Mill River Community Podcast: Recent Episodes
Andy Guthe
Welcome to our weekly podcast where we explore and navigate Christian life together. We hope this podcast will be a place of transformation and invitation as we learn to follow Jesus in community.
The Mill River Podcast is released every Tuesday wherever you listen to podcasts. We can't wait to continue the conversation with you!
In this podcast episode, Andy and Julie chat with Ronnie Barnes about Lent and his sermon about the mission and message of Easter. They talk about Mill River's teaching team and about how different voices are helpful and healthy in the church. Join us as we explore the real reason to give something up or add something to your life during the Lenten journey.
Join the conversation! What has your journey through Lent been like in your life? What are you learning this year as you engage in Lent readings? How can we pray for you?
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Pastoring can be difficult - even frustrating - what happens when living your mission and engaging in your gifts (APEST - Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, Teacher) is hard? Join Andy and Julie as they talk about real life and real frustrations in ministry and in life and how God designed the church to depend on one another for maturing as disciples.
Take an APEST assessment - https://fivefoldministry.com/
Alan Hirsch - The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating Apostolic Movements - https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Ways-Reactivating-Apostolic-Movements/dp/1587433869/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=Cj0KCQiA6fafBhC1ARIsAIJjL8kpPalg2UBYLVrKLojVj3FPqoDJalan+hirsch+apest+bookMrAHbp7HUhkvJf9BdEZbQIVWKG0aAtynEALw_wcB&hvadid=241625636817&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010676&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13035201024137939285&hvtargid=kwd-5030039186&hydadcr=22591_10356101&keywords=alan+hirsch+the+forgotten+ways&qid=1677600041&sr=8-1
Questions? Comments? Prayer requests? We would love to hear from you!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Why is it so hard to develop deep, lasting relationships with people? How does forgiveness impact how healthy our relationships are? Join Julie and Andy as they talk about the reality of forgiveness and the hope we have in Christ. Also - Andy divulges what happened to his nose!
Join the conversation! What questions. comments, prayer requests do you have about forgiveness? https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Join us for a conversation about Julie's little surgery, kids leaving for college, what forgiveness really means and feels like, and how ordering our lives grows us as disciples. Andy and Julie discuss why reading the Bible can feel complicated but how it can really shape our hearts and minds.
Join the conversation - what questions do you have about the Bible? Why is forgiveness challenging for you? Let us know your thoughts and questions!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Disciple - It is a common “churchy” word that many of us have heard. But, what does it mean? How do we become one? How do we live as one? How do we encourage others to become a disciple? Join Andy and Julie as they talk about what discipleship looks like and why it is so important.
Join us over the next four weeks as we explore what it really looks like to be one of Jesus’s disciples in our everyday lives.
It may seem that we are more polarized than ever before, but Mark 2:15-17 show us how Jesus engaged with his own polarized community. Every group, or "tribe," wanted to claim him as their own. But, Jesus wasn't tribal - he is King over all tribes! Join Andy and Julie as they talk about how tribes can be a good thing but can also be agents of polarization.
Join the conversation! We would love to hear your ideas, thoughts and questions - https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
It is 2023 - A new year and, really, a new culture. Covid, digitalization, polarization, deconstruction, spirituality, and other factors have changed our culture's spiritual landscape. Join Andy and Julie as they discuss how Christians are impacted and shaped by our changing culture and how Christians can be missional by understanding more about our culture's spiritual landscape.
In this new year, tell us what you think! What are your questions and comments? https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
It is hard to believe it is 2023! Mill River has been on an amazing adventure over the past two years. Join Andy and Julie as they talk about where we have been and where we are going in 2023!
Let us know your thoughts, questions, ideas, and prayer requests! https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
***We experienced technical difficulties in the recording of this sermon. Please excuse the audio quality.
What is really important to you? What do you brag about? Football? Job title? Academic accomplishment? We all have something. Join us for an important conversation about what Revelation 1:9-20 says about what is most important. Join us as we explore John's description of a risen Christ and the role of the Church.
Join the conversation! What thoughts and questions do you have about this conversation or about Revelation?
