the STOKE IT UP podcast

Summary This episode explores the challenges and realities of church ministry, focusing on results, faithfulness, discouragement, and effective evangelism. Pastors share insights on maintaining motivation, measuring fruitfulness, and trusting God's timing in ministry. Key Topics Results and faithfulness in ministry Discouragement and encouragement for pastors Effective evangelism and disciple making Trusting God's timing and growth in church planting Sound Bites "God brings the growth, we plant and water" "Results are God's responsibility, not ours" "Find joy in sowing, not just in harvesting"

Resources: Doug Pollock - God Space Matt Queen - Everyday Evangelism Kenneth Priest - 21 Day New Believer Devo Takeaways Leadership is about developing others to fish, not just managing the boat. The Great Commission is a mandate for all believers, not just pastors. Evangelism should be a natural overflow of a Christian's life. Different styles of evangelism exist, and leaders should help identify them. Creating a culture of evangelism takes time and intentionality. Event evangelism can still be effective if done thoughtfully. Community engagement is crucial for effective outreach. Churches should focus on servant evangelism to connect with their communities. Numbers in church growth can motivate or discourage; balance is key. Fishing for people is a collective effort, not a solo mission. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Discipleship 02:06 The Great Commission and Evangelism 05:37 Developing a Culture of Fishing for People 09:07 The Role of Pastors in Evangelism 13:49 Understanding Evangelism Styles 17:32 Creating a Culture of Evangelism 21:55 Event Evangelism vs. Servant Evangelism 26:55 The Importance of Community Engagement 31:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

Takeaways Intentionality is key in evangelism. Understanding community demographics helps shape ministry. Engaging with diverse populations is essential for church growth. Evangelism should be people-focused, not program-focused. Building relationships is crucial for effective outreach. Churches should reflect the diversity of their communities. Pastors need to mobilize their congregations for outreach. Food and authenticity can break down barriers in ministry. It's important to reach out to the overlooked in the community. Diversity in leadership enhances church effectiveness.

Summary In this conversation, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth explore the Great Commission, focusing on the themes of identity, calling, and the importance of following Jesus. They discuss the necessity of personal spiritual formation, the balance of devotional life, and the need for fresh engagement with scripture. The conversation also addresses the church's approach to discipleship, the call to deeper obedience, and the relationship between faith and works in the context of salvation. They encourage listeners to reflect on their own calling and the role of the church in making disciples. Takeaways Engaging in the Great Commission is essential for believers. Identity and calling are foundational to following Jesus. Personal spiritual formation influences how we engage missionally. Devotional life should not become rigid or routine. Fresh engagement with scripture is vital for spiritual growth. The church must challenge individuals to follow Jesus actively. Faith and works are interconnected in the life of a believer. Discipleship should focus on deeper obedience and trust in God. The call to be fishers of men is relevant today. Reflecting on personal calling is crucial for spiritual development. Sound Bites "We must follow to fish." "Following Jesus is a requisite." "The call is to deeper obedience." Alan's Book: New Believer Kenneth's New Devo: A 21 Day New Christian Journey

Summary In this engaging conversation, Jarrod Butler shares his journey from a life steeped in heavy metal and witchcraft to a profound faith in Christ. He discusses the unique dynamics of the Christian heavy metal community, the boldness required to engage with secular artists, and the importance of discipleship within this subculture. The discussion highlights the fervent passion of metalheads for their faith and the missional opportunities present in the metal scene. Jarrod's Links: Main Page/EPK:https://suffernotthewitch.bandzoogle.com/home Linktree:https://linktr.ee/suffernotthewitchsuffernotthewitch.bandzoogle.com Takeaways Jarrod's journey to faith began in childhood but deepened later in life. The metal community often has intense questions about faith and scripture. Christian metal concerts can be vibrant and missional spaces. Discipleship in the metal community is often informal and personal. Jarrod engages with secular metal artists to share his faith. The concept of a 'heavy metal church' is emerging but faces challenges. Face-to-face discipleship is irreplaceable in the community. Jarrod's music serves as a platform for his testimony. The Christian metal scene is diverse, with believers at various stages of faith. Jarrod emphasizes the importance of following the Holy Spirit's guidance in ministry.

