Impact the World: Recent Episodes
West Park Baptist Church
A production of West Park Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. We have conversations about how we can all love God, love people, and impact the world. www.westparkbaptist.org
Tara takes the opportunity to join Pastor James Lynch and Roger and Kathy McIntyre for a heartfelt discussion about Kathy’s journey through cancer. They explore her hopeful outlook and emphasize the vital role of their church family in providing support and connection during this challenging time.
Throughout July, Family Ministries has been a prominent topic of discussion. Tara engages in a conversation with Chris and Audra, exploring the structure, objectives, and diverse approaches to family ministry. They also delve into the details of Crew45, a newly established class tailored for 4th and 5th graders.
Every summer during the Equipping Classes, we host "Christians You Should Know." Tara engages in a conversation with Matthew Goldstine to explore Perpetua, delving into her identity and significance in the history of our faith.
Every summer during our Equipping Classes, we feature "Christians You Should Know." This year, Tara and Pastor Sam delve into the life and legacy of Irenaeus, often hailed as "The Father of Theology." They explore his profound contributions to theological thought and its impact on our understanding today. They also reflect on the significance of learning from the lives of Christians who have paved the way before us.
Starting August 4, 2024, West Park will implement new service times! In today's episode, Tara discusses these changes with Pastor Sam and Jake Bishop, exploring their implications across various ministries. They also highlight the introduction of new Equipping Classes aimed at fostering deeper spiritual growth and congregation engagement.
As West Park begins walking through The Book of James for the summer, Pastor Joe and Tara highlight historical information about the authorship and structure of this timeless book. While exploring its practical implications in the lives of believers, they also spend time highlighting some of their favorite passages, offering insights and wisdom. Pastor Joe shares ideas and study tools to deepen our understanding of this important book. Resources Be Mature by Warren WiersbeA Thirst for Wholeness: How to Gain Wisdom from the Book of James by Jay Adams The Message of James (The Bible Speaks Today Series) by J. Alec Motyer
Join Tara Hayes as she sits down with Susan, Elaine and Matthew to discuss the Training Program led by Jake Bishop. They will share ways they’ve grown spiritually and how all people in the church can benefit from this program. You can apply for the fall program through May 26, 2024, that will begin on September 10, 2024. Resources ApplySpiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
Tara sits down with Al Cage, Executive Director of Knox Haven and April Timko, Director of Street Hope Tennessee, along with Carletta Scarberry to discuss Street Hope Tennessee and the work they are doing to combat human trafficking. The problem of human trafficking may be more prevalent than you know - listen to find out how you can be aware and be part of the solution!
Resources
Street Hope Tennessee
TBI Tips
Call TBI – 1-800-TBI-FIND (824-3463)
During this special episode of Impact the World, Tara focuses on scriptures that reflect on the events of Holy week and Jesus' sacrificial work that brings us redemption. You are encouraged to use this guided mediation by following the prompts to help you reflect, rejoice, and commune with God as you prepare your heart for Easter. Music is provided by Max Horsewood.
With the new year comes new deacons! Tara and Pastor James have a conversation about our deacons, their biblical role, and how they serve the body at West Park.
Resources
www.wpbc.link/Deacons2024
benevolence@westparkbaptist.org
Tara sits down with Jack Underwood, Lisa Newsome and Pastor Sam Polson to talk about the formation of CedarBrook Outreach and how it has grown over the past several years. Also, Jack and Lisa share the vision for the surrounding community and how CedarBrook partners with West Park to accomplish their goals. Resources www.westparkbaptist.org/cedarbrookoutreach
During this special episode of Impact the World, Tara focuses on scriptures that reflect Jesus’ first coming, the promises of His finished work of redemption, and His second coming. You are encouraged to use this guided meditation weekly by following the prompts to help you reflect, rejoice, and commune with God as you prepare your heart for Advent. Music is provided by Max Horsewood. Resources In Love A Throne by Max Horsewood Country Gospel Verse 1 In love a throne to Christ was promised That all nations him should serve That praise should rise to God’s begotten For redemption undeserved Every shadow under Moses Celebration, sacrifice Pointed to a future coming God himself in form of Christ Verse 2 In love a throne Christ left behind him Word of God took on our flesh From his youth increased in wisdom To reveal God’s truth suppressed In the true propitiation Jesus died as sinners should Yet his soul was not abandoned God has raised him for our good Verse 3 In love a throne will be established On a recreated earth Christ will banish Death to hell’s abyss And be crowned with utmost worth Holiness will be our nature From the greatest to the least And forever we’ll adore him At his royal table feast (x2)
Continuing the series, “We Are West Park,” Tara sits down with the chairman of The Elders, Paul Wehmeier and they discuss Elders at West Park. Why do we have elders, what is their role in the church, and who are our Elders?
