Welcome to the Table

With the pace of modern life, the rate of innovation, and the constant pressure to perform, silence and solitude are forgotten arts in the 21st century and a dying spiritual discipline for sure. Yet this discipline must be reclaimed if we are to experience the joy of God's presence and the spiritual renewal that God offers those who practice it.Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on PatreonLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts

When most people think about conflict they think of something to be avoided at all costs. The reality though is that conflict is a part of everyday life and actually plays a central role in what it means to be a Christian and can play an important part in healthy living, deeper relationships, and spiritual growth.Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on PatreonLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Continuing our walk through the Spiritual Disciplines, we discuss the essential Christian spiritual discipline of prayer. While prayer is one of the most discussed disciplines out there, it still may be one of the more neglected in daily life. A rich and transformed life begins here.Show Notes:How we learn to pray:By prayingmeditating on scripturepraying with othersreading about prayerTwo Primary models for prayer:The Lords Prayer (Matthew 6:9-11)A.C.T.S (Adoration; Confession; Thanksgiving; Supplication)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on PatreonLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts

James 5:16 calls us to confess our sins to one another so that we may be healed. Is it really that easy?We're talking about one of the most important aspects of the communal Christian life with our guest Jeff Gowing. While confession is critical, experiencing a community where true confessional community can take place has at times been one of the church's biggest obstacles.This is an episode that needs to be shared.Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on PatreonLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Grow in faith with us as we pursue the spiritual discipline of fasting, Here we unpack what it is, what it isn't, and provide extremely practical ideas for how to get started. Christian fasting is different than many other forms of fasting and serves a completely different purpose.Show Notes:Determine a purposeDetermine a type of fastDetermine a durationDetermine when you'll startBooks God's Chosen Fast by Arthur WallisFasting: The Ancient Practices by Scot McKnightFollow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on PatreonLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Have you ever noticed you really only trip when your eyes are focused on the wrong thing? As we look at our culture and the church, we're noticing that we stumble most when our eyes are fixed on all the wrong things. Justin Knowles, who oversees studentShow Notes:Listen to Episode 13 for more on UnityJustin Knowles on InstagramYouth Ministry Hacks PodcastFollow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on PatreonLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts

We continue our exploration of key spiritual disciplines. As we pursue the spiritual discipline of biblical meditation, it's important for us to define what it is as well as what it is not!Why is meditation important? How does it benefit us and how do we begin to practice biblical meditation faithfully? That's what this episode is all about.Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on PatreonLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts

We’re talking about getting the word of God into our hearts, our minds, and our souls as a spiritual discipline of Bible intake. If you're new to spiritual disciplines, this episode is for you!In this episode, we talk about what it is, why it’s important, how it helps us, a brief survey of history, and practical ways to get started. Strap in and get ready for the first of many spiritual disciplines on this podcast.Show Notes:The Epic of Eden by Sandra RichterFor Everyone by NT Wright The Ancient Christian Commentary SeriesNIV Dramatized Audio Bible (free in browser) (From Audible)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on PatreonLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Many Christians have read Jesus' famous words in The Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:10. "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." The question that verse immediately sparks is... well, how? What does the Kingdom of Heaven look like? How do we bring the Kingdom of heaven here in our daily lives? With special guest, Jeff Sandstrom, we explore exactly what that looks like and what that means for an everyday follower of Jesus like you.Show Notes:A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene PetersonInvitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley BartonDon't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

In this conversation around the table, we're chatting with Jeff Grenell about biblical sexuality. It's a conversation we often don't engage in much within the church and is a sorely needed conversation in a world of confusion around topics of sexuality. Jeff is a youth ministry specialist with four decades of experience! He is the founder of Ythology and teaches at North Central University in Minneapolis Minnesota. This conversation is built around Jeff's brand new book where he delves into topics like the present sexual revolution in America, over-sexualization in culture, the lack of influence of a healthy family and marriage on teens, homosexuality, dating relationships, virginity, gender nonconformance, and other vital (and often thorny) issues. We highly encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself.Show Notes:Jeff's Ythology websiteJeff Grenell's books:If Job had TwitterGen SeXYZScripture for a Biblical Sexuality Ethic:Genesis 1-3 (creation intent), Proverbs 5-9, Song of Solomon, Matthew 5:15,19, Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6,7, 2 Timothy, Jude, Revelation 22:15.Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on PatreonLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts

