Raking Coals

Cody and Josh discuss youth and children’s ministry with Brian Dario. Brian shares about his approach to student ministry and bringing in the right energy level, The importance of being able to teach children bible stories in an engaging way, and what it was like when Brian had Josh and Cody as students in youth group.

In Episode 24 of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody open up to their personal lives and situation in ministry. After 10 years of involvement in Student Ministries, each of the guys has decided to transition into a different ministry. For the guys this is one their favorite recordings to date. They share what has led them to want to transition to different ministries, the best lessons and experiences they have had through youth ministry, and what is ahead for each of them as they enter into a different phase of life in ministry within the local church.

In episode 23, Cody and Josh, are joined by Matt LaMaster, a pastor in Anderson, Indiana. In 2016 God led Matt to respond to a call to Southern Heights Christian Church where he currently pastors. Matt has a unique journey and a special knowledge and wisdom of ministry and scripture. Take some time to listen in on some fantastic insights and great conversation.

In episode 22 of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh, are joined by a guest, Steve Brown. Steve, is a pastor at The First Baptist Church of Red Bank in New Jersey. Steve shares about his journey from finance into pastoral ministry, the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit, the importance of being involved in our communities, and some good things we can all be thinking about in how to best maximize the use of church buildings.

In Episode 21 of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody, discuss some of their past experience with small groups. Being a common ministry within many churches, it is important for these groups to provide positive experience in the lives of those who are part of them. There is no “golden rule” or “best way” in going about small groups, but there are certain elements that provide a meaningful experience, in which God can change the lives of the members of a small group.

In Episode 20 of Raking Coals, Cody records a solo episode sharing how becoming a dad has changed and ministered to him. Don’t underestimate the power that you have to share Christ with your own children, and on the same hand do not underestimate the ability that they have to minister to you.

In episode 19 of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody, are joined by guests, Caleb and Julia Kudlo. Caleb is a pastor of a church in downtown Cleveland (Cityview Baptist Church) and is involved with their youth ministry, Shoreway. In this episode, Caleb and Julia, share stories about how they ended up in urban ministry, some stories and experiences in it, attitudes to have about ministry, and shortly touch on some ideas about worship in the Church. If you want to learn more about what Caleb and Julia do, be sure to check out http://www.cityviewbc.org.

Josh and Cody discuss some components that they think are important in becoming a better reader of the Bible. In a time where biblical literacy is at a dissatisfying place, the guys discuss some small steps that people can make in order to be able to read and study the Bible better and have a better understanding of it. They share some of the practices and skills that can be developed and improved upon on a regular basis in order to be able to have a more solid understanding of scripture and feel more confident in your own ability to be able to study and understand it.

In Episode 17 of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh, welcome their first guest, Zach Butler. Zach is currently a drive-thru director at Chik-Fil-A with plans and hopes to one day become and owner/operator. Zach sits down and discusses the journey that God has taken him on to get to this place. From sharing about his time teaching English in South Korea, to the discussions of positive influence on employees in a fast food restaurant, this is a conversation worth listening to. Please, listen and let us know what you think in the comments.

In episode 16 of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh , define what an Evangelical Christian is. In current culture the term has been heard in mainline media more than in previous years. Josh and Cody set out to have a conversation surrounded by defining what Evangelical Christianity it, and whether or not Evangelicalism is a positive or negative thing for the Church.

In episode 15 of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh reflect on the experience of the E43Collective to this point. They share their personal experiences, joys and challenges of creating a podcast and blog. Also, they talk about the direction and hope for the future of the E43Collective, Raking Coals, and the After Sunday Discussion.

On Episode 14 of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody talk about an important topic, Millennials and the Church. Both being guys of the Millennial generation discuss the issues with both concern and optimism. The reality is that Millennials don’t have the best relationship with the Church, so the guys investigate some of the statistics behind it, with the hope to begin to mend the relationship. All feedback and findings on these topics of discussion are welcome, and we hope everyone enjoys this episode.

This week on the 13th episode of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody, talk through how churches should deal with troubling issues. When churches are hit with poor decisions made by leadership it can be a tough situation to deal with. There might not be one perfect way to deal with these things, but the guys talk through some positive responses and outlooks in these tough situations. When pastors or leaders mess up, it doesn’t mean that God’s plan is destroyed. Also, there are people hurt in these situations who never get the opportunity to properly process through it, or talk about it. So, this week we set out to help us all keep spirits up when these tough things happen.

On Episode 12 of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh, discuss the experience of Bi-Vocational Ministry. This week, Cody shares about his personal experience going from Bible college, to full-time ministry, to bi-vocational ministry. From the challenges of balancing family life, personal goals, benefits, downfalls, ministry health, and everything else, Cody discusses the last 4 years of Bi-Vocational Ministry. It gets real.

In this 11th episode of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh talk about Spiritual Gifts. They discuss what they are, examples of them, and how important it is for the body of the Church. Listen in and give your feedback if you have any varying thoughts. As always, enjoy and be blessed!

In this 10th episode of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh, share their personal advice on how to get involved in a ministry, get satisfaction from a ministry, and even start your very own ministry. Tune in as the guys share in one of their favorite episodes to date.

On this 9th episode of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody, discuss leaving meaningful legacies in the churches that we are a part of. The two discuss the various different examples that they have seen from those whom have left a great impact on their own lives as well as the lives of those whom they served.

Josh and Cody discuss their experiences studying and teaching the Bible. They discuss how the two build upon each other and share their thoughts on how everyone should experience the preparation and delivery of teaching at least a couple of times.

In episode 7 of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh discuss the importance of healthy conversations and relationships when it comes to talking about Christ and faith related topics.

In Episode 6 of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh, share their thoughts on conferences. What makes conferences different from conventions? How conferences are a good image of the global church. They share about potential drawbacks, and share some of their favorite memories.

On Episode 5 of Raking Coals, Cody and Josh, share some of their favorite ministry memories. Positive memories have had a huge impact on the development of this team, and the two share some of what they have learned through these favored experiences.

In episode 4 of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody, discuss the importance to balance a busy schedule. Becoming too busy can be a hindrance to ministry and service, so the guys share some of their own strategies and principles in regard to this. Lastly, they talk about how day in and day out, a Christian's life should be defined by peace, not stress.

In this third episode of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody share in more detail about their ministry backgrounds, as well as their hopes for the future of The E4:3 Collective.

In Episode 2 of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody, discuss the importance of church members’ involvement in ministry within and outside of their local church.

Josh and Cody sit down and share about themselves and their vision for Raking Coals in this first episode.