Community Chat: Recent Episodes
Community Chat
Chats for a local church (and maybe for the big C Church). Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
It's been a busy and eventful past week (Trunk or Treat / Fall Festival, watching World Series games, ABU softball at UNT, attending the Championship Parade, and more). But I didn't want to miss out on congratulating the 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers!
I'll process this more in a future (and full) episode, but for now, "Congrats!"
Kevin can be reached at kevinr@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
How good is good enough? Religion can be spelled "DO," while a relationship with Christ is spelled "DONE." That's because religion is about all of the dos and don'ts, but a relationship with Christ is about what He has done for us. He lived a perfect life (that we couldn't live), died on a cross, and rose from the dead to give us the opportunity to have a relationship with Him, be forgiven of our sins, and know that we can spend eternity in heaven with Him. So rather than trying to earn our salvation, let's accept the free gift God has for us.
Kevin can be reached at kevinr@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
The word "legacy" has been on my mind a lot lately. What does it mean to leave a legacy? The reality is that we all will leave a legacy, so how do we leave the kind of legacy we'd want to leave? In this episode, let's talk about what it means to leave a legacy of loving God and loving people.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
What are 3 things you could do to help prepare for your own Celebration of Life service? In the spirit of Stephen Covey's "Begin with the end in mind," it's a question worth asking - and answering. I reflect on the Celebration of Life service I had the honor of conducting recently and offer up an answer to that question that I hope you'll wrestle with.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
We experienced a significant death in our church family this week, and I'm preparing for the Celebration of Life service. We'll chat in the near future about "a life well-lived," but for today, you can rest assured that the person we'll be celebrating fits that title well.
Please be praying for the family and for our church as we celebrate his life and walk through our own season of grief. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
This episode's title obviously comes from the book (and movie) Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. We've all experienced days like that, haven't we? If you haven't, I hate to tell you, but you will. And we'd like to think that following Christ would prevent this, but Jesus promises that "in this world you WILL have trouble" (not "MAY have trouble"). It's a promise we'd rather not claim. But Jesus promises that He has overcome the world, and He also promises that He will be with us in the midst of those days.
Join us as we look at a day in Jesus' life that certainly started out as a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, but one in which God still did amazing things. And when we go through those days, God will be with us, and we can claim the promise that God's not done working!
Kevin can be reached by email at kevinr@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Where does your value come from? Where do you get your worth? Were you designed as a carbon copy of someone else, or were you created to be an original masterpiece?
In Luke 15, Jesus answered His critics who said that He loved to eat with "sinners" and tax collectors by saying these are the very people He came to save. He tells 3 stories about people who lost something or lost someone and who rejoiced when the thing or the person was found. And Jesus says that the angels in heaven rejoice when one sinner repents.
Whether you have followed Christ for decades or haven't made a decision to follow Him yet, may this episode be an encouragement to you about how much God loves you and values you - and the price He was willing to pay for you!
Kevin can be reached by email at kevinr@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Search for Significance (book): Click here
Search for Significance Student Edition (book): Click here
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Birthdays are an exciting time for reflecting, being reminded of the incredible people who have blessed us throughout our lives, and to be reminded of God's faithfulness to us in the past and to be reassured that He will be faithful to us in the future.
As I (Kevin) celebrated my birthday this week, this was a good chance to reflect on these things!
Kevin can be reached by email at kevinr@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Welcome back to Community Chat after our second summer hiatus! In this episode, we'll take a quick look at the upcoming sermon series at Community North Baptist Church: "Discover Your SHAPE." God has made each and every one of us unique, and He has wired us with our own Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. When you put all of that together, you get your SHAPE. Discovering your SHAPE and figuring out how to utilize it will bring fulfillment as you become whom you were created to be and do what you were created to do!
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Uniquely You website: uniquelyyou.org
Congratulations...You're Gifted (by Doug Fields and Eric Rees: Amazon link
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
We're going to go ahead and take a break until after Labor Day. Before we do though, let me remind you that "leaders are learners." Whether you attend conferences, read books, have great mentors, or whatever learning may look like for you, always be learning! We look forward to seeing you again after Labor Day!