It's not news to anyone that the rhythms of our world are rooted in division and differences. We cancel those we disagree with and vilify those with different views. What does it look like for God's people and His church to be different? How are we to pattern ourselves after Christ and what does it look like to be people of unity in a world of differences? That's what this conversation is about.Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

This is such an important and timely conversation. Joil reminds us that every Christian has a mission, no one is called to sit on the bench. We also dive into God's power amidst pain and suffering. Suffering for God is purposeful pain, more on that in the episode...  Having Joil Marbot around the table with us this month was such a privilege. Joil is an  Assemblies of God missionary to the great country of Ecuador with an incredible heart for spiritual formation and the deep things of God.Show Notes:Joil Marbut's Podcast: Sage SpiritualityBook Recommendations:Richard Foster's Streams of Living WaterRichard Foster's Celebration of the DisciplinesDonald S. Whitney's Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian LifeTimothy Keller's Walking With God Through Pain and SufferingDon't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

Having a meaningful and lasting impact in the world and in the lives of others is a desire that everyone is drawn to. Culture often desires that lasting impact but doesn't know how to truly foster it., nor can it in the deepest ways In this conversation with Sarah Massar, youth pastor in Spray Oregon, we're discussing how the Christian life goes beyond cultural values and individualistic desires and how we can reclaim significant and meaningful impact in seemingly insignificant ways but ones that truly draw others towards Christ. ------------- Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast! Be sure to hit subscribe and https://ratethispodcast.com/wttt (tap here to write a review) or do so from wherever you're listening to support the show and help more people discover it! We'd love to hear your thoughts as well, so https://anchor.fm/wtttpodcast (drop a message for us) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wtttpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wtttpodcast/support (https://anchor.fm/wtttpodcast/support)

Everything that we possess has been given to us for the purpose of building God's Kingdom. The question is, what does it look like to think through our resources for the purpose of building God's church and advancing his mission in the world beyond living just for ourselves. Ron offers some amazing suggestions for how anyone can start living generously today with what they have.Ron Brockmann serves as a church council member and is also the owner of several small businesses that he uses diligently for the purpose of blessing, serving, and meeting needs in the name of Jesus. He's the perfect guest to join us for this conversation at the table.Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

Loving the Lord with our minds is something Jesus calls every one of his followers to do within the Greatest Commandment. What does this look like in everyday life? The Christian faith shows us through the biblical understanding of wisdom, natural skepticism (even toward ourselves), and allowing our perception of the world to be challenged.Loren Kerns is the director of the DMin program at George Fox's Portland Seminary in Portland Oregon. In this conversation, we get taken on a journey that truly challenges our own thoughts on what it means to elevate our thought as Christians in our modern world.Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

How did Jesus know what to do each day as he fulfilled his mission and lived obediently to God?  How did he discover his daily instructions from his Heavenly Father? The answer is found through a regular and routine life in prayer. Do you ever feel like nothing happens when you pray? Let's redefine why we walk with God and what it is we're looking for in our walk with Him. Tom Bachman of Oregon Youth Alive reminds us that prayer is meant to change us, to help us see the world through God's eyes, and to jump-start our faith as we're getting started.Show Notes:Oregon Youth AliveOregon Prayer Force Facebook PageInstagram Student Prayer MissionDon't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

It might be a surprise to some that research shows the reality that most American's have a very minimal concept of what the Biblical Gospel truly is. While there might be a culture of Christianity, it has no power to save you or change you. True transformation and spiritual renewal are unleashed through the power of what we're calling "Gospel fluency". David Hertweck, lead pastor of Trinity Assembly in Clay New York, unpacks what it truly means to be Gospel fluent and how that changes the way we live from preaching the Gospel to taking out the trash.Show Notes:Books Referenced in this episode (clickable links):David Hertweck | Good Kids Big Events and Matching T-shirtsTimothy Keller | Prodigal GodTim Chester | You Can ChangePaul David Trip | New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel DevotionalSally Lloyd-Jones | Jesus Storybook Bible for KidsTimothy Keller | The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the PsalmsDon't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

Our culture in America is built on busyness and many of us forget to simply slow down. When being busy is a cultural value, how do we remind ourselves of the importance of the pause? That's our discussion at the table with Pastor Andrea Mendenhall of Hope Church in Albany Oregon.  Enjoy this two-part conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

Our culture in America is built on busyness and many of us forget to simply slow down. When being busy is a cultural value, how do we remind ourselves of the importance of the pause? That's our discussion at the table with Pastor Andrea Mendenhall of Hope Church in Albany Oregon. Enjoy this two-part conversation.Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