Resources
pwehmeier@westparkbaptist.org
Continuing the series, “We Are West Park,” Tara and James discuss the importance of covenant membership at West Park. How is a covenant different from a contract? Is it biblical and why is it important to who West Park is?
Resources
Proposed Documents
As part of a series in November called, “We Are West Park,” Tara and Pastor Joe discuss the recent amendments to West Park’s doctrinal statement. They focus on the importance of a doctrinal statement, and the reasons and process of amending the current statement.
Resources
Proposed Documents
In a continuation of the Faith and Family series, Tara and James Lynch discuss making the best of the empty nest. How do you respond if you didn’t want the empty nest to ever happen – what if you’ve been looking forward to an empty nest but now you have boomerang kids? The Bible has answers and encouragement for all these situations.
In a follow-up to the Faith and Family series Tara, Pastor Joe and Jake have a conversation about the challenges to both parents and kids when raising a family in the digital age.
Resources
The Intentional Father
The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Couch
Safeguards by Julie Lowe
God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb
Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids by Kristen Jenson
Continuing our monthly ministry focus Tara and Audra Chaney talk about Middle School Ministry. Audra shares her testimony as well as how she landed in ministry and what influence the middle school ministry had on where she is today. They also discuss the goals of the ministry and the importance of family involvement in their kid's spiritual development.
Resources
Contact for more info
During August our ministry focus has been Students. Tara has a conversation about the goals and vision of high school ministry, the changes that have recently taken place, and upcoming events. Colin turns the interview mic on Tara and asks her about what high school was like for her!
Resources
Contact for more info
As a part of the August Faith and Family series, Tara and Matthew lead a conversation with a live audience about being single in the church. Why is being single called a gift in scripture and what does that really mean? What is the responsibility of singles and those who are not to form community within the body of believers?
Tara meets again with Global Partner, Carmen and her colleague, Rhode from Cuba. They talk about how God called Rhode into ministry as a child and how that has influenced her work with children not only in Cuba but also all over the world. They also discuss what it is like to live and serve in Cuba.
James and Matthew conclude the conversation about Intergenerational Church. They encourage us all to explore what the church would look like and what we could accomplish in our community and for His Kingdom if we are all seeking to use our gifts as one body across the generations.
Tara gets to have a conversation with our Global Partner Peter after a brief stop at West Park. They explore all the ways God is moving Peter and his team to minister in his home country.
James and Matthew sit down with Ben and Dennis and continue the discussion about how generations work together in the church.
James and Matthew sit down with Sue and Coleen to discuss how they see God working in them today and through the different stages of their lives.
Tara sat down with Pastor James Lynch and Matthew Goldstine to kick off a series that will be led by James and Matthew about Intergenerational Church. They laid the foundation for the importance of not just a multi-generational church but also, the importance of how they interact and how they are mutually beneficial to one another’s spiritual growth.
Resources Impact the World - Episode 36 - Sr. Adult Ministry
To kick off the May Ministry Focus of Biblical Counseling, Tara, Pastor Al, and Terri Cage discuss the framework of Biblical Counseling and how it forms the process of becoming a Biblical Counselor at West Park.
Resources
West Park Biblical Counseling
Impact the World - Episode 5 - Biblical Counseling
Pastor James Lynch talks with Tara about what brought him to Senior Adult Ministry. He also discusses the importance of seniors to the church body and his vision for a growing and thriving ministry.
Resources
West Park Senior Adult Info
jlynch@westparkbaptist.org
Tara and Jake sit down to discuss the quarterly book review. In this episode, they cover the books that are used in the Training Program. The conversation explores the benefits of these books for the Christian life whether you are part of the Training Program or not.
Resources
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible by Rob Plummer
Spiritual Disciplines For The Christian Life by Donald Whitney
Information and Application
Join Tara as she sits down with LeAnn, Jonathan, and Sally to discuss the Training Program led by Jake Bishop. They will share ways they’ve grown spiritually and give insight as to how all people in the church can benefit from this program. The application process will be open from April 16 – May 14. Weekly meetings will begin September 12, 2023 and last through May 7, 2024.
Resources
Information and Application
Tara sits down with Pastor Joe and Jake to discuss a brief recap of where we’ve been in Romans, and where we’re headed. There is also a discussion of how the pastors determine the direction of the series and what they have learned as they prepare to preach each week.
In this episode, Tara and Jake discuss why the Resurrection is important to Christianity and give 5 quick points that prove it was a historical event. These points are just a few of many others and Jake and Tara discuss books that dive deeper into this subject.