And P.S. Thank you for your prayers for our Vacation Bible School! The kids who came had a great time learning about God's love for them!
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
This is a SUPER short episode (38 seconds or so) as this week is our church's VBS. Please be praying for us as this is one of the biggest events we (and other churches) have for impacting the kids and families in our community. Thank you!
P.S. It's not too late to register (if it's before the end of the weekend of July 28th-30th, 2023)! The link is below!
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Community North Baptist Church VBS: communitynorthbc.org/vbs
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
I like big tents! I'm not talking about camping (although you might as well have a big tent if you can). I'm not even talking about tents and canopies at the beach, although I am grateful for the shade they provide. I'm talking about big tents in Christianity - where as many people (and churches) as possible are welcome.
It's easy for churches and/or conventions to focus on the things that could divide them rather than on the key things that unite them. Unity is important - so important that Jesus prayed for it on His last night with His disciples before the crucifixion. After attending the Texas Baptists Family Gathering this week, this topic seems like an appropriate one to focus on.
I'm sure I ramble a little (or a lot), but I hope this is helpful in at least beginning a conversation about having big tents where as many people as possible come together for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. If you'd like to talk further about anything from this episode, I (Kevin) can be reached at kevinr@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Texas Baptists website: texasbaptists.org
"Chatting About Women in Ministry (with Lillian Hinds" episode: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/XcDVJkNvBBb
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Sometimes it feels like life is just rolling along. Sometimes it feels like you're hanging on for life as you navigate changes, moves, and transitions. That's the season I've been in lately.
On this episode, I share about the last couple of months for our family: selling our house in Arlington, moving to a rental house in Coppell, surprising the ABU softball team in Kansas City, graduation, family trips, a soon-to-be new 16-year-old (and driver), ministry connections, and more! I also share about some cool things happening in ministry at Community North Baptist Church and in other area ministries.
Thanks for letting me share a little glimpse into our personal lives, and thank you to so many who have prayed for and supported us through all of this!
I (Kevin) can be reached at kevinr@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Vacation Bible School registration website: communitynorthbc.org/vbs
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Welcome back to Community Chat after our month-long break! TransWorld Radio (TWR) is an incredible ministry that is spreading the Gospel literally around the world, utilizing radio and other forms of media.
I met Rachel Mehlhaff when I started as Pastor at NorthPointe Baptist Church in Arlington, TX. Rachel had grown up at NorthPointe and was in the process of raising support to go to Singapore with TWR. After serving there for 3 years, she moved to Cary, NC, where she is now the Marketing Director of TWR Motion (a branch of TWR which creates videos that connect people with Jesus). On this episode, Rachel shares about TWR and specifically about TWR Motion and the incredible work they are doing.
Rachel can be reached at rmehlhaff@twr.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
TransWorld Radio website: twr.org
TWR Motion website: twrmotion.org
Rachel Mehlhaff's TWR Staff Page: twr.org/mehlhaff
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
After 22 weekly episodes to start the year, Community Chat is going to take a break for the month of June. The last few weeks have included a trip to Kansas City (with Arlington Baptist University softball), a move, and a graduation, and the next few weeks include an anniversary and a couple of trips. June is a good time to catch our breath for a short moment.
In the past 22 episodes, we've heard from pastors, leaders in compassionate thought, the leader of a ministry serving what is now the most populated nation in the world (India), a counselor, the leader of an exciting ministry serving the homeless in DFW, the leader of a private Christian school, a 2-time Regional Champion and World Series semifinalist head college softball coach, an immigration lawyer, and more.
When we return, we'll hear from a Boston Marathon competitor, a marking manager for an international ministry doing incredible things all around the world, other pastors and thought leaders, and much more.
In the meantime, we'll be highlighting various previous episodes on social media for those who may have missed them or for those who may want to hear them again. Thank you for being a faithful listener, and we'll see you again soon!
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
In part 2 of "Chatting About Politics and the Church (with Brandon McCarroll)," Brandon McCarroll continues the discussion of how a church can not avoid talking about politics while also not being torn apart by politics. Once again, what should the relationship of the church be with politics? How do we keep politics from dividing the church while still having conversations we need to have? These are questions we must wrestle with if we want to maintain and use our prophetic voice in the world while also protecting unity in the church.