The Art of Letter Writing. It's becoming a lost art but it really is such a powerful form of loving one another and discipling well. Why should we write letters? We hope to encourage you in this episode to pause for the purpose of writing an intentional letter to someone you know and love, or to notice and celebrate what you see God doing in someone's life this week!Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

What does it mean to lament? We're discussing lamentation (somewhat on the fly) and some thoughts on how the Bible teaches us to mourn, grieve, and lament alongside others. What is a lament and how do we lament well? A lamentation is simply a strong expression of grief or sorrow. Learning how to navigate these feelings in our lives and the lives of others is important. Hopefully, this discussion helps you learn how to lament Biblically and lament well.Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

How do I disciple someone? have you ever asked that question? At the table with us is Latisha, a phenomenal youth pastor and thinker around discipleship. Discipleship can be a confusing topic with so many ideas about what discipleship even is; If you're a normal, everyday Christian, how do you do it?Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

With all of the different book heading, different chapters, and individual verse headings, it's easy to let them get in the way of truly understanding scripture as it was meant to be read. At the table, we're discussing the Bible as one complete story from cover to cover. Our friend Jeff Sandstrom leads the way in this discussion. In addition to works alongside the Church Multiplication Network (CMN), Jeff is the campus pastor of Calvary Sugar Grovel; a campus of Calvery Church in Naperville, IL.Jeff is a phenomenal storyteller and has helped all of us get lost in wonder at the story that is the Gospel. Tune in and let Jeff help you read the Bible with a clearer vision.Show Notes & Resources:Bible TranslationsThe Message Paraphrase - Easy to readNew Living Translation - Shorter ParaphraseNew International Version (NIV) -Middle roadEnglish Standard Version (ESV) - More literalESV Study Bible - Includes commentary to help understandingNew American Standard (NASB) Very literal translation but clunky to readCommentaryNT Wright For Everyone (available for various books)Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

Our everyday world is saturated with outrage and anger, but what part can humor play in our story and life as followers of Jesus? We discuss this with Garland Owensby, the Youth and Student Program Director for SAGU, and with special guest-host, Jeff Gowing, our good friend, and youth pastor from Florence Oregon. Join us at the table for a timely conversation!Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

This current moment in time may seem like an unfortunate one, but is it possible that through this global crisis we might discover new opportunities for God's church to have a meaningful impact in the world around us? God always uses difficult seasons to unlock doors to new opportunities in our world. That's the discussion we're having with Dr. Debbie Lamm Bray of Northwest University Oregon Campus.Connect with Debbie Lamm Bray & Northwest UniversityDon't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

We thought it would be fun to let our listeners get to know us a little bit better. In this episode, we highlight a little more about who we are, what we're passionate about, and what led us to this podcasting experience with you, our listeners. Let's get to know each other a little bit.Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

What does it look like to live generously in all facets of life and how do you go to the next level? That's what we're discussing around the table this month with Pastor Brian Eno of Hope Church in Albany Oregon.Notable Mentions from this Episode:Rick Warren's Purpose Driven LifeS.H.A.P.E AssessmentSpiritual gifts | what Gifts has God given you?Heart | what gets your heart pumping?Abilities | what natural strengths do you possess?Personality | what makes you, you?Experiences | what in your past has shaped who you are today?Time, Talent, TreasureClosed-handed vs. Open-handed livingDon't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

In this episode, we're exploring the biblical command of the sabbath and what it looks like to sabbath well in today's world. With special guest, Pastor Andrea Mendenhall, we explore some of the important factors to take into account while determining what sabbath rest looks like for you.Show Notes:The Rest of God by Mark BuchananDon't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon

How do Jesus' followers respond in a time like this? Amidst fear and self-preservation, how can we be different? What does it look like to neighboring well, to love, and to serve the people around us?What does the Bible have to say about how Christians are to think and live when everyone seems afraid? That's what we explore in this conversation as we seek to follow Jesus faithfully ourselves.Follow us on Instagram

Welcome to the Table, in this episode we simply want to give you a quick overview of what you can expect in future episodes. We'd love for you to rate and subscribe to be a part of this continuing conversation.Don't forget to subscribe to the Welcome to the Table Podcast on your favorite platforms, join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and content and please leave a review to help others discover these life-changing discussions.Follow & SupportFollow on Instagram (instagram.com/thewtttpodcast)Join our Patreon Community (patreon.com/thewtttpodcast)Follow & SupportFollow us on InstagramSupport us on Patreon