versus encouraging them to be tougher. Next they talk about how to lead well when your followers don't understand your leadership decisions. How do you maintain relationships in the midst of deep divisions? The discussion shifts to the assurance of salvation and what to do if you're worried about whether you are saved. The conversation finishes with what it means to keep a clear conscience before God and how doing so will impact your ability to sleep.
In this special edition of the BACK40 Leadership Podcast, Pastor Kyle Hammond presents a leadership workshop on how to lead like Jesus. In order to lead like a shepherd you need to be intentional about forming relationships with the people you're leading. This means sacrificing yourself, investing time with others, and building intimacy with them. Kyle argues the best way to cultivate a heart of care is through prayer. A good leader is willing to be misunderstood, so they make decisions for the well-being of the people even if the people disagree with it. Q&A follows.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss a curious statement made recently by Professor Jordan Peterson. Is mental health actually external? Can sin damage your brain? Is psychological well-being determined by the narrative on which you construct your life? Next they talk about the importance of repeating personal testimonies. Should churches dedicate platform-time to sharing testimonies? The conversation finishes on a deeper note when the pastors are asked in which areas of their faith do they still wrestle with God.
Mel and Michael discuss how they reacted to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. How can you make sense of big news or major events when you aren't given enough information? What's responsible and what's irresponsible? How can we maintain spiritual well-being in this climate? Next they talk about the joy and the sense of meaning which is found in sacrificing yourself for the benefit of others. The conversation turns to the topic of ministering to people who many would consider too dangerous or too lost to reach. What exactly makes a person dangerous?
This message features Pastor Jim Hennesy, who leads a vibrant church in Cedar Hill, Texas. Jim explains what it looks like to step up and be bold in your identity as a follower of Jesus. Repentance is an indispensable step in the process of overcoming sluggish faith. Jim teaches about the mysterious biblical character Melchizedek and reminds us that he was both a priest and a king. To be a priest and a king means to embrace the gifts of the Spirit while also living a life engaged in practical ministry. Scripture says the peace of God which goes beyond understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace is a key attribute of a Christian who is living as both a king and a priest.
In a special edition of Back40, listen to Pastor Jim Hennesy deliver a message on optimizing your spiritual well-being so that you can foster growth as a leader. Jim discusses why displaying beauty is better than supplying information when it comes to correcting others. We admire what we find beautiful and so we strive to imitate beauty. Being a role model is more effective than being a judge. He also talks about the importance of rest and understanding the sufficiency of Jesus. Q&A follows.
In the final week of our series called Origin Story, Pastor Mel walks us through the major moments in Paul's life and ministry. The apostle Paul is broadly considered the most significant contributor to Christianity apart from Jesus himself. The biblical account of Paul begins before his conversion when he is named Saul and is a high-ranking member of the Pharisees. During this stage of his life he persecuted Christians and sought to have them killed. At one of the most famous inflection points in recorded history, Paul (then called Saul) encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and his entire worldview was transformed in a moment. He ceased persecuting Christians and instead became the most influential apostle in scripture. Paul called himself the worst of sinners, but by the power of the Holy Spirit and with the encouragement of fellow believers like Ananias and Barnabas, Paul's life was redeemed. If God can glorify himself through someone like Paul, what could he do in your own life?
In week 3 of our series called Origin Story, Pastor Mel examines the life of Hannah - who was the mother of the prophet Samuel. In week 2 we learned how Samuel lived a life of faithfulness, and this week we see that his mother was faithful as well. Hannah struggled with infertility and chose to take her suffering to the Lord. God granted her a son, who she then surrendered back to God by taking a Nazirite vow on Samuel's behalf. Hannah left Samuel with Eli the priest when Samuel was just four years old. On first pass Hannah's decision to give Samuel to the priesthood might seem cold or harsh, but in the final analysis it's one of scripture's most renowned acts of faithfulness. Godly parents teach their children how to worship, how to pray, how to trust God, and how to leave the home. Hannah is sometimes criticized for giving Samuel to the priesthood, but modern parents still give their own children to things like athletics, career paths, talents, and more. What are you giving your children to?
Week 2 of our series called Origin Story explores the life of the prophet Samuel. The name Samuel means "heard of God" which is appropriate considering Samuel's position as a prophet. Samuel lived a life of faithfulness which provided stark contrast to King Saul's record of disobedience. The prophet obeyed God in the anointing of Saul as king of Israel, and he continued to obey God when Saul's kingship was taken from him and given to David. Mel explains how God spoke to Samuel because Samuel was first obedient. God will not give us that which we refuse to steward well. Samuel's faithfulness resulted in him having a reputation of honesty and integrity. The words Samuel spoke were reliable and true. Mel goes on to point out how delayed obedience is disobedience, and partial obedience is disobedience. He finishes the message with a challenge to Christians concerning the priesthood of all believers: you don't have to be a prophet to live a faithful life like Samuel did.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss the do's and don'ts of planting a multi-site campus church. What defines a multi-site church? How are these churches different from traditional church plants? What pieces need to be in place before making moves to start a new location? What are the advantages of the multi-site model? They also talk about how to handle mistaken teachers who are leading small groups within your congregation. How much theological misalignment is acceptable? The conversation finishes on the topic of proper relationships with denominations. How much control should the local church turn over to the denomination? How does Summit handle their own relationship with the Assemblies of God?
In the first message of our series called Origin Story, Mel walks us through the story of King Saul. Mel explains how Saul was everything the people thought would make for a good king. The prophet Samuel told Saul he was the hope for all of Israel. Despite this fantastic start and these royal qualities, Saul disobeyed God and this disobedience undermined his authority and caused him to lose the kingdom. Mel explores the series of inflection points which corrupted Saul's heart and ultimately resulted in his death. Saul's life is a case study on bad leadership. Mel distills these lessons to three principles: we should fear God primarily, worship God supremely, and obey God completely.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss the biblical rationale for why megachurches are a good thing. The megachurch is often unfairly maligned when in reality many of the same problems which arise in megachurches also trouble smaller churches. They also talk about whether there are any honorable reasons for desiring a large following. Are we certain we're treating Christendom's most influential shepherds properly? How should this treatment scale to secular positions of authority? The conversation finishes with self-interested motivations for converting to Christianity. Is there any nobility in coming to Christ simply to avoid Hell?
6 for 6 is a fun set of mini-sermons preached by a rotation of our pastors here at Summit Church. Each preacher has 6 minutes to deliver his or her sermon and if they are not done when the timer hits 0:00, a buzzer sounds and they must walk off stage. While it was sometimes a frantic speed and not all of our communicators finished, expect to learn about the core values which define us as a church. Knowing Jesus means we center our lives around Him and His good news. We value reaching the lost, so we know that to reach people no one is reaching, we have to do things no one is doing. We also value freedom, big faith, healthy relationships, and radical generosity.