Resources
Resurrection of The Son of God by N.T. Wright
Hope In Times of Fear by Timothy Keller
wpbc.link/holyweek
During March the Ministry Focus has been Renewal. In this episode, David Jones shares his testimony, what brought him to Renewal, and how God is using him as a volunteer. Scott Williams also joins Tara and discusses the different facets of Renewal, who the program is for, and how change is brought about.
Resources
West Park Renewal Ministry
In this episode, Tara will be talking with Lisa Newsome about the new Nursery Hallway. This “Because You Gave” story is a celebration of just one of the ways God is using the resources that the people of West Park have given in order to further His kingdom work!
For the March Ministry Focus Tara has a conversation with Scott and Kaitlyn about the Renewal ministry. Kaitlyn discusses what brought her to Renewal, her turning point, and how God worked in her life through this vital ministry.
Resources
West Park Renewal Ministry
Tara sits down with Cindy Reynolds to talk about all of the upcoming ways to reach out to our community and the updated “Serving Opportunities” page on the website.
Resources
wpbc.link/serve
For February’s Ministry Focus, Tara and Pastor Sam Polson sit down and discuss Missions at West Park. They take a brief look at how it has developed over the years not only around the world but also at West Park. They highlight what is different about how West Park supports missionaries from other churches.
Tara is joined by Greg and Suzanne Pitts, long-time global partners with West Park. Get to know Greg and Suzanne better as well as hear about how God has used them in various ways through the years. Hear about how God has them serving now!
Resourcesgreg.pitts@cru.org
Jake Bishop shares with Tara his top list of books that he read in 2022. Which ones stuck out to him and made an impact on him during the last year? Listen to find out.
Resources
The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller
Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley
How to Pray by Pete Greig
Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren
The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson
A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson by Winn Collier
Becoming Dallas Willard: The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower by Gary Moon
Recommendations by Others on West Park Staff
Think Again: The Relief from the Burden of Introspection by Jared Mellinger
The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
GraceLaced: Discovering Timeless Truths Through Seasons of the Heart by Ruth Chou Simons
Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship by Ruth Chou Simons
As we return to the book of Romans, Tara and Pastor Joe Kappel review main themes that were covered from chapters 1-5 as well as discuss important subjects to come in chapters 6-11.
Resources
Messages from West Park Baptist Church
Tara and Jake Bishop discuss the importance of community as it relates to spiritual formation. They explore the biblical basis for community and how true community is formed.
Resourcescommunity@westparkbaptist.org
Learn More About Community Groups at WPBC
Tara and Pastor Joe Kappel discuss prayer and the part it plays in spiritual formation. They discuss practical applications of the REAP guides and give an outline of how to pray.
Resources
Prone to Wander: Prayers of Confession and Celebration by Barbara R. Duguid (Author), and others
Guide to Prayer
P – Praise
R – Repent
A – Ask
Y – Yield
wpbc.link/sg
www.westparkbaptist.org/prayer
Tara and Pastor Al Cage kick off a three-week series about spiritual formation. They discuss the role Scripture plays in spiritual formation, how we received Scripture, its sufficiency for life, and the motivation of studying and living according to Scripture.
Tara and LeAnn Hilemon share a quick overview of the podcast – what has gone on since its beginning and a quick peek at what is coming up in 2023.
Resourcespodcast@westparkbaptist.org
wpbc.link/advent2022
Pastor James Lynch and James Lawrence have a discussion with Tara about Legacy Giving. They answer the questions of what exactly is Legacy Giving, why does it matter biblically, and what does it look like practically.
Resourceswww.theJLawFirm.com
theJLawFirm411@gmail.com
Lisa Newsome and Tara talk about Kids Ministry, the curriculum, and the importance of teaching our kids strong, biblical Truth. They also discuss how the Jehovah-Jireh offering will impact Kids Ministry.
Resourceswww.westparkbaptist.org/wp-kids/ kids@westparkbaptist.org
Tara sits down with global partner Emil Toader to discuss West Park’s long-time partnership with Missio Link International in Romania. Listen as they discuss ways God is working in Romania, the war in Ukraine, and how West Park contributed to their work with Ukrainian refugees.
Resources
www.missiointernational.org
Jake Bishop and Tara continue the topic of spiritual formation. On this episode they discuss the biblical view of hospitality, practical tips on what it is and what it isn’t, and why it is important.
Resources
The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
Pastor Sam Polson discusses with Tara the upcoming November focus, Trusting God – Generosity for Generations. Learn about the history of the Jehovah-Jireh offering each November as well as how God has used it in the past and how it will impact the generations to come.
Impact the World goes LIVE at the SALT Luncheon! SALT is the acronym for Senior Adults Living Triumphantly. Learn about the many facets of this ministry with James Lynch, Dennis Ramsey, and Pam Jackson. We also hear from Allison Thompson and Hannah Irwin regarding how CedarBrook Outreach is partnering with SALT.
