Light + Life Podcast

Explore the culture and climate of Ephesus as it relates to our culture and political climate today through the deep research of Rev. Dr. Steve Tungate, Director of the FMCUSA Center for Pastoral Formation.

The culture of Ephesus and political ideologies, seen through the lens of Paul's writing to the Ephesians can inform us on how to remain centered on the Kingdom of God during such divided times in our nation. You'll be blessed and challenged by this conversation.

You can learn more about the Center for Pastoral Formation by visiting https://leadership.fmcusa.org.

Bishops Kaye Kolde, Kenny Martin, and Keith Cowart share from their heart and wisdom as to ways to navigate turbulent political times as kingdom-centered people. You'll gain tremendous insight and practical advice from our bishops and hear their passion for prayer and unity. For more resources on this topic, please visit https://fmcusa.org/kindom-centered. There, you'll find the bishop's call to the church to pray, articles on the topic, and a helpful video from Fraser Venter, Strategic Catalyst for Love-Driven Justice.

In our baptism rite, we ask people to "renounce the works of the devil," yet the FMC has published little to equip our people to deal with the devil and his works. In this episode, we'll discuss that topic and how it is the work of the church, not just a few individuals. You can contact Pastor Chris at chris@newlifecny.org or Brett Heintzman at brett.heintzman@fmcusa.org to learn more or ask questions.

Mike Chong Perkinson is our guest for a conversation about how trauma-based brokenness ensnares us and how to get free in Jesus Christ. Mike has written his story of healing down in a book called Radically Living, Quietly Dying, which can be purchased at Amazonor Free Methodist Books.

Bless you as you seek the Lord for your own healing. There is help, hope, and freedom in Jesus. Amen.

The significant contributions of women to the Free Methodist Church cannot be overstated. Join Cathy Robling and Julianne Class from the Marston Memorial Historical Center as well as Arlene Weigand, the first woman to be ordained in her Annual Conference for a rich conversation about women in our history and the powerful role of women in our movement today. Visit the Marston Webpage, or their Facebook group, or their book portal at Asbury Theological Seminary for more information or great reading about women in our history.

Transitions in life can be full of tension, joy, anticipation, and spiritual maturity. Join me Brett Heintzman, with my guest Fraser Venter, the FMCUSA's Strategic Catalyst for Love-Driven Justice, for a conversation about how to navigate transitions in a way to harvest the value, spiritual formation, and maturity that come with those experiences. You can purchase his book here at freemethodistbooks.com, and you can contact Fraser here at the FMCUSA if you'd like to have Fraser speak about this topic.

This intriguing conversation discusses how the lost art of character development is being reawakened through the powerful and blessed ministry of Doug Newton. For nearly 50 years Doug has been teaching on formation in Christlikeness and prayer. You can watchDoug's podcast on his YouTube Channel, Listen in on Spotify, or visit his website for more information.

"But God!" That is the phrase that describes this miraculous story of a rural church that is now serving dozens of families with over 100 students. Needing to build, they began to pray and ask God for a miracle. With the help of FM Financial and the way they facilitated with financial assistance, a miracle was accomplished. You'll be encouraged by this heartwarming story. You can learn more about FM Financial by clicking here. You can learn more about Vine and Branch church by clicking here.

Join Pastor Joel Shue for a story of how years of investment in pryaer for Oneonta NY have manifest in igniting a Spirit-Fueled movement in that town. The lost are being saved and baptized and marginalized people are finding their place at God's table in the Kingdom. You'll be in awe of the power of God through ordinary people in this inspiring episode. You can learn more about the church at their website.

How can we elevate and advocate for women in leadership in the church? Bishop Kaye Kolde joins me, Brett Heintzman, for a wonderful conversation about the joys and challenges women face as they step into their calling in the church.

An initiative called PreacHer Sunday will take place on Sunday, March 3, 2024 which promotes women taking an active role in the Sunday pulpit ministry in our churches.

You can learn more at the website for Advocates for Women in Leadership. Also be watching the Facebook page for the FMCUSA to learn more.

Join the conversation about how men can advocate for women in leadership within the church. Rev. Dr. Jill Richardson discusses five steps for men to take to elevate women in church leadership all as part of the Free Methodist Church's value of Love-Driven Justice. Jill is one of the leaders of Advocates for Women in Leadership and has written or partnered in writing eight books. You can learn more about their organization here. Thanks for engaging in this important topic.