Brandon can be reached at bmccarroll@highlanddenton.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Highland Baptist Church (where Brandon is Senior Pastor) website: highlanddenton.org
Highland Baptist Church Facebook: Highland Baptist Church of Denton
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Politics! What a loaded word! Some of you probably get excited when you hear that word. Others probably feel anxious. Others probably bracefor a fight.
What should the relationship of the church be with politics? How do we keep politics from dividing the church while still having conversationswe need to have? These are questions we must wrestle with if we want to maintain and use our prophetic voice in the world while also protecting unityin the church.
Brandon McCarroll, the pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Denton, Texas, returns for a 2-part conversation on this topic. Brandon bringsimportant insights such as “always put people before politics,” “remember that you are talking about people, not ‘issues’,” and “our hope is in a Savior, notpoliticians.
Brandon can be reached at bmccarroll@highlanddenton.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Highland Baptist Church (where Brandon is Senior Pastor) website: highlanddenton.org
Highland Baptist Church Facebook: Highland Baptist Church of Denton
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
IMMIGRATION. It's estimated that over 1 million immigrants enter the United States each year. In 2021, that number was estimated to be near 1.5 million. Immigration is a complicated, and often controversial topic.
Jennifer Scarborough is an immigration lawyer in Harlingen. In this episode, she shares valuable insights on how the process works, many of the challenges faced by those in the system, the complexity of immigration policies, and also the simplicity that comes when you are able to view those involved in these cases as actual people. Jennifer also touches on the topic of LBGTQ rights, as many people seek asylum because they face persecution and maybe even death in their own countries, but now potentially face increasing legal challenges and even persecution in the United States.
Jennifer earned her Bachelor's degree from Mars Hill University, her dual Master's degrees in Social Work and Divinity from Baylor University / Truett Seminary (where she and Kevin met), and her law degree from DePaul. After working in law for several years, she started her own law firm in February, 2020.
Jennifer can be reached at Jennifer@texasborderlawyer.com.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
I vividly remember the Cowboys' 3 most recent Super Bowl wins, and I was thrilled when the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat to win the 2011 NBA Finals. Baylor's 4 combined National Championships in women's and men's basketball brought me great JOY. And I still feel the agonizing pain of how close the Rangers came to winning the 2011 World Series - "one strike away" multiple times.
But, as we discussed in part 1, sports is so much more than these things. In part 2, Davis Beaver shares about recruiting, assembling a team, Team One (the inaugural team at ABU) and Team Two - this year's team that begins regional play TODAY (May 5th) as it looks to earn a trip to the NCCAA World Series. Coach Beaver's passion for sports and coaching comes through clearly, but even more so, I hope you'll catch his care for his players and his desire to help them become the amazing people God has created them to be.
As I mentioned last week, I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had to get to know, serve, and love these players, and I look forward to sharing a little bit about them with you!
Coach Beaver can be reached at dbeaver@abu.edu
Regional Tournament Dates: May 5-6, 2023
NCCAA World Series Dates: May 16-18, 2023
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Arlington Baptist University website: abu.edu
Arlington Baptist University (ABU) Softball Twitter page: twitter.com/ABU_Softball
ABU Softball Instagram page: instagram.com/abu.softball
ABU Softball Facebook page: @ABU Softball
Compete to Create (formerly Win Forever): c2c.competetocreate.co
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
I love sports! And I'm not the only one.
Davis Beaver and I have known each other since 1993, when he was a sophomore and I was a senior at Lamar High School in Arlington. After graduating from Lamar, Davis earned a bachelor's degree from Northwestern State and a master's degree from Oklahoma. In addition to various high school stops, Coach Beaver coached college basketball for over a decade at NCAA Division 1, Division 2, and Juco levels. He helped Sam Houston State go from last to first in their conference. As head coach, he led Texas A&M International to its most successful season at the NCAA level and only winning nonconference record at the time. He also led Brown Mackie to just the 5th winning season in school history and the regional finals, the farthest they have ever advanced in the postseason.