Pastor Mel preaches a special message on Pentecost Sunday about the power of the Holy Spirit and how this power enables every life to be made different. At Summit Church, the central focus of all our core values is to see every life made different. Mel explains the history behind what occurred on the day of Pentecost and why it matters for us today. Preaching through Acts 1 & 2, as well as other scriptures, Mel makes the case for why the spiritual gifts are meant for believers today. He unpacks the gift of tongues, explaining the difference between a public gift and a private grace. The message finishes by explaining how praying in the spirit speaks to God, builds up the person praying, and is Paul's desire for all believers. Mel invites us to be baptized in the Holy Spirit so that we might become powerful witnesses for the gospel.
Mel, Todd, and Michael explore the question of whether the Church should function as the primary sense-making apparatus for Christians in our world. Should the Church help explain what's taking place in the political sphere? Should the Church address current events and help Christians understand them, or is there a better way? Next they talk about whether poverty is virtuous in the Christian faith. What did Jesus think about poverty? The conversation finishes with a discussion about whether good leadership implies proper self-care. Is it possible to be a servant-leader while focusing on yourself?
Pastor Kim Masengale preaches a special Mother's Day message about being made whole. Spiritual healing is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Preaching through John 5:1-15, Kim explains why many of us come up with reasons and excuses for resisting spiritual healing. Being a victim can feel safe because we're no longer responsible for our own shortcomings. At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus healed a man who had been sick for 38 years. It was an impossible healing performed miraculously in a single instant. Before the healing, the man presented reasons for why he has not yet been made whole, but Jesus countered by bluntly telling him to pick up his mat and walk. Jesus has the power to heal you right now, so if spiritual healing hasn't happened in your life then it's worth trying to discern the reasons why - your own biggest detractor might be yourself.
Pastor Mel Masengale and Dr. Jon Chasteen discuss their transitions into leadership roles, focusing on overcoming negativity and rejection by fostering a positive mindset, humility, and servant-leadership. They emphasize the importance of nurturing team relationships, soliciting trusted feedback, and embracing imperfections to build genuine connections. The dialogue also covers effective change management, the impact of external perceptions, and prioritizing faithfulness over validation.
In the final message of Paul's letter to Titus, Pastor Mel teaches through chapter three. This chapter is prescriptive for what the Church should do when a person is acting on malevolence. Someone doing bad in this context might be subversive, divisive, or quick to engage in petty arguments over secondary issues. Mel encourages us to do good by explaining how doing good is not the same as not doing bad. Asking yourself whether a certain action is sinful becomes the wrong question because this indicates you're just trying to get away with as much as possible. A properly ordered heart would desire to praise and honor God, not merely avoid His wrath.
In this edition of Leadership Night, Mel recounts various situations from his 25 years of leadership experience and teaches us the lessons he's learned. One of the main themes of this lecture is that a career in leadership seldom turns out how you expect it to. A good leader with a lot of experience will have endured incredible amounts of stress, the pressure of stewarding his or her employees' well-being, and the betrayal of those he loves. Despite the seriousness of these challenges, there are strategies a leader can develop to maintain a positive outlook, a positive impact, and a healthy life. Mel presents these strategies along with Q&A at the end.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss strategies for finding and keeping good employees. Summit Church is known for its low turnover and excellent staff retention. In our world today it is becoming increasingly difficult to retain good people in the workplace. Why is this? What can we do to make it better? The conversation moves to the topic of death-anxiety and whether it's okay for Christians to fear death. What is the correct way for a Christian to think about death? The discussion finishes with a survey of the cost of following Jesus. Discipleship is hard, so when should a pastor reveal this difficulty to a new convert?
In the second week of our series covering Paul's letter to Titus, Pastor Mel teaches through chapter two which discusses wise living. Wise living entails a positive ambition for godliness, rather than a mere avoidance of sin. This chapter specifically addresses older men, older women, and then later younger men and younger women. Mel talks about the importance of older men exercising self-control and possessing sound faith. A man who has these qualities will engender respect from others as a consequence of prudence. Older women should resist gossip, avoid heavy drinking, and be diligent as they teach others what is good. For all Christians, humble submission to spiritual authorities as well as a commitment to wise living are necessary requirements for walking in righteousness.
This sermon was preached live by Pastor Collin McKnight to the congregation at Summit Blairsville. While Collin was preaching on the same text as Pastor Mel for week 1 of our series on Titus, Collin's sermon is entirely distinct from Mel's. In this message you should expect to learn some of the history behind Paul's letter to Titus, as well as what it means to be a bondservant of Christ. Collin focuses on the character of Paul as he explains what it means to find purpose and perspective as you follow Jesus.
In the first message of our series on Paul's letter to Titus, Pastor Mel preaches an expository sermon on chapter 1. This chapter is all about which virtues to embrace and which vices to avoid as a proper Christian. Paul encouraged Titus to appoint elders who lived a blameless life. The elder's own house must be in order if he can expect to be a shepherd in the house of God. An elder must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be followers of Christ who don't have a reputation for being wild and rebellious. The elder enjoys having guests in his home, loves what is good, and he lives wisely and justly. Perhaps most importantly, the elder has a strong conviction in the scriptures and maintains a commitment to sound doctrine while rebuking false teachings.
In the final message of our series called Win By Losing, Pastor Mel teaches about the value of being bold about your faith. Jesus said, "If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels." The key to being bold about your faith is to understand that God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. The apostle Paul suffered in prison for his work in the gospel, but he was not ashamed of it because he knew the One in whom he trusted. When you know Jesus and when you trust Jesus, there is no need to be ashamed.
Mel and Michael discuss how Summit Church handles the Easter holiday. They talk about strategies which include services both before and after Easter weekend that are designed to supplement the Easter celebration. Having both easy on-ramps and tools for retention are critical to maintaining momentum before, during, and after Easter. The conversation turns to whether or not pastors should care about public perception. The episode finishes with a discussion about how living in sin changes who God is to you.
In part three of our series called Win By Losing, Pastor Mel interviews special guest Sgt. Shilo Harris. Shilo survived an IED blast in 2007 that left major burns on his body. Three of the five soldiers in Shilo's Humvee were killed in the explosion. Throughout the interview Shilo tells a story of resilience and dependence on God as he overcame seemingly impossible odds. So much of life, especially for a Christian, is characterized by the endurance of tragic suffering. The testimony of Sgt. Harris will give you hope and encouragement that by the grace of God you can make it through almost anything.