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/363450
Revelation Weekly Content -
https://millriverchurch.com/revelation-week-2
What comes to mind when you think of Revelation? Does is bring about fear? Confusion? Conspiracies? Crazy images? Nothing? Revelation may be a challenging book of the Bible, but we are excited about spending the next 18 weeks exploring this very important last book of the Bible. Join Andy and Julie as they talk about the surprising gift of hope found in Revelation.
Join the conversation! What thoughts and questions do you have about this conversation or about Revelation? https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/363450
Revelation Weekly Content - https://millriverchurch.com/revelation-week-1
Bringing our whole selves - our emotions, passions, hopes, disappointments, guilt, joys - to God in prayer can be challenging. But, it is what God wants! Join Andy and Julie as they talk about how the Psalms help us bring our whole heart in prayer. We hope this conversation helps shape your understanding of prayer and that you have similar conversations with your friends and family about God, life, and prayer.
We would love to hear how prayer has impacted you. Where do you struggle? What holds you back? Where have you grown in this area? Let us know your story.
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Join Andy, Julie, and Derrick Bucy as we explore everyday prayer. Derrick shares his journey towards rich, meaningful prayer and how his paradigm shifted during his sermon preparation.
Prayer can be a challenge for many people. We would love to continue the conversation with you. Please reach out at info@millriverchurch.com or https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
In this episode, join Josh and Julie Sale as they explore what we really need in life. How do you live out the Lord's Prayer in your daily life? Josh and Julie discuss how this prayer has impacted and challenged them to trust in and depend on God. Join the conversation!
We would love to hear your comments and questions! https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Mill River is delighted to introduce Ronnie Barnes to you in this episode! Ronnie, a Mill River Covenant Partner, preached the second sermon in the Teach Us to Pray sermon series. Join Ronnie and Julie (and lots of airplanes and cicadas!) as we talk about Ronnie's mission work in Thailand, praying with Buddhists, and learning how to depend on God in all areas of life. Ronnie helps explore the real value of prayer! Join the conversation!
Let us know if you have questions, ideas, or feedback. We welcome your participation! https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
If we are honest, prayer if a complicated topic for many of us. We live busy, distracted lives, and it is hard to slow down enough to pray. We feel emotions like guilt or shame or insecurity or doubt that prevent us from praying. In this conversation, Julie and Andy talk about what prayer means to them and how prayer is a gift from God to all of us. Join the conversation!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Deconstruction - we live in an age of deconstruction. Many of us are questioning the way things have been done and wondering how things should be. Institutions of all kinds are being evaluated. In this final episode of Essential, Andy and Julie talk about their own journey through deconstruction and what it looks like to identify and retain the Essentials while forging ahead. Where are you deconstructing? Join the conversation!
Connect with us - https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Resources -
ECO Essentials - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58d5cdabe58c627d57e31c71/t/601a127390df621
Join us for a conversation with Dana Allin, the Executive of ECO, our denomination. Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing ECO's essentials with Dana. In this final episode, Dana explains infant baptism. We also discuss God's intent for marriage between a man and woman and what it looks like for followers of Jesus to engage in culture with truth and grace.
As always, please reach out with questions of comments! And, like and share this podcast so more people can learn about ECO's essentials!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Resources -
Dana Allin - https://eco-pres.org/staff/
ECO Essentials - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58d5cdabe58c627d57e31c71/t/601a127390df621
Join us for a conversation with Dana Allin, the Executive of ECO, our denomination. Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing ECO's essentials with Dana. In this episode, Dana talks about election and what that means for followers of Jesus. He also digs into the sometimes controversial topic of egalitarianism in the church. What does the Bible say about women in leadership?
As always, please reach out with questions of comments! And, like and share this podcast so more people can learn about ECO's essentials!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Resources -
Dana Allin - https://eco-pres.org/staff/
ECO Essentials - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58d5cdabe58c627d57e31c71/t/601a127390df621
Jim Singleton ECO National Gathering - https://vimeo.com/205493908
Join us for a conversation with Dana Allin, the Executive of ECO, our denomination. Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing ECO's essentials with Dana. In this episode, Dana explains the authority of Scripture and what it means to be a confessional church as we explore the essentials together.