Join host Brett Heintzman in a conversation with Lora Avery, author of "Wilderness Paths and Desert Streams," her latest book published by Light + Life Publishing. You can learn more about the book by visiting THIS LINK. Lora is also available to speak in Michigan and Northern Indiana, email publishing@fmcusa.org for more information.

LifePoint Church, a Free Methodist congregation in Lake Stevens, Washington, has a tremendous story of God's faithfulness through ups and downs of life and ministry. Hear from Pastors Rusty Gerhart and Doug Glein about how God has led them through tough times to places of victory. You'll be inspired! You can visit LifePoint Church at https://www.lpchurch.com/. Join host Brett Heintzman for this engaging and uplifting conversation about life in ministry and God's faithfulness through it all.

Today, my guests are Judi Noble and Susi Limon from Eagles Wings Ministries who have developed a powerful curriculum that provides hope and healing to the brokenhearted trapped in domestic violence.

“Love Does No Harm” is a book that applies the truth of Scripture and godly wisdom to situations of domestic violence. It is a book that invites abused persons to experience God’s healing and restorative power and walk in the newness of life.

You can purchase “Love Does No Harm” at https://freemethodistbooks.com/product/love-does-no-harm. Pastors should have this book in their library as we often struggle to find the right words and tools to offer those trapped in domestic violence.

For more information, call Judi Noble and Susi Limon at Eagles Wings Ministries at 909-529-3373 or contact them via their website at https://eagleswingsglobal.org/contact/  

Help those who wonder if they’ve been forgotten because truly, “Love Does No Harm.”

Join Sarah Baldwin, VP of Student Life and Dean of Students - Jessie Thompson, an Asbury University Student - Bishop Linda Adams, and Bishop Keith Cowart for a conversation about the Asbury Outpouring. Most importantly, how do we take what happened in Asbury and steward it for a greater move of God in our world today? You'll be blessed and inspired!

The Genesis Conference of the FMC is experiencing healing and other signs of awakening and revival. Superintendent Pam Braman joins me for a conversation about the investment of prayer and intercession that has gone into this present moment as well as how they are stewards of this movement of God now. 

Join Pastor Joe Wickman and me for a conversation about what happens when a local elementary school sends home flyers inviting children to an after-school "Satan Club." To hear Pastor Joe's entire message to his congregation,join them on Facebook at this link. We, as a church, need to learn wise responses to the enemy's work, and Pastor Joe gives us a great example. 

What does the word "whatever" have to do with the Gospel? Well, Bishop Keith and Pam Cowart talk about full surrender to Christ and their travels around the globe, and they reflect on the current revival in Wilmore, Kentucky. Join me for this inspiring conversation. 

Join the conversation with Co-Lead Pastors Brian and Laura Warth from Chapel of Change in Paramount, California. We are discussing what they're preaching on and it includes forgiveness, inner healing, deliverance, and freedom from demonization. You can learn more about Chapel of Change at their website.  You can also find them on Facebook. 

What does it look like when a group of people from a local church go into their community to share the love of Christ? Today's episode is a true story of how God has been at work through a ministry called "Gather," - a new movement of small community churches in Lakeland, Florida. You'll be inspired! Learn more about Lakeland Light & Life Church at http://www.llfmc.org/ 

Revelation church in Bozrah, CT is experiencing great growth and impact in their region by leading people who are far from God to experience deep transformation in Christ. Today I’m talking with Pastor Matt Grohocki as we discuss his story of coming to Christ and call into pastoral ministry. He’ll share the unique and powerful history of the church’s ten-year journey to where they are today. And how, with the assistance of the Free Methodist Investment and Loan Fund, they were able to acquire a most unique property for the church’s permanent home and celebrate paying off the debt in full.

You can learn more about Revelation Church by visiting their website at https://www.rev-construction.com/, or visiting them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/revchurchct

You can also learn more about the Free Methodist Investment and Loan Fund, part of FM Financial, by clicking here: https://fmlf.org/

The legacy of Free Methodist Missionaries Ernest and Phebe Ward is the topic of my conversation today with author Shivraj Mahendra. Dr. Mahendra’s book, “Lived Missiology: The Legacy of Ernest and Phebe Ward” is the recipient of the Leslie R. Marston 2022 Book Prize Award.