Every year, West Park Baptist Church holds a Thanksgiving Boxes event. Congregation members are encouraged to fill a box that gets distributed to families in our community to help them celebrate the holiday. Cindy Reynolds tells us more about this event, including the purpose and this year’s goal.
Scott Williams talks with Tara about the Renewal Ministry, which is a ministry and support group for those struggling with bondage to addiction of any kind. During their discussion, Scott and Tara discuss the biblical view of what addiction is and how the hope offered in God’s word is truly life changing. To find out more about this ministry, visit www.westparkbaptist.org/renewal.
Resources
The Heart of Addiction: A Biblical Perspective by Mark Shaw
The Heart of Addiction Workbook by Mark Shaw
Relapse: Biblical Prevention Strategies by Mark Shaw
When you ask the question, “How are you?” people often say one of two things – “I’m busy” or “I’m tired.” But is this how we are meant to exist in our everyday lives? On this bonus episode, Jake and Tara sit down to discuss the spiritual discipline of Sabbath. During their time, they talk about a simple definition of Sabbath and give practical steps to practicing this spiritual discipline.
Resources
Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World by A. J. Swoboda
The Sabbath (FSG Classics) by Abraham Joshua Heschel
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Jess Holloway talks with Tara to explain what the Financial Freedom ministry is and is not. To find out more about this ministry, visit westparkbaptist.org/financial-freedom.
Resources
Money: Seeking God’s Wisdom by Jim Newheiser
Money, Debt, and Finances by Jim Newheiser
Experiencing the sorrow of a heart broken by loss is most likely the most difficult part of our journey as humans living on this earth. Listen to Tony Sawyer as he explains how Griefshare ministers to those walking through this valley. Al has a specific challenge to men. To find out more, including how to register, visit westparkbaptist.org/griefshare.
During this episode, Larry Cooper, Amy Larson, and Pastor Al Cage share with Tara their heart for bringing hope to those going through the difficulties of separation and/or divorce. This is part of a series of episodes exploring the Biblical Support Ministries at West Park and their focus of being “helping ministries” as they make an impact on not only our church body, but also our surrounding communities. To find out more about this ministry or to register for an upcoming class, go to westparkbaptist.org/divorcecare.
Since spiritual formation happens to everyone, how do we change? Jake introduces us to the topic of spiritual disciplines that each of us can implement on our journey to become more like Jesus.
We are distracted. How can we seek out silence and solitude to combat this constant state of distraction? Jake and Tara discuss this spiritual discipline and how it is foundational to spiritual formation.
Join Tara Hayes as she sits down with leaders from the Biblical Counseling Ministry as they discuss the heart and vision behind the ministry and how it is foundational to all of the other Biblical Support Ministries at West Park. This will help you understand what biblical counseling is and is not. It also gives insight into how to get involved or how to reach out to a counselor.
For more information about the Biblical Counseling Ministry or to fill out the form for counseling, go to westparkbaptist.org/counseling or email counselingministry@westparkbaptist.org.
Pastor Al Cage joins Tara to discuss the Biblical Support Ministries and how the BSM team is growing and making a difference in the lives of believers. Hear an overview of the lay of the land of BSM and what this ministry covers.
Tara invites Pastor Joe Kappel to describe the heart behind Community Groups and why they are important.
Resources
https://westparkbaptist.org/communitygroups/
E-mail: community@westparkbaptist.org
In this bonus episode, Tara chats it up with a longtime friend, Stephanie K. Stephanie shares how she ended up in Greece and also gives updates about the organization she partners with, Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel (AMG).
Resources
To find out more information about Stephanie's ministry or to sign up for her newsletter, e-mail stephaniek@amginternational.org.
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper (influential in moving Stephanie towards serving overseas full time)
What does it mean to do life together? In today's episode, Pastor Sam Polson explains the intention behind the series on "Life Together."
In this bonus episode, Jake Bishop offers up recommendations for books you will want to add to your reading list. He also turns the tables on Tara and asks her for her number one book to recommend. You can decide for yourself if Jake cheated a bit with his answer.
Resources
Tara's #1: When People are Big and God Is Small by Edward T. Welch
Jake's #1: Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Jake's #2: Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Jake's #3: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Jake's #4: anything by Tim Keller (in particular, The Prodigal God, The Reason for God)
Jake's #5: old books that have stood the test of time (e.g., Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, Confessionsby St. Augustine, Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin)
In our initial episode, host Tara Hayes and Jake Bishop discuss the purpose of this podcast and its focus on how we can all impact our world. Jake also shares information about Equipping Classes.
Resource
Equipping Classes