As always, please reach out with questions of comments! And, like and share this podcast so more people can learn about ECO's essentials! https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Resources - Dana Allin - https://eco-pres.org/staff/
ECO Essentials - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58d5cdabe58c627d57e31c71/t/601a127390df621598328eef/1612321398157/ECO+CONSTITUTION+2020.pdf
Join us for a conversation with Rev. Dr. Dana Allin, the Synod Executive of ECO, our denomination. Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing ECO's essentials with Dana. In this episode, Andy and Julie get to know Dana and the history of ECO as we discuss the need for new expressions of church in this cultural and historical moment.
As always, please reach out with questions of comments! And, like and share this podcast so more people can learn about ECO's essentials! https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Resources - Dana Allin - https://eco-pres.org/staff/
ECO Essentials - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58d5cdabe58c627d57e31c71/t/601a127390df621598328eef/1612321398157/ECO+CONSTITUTION+2020.pdf
Over the past five weeks we have discovered the ADVENTURE of discipleship as we find this present hope in following Jesus. As we order our lives, grow our circles, and live our mission, we encounter a life of risk & adventure in Christ. Join us as we talk about what we learned this series and about what it means for Mill River to live our mission.
Join the conversation - Let us know if you have questions or comments!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Sources: ChurchPulse Weekly - Podcast - Obstacles in and Inspiring Opportunities for Discipleship, Plus How to Address Deconstruction with Aubrey Sampson https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/churchpulse-weekly/id1503586969?i=1000562403220
What? Love that person? People can be challenging...to say the least. In fact, if we are honest, we are challenging too. So, what do we do when the people in our lives are hurtful or we just don't like them at all? What does Jesus tell his disciples about loving others? Join Andy and Julie as they talk about loving people like Jesus loves people. Are boundaries the right option? How about dropping people? In a cancel-culture, the love we extend to one another tells Jesus's story to the world.
Join the conversation - Let us know if you have questions or comments!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
In John 15:1-10, Jesus tells Christians to remain in the vine - to follow and trust him even when life is hard. What does this look like in real life? Join Andy and Julie as they discuss the importance of discipleship in light of Barna research revealing that only 10% of kids growing up in the church live vibrant lives of discipleship. Do we want more for our children? For ourselves? What does it look like to really experience Christianity rather than simply collecting head knowledge? Join us for this important conversation. We hope it encourages you to Awaken to the Adventure, Embrace the Risk, and Practice the Way of Jesus.
We would LOVE your feedback after this show! Questions & Comments - https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Barna Resilient Disciple research https://www.barna.com/research/of-the-four-exile-groups-only-10-are-resilient-disciples/
Easter happened and Jesus is alive! What's next? What is the hope we have in the future and in the present and why does discipleship matter anyway? Join us as we talk about this important topic. We also discuss Julie's blooper reel, Andy's college hair, and invite you to help us with our creative process with Mill River Online! We would LOVE your feedback after this show!
Questions & Comments - https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Resources - The Flourishing Church Podcast - Bill Couchenour - Future Expressions of the Church https://www.flourishmovement.org/podcast/episode51/
Imagine how the disciples must have felt when they woke up on the Monday after Easter. Everything was different. Jesus was alive. He conquered death. He is the firstborn of all creation. Did his resurrection change their lives? In this episode, Andy and Julie talk about what Easter means and why it matters. They talk about the journey through Lent and the lessons learned from Jesus washing his disciples feet. How do we love like Jesus?
Connect with us!
Let us know any feedback, comments, questions. ideas you may have!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Our journey through Lent brings us to Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Passover is happening, news about Jesus's miracles is spreading, and there is a politically charged atmosphere. The crowd is large in size and great in expectation. Who is this Jesus? What will he do for Israel? What will he do for me? Join us as we talk about this historical moment and discuss why Jesus weeps. We also talk about silly ways our kids create images in their minds about Bible stories, and we talk about what it looks like to sermon prep.
