The Faith Greenhouse Podcast

Faith Oakville
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Biweekly

What if following Jesus wasn’t just something you believed… but something you lived out every day? The Faith Greenhouse Podcast exists for the everyday Christian who knows there’s more - but isn’t always sure what that looks like. At Faith Oakville, we believe the church isn’t just a place you go - it’s a people you become. Instead of simply gathering, we’re cultivating a disciple-making greenhouse—where people are equipped, grown, and sent out to bring the life of Jesus into everyday spaces like homes, workplaces, gyms, schools, and neighborhoods. This podcast is your guide. Each episode helps you: - Move from attending church → living as the Church - Grow in confidence sharing your faith naturally - Learn simple, reproducible disciple-making tools - Hear real stories of people living out Jesus in real life - Stay anchored in a vision bigger than Sunday mornings Who this is for: - The Christian who feels stuck between belief and action - The leader who wants to multiply disciples, not just programs - The parent trying to pass faith on to their kids - The curious or searching person asking, “Is there more to this?” What you’ll experience: This podcast is less like a Sunday Morning Message… and more like pulling up a chair to a meaningful conversation. You’ll hear: - Practical tools for disciple-making - Stories from everyday people seeing God move - Conversations with leaders and practitioners

  1. 22h ago ·  Video

    What is the Faith Greenhouse Mission Initiative?

    The Faith Greenhouse Podcast

  2. Oct 25 ·  Video

    Faith, Foster Care, and a Growing Mission

    What can happen when ordinary people say “yes” to God’s call—even before they know where it will lead? In this episode, Pastor Cyril sits down with Laura Storm and Rachel Queen to share the remarkable story of Foster Together, a ministry that began with one Faith Oakville life group, a cleared-out basement, and a desire to serve children and families affected by foster care. Laura and Rachel describe how God brought together willing hearts, practical gifts, generous volunteers, and community partnerships to create an organization now serving about 125 children each month across 21 counties. You’ll hear how Foster Together provides tangible support—from clothing, beds, car seats, and baby supplies to education, encouragement, and community—while reminding foster families, kinship caregivers, and children that they are seen and loved. This conversation is an encouraging picture of Lutheran Christian vocation in action: God working through everyday people, unique gifts, and faithful community to care for neighbors in need. Whether you are part of a life group, wondering how God might use your abilities, or simply looking for ways to love your community, this episode will invite you to take the next faithful step. In this episode: How a Faith Oakville life group helped launch Foster Together Why serving can become a meaningful part of family life and discipleship The power of offering your God-given skills, even when it feels intimidating Real stories of practical care for foster children, foster families, and kinship caregivers How Foster Together is expanding support through a larger boutique, education center, prevention efforts, and reunification services Ways individuals, life groups, and local businesses can help bring hope to children and families impacted by foster care Foster Together’s story began with a small “yes.” Listen in and be encouraged that God can use your next step—your time, gifts, compassion, and willingness—to make an eternal difference in your community.

  3. Oct 18 ·  Video

    From Broken to Beautiful: The Monarch Story

    This episode of the Greenhouse Podcast tells the story of Monarch Jewelry—a ministry born from one woman’s “yes” to God that has grown into a community-wide response to human trafficking. Hear how donated and discarded jewelry is transformed into beautiful pieces that fund prevention, intervention, and long-term care for survivors through Crisis Aid’s U.S. Safe Program. Karen, Marilyn, and Jenny share how God has multiplied a small group of women, a first $1,000 gift, and a passion for restoration into more than $2 million in support for survivors. You’ll also hear why awareness matters, how trafficking can affect families in unexpected ways, and practical ways you can help: volunteer, host a Party with a Purpose, organize a jewelry drive, shop Monarch products, and pray boldly for those affected. This is ultimately a conversation about restoration—how God redeems what has been broken, calls ordinary people to courageous action, and uses the Church to bring hope, safety, and the love of Christ to vulnerable people in our communities. Learn more at MonarchJewelry.org.

  4. Oct 11 ·  Video

    How a Dying Church became a Thriving Ministry Impacting Immigrants

    What can God do when everyday Christians say yes to serving? In this episode of the Greenhouse Podcast, Pastor Matt sits down with Pastor Dave Lewis of Saint Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Louis to share the story of a congregation that was once close to closing its doors. Through God’s faithfulness, committed members, partner churches, life groups, volunteers, and generous support, Saint Trinity has become a place of welcome, discipleship, practical care, and gospel-centered hope in its neighborhood. You’ll hear how simple acts of service—repairing a building, serving at a food pantry, mentoring children, welcoming immigrant and refugee families, or building a wheelchair ramp—can become part of something far bigger than we imagine. This conversation is a reminder that the Church is not a collection of isolated ministries, but one Body of Christ, called to serve together for the sake of our neighbors. Saint Trinity’s story also invites us to see mission differently: not as something we do only for others, but as a place where God changes us too. When we step beyond our comfort zones and serve in Jesus’ name, He uses our gifts, resources, and relationships to bring hope—and to strengthen our own faith. In This Episode - How Saint Trinity Lutheran Church moved from a potential closure plan toward renewed ministry. - The role of faithful members, life groups, and partner churches in church revitalization. - Why urban ministry often depends on long-term relationships and shared support. - How serving in unfamiliar places can reshape our hearts and deepen our faith. - Opportunities to serve through food distribution, mentoring, tutoring, youth activities, facility projects, and community events. - Why every gift matters—from practical skills and financial support to a willingness to show up.