Join me for this inspiring conversation with Dr. Mahendra about the Wards and their devotion to the Lord.

You can purchase “Lived Missiology” from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Lived-Missiology-Legacy-Ernest-Phebe/dp/B099C14V97/

FM Financial is the financial services provider of the Free Methodist Church.

Mark Olson, President and CEO joins me to discuss this unique ministry that provides planning, investing, and giving services through a biblical lens.

Listen in and discover how everyone can benefit from the services provided by FM Financial.

FM Financial is located at 8050 Spring Arbor Rd, PO Box 580, Spring Arbor, MI 49283

(517) 750-2727: phone

https://fmffinancial.org

Mission Igniter is a church planting incubator that provides the support and financial and technical assistance to birth and develop churches to maturity. The environment and structure of an incubator provides space for new ideas to be tried and provides for mutual collaboration and support from both seasoned leaders and others currently launching new churches.

In this episode, Mission Igniter leaders Dustin Weber and Erick Ewaskowitz share the process and success stories of the ministry.

You can reach Mission Igniter through their website at https://missionigniter.org or by calling 1-833-709-2251.

Bishop David Roller and Alex Soto, co-chairpersons of the Bishop Search Committee, talk about the bishop nomination process in the Free Methodist Church, the role of a bishop, and the unique qualifications of people being considered for the role. This is helpful information for all Free Methodists leading to General Conference 2023. 

In this episode, authors Becky Townley and Rosie Godfrey share about their new book, "Hope Shouts Louder." Is your life not going to plan? There is hope and purpose to be found in Christ. Your heart will be warmed and you'll be encouraged by this conversation. 

Get your copy of the book at the Light + Life Bookstore at freemethodistbooks.com.

Listen to this powerful story of God's guidance, care, calling, and miraculous ministry at Lineage Church in El Cerrito, California. You'll be inspired and encouraged to seek the Lord for His miraculous guidance, healing, power, and calling for your own life and ministry. You can visit the Lineage Church website at https://www.lineage.us/, or visit them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/lineage.us/

God has called this church to be Missional, Multi-ethnic, and Charismatic. Hear Pastor Benjamin tell the whole story. 

Today, I’m joined by Chris Pulice and JR Rushik of Church Development Network to talk about a church planting movement taking place across the United States. Beginning with prayer and the call of God upon ordinary people to plant churches, this movement is both simple and undeniably powerful … bearing fruit through their encounter weekends and coaching with church planters.

Join me for this most inspiring conversation as these two men seek to spread the light and life of Jesus throughout our nation through church planting.

The CDN Website: https://churchdevelopment.network/

CDN On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchdevelopmentnetwork

CDN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchdevelopmentnetwork/

Contact either: chris.pulice@acts1224churches.com or jr.rushik@acts1224churches.com

Heritage Ministries began with a God-given vision. Today it is a thriving ministry with 12 facilities in four states. Join the conversation with our guest Larry Petry, senior chaplain to discuss this thriving ministry to senior adults.

To learn more about Heritage Ministries, visit these links:

Heritage Ministries Website: https://www.heritage1886.org/

Careers at Heritage: https://www.heritage1886.org/careers/

Locations: https://www.heritage1886.org/locations/

Heritage Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeritageMinistries

News: https://www.heritage1886.org/news/

"Old or New School Methodism?"is the winner of the 2021 Book Prize by the Marston Memorial Historical Center of the Free Methodist Church. Author, Dr. Kevin Watson, shares his wealth of study and research to show how significant the shift was when the Free Methodist Church separated from the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1860. You can order his book on Amazon here. Thanks for join in us for this episode of the Light + Life Podcast

Join our guest, Denny Wayman, for a conversation about his latest book, "Toxic Discipleship" and how the seven deadly sins can grow where the fruit of the Spirit should be flourishing. You can order your copy here at https://freemethodistbooks.com. You can also order the entire bundlewith Denny's first book "Discipleship Ecosystem" for only $19.95. You'll be challenged in this conversation! 