When the public school I worked at was hiring Coach Beaver, his references included now 4-time National Championship coach Kim Mulkey and then UTA and now Troy head basketball coach Scott Cross, both of whom spoke very highly of him. While there, he picked up head coaching duties for our softball team, leading it to a district championship in our first year as a UIL school.
In May, 2021, Coach Beaver was selected to lead the inaugural softball team at Arlington Baptist University. I'm grateful that he extended the invitation to me to serve as the team's chaplain. Team One, as they were affectionately known, won a regional championship and finished as College World Series semifinalists at the NCCAA level. Team Two will be the top seed in the Regional Tournament and is hoping for a deep postseason run. Embracing the adage that "leaders are learners," Coach Beaver is also pursuing his doctorate in performance psychology at Grand Canyon University.
In part 1 or a 2-part series, I hope that you hear Coach Beaver's love for his players and his desire for them to not only become great players and a great team, but even more so, to become the incredible people whom God has created them to be.
Coach Beaver can be reached at dbeaver@abu.edu.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Arlington Baptist University website: abu.edu
Arlington Baptist University (ABU) Softball Twitter page: twitter.com/ABU_Softball
ABU Softball Instagram page: instagram.com/abu.softball
ABU Softball Facebook page: @ABU Softball
Compete to Create (formerly Win Forever): c2c.competetocreate.co
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
On Tuesday, Charles Stanley passed away at the age of 90. He pastored First Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia, for 49 years before becoming Pastor Emeritus in 2020. Two great influences in my life, Andy Stanley and Louie Giglio, grew up in his ministry. His messages reached millions through In Touch Ministries. He left a powerful legacy.
Legacy is a big word with even bigger implications. And there's a danger attached to legacy. Rich Mullins said, "If your life is motivated by your ambition to leave a legacy, what you'll probably leave as a legacy is ambition." At the same time, the truth is that we will ALL leave a legacy - whether good or bad. Our families, our churches, and our communities will all be impacted by what we do or don't do with our lives. As William Wallace said in Braveheart, "All men die; not every man really lives. Let's make the most of this life God has given us. Kevin can be reached at kevinr@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
StoneGate Christian Academy's Legacy Banquet Auction (referenced in Episodes 16 and 17): sgcalegacy2023.ggo.bid
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Private Christian education is a hot topic for sure. Does supporting Christian education mean you hate public schools? Can students from Christian schools get into college or get a good job? How could you justify taking public funds and spending them on private Christian instruction? What are vouchers about anyways?
Our guest, Matt Maples, tackles these topics, questions, misconceptions, and more about private Christian education. Matt felt a clear call from God to work with young people back when he was in high school. He studied Youth Ministry and Human Relations at Milligan College and also earned a Master of Education (Secondary Education) from the University of Phoenix. Having served as a youth minister, teacher, and coach, Matt came to StoneGate Christian Academy (Irving, TX) in 2011 and is now the Principal, Athletic Director, and Head Varsity Volleyball Coach at StoneGate. Matt's insights on Christian education are sought by leaders at the local and state level.
StoneGate Christian Academy opened in 1976 as Shady Grove Christian Academy, a ministry of Shady Grove Church in Grand Prairie, TX. In 2005, the school became an independent organization and was renamed StoneGate.
This episode will hopefully be the first in a series (over time) about education, whether private, public, public charter, or homeschool. Each plays an important part in efforts to education today's students.
For more information, to register, or to bid on auction items for StoneGate's Legacy Banquet (with guest speaker and former Cowboy George Teague), see the links below.
Matt can be reached at matt.maples@sgca.net.
Kevin can be reached at kevinr@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
StoneGate Christian Academy website: sgca.net
StoneGate Christian Academy Facebook page: facebook.com/StoneGateChristianAcademy
Legacy Banquet information and registration: sgca.ejoinme.org/legacy2023
Legacy Banquet Auction: sgcalegacy2023.ggo.bid
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Holy Week. The Passion Week. Hopefully it's not something we just fly through as we move towards celebrating Easter.
Join us in reflecting on Jesus' journey through that fateful week as He travels from the high of the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to the devastating atrocity of the crucifixion on Good Friday to the silence and hopeless of Silent Saturday and ultimately to the greatest joy and hope of Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. Let this journey challenge and encourage you to connect with the love that Jesus has for you and for all those around you.
