BRIDGE Radio Julio Rodriguez

In this episode, Bridge Radio interviews Jon Degler and Mitchell Leach, two pastors of Peace Church in Middleville, Michigan. They are contributors to Resound Media, which is a place for Christians and church leaders to find resources that are faithful to Scripture and promote fruitful ministry. They want to see the gospel of Jesus resound across the world and the generations. The focus of this discussion deals with the mission of the church.

We're obsessed with bigness. Supersized meals and TV screens. Square footage. And big churches. "What's the size of your church?" That question has stirred insecurities or stroked the ego of too many pastors.



For a long time, we thought bigger was better. "Church growth" and "numbers" dominated our thoughts and conversations. But more than ever, people are feeling disconnected. Trust in the church is dwindling.



In De-sizing the Church, pastor Karl Vaters takes us on a multi-faceted journey through our centuries-long obsession with size, both in and outside the church, and how it has negatively affected those who serve and worship in big and small congregations alike.  He also dispels some prevailing myths and affirms what was good and true about the Church Growth Movement. And he invites us to consider how removing church size from the equation can be an essential element in rebuilding trust, restoring relationships, and renewing our spiritual lives.



This book reframes the way we see the size of our churches and helps us see health and fruitfulness through de-sized lenses. The result? Renewed congregations that reach surrounding communities and faithfully engage culture.

In this episode, we dive into the heart of a transformative narrative with author and pastor Vermon Pierre, exploring the profound concept that our relationship with God mirrors a marriage. "Dearly Beloved" is more than a book; it's a journey through the Bible that reveals the depth of God's love for us and how it can shape our relationships with each other. Vermon Pierre guides us through this celestial love story, showcasing how this divine affection can lead us to love more fully - with our words, delight, presence, and through every difficulty.



In a world marked by increasing isolation and disunity, "Dearly Beloved" emerges as a beacon of hope, offering insights on how to counteract loneliness and fragmentation by embracing God's love. This episode promises to unravel the essence of being God's beloved and how this understanding can foster a tighter-knit community within the church, pave the way for genuine fellowship, and deepen our devotion to Jesus.

Where is God when it hurts? What do I do when I struggle with anxiety, depression, discouragement, fear, and face suffering? Many Christians ask these questions in a desire to grow in their communion with the Lord. Some struggle to know whether they should even ask these questions. Others struggle even more through these questions with great doubts that impact their daily walk with the Lord. How do we grow in the grace of God amidst the daily grind of life? How do we not only practically but biblically grow in contentment?



In a personal and yet accessible way Dave in his latest book, Contentment: The Journey of A Lifetime takes readers on a personal journey of discovering contentment as defined in Scripture. Masterfully incorporating the Church’s rich teaching and literature on contentment, he provides very practical help for readers, equipping them in their efforts to gain contentment in their own lives.



You can purchase his latest book at the following link: https://servantsofgrace.org/product/contentment-the-journey-of-a-lifetime/