Linda Prince testifies to being healed by God after 24 years of dealing with MS. Her inspiring testimony has been used by God to ignite an outpouring of healing at Cross Creek Church, the church they planted 25 years ago. Visit their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaOM_Vma8HnH20wTVZF5kpg to view their inspiring ministry and healing services. You can learn more about Cross Creek church at https://crosscreek.church. You can view their online healing and prayer service here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyx06NnEn47UPjIWI-kPUDoSfm-x7UxnG

That National Prayer Ministry Leadership Team shares about the coming 2022 National Prayer Summit ONLINE - January 9, 16, and 23 on Facebook LIVE at the FMCUSA Facebook Page. Go to the National Prayer Ministry Facebook Page or our Web Site for more information. The topic is Spiritual Hunger and Thirst. Hear from our Bishops on the topic and share this podcast with your churches and friends. 

Patrick McNeal and Pastor Kurtis Koffkey join Brett Heintzman to tell their story about Community Roots – an initiative in Genesee County Michigan to bring people of diverse races together to speak and be heard in ways that foster unity, empathy, and understanding. One such conversation happened at Cornerstone Community Church in Flushing Michigan where Kurtis is the Pastor.

As divisiveness increases along social and political lines over these issues, the church can lead the way to diffuse and disarm the tension that keeps us from sharing life in love with one another.

You can find more information about Community Roots at www.northflintnac.org/people. Or contact Patrick McNeal by phone at 810-219-9515.

Laura Colberg, Director of FM Bible Quizzing shares stories of hope and transformation as seeds of the Word of God are planted in the hearts and minds of teens. You can learn more about FM Bible Quizzing at https://dev.fmquizzing.net/ or https://www.facebook.com/fmbiblequizzing/ to see if quizzing might be a part of your local church. 

“The Open Door” from Revelation 3:8 is the topic of today’s episode with Dr. David Thomas, Senior Advisor to the New Room Movement.

Drawing from his plenary address at the recent New Room Conference, David and I talk about the opportunities before the church today even as we navigate one of the most difficult seasons in the history of the American Church.

You can visit the FMCUSA Vimeo channel here: https://vimeo.com/637828551 to view the entire address.

Don’t forget to share this podcast with others as we all endeavor to spread the Light + Life of Jesus Christ.

Project Lydia is a new initiative of West Morris Church in Indianapolis made possible in part through a grant from the city of Indianapolis. You'll want to hear this story of collaboration that brings the city government and the church together for the flourishing of youth in West Indy by providing microenterprise grants for small businesses. 

You can learn more at https://www.projectlydia.info/ and learn more about West Morris Church at https://www.westmorrisfm.org/.

The presence of Christ at His arrival is the topic of this podcast with Free Methodist World Bishop and author, Joab Lohara. Bishop Lohara's new book, "The Parousia Prognosis"is available now at the Light + Life Bookstore! Proceeds will support ministries of need in India. Join Jeff Finley for a conversation with Bishop Lohara about our Lord's glorious return!

About the book:

A compelling examination of the Lord's return through the words of Jesus in the gospels.

Parousia - puh-rew-'see-uh - An official visit, presence, return.

"For those who are interested in an honest, thoughtful, and balanced consideration of the relevant biblical texts concerning the glorious appearing of our Lord, Dr. Joab Lohara offers a most worthy contribution. Here is a tried and tested servant leader, no mere academic scholar. Bishop Lohara [Presiding Bishop of the FMC World Conference] once again proves himself to be a careful and critical thinker, competent to engage both the heart and the mind as he interacts with the writings of some of the most prominent and influential theologians in the history of the church. I am helped by this teaching, as my heart cries out more than ever: Come Lord Jesus!" (Rev. Douglas Corlew)

Dr. Ivan Filby is our guest to talk about his recently published book, Livestream: Learning to Minister in the Power of the Holy Spiritpublished by Seedbed. Click the title to get the book and be blessed by Ivan's stories. 

Ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit is not just for the super-spiritual. God will use every willing heart to bless others with His goodness. 

Supt. Rev. Dr. Bruce N. G. Cromwell is our guest to talk about his new book, Loving From Where We Stand: A Call to Biblically Faithful Ministry with the LGBTQ+ Community. 

You can purchase the book here at the Light + Life Bookstore. 