On Leadership Night Mel often presents information on how you might lead others well, but in this episode he teaches us how to lead ourselves. He explains why being a good leader requires that you own your mistakes. He talks a little about how to foster an atmosphere where leaders and employees aren't afraid to admit their mistakes. Being an effective leader also requires that you establish good boundaries. You need to know what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate relationships. Furthermore, every good leader needs to be able to respond well to adversity. Mel also talks about how a leader might recover lost credibility after a leadership failure. Q&A follows.
In the second installment of our series Win By Losing, Pastor Mel walks us through the four things we must lose in order to follow Jesus. Using selected scriptures, Mel argues that being faithful requires us to lose our minds. Romans 12:2 admonishes us not to copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then we will learn God's will for us, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Being faithful also requires that we lose our own way. Jesus said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." Taking up our cross also means we must be willing to lose our lives. The fourth, and often most difficult, loss we must accept to be followers of Jesus is our loss of control. Accepting God's will for your life means submitting your own will, and thus your control, to God's purposes.
In the third part of his lecture series on Purpose, Dr. John Stanko teaches us why it's important to face reality when trying to discover your purpose. While we should be courageous and ambitious, it's important to accept honest feedback when others provide it for us. In the pursuit of purpose we should be prepared to embrace change. The apostle Paul experienced radical change when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. An important part of finding your purpose is following your joy. Does this thing make you happy? Life is difficult and growing in your purpose will be difficult, but constant misery while you work is certainly and indication that something is wrong and you may be pursuing the wrong things.
In the first message of our series called Win By Losing, Pastor Mel makes the case for reorganizing what you prioritize as valuable. Jesus said, "If you cling to your life you'll lose it, but if you give up your life for me you will find it." Our world teaches us to make sacrifices in an effort to win, but Mel explains why winning by itself is an improper motivation. Preaching through Philippians 3, Mel outlines the perspective which views everything else as worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ. The message finishes with an illustration of the famous statue called, "The David" which Michelangelo carved from marble. The illustration teaches how God wants to shape us into something immeasurably valuable by subtracting the things which are not fitting to the image of Christ.
Special guest Pastor John Nuzzo joins us for an encouraging message called Pick Your Punctuation. John explains how inflection points in our lives can either drop a "period" or a "comma" in our stories. He makes the case that a "period" can be devastating because we allow terrible moments to define us. If we look to Jesus and trust in Him, then we can find power to turn major life events into "commas" which lead us into a better future. A "comma" reveals how God is not done using us if we should choose to remain faithful. John makes the case that God wants to give us good things, but we need to be steadfast in our posture to receive what He has for us.
Mel, Todd, and Michael open the discussion with an esoteric inquiry into the nature of conscience. Next they talk about whether or not it's a good idea to hire the family of current staff members. What are some things that impress Mel in a job interview? What are some red flags to look for when interviewing applicants? The episode finishes with a conversation about which of the biblical precepts are hardest to implement in daily life. What happens to your life once you cultivate relationships in godly community?
In the second session of his three part series on Purpose, Dr. John Stanko teaches us how to define our purpose. The first step in defining our purpose is to seek God. Proverbs chapter 2 instructs us to cry out to God for discernment and lift our voices for understanding. Scripture teaches us that discerning the fear of the Lord leads to discovering the knowledge of God. Dr. Stanko also explains why in search of your purpose you should not overlook the simple things, you should be willing to work, and have the courage to face your fears. Believing that God wants you to do something is much different than wanting to do something yourself.
In the sixth and final message of our series on The Temple, Pastor Mel teaches how to cultivate an overcoming worship. What happens to your faith when trouble comes? Preaching through Revelation chapter 4, Mel explains how a durable faith requires worship, and how this kind of worship relies on a revelation of God. The less you know about God the less you will want to worship, while the more you know about God the more you will want to worship. Mel makes the case that your perception of God is incubated in your worship. The defining characteristic of God's people is God's presence, and faithful worship is vertical, horizontal, and reflective.
In a special edition of Leadership Night, our guest speaker Dr. John Stanko teaches how to identify your purpose. Teaching through Acts 6, John explains how being effective means being full of power to achieve results. He goes on to make the case that in order to be effective you must know your purpose. Dr. Stanko supports his claim by walking us through the personal purpose of several key figures in scripture. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Paul was charged with bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. Peter was entrusted with preaching to the Jews. John the Baptist had the duty of preparing the way for Jesus. What's your purpose?
In the fifth week of our series called The Temple, Pastor Mel examines seven different Hebrew words which are used in the scripture to describe worship. Working primarily through the Psalms, Mel explains the reasons why we worship the way we do. Raising hands during worship is an expression of surrender to, vulnerability towards, and dependence on God. Being physically expressive in your worship of God is not necessary, but it's a natural way to intensify the inner exultation which is at the heart of worship. The message concludes with Mel quoting A. W. Tozer who said, "The goal of every Christian should be to live in a state of unbroken worship."
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss how to identify nominal christians within the Church. A nominal Christian is a person who is christian in name only. How should pastors interact with such people? They also talk about hierarchies between believers and whether some christians are more valuable than others. Part of the discussion of hierarchy leads to some ways to protect yourself against disappointment if your spiritual mentor falls. The conversation finishes with a dialogue about borders: both national and personal.
In the fourth week of our series called The Temple, Pastor Mel preaches about the ark of the covenant which was stored in the innermost sanctum of the temple - the holy of holies. The holy of holies was a place only accessible by the Israelite High Priest, and even the High Priest did not enter lightly. Teaching through Leviticus 16, Mel describes these particular parts of the temple and he explains the processes the priesthood had to observe to maintain it. The message resolves with Mel showing how reverence for this part of the temple is symbolic of the reverence we should have for God today. He explains how the Jewish law was demanding, why God deserves great attention, and how our being intentional raises our awareness.
In the third week of our series called The Temple, Pastor Todd supplies a teaching on the altar of incense. The altar of incense was the last pass before entering the holiest part of the temple. Todd walks us through the Levitical process of sacrifice and explains what it means for our worship today. He talks about why God emphasized certain placement of the altar when designing the structure of the temple, as well as stringent particularity in the design of the altar itself. Todd traces the chain of possession of the sacrificial fire through the various rituals in the temple and shows that it originates from God Himself. The message culminates in the idea that God provides all that we need to worship and the means of sacrifice is not sourced within ourselves.
In the second week of our series on The Temple, Pastor Mel teaches all about the symbolic significance of gates and how they translate to your relationship with God. Gates serve a variety of purposes including protection, authority, and control of access. Psalm 100:4 teaches that we should, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name." As Christians we should be mature enough that we come into worship with expectancy and we don't need to be stirred up. Holy worship should result in holy obedience, because worship without obedience is little more than a superficial opiate numbing us against the pressures and pains of life.