If you want to know more about a relationship with Jesus Christ, reach out to us at info@communitynorthbc.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Holy Week - Monday video: youtu.be/VKMqPOerCnM
Holy Week - Tuesday video: youtu.be/3NM8Moa7gzE
Holy Week - Wednesday video: youtu.be/8xAsR89zEtg
Holy Week - Thursday video: youtu.be/oCoS_iv4B2I
(Holy Week videos for Friday through Sunday will be added as they become available).
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Jesus said, "The poor you will always have with you." That sounds pretty hopeless. But Jesus' audience would have known the rest of the passage He was referring to in Deuteronomy 15:11, which adds, "Therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'" Homelessness is an issue in almost every community, including McKinney. While we may want to avoid or look away from those who are homeless, they are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with love and dignity.
Our guest, Lance Olinski, had a life-changing encounter in a restroom with a man who was homeless and was washing off in a sink. This stirred a holy discontent in Lance and eventually led him to found Streetside Showers. The mission of Streetside Showers is "to offer hope and help restore human dignity to the homeless community in the form of a hot shower and personal hygiene care." Streetside Showers currently serves 13 locations in Texas and Florida and has been the inspiration for a number of similar ministries throughout the United States.
Lance is a native of New York and received his bachelor's degree from Oral Roberts University. He served over 30 years in church ministry before heeding the call of God to serve the homeless community. He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 30 years.
Lance can be reached at lance@streetsideshowers.com (or through Streetside Shower's Ministry Assistant Hannah Bradford at hannah@streetsideshowers.com).
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Streetside Showers website: streetsideshowers.com
Streetside Showers Facebook page: facebook.com/streetsideshower
Streetside Showers Instagram account: instagram.com/streetsideshowers
Streetside Showers Twitter account: twitter.com/StSideShowers
Streetside Showers YouTube account: youtube.com/channel/UCr34lNK97UDH4mXbXQLqmEA
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
The topic of mental health is EXTREMELY important. Unfortunately, there is often a stigma attached with the topic and anyone who is dealing with mental health issues. That needs to change. Professional athletes, the hit TV show Ted Lasso (and its cast), and others are working to highlight the importance of mental health.
Our guest, Bob Mullen, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), shares about mental health, how we can overcome the stigmas that are attached to mental health issues, and various resources that are available, including counseling.
Bob has over 27 years of experience, specializing in depression, anxiety, anger management, and grief counseling. He treats patients 18 and older utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Person-Centered counseling in his approach with his clients. A native of Long Island, New York, Bob has a Master's in Counselor Education and a Doctorate in Adult Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He is also the Fort Worth Chapter President for Christian Counselors of Texas.
Bob is also a talented musician, has served as a chaplain, and has also served as Pulpit Minister and/or Executive Minister at churches in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Bob and I met and became friends in 2009 when we were both serving churches in River Oaks (Fort Worth) and were part of the River Oaks Ministerial Alliance together.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, please know that you don't have to go through this alone. If you need immediate assistance for you or a friend or loved one, dial 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or 911.
If you know of other resources which would be helpful to share, please email info@communitynorthbc.org. Thank you for helping us help others!
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
LifeStance Health (Mental Healthcare practice which Bob is a provider for): lifestance.com
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Number (available 24/7): Call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
Texas Mental Health and Substance Use Resources Website: hhs.texas.gov/mental-health-substance-use-resources
Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative Website: texassuicideprevention.org
Mental and Substance Use Disorders Treatment resource: findtreatment.gov
Collin County College Mental Health Resources (Counseling) for Students website: collin.edu/studentresources/counseling
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
I (Kevin) try not to weigh in on every topic that comes up. But, in light of yesterday's (March 20th) tragedy at Lamar High School in Arlington, TX, over a decade of student ministry experience, having a Master of Education, having served nearly 7 years as a teacher and administrator at a charter, and having a number of former students who currently attend Lamar (which is also my alma mater), this episode shares some insights on students today and ways that we can pray for and support Lamar, as well as our local schools.