  5. Oct 4 ·  Video

    From Parking Lots to Playgrounds: A Story of Faith in Action

    For the members of Faith’s What’s Brewing Life Group, it started with a simple phone call: “How can we help?” What followed became a 10-year partnership with LeMay Child & Family Center—a relationship shaped by prayer, persistence, practical service, and God’s faithfulness. Many Life Groups want to make a difference in their community but are unsure where to begin. The needs can feel overwhelming, the next step unclear, and it is easy to assume that serving requires a perfect plan or special expertise. Yet God often works through people who are simply willing to show up, listen, and respond in love. In this episode of the Faith Greenhouse Podcast, Pastor Sirill sits down with Mary and Jeff Wetzel of What’s Brewing and Denise Weey, Executive Director of LeMay Child & Family Center. Together, they share how God connected a Life Group with an early-childhood center serving children and families facing poverty, trauma, foster-care challenges, and other hardships. You’ll discover: ✅ How one Life Group’s willingness to ask, “What do you need?” opened the door to years of Gospel-shaped service ✅ Why prayer, presence, and consistency can matter as much as a large service project ✅ Practical ways a Life Group can serve local organizations, children, families, and frontline staff ✅ How God can use the unique gifts already present in your group—from construction and maintenance to cooking, reading, and caring for people ✅ Why serving others is not about having everything figured out, but about taking the next faithful step ✅ How the grace we have received in Christ moves us to offer grace, dignity, and compassionate care to others Most importantly, you’ll be encouraged that community ministry does not have to begin with a polished strategy. It can begin with one conversation, one returned phone call, one prayer, or one group of believers willing to be present. As What’s Brewing learned, God can turn a simple “yes” into a lasting partnership that blesses children, supports families, strengthens staff, and reflects Christ’s love throughout the community. Imagine This... What if every Life Group saw its neighborhood as a place God had already prepared for ministry? Imagine believers who do more than complete a one-time project—who build relationships, return week after week, pray with leaders, encourage exhausted staff, and become a dependable presence for families in need. Imagine churches partnering with local schools, child-care centers, nonprofits, and community organizations—not to take over, but to serve with humility, generosity, and the love of Jesus. Imagine children and families who have experienced hardship discovering that they are seen, valued, supported, and not alone. That is the kind of Gospel-shaped community we are exploring together. Resources & Links 🌱 Learn more at: https://faithoakville.org 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of the Faith Greenhouse Podcast 👍 Like, share, and send this episode to a Life Group leader, ministry volunteer, or friend who wants to make a meaningful difference in their community. #FaithGreenhouse #LifeGroups #WhatsBrewing #LeMayChildAndFamilyCenter #LCMS #Lutheran #Discipleship #CommunityMinistry #ServeYourNeighbor #FaithOakville #ChristianLiving #HandsAndFeetOfJesus #GraceInAction #StLouis

  6. Sep 27 ·  Video

    Fighting Hunger One Student at a Time

    What happens when God places a small idea on someone’s heart—and they take the next faithful step? In this episode of the Faith Greenhouse Podcast, Pastor Brandon sits down with longtime Faith member and Life Group leader Terresa Gamash to share the story of Weekend Food Bags. What began nearly two decades ago with a vision to help five local students has grown into a ministry providing roughly 3,400 food bags each year to children and families across six schools in the community. Terresa shares how God has faithfully provided volunteers, donations, space, partnerships, and encouragement through every stage of the ministry. You’ll hear how simple acts—packing food, donating socks or toothbrushes, praying over bags, and responding to a need—become tangible ways to love our neighbors and serve “the least of these” in Jesus’ name. This conversation is an encouragement for anyone sensing God’s call to serve but unsure where to begin. You do not need to have every detail figured out. Start with the next step, bring your passion to the body of Christ, and trust God to provide what is needed. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Weekend Food Bags began with five children and a willingness to say yes to God The growing need for weekend food support among local students and families How Faith Oakville and its Life Groups have helped sustain the ministry Stories of God’s provision through volunteers, gifts, prayer, and community partnerships Why serving others is a central part of living as a disciple of Jesus Practical ways to support children and families through prayer, giving, packing, and service Encouragement to follow God’s prompting and take the next step in ministry Weekend Food Bags reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ at work: one person provides food, another packs bags, another delivers them, another prays, and together God uses ordinary people to meet real needs with the love of Jesus.