In this edition of Leadership Night, Mel explains the hallmarks of a high-capacity leader. A high-capacity leader is someone who understands the vision. This kind of person advances the vision because they take ownership through their own expectations rather than from expectations set upon them by a manager. A high-capacity performer will draw the best out of his peers and knows how to win in a healthy way. Mel presents these descriptions and more to help you identify high-capacity leaders. Q&A follows.
In the first message of our series called The Temple, Pastor Mel gives a thorough explanation of what the Temple was, its layout, functions, and rules. He explains how the structure of the Temple was used to denote the holiness of God and our restricted access to God before mediation through Jesus Christ. Preaching through Ephesians 2, Mel goes into detail about how the gospel of Jesus Christ reconciles us to God. Access demands intimacy, and through Jesus Christ we have intimacy with God much like the high priest had in the innermost sanctums of the Temple.
In the final installment of our Jesus Over Everything series, Pastor Jake Schwertfeger from Overland Missions preaches on the sufficiency of Jesus. He presents a thesis that one of the greatest deceptions plaguing the body of Christ today is that we are begging God to receive what Jesus has already freely given and established in us. His message is one of encouragement to embrace what Jesus has already given us and trust Him to work in the most challenging areas of our lives.
In the third message of our series Jesus Over Everything, Pastor Mel explains what it looks like when the Church is in submission to Jesus. When we put Jesus over everything as a church, conflict decreases, health increases, and God's kingdom advances. Mel teaches why the key to healthy relationships is to love sacrificially and resolve conflict biblically. He points out how church health is measured by generosity, salvations, and baptisms. The sermon finishes by highlighting how Jesus was a church planter, Paul was a church planter, the apostles were church planters, and the Great Commission calls on us to be church planters.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss common pitfalls associated with prosperity. How can a church enjoy prosperity without becoming corrupted by it? What about for an individual? Staying hungry and maintaining a sense of urgency is crucially important to keeping a proper perspective. They wax esoteric with a deep theological question concerning the difference between God's will and man's will in specific biblical events. The conversation finishes with their attempt to answer the question of whether it's good for your followers to fear you.
In the second message of our series Jesus Over Everything, Pastor Stef preaches a verse-by-verse expository sermon on Colossians 3:1-4. She recalls some of the lessons Mel unpacked from the previous two chapters, and then makes the case for why Jesus should be Lord of our lives. Stef presents a practical dichotomy of what an earthly minded person might say and think over against what a heavenly minded person might say and think. She also explains why the greatest barrier between ourselves and God is not our sin but is our focus. Sin is a barrier, yes, but fundamentally our relationship with God is predicated on our aim. Idolatry is a sin with denotes aim because to have an idol means to allot worshipful focus on someone or something other than Jesus.
"Jesus Over Everything" is our theme as a church for this year. In the first message of our series Jesus Over Everything, Pastor Mel makes the biblical case for the supremacy of Christ. He argues that Jesus is supreme over our lives and over all creation even if we don't accept that He is. Through exposition of Colossians chapters 1 and 2, Mel teaches how Christ is the head of the Church, is the ruler of all kingdoms and all authority, and how Jesus alone is entirely sufficient for us. This section of Colossians also contains the famous warning against being captured by empty human philosophies crafted apart from Jesus, because in Jesus resides all the fullness of God.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss whether it's appropriate to pretend certain things around people in order to gain influence with them. They also talk about whether consequences for sin can be permanent in this life, and whether those consequences can invalidate you for specific leadership roles. The conversation turns to a question of whether it's tempting to listen to peers instead of listening to elders.
In this episode of Leadership Night, Mel walks us through a handful of important lessons we've learned from one of history's great leaders - Martin Luther King Jr. He talks about the wisdom of taking action even when fear makes inaction seem rather tempting. A good leader is a leader committed to both intellectual and character growth. Effective leadership involves reading and learning on a daily basis. Mel fields questions in the second half of the episode, and one of the questions is whether ignorance or wickedness leads to worse leadership decisions.Check out the Back40 Session Mel references here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4PVWYgMWfE
Preaching through Matthew 11:28-30, Pastor Gilbert teaches us how we can find the deepest form of rest. Rest for our souls comes from doing God's work and daily presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice for His purposes. Doing God's work involves surrendering yourself to the yoke of Jesus Christ and learning from Him. If we try to arrive at spiritual rest without Jesus we will come up empty and be left feeling dissatisfied. The pathway to this much-sought-after peaceful condition has already been laid out by God, we just need to see it, understand it, and practice the faith necessary to walk it.
In the most challenging message of this series, Pastor Mel brings a short sermon on Christ as the suffering servant. It's human nature to want to be powerful and even if we don't seek prestige most of us still want the freedom which comes from being in control. Teaching through selected scriptures, Mel explains how the Christian life is about downward mobility rather than upward mobility. We are called to a narrow path marked out by Jesus as one characterized by powerlessness, humility, and suffering. Only once we deny ourselves and accept this truth do we find real freedom in submission to God.
In the third message of our series "It's a Wonderful Life", Mel discusses the human desire to be seen. Using selected scriptures including the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4, he teaches why it's better to honor God than seek glory for yourself. Mel explains what it means to be a servant of Christ and reminds us that we are a slave to our source. Towards the end of the message, he shows a video of a little boy who demonstrates what it looks like to take your role seriously - even if your role isn't glorified by others. The conclusion of the sermon is that it's better to be loved by God, be a child of God, and be seen by God than to be famous here on earth.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss the wisdom of focusing on a select number of projects at one time. Is it too late for you if you've taken on more than you can handle? How do you manage the chaos and arrive at a productive conclusion? They also talk about the importance of pastoring your team and what this pastoring should look like. Then the conversation deepens with the idea of preaching about sobering topics like sin and the holiness of God.
In the second part of our series called It's a Wonderful Life, Pastor Mel looks at the worldly perspective on wanting to be rich. Generally, the desire for material wealth stems from either wanting to live a life of leisure or not wanting to worry about money. Mel makes the case that what we're really after is freedom and we try to acquire freedom through wealth. It's very common for people to worry about who is going to take care of them, and Pastor Mel explains why we become slaves to those who provide for us. He finishes the message by showing how true freedom comes when we understand that God is our provider.
In a special edition of Leadership Night, Mel teaches principles he has learned from time spent working on his Jeep. Working through a list of ten points, he explains how these principles apply to leadership in business and in your personal life. The ideas include being careful to invest in critical infrastructure before spending on flashier, more attractive purchases: "lockers before light bars", as the Jeep community puts it. He also talks about ways to keep your employees happy at the middle of the pay-scale, how to learn from leaders without merely imitating them, and the danger of starting too many projects at one time. Q&A follows.