To the faculty/staff, students, and families of Lamar High School, especially those directly affected, we are praying for you. VFND! (Viking Fight Never Dies)
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Lamar High School (Arlington, TX) PTA Facebook page: facebook.com/people/Lamar-High-School-PTA/100057659760934
McKinney ISD Partners in Education (Volunteer Opportunities): mckinneyisd.net/partners-in-education
Charlie "Tremendous" Jones (not Stephen Covey, as I misattributed) once said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet." In a solo (non-guest) episode, I share some of the podcasts I'm currently listening to on a regular basis. I probably don't completely agree with any of them 100% of the time, but I find them worth investing my time in - and am glad to recommend them to you as well.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Calvary Campus, Letcher, KY website: meridzo.org/calvary-campus
Lillian Hinds' article in Baptist Standard: baptiststandard.com/opinion/voices/when-and-how-god-called-me-to-preach
Pro Church Tools Show with Brady Shearer: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pro-church-tools-show-with-brady-shearer/id848673237
Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: careynieuwhof.com/mypodcast
Tell Me More Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tell-me-more/id1560961716
At the Table with Patrick Lencioni Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-the-table-with-patrick-lencioni/id1474171732
The Working Genius with Patrick Lencioni Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-working-genius-podcast-with-patrick-lencioni/id1553105854
Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/andy-stanley-leadership-podcast/id290055666
Craft and Character (Steve Carter): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-character/id1514214001
Truth Over Tribe Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/truth-over-tribe-christian-takes-on-culture-news-politics/id1580807177
The Holy Post Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holy-post/id591157388
Viral Jesus (Heather Thompson Day): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/viral-jesus/id1576591284
The Think Orange Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-think-orange-podcast/id1228596543
It Takes a Village Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/it-takes-a-village/id1647613175
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Churches, and even some denominations, have split over the issue. One of the largest churches in America (Saddleback Church) was just ousted from the Southern Baptist Convention over it. In 1 Corinthians 11:34, Paul writes, "Women should remain silent in the churches..." Yet, in Galatians 3:28, Paul also writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." The topic of women in ministry is one that many churches are wrestling with.
Our guest Lillian Hinds, retired Senior Pastor of Meadow Oaks Baptist Church in Temple, TX, shares about her experience of receiving a calling from God on her life, working to figure out what that meant (having grown up in a tradition where being called to ministry as a woman typically meant being a missionary or marrying a pastor), attending seminary, and ultimately pastoring a church.
Lillian has multiple degrees, studied at Baptist Bible College, Southwest Missouri State, Tennessee Temple, and then UT Tyler, and has also earned a Master of Divinity from Truett Theological Seminary in 2008. She worked as an LPC (licensed counselor) for 25 years and has taught The Life and Work of the Pastor at Truett on multiple occasions. Prior to pastoring Meadow Oaks, she served as Music Minister at Bruceville Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, Evant, TX. While the number of female Baptist pastors in Texas is growing, there weren't many when Lillian began her tenure at Meadow Oaks. She has helped encourage and mentor a number of ministers (both women and men), and her daughter (Jacqueline Crow) is also living into a call to preach in her own life.
Lillian can be reached at lilhinds@gmail.com.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Truett Theological Seminary (a seminary which is affirming and supportive of women in ministry): baylor.edu/truett
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
From revivals and awakenings at Asbury, other college campuses, and even around the world coinciding with the release of the Jesus Revolution film to even the "He Gets Us" campaign, it's obvious that God is definitely at work doing SOMETHING.
Our guest Terry Johnston, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church McGregor, TX, shares about his local community, including the SpaceX test site, Texas A&M's McGregor Research Center, and more, and also shares insightful perspectives on the ways that God is moving in this season and how we can critically evaluate things without just being critical.
Terry grew up in Paragould, AR, majored in Radio and Television at Arkansas State, and earned his Master of Divinity from Truett Theological Seminary. He has worked with Students, Children, and Senior Adults at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church outside of Cincinnati, served as Associate Pastor and then Senior Pastor of Trinity Memorial Baptist Church in Marlin, TX, and has served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church McGregor, TX, since 2011. He approaches topics of faith from the perspective of a local pastor who has served his community for over a decade.