Connect with us!
Let us know any feedback, comments, questions. ideas you may have!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Daily Lent Readings - https://millriverchurch.com/
What does true love for Jesus look like? What does it mean to give your best to what you value most? Our journey through Lent takes us to the extravagant gift Mary gives Jesus when she anoints him at her home.
Join us today as we discuss this beautiful story found in John 12:1-8. We talk about enjoying the journey and how noticing fruit along the way provides encouraging nourishment. We also talk April Fools and how risking friendship is worth the investment!
Connect with us!
Let us know any feedback, comments, questions. ideas you may have!
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Daily Lent Readings - https://millriverchurch.com/
On this week's podcast, Andy and Julie begin the discussion about women in church leadership (more on this topic this summer) as we talk about Julie's sermon about the Prodigal Son. What an amazing, radical story of love! Jesus tells sinners and Pharisees about the true nature of God's love. All of us can find ourselves in the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Connect with us! Let us know if you prefer weekly or daily Scripture readings. Also, let us know any feedback, comments, questions. ideas you may have! https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Resources - https://www.theology-eco.org/egalitarian-ministry
Daily Lent Readings - https://millriverchurch.com/
Repent or die? These words seem so harsh. They seem urgent. What did Jesus mean when he commanded people to repent? Join us as we talk about how the call to repent is really an act of love and how the religious and cultural formulas of Jesus's day and our day are blown up by this love. Repentance happens when our minds are changed and leads to a flourishing life of fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control. In between stories about Canadian geese, lifeguards, and saving a life at Krispy Kreme, we also explore what repentance means to us as we seek to follow Jesus in our everyday lives.
As always, we love your questions, comments and feedback. Connect with us - https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350 Resources -
Daily Lent Readings - https://millriverchurch.com
Episode 329: Christ's First and Last Subject - Matthew 4:17; Luke 24:47 (Repentance). HearSpurgeon.com. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/329-christs-first-and-last-subject-matt-4-17-luke-24/id1093226207?i=1000492127620
Music - Andy Guthe
Lent is an invitation to follow Jesus as he journeys to the Cross. Jesus is doing a new thing and is making a way in the wilderness! Join us as we engage our hearts and minds and follow Jesus on his journey.
Temptation - how did Jesus engage temptation and what can we learn from him to apply to our own lives? Join the conversation today as we talk about Sunday's sermon - what questions arose from the sermon? What was left out? What does the journey of Lent mean to us?
We also talk about your feedback and discuss an email we received from the Wisdom & Sexuality 2 podcast.
As always, we love your questions, comments and feedback. Connect with us - https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Resources -
Resources -
ECO Essential Tenets and Policy (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58d5cdabe58c627d57e31c71/t/601a127390df621598328eef/1612321398157/ECO+CONSTITUTION+2020.pdf)
Biola.edu - Episode 14: LGBTQ+ & The Kindness of God Rick Langer, Timothy Muehlhoff, Preston Sprinkle — March 15, 2021 (https://www.biola.edu/blogs/winsome-conviction/2021/episode-14-lgbtq-the-kindness-of-god)
Theology in the Raw (https://theologyintheraw.com/theology-in-the-raw/)
Axis Resource for Parents - Contact Julie Sale for more info (julie@millriverchurch.com)
Daily Lent Readings - https://millriverchurch.com/day-6-lent
Music - Andy Guthe
Our world has a powerful and formative story about how our sexuality is supposed to define us, but God's beautiful story provides the identity, belonging, acceptance, freedom, and wisdom we all long for. We prayerfully look forward to engaging in this important conversation about how to engage sexuality with wisdom.
On last week’s podcast, we took an honest look at the depth of sin in our lives, and we discovered the beauty and hope found in God's redemptive story.
Join us on today’s podcast as we continue to explore this important and necessary conversation. Andy and Julie talk about how to navigate our culture's sexuality story with wisdom. We discuss some of the points made in Sunday’s sermon and explore some of the reasons this topic can be so challenging to talk about. We challenge followers of Jesus to move towards holiness in our personal lives and towards grace for others.