In the opening message of our series It's a Wonderful Life, Pastor Mel investigates the meaning of biblical love. He talks about the problems associated with the culture's fantastical infatuation with being "in love." He explores the self-sacrificial love of called agape, and then he explains why it's a bad idea to follow your heart when it comes to loving others well. Preaching through 1 John 4, Mel shows us that love is not about chasing a feeling, but choosing a discipline.
Pastor Christina tells a personal story explaining the negative consequences of envy. Preaching through James chapter 3, she teaches us what we should do if we discover that jealousy is a problem in our own lives. Christina makes it clear jealousy is not an attractive vice, and that it is the product of earthly, unspiritual, and demonic tendencies. She contrasts these attributes with godly wisdom which is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and willing to yield to others.
In the third and final message of our series on Habakkuk, Pastor Mel walks us through the prophet's song detailing the wrath of God. Habakkuk's song inspires fear, awe, and confidence in the glorious power of God. Mel explains the Hebrew term "selah" to indicate a moment of pause and praise. So we get to see the moments when the prophet reflected on the movement of God which adds another dimension of interest to the text. The message includes a powerful testimony from Kathy Eshbaugh, she tells us how her trust in God helped her through unthinkable grief. Mel closes with encouragement for us to take worship seriously because it is our weapon of war.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss how to spot false teachers. What are some qualities to look for in a good teacher? Are there more false teachers inside the church or outside the church? How should a pastor react when a false teacher emerges within the congregation? They also talk about the role of rituals in the Christian life. Can rituals change the quality of your spirit and help you mature as a Christian? The conversation lands on a discussion of the Golden Rule, and whether or not its meaning can be corrupted by cultural decline.
The second message in our series on Habakkuk brings us exposition of chapter 2. Pastor Mel teaches that it is through faith that a righteous person has life. He draws a distinction between righteousness and pride, citing that righteousness results in firmness, steadiness, fidelity, and steadfastness. Habakkuk cried out to God wondering how long before He will help. The prophet also faces frustration when it looks like the wicked are getting away with their deeds longer than they should. This chapter also presents prophetic warnings against those who build with ill-gotten money as well as those who practice idolatry.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss Christ's distinction between the broad path which leads to destruction and the narrow path which leads to life. What does this illustration mean for theological concepts like justification, sanctification, and entire sanctification? What is Summit's official position on these doctrines? Once we've established our convictions on what sanctification looks like, how should these convictions inform our discipleship programs? How can you be the best possible influence on a person's process of becoming more like Jesus?
Pastor Mel begins our series on the book of Habakkuk, who was one of the minor prophets of the Old Testament. This oft-neglected book teaches us invaluable wisdom concerning how we should receive God's correction. Habakkuk's prayer presented in the first chapter comes in the form of a complaint. Mel explains to us why it's okay to complain to God when facing difficulties in life. Complaining to God instead of to our neighbors helps preserve us against sins like gossip. In this message Mel teaches why it's better to be corrected by a friend than an enemy - although even correction by an enemy can be a mercy of God. This message concludes with hopeful words from Jesus Christ in Matthew 11, encouraging us to bring everything to God so He can give us rest.
Mel gives strategies for how to lead your team well through an internal crisis. It's important that you gather as much information as possible during the discovery phase. Once you know what's happening, proper communication throughout your team is critical. Bad behaviors like gossip and dishonesty should be struck down as soon as you notice them. One of the most challenging aspects of navigating an internal crisis is terminating someone, and Mel explains the best way to do it. Q&A follows.
Our guest speaker and keynote from She Is Transformed, Andi Andrew, preaches a message about preparation. Teaching through the parable of the ten virgins, Andi explains why we should be prepared for anything. She argues that the unwise walk in presumption while the wise walk in anticipation. Andi also teaches that we should not live on borrowed oil, meaning we should look to Jesus as our source rather than deriving a second-hand source from other people who look to Jesus. The message finishes with a warning to stay alert and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as your life and our world continue to change.
Pastor Mel finishes our series on 2nd Peter with exposition of chapter 3. This chapter takes a look at end-times prophecy and discusses how we should act as Christians who are expecting the return of Jesus. There will be scoffers who mock the truth of Christ's return and there will be hypocrites who claim themselves to be the saviors of mankind. A proper Christian should understand that God exists outside of time and that one day is as a thousand years to the Lord. Any perceived delay in Christ's return is not a consequence of unfulfilled promises, rather it's a display of God's grace and His desire that all people should come to the knowledge of truth.
The second week of our series on 2nd Peter brings a message explaining the dangers of being driven by your feelings and desires. Mel goes to the Greek to explain the subtleties of illegitimate desire and sensuality. He also discusses the meaning of greed and cautions us against false teachers who love to make personal gains by teaching bad doctrine. Mel explains how false teachers are like unthinking animals, and how they can lure you in with charisma and a clever use of words. The message closes with an antidote to the poison offered by false teachers. This remedy includes living a life of confession and repentance as well as living a life governed by truth and not by your own feelings.
What makes a good leader? What are the character traits of a good leader? What are some skills we can learn to develop our leadership? Mel teaches about these topics and more in this episode of Leadership Night. Mel and the audience discuss the importance of self-awareness, the necessity of asking for feedback, and the value of delegation. They also explore the importance of leaders taking on new responsibilities in order to avoid stagnation and promote growth. Q&A follows.
In the first message of our series on 2 Peter, Pastor Mel teaches about qualities you should develop as followers of Jesus. These qualities are: moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love for everyone. Mel's exposition of 2 Peter 1 explains how lacking these qualities makes you ineffective, unfruitful, shortsighted, and blind. The message concludes that standing firm in the truth and working hard are indispensable features of a life characterized by these qualities.
In session 3 of The Back40 Leadership Conference, Pastor Brad Price talks about what it’s like to lead a church in a small town. Through his experience pastoring in Alum Bank, Pennsylvania, he explains how churches should look for gaps in their community when strategizing which ministries to support. Brad argues that planting seeds through benevolence and community-service is one of the greatest ways to grow a church. Building your team is more important than building your budget. If you focus on building your team first, your budget will grow in turn. Q&A follows.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss the concept of reproof and how to determine who is fit for it and who isn't. Jesus said, "Do not cast your pearls before swine." and so as Christians we need to use discernment in who we attempt to correct. How fast can you tell when a person is not fit for reproof? What does this person look like? The conversation turns to the topic of cynicism, and how a pastor might square up with the realities of suffering and evil without becoming cynical. They also talk about various Christian pathologies associated with cynicism.