You can follow Terry on Twitter at @TerryWJohnston.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
First Baptist Church McGregor website: fbcmcgregor.org
First Baptist Church McGregor Facebook: FirstBaptistMcGregor
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
We continue wrestling with the questions: "Does a church that tends to lean older in congregational age have a chance of reaching younger generations?" and "If so, how can they do that effectively?" In the second of a 2-part conversation, Brandon McCarroll discusses six core commitments a church must make if it wants to reach younger generations. As with the previous episode, many of the insights in this conversation are drawn from the book Growing Young by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin (see link below).
Brandon McCarroll is the Senior Pastor at Highland Baptist Church in Denton, TX, where he previously served as Student Pastor. He's a graduate of Baylor University and Truett Theological Seminary. Brandon can be reached at bmccarroll@highlanddenton.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Growing Young book: https://a.co/d/eSrqlei
Highland Baptist Church (where Brandon is Senior Pastor) website: highlanddenton.org
Highland Baptist Church Facebook: Highland Baptist Church of Denton
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Does a church that tends to lean older in congregational age have a chance of reaching younger generations? If so, how can they do that effectively? In part 1 of a 2-part conversation, Brandon McCarroll makes his second appearance on Community Chat (see Episode 4) and discussed 10 myths of what it takes to grow young as a church. While some of these qualities actually can make a difference, they aren't the determining factor in and of themselves, certainly not in a vacuum. Next week, we'll pick up the conversation with the six core commitments a church does need to make in order to grow young. Many of the insights in this conversation are drawn from the book Growing Young by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin (see link below).
Brandon McCarroll is the Senior Pastor at Highland Baptist Church in Denton, TX, where he previously served as Student Pastor. He's a graduate of Baylor University and Truett Theological Seminary. Brandon can be reached at bmccarroll@highlanddenton.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Growing Young book: https://a.co/d/eSrqlei
Highland Baptist Church (where Brandon is Senior Pastor) website: highlanddenton.org
Highland Baptist Church Facebook: Highland Baptist Church of Denton
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
When you hear the word "stewardship," what do you think of first? Probably money. And churches LOVE talking about money, right? Well, it's actually one of my LEAST favorite topics. The reality, though, is that stewardship is also about our time, our gifts, talents, and abilities, and even taking care of our physical bodies.
In his second appearance on Community Chat (see Episode 3), our guest David Bonnet, Executive Pastor of The Life Church in San Angelo and Arlington, shares about how stewardship is a huge part of our discipleship. In reality, it's something we want FOR you, rather than something we want FROM you. In addition to a number of ministry positions, David has also worked as Procurement Manager at Standard Aero, as a (civilian) Logistics Manager for the United States Air Force, and as the Director of Energy Solutions, Finance, and Investor Relations at Ideal Impact. Additionally, he runs a website primarily for pastors called, "The Pastor's Penny."
David can be reached at david.bonnet@tlcfamily.com.
ALSO, it's not too late to attend the free India Gospel Mission banquet on Thursday, March 2nd at The Bowden in Keller with Dr. Abraham Mathew (see Episode 5). To register, you can email kevinr@communitynorthbc.org or info@indiagospelmission.org to RSVP. Reservations must be received by Thursday, February 16th.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth Class Video (led by David Bonnet; see Episode 3): youtu.be/-r79i_nycYM
Pastor's Penny website: pastorspenny.com
The Life Church website: tlcfamily.com
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
1.4 billion people. What would it take to reach the soon-to-be most populous country in the world? It’s daunting to even think about.
Our guest Dr. Abraham Mathew, Founder and President of India Gospel Mission and the Southern Asia Leadership Institute, shares about how God is at work reaching the nation of India as pastors from local communities are trained and sent back to their communities to spread the message and love of Jesus Christ. Dr. Mathew is a graduate of Anderson University (BS Business Administration, Accounting, and Business/Management), the University of North Texas (Master of Business Administration and Management), and Trinity Theological Seminary (Doctor of Religious Studies), in addition to his CPA Certification in the state of Texas. Dr. Abraham worked at UT Southwestern for over 36 years, including his time as Assistant Vice President of Finance.
Dr. Mathew can be reached at info@indiagospelmission.org.