  7. Sep 20 ·  Video

    A Simple Idea That Changed How We Do Mission

    What happens when a church stops trying to control every act of ministry and simply trusts the Holy Spirit to work through ordinary people? That question sits at the heart of this conversation, and the answers are anything but ordinary. We explore how a simple, practical decision to organize people into small groups for mutual care quietly became something far greater: a movement of mission that spread into neighborhoods, nonprofits, and communities in ways no one could have planned. The spiritual lesson here is profound: when we release our grip on outcomes and trust God with the process, He tends to do more than we could ask or imagine, a truth echoed in Ephesians 3. We are reminded that the biblical pattern has always been one of equipping and releasing rather than centralizing and controlling. From Moses being counseled by his father-in-law in Exodus 18 to the early church distributing responsibility among leaders in Acts 6, Scripture consistently shows us that multiplication happens through empowerment. This conversation invites us to ask where we might be holding too tightly to control in our own lives, and what God might do if we simply take the next faithful step and let Him lead. You'll discover: ✅ The Origin of Life Groups ✅ How Life Groups evolved from internal care structures into powerful engines of community mission ✅ What Happens When the Church Goes Out ✅ How a designated mission fund, rather than annual budget allocations, keeps the church responsive to what the Spirit is doing and positions everyday believers to act on their calling without delay.

  8. Sep 9 ·  Video

    Reflections of a Worship Intern

    What if worship leading isn't about performing—but about helping people worship Jesus? Many worship leaders wrestle with nerves, expectations, excellence, and the pressure to get everything right. But what happens when we remember that worship isn't about us? It's about faithfully using the gifts God has given us to serve His people and point them to Christ. In this episode of the Faith Greenhouse Podcast, Andy and Ben sit down with Hannah Springer, a music ministry student at Concordia University Irvine, as she reflects on her summer internship at Faith. Hannah shares how God opened the door for her to pursue music ministry, how an unexpected series of connections led her to Concordia Irvine, and what she learned about leading worship, serving others, and trusting God with the results. You'll discover: ✅ How God can use unexpected circumstances to clarify your calling ✅ Why worship leading is about more than singing and playing instruments ✅ How to move from performing for people to actively leading people in worship ✅ Why excellence and preparation matter—but anxiety doesn't have to control you ✅ What it means to use your gifts as a servant of Christ ✅ How a willingness to learn can shape you as a ministry leader ✅ Why every congregation has its own culture—and why good leaders learn to serve within it ✅ How mentoring and discipleship shape the next generation of church leaders Most importantly, you'll be encouraged to remember this: Worship isn't about you. It's about serving others and praising God. Hannah's story is a reminder that God gives each of us gifts to use in service to His Church. Whether you're leading worship, teaching, serving behind the scenes, working with technology, or simply showing up to serve your congregation, faithfulness begins with a willingness to learn, grow, and use what God has given you. Imagine This... What if churches became places where the next generation of Christian leaders could learn by serving alongside faithful mentors? Imagine young people discovering their gifts, gaining confidence, being discipled by older Christians, and stepping into ministry—not because they have everything figured out, but because they're willing to learn. Imagine a church where every generation serves together, encourages one another, and points people beyond themselves to Jesus. That's the kind of ministry we're exploring in this conversation. Because discipleship isn't just about learning information. It's about becoming a lifelong learner who is willing to receive, grow, serve, and eventually pour into others. Resources & Links 🌱 Learn more at: https://faithoakville.org 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of the Faith Greenhouse Podcast 👍 Like, share, and send this episode to a worship leader, ministry student, young Christian, or church servant who needs this encouragement. #FaithGreenhouse #WorshipMinistry #WorshipLeader #Discipleship #LCMS #Lutheran #ChristianLeadership #ChurchLeadership #MusicMinistry #WorshipLeading #ChristianWorship #ConcordiaIrvine #FaithOakville #ServingOthers #LifelongDiscipleship

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What if following Jesus wasn’t just something you believed… but something you lived out every day? The Faith Greenhouse Podcast exists for the everyday Christian who knows there’s more - but isn’t always sure what that looks like. At Faith Oakville, we believe the church isn’t just a place you go - it’s a people you become. Instead of simply gathering, we’re cultivating a disciple-making greenhouse—where people are equipped, grown, and sent out to bring the life of Jesus into everyday spaces like homes, workplaces, gyms, schools, and neighborhoods. This podcast is your guide. Each episode helps you: - Move from attending church → living as the Church - Grow in confidence sharing your faith naturally - Learn simple, reproducible disciple-making tools - Hear real stories of people living out Jesus in real life - Stay anchored in a vision bigger than Sunday mornings Who this is for: - The Christian who feels stuck between belief and action - The leader who wants to multiply disciples, not just programs - The parent trying to pass faith on to their kids - The curious or searching person asking, “Is there more to this?” What you’ll experience: This podcast is less like a Sunday Morning Message… and more like pulling up a chair to a meaningful conversation. You’ll hear: - Practical tools for disciple-making - Stories from everyday people seeing God move - Conversations with leaders and practitioners

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