In the fifth and final part of our series on the five solas of the Reformation, Pastor Mel teaches about the doctrine of Soli Dec Gloria (which means glory to God alone). Christians are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone. The essence of Soli Deo Gloria is that everything is done for God's glory alone to the exclusion of man's self-glorification and pride. Mel explains how we can bring God glory by living honorably, praising God with our mouths, being obedient to God, producing much fruit in our lives, living generously, avoiding sexual sin, and living a glory focused life.
In part four of our series on the five solas of the Reformation, Pastor Mel teaches about the doctrine of Sola Scriptura (which means scripture alone). Christians are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone. Mel sets up the message by arguing that if the Bible is true, then any claim in conflict with what it says is false. He takes us on a tour of the holy books of various world religions and explains why the Bible is distinct from them. He then makes an apologetic defense of scripture by answering common complaints about it. He finishes the message by explaining the real-world benefits of daily reading the word of God.
In the third installment of our series on the five solas of the Reformation, Pastor Mel teaches about Solus Christus, which means Christ alone. The thesis for this series is: Christians are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone. Mel explains who Jesus is in various world religions like Buddhism and Islam, and then he points out why the distinctions between these religions and Christianity matter. Mel presents the gospel through exposition of Romans 10, as he teaches how confession in Christ as Lord and faith in him as Savior is necessary for salvation.
In session 2 of The Back40 Leadership Conference, Pastor Rob McClure presents a message on the value of staying close to the Shepherd. As a pastor, your job more than anything else is to follow close to Jesus. Ministry is full of important responsibilities and if you’re not careful these responsibilities can cause you to neglect your proximity to Christ. Trusting that Jesus knows where He’s going can bring you peace when you don’t know where you’re going. Rob unpacks these ideas and more in this session of the conference.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss how a person can harbor ambition without becoming arrogant. How do you pursue being the best at something while maintaining godly humility? They also talk about the role of mercy in effective leadership. How does a good leader discern when to punish, when to restore, and when to show grace? The conversation finishes with strategies for young leaders who are trying to gain respect among veteran leaders. How should a young leader carry him or herself? What traits do veterans admire in young leaders?
Pastor Todd teaches about the second of the five solas of the Reformation: sola fide. Sola fide means "faith alone" and Todd explains how we are saved entirely by grace through faith in Jesus. He also makes the case that while we are saved by faith alone, that faith itself is never alone but always expresses itself in demonstration. Using selected scriptures, Todd shows three ways faith should demonstrate itself in the lives of believers: through transformations in our cognition, our confession, and our conduct.
Todd, Gilbert, and Michael discuss whether there are differences in spiritual health based on a person's financial well-being. They also talk about the value of being present in the moment. Where should you draw the line between working ahead, developing yourself for the future, and being focused on your immediate surroundings? Is being the best at something even desirable once you realize how much you'll have to sacrifice? The conversation finishes with an exploration of the distinction between judging others and reproving others. How should this influence church policy?
In a special edition of Leadership Night, Pastor Todd walks us through what means to elevate the limitations of our leadership. He explains how intentionally including others in your workflow can expand the limits of your productivity. If you work for a boss or a manager, you should try to work with them rather than work for them. If you are a boss or manager, you should be quick to take on the dirty jobs yourself in an effort to relieve the pressure on your employees. Todd also explains how choosing meaningful milestones can help ensure you remain consistent in your productive routines.
In the opening message of our series on the five solas of the Reformation, Pastor Mel explains the meaning of Sola Gratia (by grace alone). He teaches the difference between justice, mercy, and grace as well as why all three are important elements of God's character. Contrasting Christianity with other world religions helps define biblical grace as an unmerited gift from God. Mel cautions against the casual view of sin associated with antinomianism which is a reaction to cheap grace. He finishes the message by discussing how our good works should be a natural result of what Jesus has done, not our effort to earn what Jesus has done.
In the third issue of our Milestones series, Pastor Mel explains the keys to "homothunadon" or unity in the Holy Spirit. Through the early Church in the book of Acts, Mel shows how the disciples achieved unity by devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to sharing in meals, and to prayer. He explains how the outcomes of unity are awe of God, signs and wonders, radical generosity, and salvations. The message closes with an exhortation to leave secondary issues behind and be willing sacrifice yourself for the greater unity.
In a special service commemorating Summit Church's 75th anniversary, Pastor Mel interviews John Blaniar, Jonathan Mack, and Don Hezlep - each of whom have been a part of Summit for a long time. This discussion takes you on a tour of Summit's history and gives you a better understanding of how the church became what it is today. They talk about the big faith it took to change locations and construct the facility Summit calls home. Each of the men agree that what God has done with Summit has stretched beyond anything they imagined. Summit's story is not over, and Mel finishes the evening with encouragement to move forward into what God has planned for the church next.
This episode presents session 1 from The Back40 Leadership Conference. In this session, Mel Masengale explains how pastors and leaders can deal with difficult people inside the Church. He highlights some of the strategies Moses used when leading subversive people during the exodus from Egypt. How do you stave off discouragement in the midst of unfair criticism? How do you lead people who ally with each other in their efforts to undermine your authority? What’s the best way to stabilize a dysfunctional situation and prevent it from damaging the health of your church?
In the second installment of our Milestones series, Pastor Mel teaches about the gifts of the Spirit. Through exposition of both 1 Corinthians 12 and Acts 2 - 4, Mel explains how the gifts of the Spirit are deeply practical. He talks about the difference between a public gift and a private grace, and he shows what happened to the early church in Acts after the day of Pentecost. Mel notes that God wants His glory to disrupt your normal life and that - like the apostles - you don't have to be specially qualified to live an obedient life in Christ.
In the opening message of our Milestones series, Pastor Mel teaches about Pentecost and the baptism of the Holy Spirit through Acts 1 & 2. He explains how God accelerates His glory through Christian unity. He also talks about how the Holy Spirit isn't weird, and how the gifts of the Spirit are given to encourage the Church and draw unbelievers.
Through verse-by-verse exposition of Psalm 23, Pastor Rob teaches how the Bible illustrates humanity as sheep and Christ as the Good Shepherd. He reminds us how sheep are defenseless without the shepherd. Our only job as Christians is to stay close to the Shepherd. The message finishes with an explanation of the Hebrew variants for the name of God which detail important elements of His character.
Mel explains the importance of adding value to your organization. Whether as an employee or a manager, there are likely undiscovered or underutilized ways you might contribute to the success of your company. From saving money by being creative in your operational efficiency to being excellent at the specific role you were hired to do, Mel outlines several time-tested strategies to make yourself more valuable.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss whether or not God ordains our suffering in order to advance His kingdom. Why would God do this? They also talk about the value of hard work and why a strong work-ethic is a biblical value. The conversation finishes with an evaluation of whether it's appropriate to be a carefree Christian.