Please reach out if you have any questions or if you would like someone to talk to about your story. (https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350)
Resources -
ECO Essential Tenets and Policy (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58d5cdabe58c627d57e31c71/t/601a127390df621598328eef/1612321398157/ECO+CONSTITUTION+2020.pdf)
Biola.edu - Episode 14: LGBTQ+ & The Kindness of God Rick Langer, Timothy Muehlhoff, Preston Sprinkle — March 15, 2021 (https://www.biola.edu/blogs/winsome-conviction/2021/episode-14-lgbtq-the-kindness-of-god)
Theology in the Raw (https://theologyintheraw.com/theology-in-the-raw/)
Axis Resource for Parents - Contact Julie Sale for more info (julie@millriverchurch.com)
Across the nation, there is a movement...an exciting Church movement that requires adventure and risk. The future of the church is filled with hope! Mill River is excited to be planting in this historical moment for both church and culture. Join us as we Awaken to the Adventure, Embrace the Risk, and Practice the Way of Jesus.
In the final episode of this series, Andy and Julie talk about the identity and direction of Mill River. Who are we? Where are we going? What we hope to see in three and five years. We are excited to see what God is doing in our church community!
Comments and questions? Please fill out this form:
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our world has a powerful and formative story about how our sexuality is supposed to define us, but God's beautiful story provides the identity, belonging, acceptance, freedom, and wisdom we all long for. We prayerfully look forward to engaging in this important conversation about how to engage sexuality with wisdom.
In this podcast, we recap the Wisdom & Sexuality part 1 sermon and go more in depth as we explore how sexuality is shaped and defined in our lives. We talk about why it is so challenging to see the depth of sin in our lives but why it is worth the risk to discover the beauty and hope found in God's redemptive story.
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments: https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Across the nation, there is a movement...an exciting Church movement that requires adventure and risk. The future of the church is filled with hope! Mill River is excited to be planting in this historical moment for both church and culture. Join us as we Awaken to the Adventure, Embrace the Risk, and Practice the Way of Jesus.
In this episode, Andy and Julie share stories about what ministry looks like as we take a different, ancient/future approach to church. We look forward to hearing from you and to engaging with you at Mill River!
Comments and questions? Please fill out this form:
https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350. We look forward to hearing from you.
Helpful resources -
Handing Down the Faith by Christian Smith and Amy Adamczyk
Faith for Exiles: 5 ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon, by David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock
People attend church for many different reasons. But, when a crisis or life event occurs, what happens to their faith? What gets them through life's challenges? Why do many people walk away from faith and church? Join Andy and Julie as they talk about discipleship and Mill River's approach to church as we seek to follow Jesus in this cultural moment.
Show Notes -
Connect with us - https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Music - Andy Guthe
When we Awaken to the Adventure, Embrace the Risk, and Practice the Way of Jesus, we experience life transformation. We become more like Jesus. This kind of life change doesn't happen just on Sundays. The adventure of practicing the way of Jesus happens every day, in every part of our lives. That's the risk!
In this episode, Andy and Julie talk about the pivotal, historical moment we find ourselves in as a church and as followers of Jesus. Between a large percentage of youth leaving the church, a global pandemic, and years of declining church attendance, Mill River, along with many current Christian thinkers, is discovering what the future may be for the church. And, it is exciting! Join us as we discuss what all this means for Mill River and for you as we practice following Jesus every day.
Show Notes -
Francis X. Rocca, Luciana Magalhaes and Samantha Pearson, "Why the Catholic Church is Losing in Latin America," The Wall Street Journal, January 11, 2022. https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-the-catholic-church-is-losing-latin-america-11641914388
"Church Dropouts Have Risen to 64%-But What About Those Who Stay?" Barna, September 4, 2022. https://www.barna.com/research/resilient-disciples/
"Do You Really Know Why They Are Avoiding Church?" Barna, https://www.barna.com/churchless/#.VOp0_UJSaw4
Mill River Podcast Comments & Questions - https://millrivercc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/298350
Music Credit - Andy Guthe