Summary In this episode of the Stoke It Up Podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the essential elements of new believer discipleship, focusing on Kenneth's upcoming book, 'A 21 Day New Believer Journey.' They explore the importance of providing structured content for new believers, including understanding salvation, the significance of baptism, and the role of witnessing in their faith journey. Takeaways Discipleship requires intentional content and strategy. Understanding salvation is crucial for new believers. Baptism is an important first step of obedience. Witnessing should be encouraged early in a believer's journey. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in spiritual growth. Church leaders must create a supportive environment for discipleship. Practical strategies can enhance the discipleship process. Engaging new believers in church activities fosters community. Discipleship is a shared responsibility among all believers. Resources like 'A 21 Day New Believer Journey' can aid in discipleship. Alan's Book New Believer.

Summary In this episode of the Stoked Up Podcast, Alan Stoddard interviews Kenneth Priest about new believer discipleship. They discuss the alarming statistics regarding the lack of follow-up for new believers in churches, the challenges faced in discipling adults, and the importance of immediate engagement and community support. Kenneth shares insights from his experience and the development of a new resource aimed at helping churches implement effective discipleship strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to nurturing new believers and creating a culture of discipleship within the church. Takeaways Only one in ten new believers is actually discipled. Most churches lack a strategy for new believer follow-up. Immediate engagement is crucial for new believers. Discipling should be a relational process, not just a program. Resources for new believers must be accessible and relevant. Creating a culture of discipleship requires intentionality. Decision guides can help facilitate follow-up and support. Engaging new believers in community enhances their growth. Churches need to train decision guides for effective follow-up. A structured approach to discipleship can lead to lasting change. Chapters 00:00 The Need for New Believer Follow-Up 10:17 Strategies for Effective Discipleship 20:08 Creating a Relational Discipleship Model 30:15 Implementing Decision Guides in Churches New Believer: How to Disciple to New Believers

Summary In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest engage in a heartfelt conversation with Cody King about his journey of faith, the challenges of church planting, and the unexpected changes in ministry. Cody shares his personal transformation, the impact of grief on his ministry, and the importance of being open to God's direction. The discussion also touches on family life, the joy of teaching, and the significance of following God's call in our lives. Takeaways Cody King experienced a significant transformation in his faith journey. He was called to ministry shortly after giving his life to the Lord. Church planting was initially not part of Cody's plan. Cody's journey included a transition from Colorado to Florida. Unexpected changes in ministry can lead to new opportunities. Grief can play a significant role in ministry transitions. Holding life in an open hand allows for God's direction. Clarity in teaching is essential for effective communication. Family life and traditions, like visiting Disney, are important. Following God's call can lead to fulfilling and unexpected paths.

Summary In this episode of the Stoked Up Podcast, hosts Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss various frustrations and observations about church culture. They explore topics such as casual worship, the importance of proper practices during communion, dress code dilemmas, communication issues during announcements, youth engagement in worship, and the selection of music. The conversation is light-hearted yet serious, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and share their thoughts. Takeaways Church culture often includes unspoken frustrations. Casual worship can sometimes detract from the seriousness of the service. Proper practices in communion are essential for maintaining the symbolism. Dress code in church can be a sensitive topic. Announcements should be planned to avoid disruption. Youth engagement in adult services can be beneficial if done thoughtfully. Worship music should be familiar to the congregation for effective participation. Transition prayers should be genuine and not just a formality. Inappropriate attire can distract from the worship experience. Feedback from the congregation is crucial for church improvement. Haddon Robinson Message: The Church of God in Christ Chicken Restaurant.

Summary In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss effective strategies for outreach during the holiday season. They explore various methods for churches and individuals to engage their communities, emphasizing the importance of follow-up strategies for new visitors, the significance of Christmas Eve services, and the thoughtful selection of gifts for outreach. The conversation encourages listeners to take action in their personal ministries and to leverage the holiday season for evangelism. Takeaways It's not too late for churches to engage in outreach. Fall festivals can be a great way to invite the community. Personal outreach can happen right at home during Halloween. Having a follow-up strategy is crucial for new visitors. Gifts should be practical and meaningful for outreach. Christmas Eve services are prime opportunities for evangelism. Engaging the community during Thanksgiving can open doors for the gospel. Utilizing resources like books can enhance outreach efforts. Planning for future events is essential for ongoing engagement. Never give up on sharing the gospel, even after many years. Dr. OS Hawkins book, The Christmas Code.