Pastor Kim finishes our series called Much Fruit with a discussion of the fruit of self-control. Kim explains how the road to self-control runs through remembering who we belong to. Self-control is cultivated by nailing the passions and desires of our sinful nature to the cross of Christ. Features of self-control include reminding ourselves that everything's not about us and doing our best to live by the Spirit.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss the reasons for maintaining an eternal perspective in ministry, and the benefits of being careful to do so. They talk about seeking first the kingdom of God and what that looks like for a pastor. The conversation finishes with a discussion of material goods like cars, clothes, etc. and how to own these things without allowing them to negatively influence your ministry.
Week 5 of our Much Fruit series brings a message on biblical gentleness. Pastor Mel explains the difference between meekness and weakness, and how gentleness is actually restrained power. Jesus is gentle and yet He is also the most powerful. Mel uses the story of the woman caught in adultery to showcase the gentleness of Jesus and he encourages the Church to exercise gentleness as a feature part of their Christlike disposition.
Through Romans 8, Pastor Jim Hennesy teaches about understanding your purpose in the Christian life. He encourages us to be bold and to step out in faith to answer God's call. Jim explains how God worked His purpose through biblical characters like Moses, Abraham, and others. Even when things seem difficult, we can be certain God chose us to be the ones to advance His kingdom on earth at this moment.
The fourth week of Much Fruit brings a sermon on faithfulness. Pastor Mel explains what faithfulness is according to scripture. God is not looking for people of great faith, He's looking for common people to trust His great faithfulness. Mel explains how gifts are given while fruit is cultivated. He also reveals how the faithfulness God invites us into is a reflection of God's own faithfulness.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss the dangers which lurk between where you are as a church now and where you could be as a church in the future. How does a church grow into its next phase responsibly and intentionally? What are the pitfalls of unplanned growth? The conversation finishes with a discussion of how young leaders can learn to be content where they are instead of continuously yearning for a bigger platform.
In the third installment of our Much Fruit series, 5 of our pastors each bring a sermon no longer than 5 minutes in length. You'll learn about peace, kindness, goodness, and more in this exciting, fast-paced delivery of messages.
In the second installment of our series Much Fruit, Pastor Mel focuses on love. Love is the first and most fundamental fruit of the Spirit. Through 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 4, Mel details the biblical definition of love and how it is different from cultural understandings. He explains how obedience to Jesus reveals our affection for Jesus. The message finishes with encouragement for Christians to be the ones who put on display the full expression of God's love.
This message begins a new series called Much Fruit. Through exposition of Galatians 5, Pastor Mel explains what spiritual fruit is, where it comes from, and why it is required. He talks about the difference between good fruit and much fruit, and explains how God is the one who cultivates spiritual fruit in our lives. This cultivation process is not easy and is analogous to turning soil and pruning, but the outcome is worth the sacrifice.
In the fifth installment of Rubicon, Pastor Mel teaches about the importance of healthy relationships. Using selected scriptures, he explains the benefits of healthy relationships and details the commitment necessary to make them happen. He also discusses three major facets of the self which inhibit our commitment to healthy relationships: our pleasure, our lack, and our pain.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss how a person might remain humble after being set free by the forgiveness of Christ. How do you remember your own sin without falling back into it? Where is the ground between being enslaved to sin and being self-righteous? The conversation turns to the topic of anonymous giving. When is the right time to publicize your generosity? What is the proper amount of secrecy one should uphold while practicing benevolence? This episode finishes with a discussion of spiritual disciplines and why they are important to maintaining effective pastoral ministry.
Mel teaches strategies for good customer service and explains why these principles scale between a wide variety of organizations. Citing industry leaders in hospitality, Mel explains why treating your staff and customers properly fosters strong internal relationships and boosts productivity.
Pastor Stef continues the Rubicon series by teaching what it means to be committed to freedom in Christ. Freedom from shame, pain, and even illness are possible with God. To walk by faith means fixing your focus on Jesus. Looking unto Jesus means life, light, guidance, encouragement, and joy.
In a special baptism service, Pastor Mel brings a sermonette on Christian maturity. Through Romans 6 and Ephesians 4, Mel outlines the differences between immature and mature people. He explains how maturity leads to unity in the faith which is not a lack of conflict but an abundance of love.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss what it means to be a spiritual father and how this relates to the sonship of Christ. They talk about how God the Father is the archetype of good fatherhood, and how this fatherhood is demonstrated by Christ toward His disciples. The conversation shifts to discuss an idea called the tyranny of outcomes. They talk about what the tyranny outcomes means, what causes it, and how to avoid it.
Pastor Mel continues the Rubicon series by interviewing special guest Chad Williams. Chad is a former Navy SEAL whose harrowing story of life on the SEAL teams includes both tragedy and challenge. Chad recounts the road he walked which led to his relationship with Jesus and how this relationship changed everything.
Pastor Mel begins a new series called Rubicon. The theme of the series is making a decision for Christ in such a way that you are all in and there is no turning back. This first installment details the things which Jesus Himself was totally committed to: people, the cross, the resurrection, and you. What are you totally committed to?
Mel dissects the various elements of discouragement, what causes discouragement, and how to handle discouragement effectively. Q&A Follows.
Pastor Mel finishes the First Peter series with this final installment. Through 1 Peter 5, Mel teaches about how God's grace always leads to God's glory. The closing of this chapter reminds you that after you've suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Pastor Kim continues the First Peter series with an expository sermon on 1 Peter 4. The theme for this series is resilience in persecution and in this message Kim teaches about suffering. She explains how what suffering costs us now here on this earth as followers of Jesus pales in comparison to what we gain for all of eternity. The message finishes with an articulation of the wisdom of accepting suffering willfully because of your trust in Jesus.
Pastor Mel continues the First Peter series with an expository sermon on 1 Peter 3. The ongoing theme of resilience in persecution continues in this message. Mel also teaches a godly dynamic between husbands and wives. The message finishes on the symbolic relationship between Noah's flood and baptism, and what it means to submit to God's authority in order to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Todd and Michael discuss how church services should incorporate prayer. They discuss why scripture is important for both drawing inspiration for what to pray as well as patterning the structure of your prayer. The subject turns to some wrong ways of conducting collective prayer as well as the dangers associated with the wrong motives in prayer. The conversation finishes with the wisdom of knowing God through His word when considering how to pray.
Mel, Todd, and Michael have a detailed conversation about church finances. They talk about the boundaries between nonprofit and for-profit entities, how much a church should be reinvesting into the community, and how to build budgets. Mel describes some unhealthy spending habits he has observed in churches, and the conversation finishes on ethical considerations when it comes to whether or not a church should accept money from questionable sources.