Christie Kessinger, author of ROOTS Children's curriculum by Light + Life Publishing, discusses how children are the church of today,not tomorrow. She tells stories of children living into the fullness of the Holy Spirit and how children need to know God,not merely know aboutHim. 

Visit https://fmcusa.org/roots for more about the ROOTS curriculum. Visit https://freemethodistbooks.com/product/roots-fruit-of-the-spirit to purchase ROOTS. 

What has the church learned about itself from our experience with COVID-19? How can we be strengthened and learn to be overcomers? Dr. Timothy Dwyer, author of Light + Life's Revelation: Leaving Speculation Behind,is a biblical scholar and devoted Christian who encourages us in this episode to follow the pattern of Revelation and stand firm. 

You can purchase Dr. Dwyer's book at: https://freemethodistbooks.com/product/revelation-leaving-speculation-behind

The Walkemeyers, after 30 fruitful years of ministry will be transitioning over the next year to being Strategic Catalyzers for Multiplication in the FMCUSA. But this isn't any ordinary conversation about techniques or initiatives. The Walkemeyers share from their hearts about lessons they've learned and how spiritual depth opens the flood gates for a move of God. 

Pastor Fred TenEyck blessed me in this conversation, and you too will be blessed! Pastor Fred leads New Vision Fellowship Church in Forestville, Maryland – and is on the leadership team of the African Heritage Network of the FMC.

You’ll hear about the recent AHN gathering in Texas, but more importantly - in a day when tensions around race are rampant, godly conversations where we listen to one another, love and learn are essential to being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Biblical justice becomes loving action for people, not allegiance to politics.

Follow the African Heritage Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/230592050313746

Visit the AHN Website: http://myahn.org/

Join the FMCUSA bishops for a conversation about the challenges of the past two years and fresh vision for the future. 

The share about the buzz building around The Free Methodist Way (Watch/download videos, and obtain resources at: https://fmcusa.org/thefmway)

Purchase Free Methodist Way resources at https://freemethodistbooks.com/product-category/the-free-methodist-way.

Give to the Bishops' Crisis Response Fund here: https://give.fmcusa.org/page.aspx?pid=1278

Subscribe to Light + Life Weekly, the Tuesday morning weekly email with Light + Life articles and new podcast releases.

How can the church have conversations about biblical justice without avoiding, denying, or even feeling angry about it? Well, author Dominique Gilliard and Marissa Heffernan are my guests today, and we’re discussing that very topic. At the FMC’s Justice Network Summit coming September 9-11, Dominique will be a featured guest speaker, sharing from his soon-to-be-released book “Subversive Witness”

If you feel stuck – unable and even unwilling to participate in conversations around biblical justice, this episode is for you.

Justice Network Podcast Show Notes

Website: https://justicenetworkfmc.org

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeNetworkFMC

Information on the Justice Network Summit:

Register today at https://fmcusa.formstack.com/forms/justice_network_summit($40) (Rates increase to $50 on August 1) For Dominique Gilliard, visit: https://dominiquegilliard.com/

To pre-order his latest book published by Harper Collins, Subversive Witness,visit: https://www.amazon.com/Subversive-Witness-Scriptures-Leverage-Privilege-ebook/dp/B08NHXRMWK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WGS7YYQAUY6J&dchild=1&keywords=subversive+witness&qid=1626336093&sprefix=subversi%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1

How can we live the five values of the Free Methodist Way so as to refuel our movement? Jeff Finley interviews Bishop Keith Cowart of the Free Methodist Church - USA.

Pastor Emilee Smith, Pastor Raeanne Barlow, and Bill Barlow tell their Spirit-guided story of how God called them to serve those bound by addiction and substance abuse. Through the Holy Spirit's empowerment, they have said "yes" to God and watched Him bless along the way. Theirs is a story of Love-Driven Justice that you won't want to miss. 

They'd be glad to talk to YOU about what God is calling you to do. Connect with them through their website at https://monacrest.com

Rich and Laurie's "God story" is one of calling, faithfulness, surprises, and grace. Hear their story of cross-cultural collaboration as they prepare to plant an English-speaking church in Concepción Chile. 

You can learn more about the Sheriff's and their ministry by visiting https://fmwm.org/richard-and-laurie-sheriff/ 

Be sure to check out https://lightandlife.fm for all Light + Life resources and articles. 

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