If you are interested in attending the free India Gospel Mission banquet on Thursday, March 2nd at The Bowden in Keller, you can email kevinr@communitynorthbc.org or info@indiagospelmission.org to RSVP. Reservations must be received by Thursday, February 16th.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
India Gospel Mission website: indiagospelmission.org
India Gospel Mission Facebook: INGospelMission
Southern Asia Leadership Institute: sali.org.in
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
"If your church ceased to exist, would your community even know?" It's a haunting question - but one we must wrestle with. I hope the answer is "Yes!" So, what does it look like for a church to effectively minister to its community?
Our guest Brandon McCarroll, Senior Pastor at Highland Baptist Church in Denton, TX, shares what Highland is doing to reach its community. Their insights can be helpful as we investigate how we can impact our communities. Brandon is a graduate of Baylor University (BA Film and Digital Media) and Truett Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity). Prior to serving as Senior Pastor, Brandon was the Student Minister at Highland.
Brandon can be reached at bmccarroll@highlanddenton.org.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Community North Baptist Church's FOR Campaign website: formckinney.com
Highland Baptist Church (where Brandon is Senior Pastor) website: highlanddenton.org
Highland Baptist Church Facebook: Highland Baptist Church of Denton
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Have you ever wondered why a particular passage of Scripture doesn’t make sense? Or have you ever wondered if you’re missing something as you look at Scripture? Our guest David Bonnet, Executive Pastor at The Life Church San Angelo/Arlington, tackles the topic "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth." The title, and much of David's inspiration, comes from the book of the same title by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. In addition to David's current role, he has pastored multiple churches in Texas, served as Director of Energy Solutions, Finance, and Investor Relations at Ideal Impact Inc., lived in Sierra Leone for 2 years while coordinating Restore Hope's efforts there as Country Director, and worked as Procurement Manager at Standard Aero and (civilian) Logistics Manager for the United States Air Force. David has a Master of Divinity from Truett Theological Seminary, which is where he and Kevin began their friendship.
David will be leading the "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" class at Community North Baptist Church (2500 Community Avenue, McKinney, TX 75071) on January 25, 2023, at 6:00 pm. There is no cost to attend, and the class will be available by video at youtube.com/@communitynorthbc the following week.
David can be reached at david.bonnet@tlcfamily.com.
Also, if you are interested in participating in Cultivating Compassion, the initiative discussed by Todd Porter in Episode 2, visit bit.ly/cultivating-compassion.
Links:
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
The Life Church (where David is Executive Pastor): tlcfamily.com (San Angelo) and lifearlington.church (Arlington)
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
"On earth as it is in heaven...this is what the Kingdom of God is: righteousness, peace, and joy...so we participate in the coming of the Kingdom of God, we become the answer to Jesus' prayer - that it would be on earth as it is in heaven - when we contribute to more justice or righteousness, when we contribute to more peace, when we contribute to more joy." Today's guest Todd Porter, a Research and Development Fellow at Ideal Impact but also the Founder and Catalyst at Kairos Collaborative and Interim COO of the United States Christian Leadership Organization, addresses topics of compassionate communication, valuing others, and more. Additionally, Todd shares about an exciting initiative taking place in 2023 called "Cultivating Compassion," which is FREE and begins on Thursday, January 26th. Find out more about Cultivating Compassion or register at bit.ly/cultivating-compassion.
Todd can be reached at todd.porter@kairoscollaborative.org.
Links:
Cultivating Compassion initiative website for information and registration: bit.ly/cultivating-compassion
Kairos Collaborative website: kairoscollaborative.org
United States Christian Leadership Organization website: us-clo.com
Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod (ELCA) Public Witness for Peace and Justice website: ntnlpublicwitness.org
Charter for Compassion's Social Justice Sector website: charterforcompassion.org/sectors/social-justice
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
The Church is far too often known for what we're AGAINST rather than what we're FOR. In this episode, Kevin uses Community North's new sermon series "FOR" as a jumping off point for discussing how the Church (and Christ followers individually) can show people they are FOR them - because God is for them.
Community North Baptist Church website: communitynorthbc.org
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
A quick hello and welcome to Community Chat, kicking off in 2023!
Music: Lookin' Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com