Through an expository sermon of 1 Peter 2, Pastor Mel teaches how to be resilient in persecution. He also explains the value of submission in maintaining healthy relationships. Where submission is lacking, conflict is abundant. Mel makes the case that this is true across all relationships including those in politics, at work, and in marriage.
Pastor Mel preaches an expository sermon on the first chapter of 1 Peter. He explains how being repentant, knowing God's word, praying without ceasing, and staying in godly community make up the pathway to remembering the joy of your salvation.
Mel, Todd, and Michael are joined by special guest Pastor Brian Kelly. Brian is a mental health professional and leader of The Hope Center in Ireland. They discuss the importance of mental health in pastoral ministry, how the Scriptures impact a person's mental health, why pastors shouldn't be ashamed of seeking therapy, and much more.
Todd and Michael discuss important strategies in raising up new ministers. They talk about how to encourage young Christians to respond positively to their call to ministry, and why it's a good idea for churches to prioritize the development of future pastors.
Mel explains how building a healthy culture is critical to the success of your organization. Your employee's cultural fit is more important than his or her performance. He outlines some common mistakes leaders make when building culture, and he also lays out strategies you can try at home. Q&A follows.
Through the story of Noah's Ark beginning in Genesis 6, Mel teaches how righteousness can seem absurd in the midst of a reprobate culture. He explains some interesting details about the Ark and talks about why rainbows are symbolic of God's faithfulness to forgive us.
Pastor Mel unpacks three themes which run through the story of Jonah. These include the fact that Jonah was a prophet, that he was called to Gentiles, and that God loves "bad" people. Mel discusses how sin in our lives results in tribulation, although not all tribulation is connected to sin. He also teaches why we need to stop shaping God into our image and allow God to shape us into His.
Todd and Michael discuss how a pastor should handle members of their congregation who have been victims of violent crime. They also discuss the difference between the tithe and almsgiving, and whether or not benevolence programs discourage individual caretaking.
Through the story found in Daniel 6, Collin teaches how Daniel was a man of character, consistency, conviction, and conscience. He also explains the value of practicing the presence of God and understanding God's promises.
Through Matthew 14, Pastor Kim tells the story of Peter stepping out of the boat toward Jesus. She explains how Jesus can be your peace during turbulent times and how we can't truly know Jesus until we have faith to step out of the boat.
Todd and Michael discuss the relationship between churches and legal advisors including what kind of due diligence a church should use to protect their people. They also discuss the purpose of corrective action in church policy. The conversation turns to the value of slowing down so you can pay careful attention to each person you're pastoring.
Mel teaches strategies for how to lead yourself, your family, and your organization through times of crisis. He also explains some common mistakes people make when facing crises. Q&A follows.
Using the story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus found in Luke 24, Mel teaches about the difference between knowing Jesus and simply being around Jesus. He points out that while church ministries are great, all of them depend on the ultimate value of intimacy with Christ.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss what healthy vs. unhealthy self-denial looks like. They also try to pin down some wrong ways of teaching about Hell. The conversation finishes with an explanation of one of Christ's statements on divorce.
Jacob Schwertfeger from Overland Missions explains what it means to give your entire self to the things of God. He discusses how you are the vehicle by which the kingdom of God is going to be established.
Kyla Kassis from Overland Missions offers a clear evangelism training determining who is called to share the Gospel and who the Gospel is for. This teaching is both empowering and practical as Kyla breaks down what normally feels intimidating about sharing our faith.
Preston Sheldon from Overland Missions shares testimonies of how God has worked in his life. He also explains the importance of evangelism and why you should have the faith to go do it right now.
Through Christ's teachings in Luke 14, Luke 9, and Matthew 28, Mel explains what it means to make sacrifices in order to sit at God's table. Mel teaches about denying one's self and what it means to pick up your cross daily.
Through Psalm 23, Mel teaches what it means to find rest in God. He explains how God is responsible for our provision and protection - as well as the importance of observing the Sabbath.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss whether it's a good idea to incentivize holiness in the Church. They also talk about how Jesus changes our relationship to the sacred and the profane. The conversation ends with the topic of lust, and how pastors might preserve themselves, their family, and their ministry from the destructive nature of this particular sin.
Through the story of Mephibosheth found in 2 Samuel 9, Mel teaches how belonging to a community can change a person's life. He explains why Christians have a responsibility to reach out to others to befriend them, and how shouldering this responsibility is good for your own spirit.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss the gravity of spiritual war, the difference between ownership and stewardship over the congregation, and how defining ministry goals is a key to longevity in pastoral work.
Mel discusses strategies to recession-proof your businesses including where to invest, how to maintain long-term vision, and how to improve operational efficiency. Q&A follows.
Using the story of the Exodus, Mel teaches what it means to remember what God has done. He explains how remembering God's previous work in your life has profound effects on your spirit as well as your future.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss demonization, the difficulty of loving people on the other side of an epistemological divide, and why categorization is a necessary feature of treating others properly.
Using selected scriptures from the gospels of Matthew and Mark, as well as Paul's writings in 2 Corinthians 8, Mel teaches why we should use what God has blessed us with in order to be a blessing to others.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss how a pastor should handle anger, the importance of reconciliation, and the power of being precise in your speech.
Through Mark 10, Mel teaches about why you should grow in your generosity. A fun and impactful surprise comes at the end.
Mel discusses strategies employees can use to extend their influence and leadership even when they are in subordinate roles.
Through Matthew 6, Mel teaches the difference it makes when you put God first in your life in terms of your affections, your finances, and your sacrifices.
NOTE the recording hardware we used to capture this lesson failed to capture the end of it. This episode ends at the most logical point possible considering the available audio.
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NOTE the recording hardware we used to capture this lesson failed to capture the end of it. This episode ends at the most logical point possible considering the available audio.
summitpodcasts.church
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss ways to resist bad doctrine and heresy. They also talk about what to do when you personally fail to live up to the principles you are trying to teach.
Through Paul's salutations in Romans 16, Mel teaches about women in ministry and how to find strength in Christ.
Through Romans chapter 15, Kendall explains Christian unity and how to live a full life under God.
Through Romans chapter 14, Mel explains christian liberty as well as how to exercise it in a way that honors God.
Mel, Todd, and Michael discuss what it means to be salt and light. Salt to preserve what is good in yourself and others - and light to guide your community.
Through Romans 13, Mel teaches what it means to honor authority and why submission to authority is a biblical principle.
NOTE the recording hardware we used to capture this lesson failed to capture the end of it. This episode ends at the most logical point possible considering the available audio.
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