The Bounce with Bob Lepine The Great Commission Collective

In this episode of "The Bounce," host Bob Lepine engages with prominent pastors Colin Smith, Herschel York, and Alistair Begg in a roundtable discussion on the state of the church in America and broader evangelical Christianity. The conversation, set against the backdrop of the Basics Conference at Parkside Church, explores a range of topics from the theological depth of modern evangelicalism to the impact of cultural trends on church practices and preaching.
Key points discussed include:
The perceived decline in theological robustness within broad evangelicalism, contrasted with a rise in theological interest among younger demographics.The challenge of maintaining gospel integrity in a culture increasingly driven by emotionalism and individualism.Practical insights on preaching effectively—balancing bold proclamation with pastoral sensitivity, especially on contentious issues like sexuality and gender.The impact of societal changes on church attendance and commitment, highlighting the need for pastors to adapt without compromising the gospel message.
The pastors collectively stress the importance of focusing on the timeless truths of the gospel amidst rapidly changing cultural and political landscapes. They encourage pastors to foster resilience and creativity in their ministries, aiming to engage both long-time believers and the unchurched with the transformative power of the gospel.
Listeners are left with a sense of both urgency and hope—urgency in addressing the spiritual needs of contemporary society, and hope in the enduring power of the gospel to change lives and influence communities.

In this episode of "The Bounce," host Bob Levine converses with Alistair Begg about the intricacies and personal experiences related to the pastoral call to ministry. They delve into Alistair's personal journey, exploring the early influences and significant moments that shaped his understanding and acceptance of his ministerial calling. The discussion uncovers the multifaceted nature of recognizing and responding to a call to ministry, emphasizing the importance of external affirmation and the challenges of establishing the right priorities and rhythms in pastoral life.

Listeners will find practical advice on managing the demands of pastoral ministry, alongside deep theological insights into the nature of calling and service. This episode is particularly useful for those in ministry or considering a pastoral vocation, offering both encouragement and caution derived from seasoned pastoral experience.

Upcoming Event Mention: Alistair Begg will be the featured speaker at the Great Commission Collective annual conference focused on "Extravagant Grace," taking place from October 21-24 in Davenport, Iowa. More details and registration information can be found on the GCC website.

In this enlightening episode of "The Bounce," host Bob Lepine and author and pastor Cary Schmidt delve into the critical issue of ministerial exhaustion and how to maintain resilience in pastoral roles.
Schmidt, drawing from his extensive experience and his new book, Steady Strength, shares personal insights on reversing the dangerous drift toward depletion that many leaders face. The discussion opens with an exploration of the personal and professional challenges Schmidt has encountered over his 34 years in ministry, particularly focusing on his transformative last 11 years revitalizing a struggling church in New England.
This episode not only illuminates the paradox of pastoral strength—where true power is found in acknowledged weakness and dependency on God—but also offers practical advice on developing a sustainable ministry lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Through a blend of theological insight and practical wisdom, this conversation aims to equip pastors with the tools to thrive in their calling by fostering a gospel-centered life that embraces limitations and cultivates genuine strength.
This episode is a must-listen for any church leaders looking to navigate the complexities of pastoral duties while ensuring their own spiritual health remains a priority.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine engages with Sam Allberry, pastor and author, in a deep dive into the concept of gospel-centered culture within churches. Tackling the challenging realities of pastoral ministry, they explore the themes of honesty, grace, and truth, as discussed in the book You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches, co-authored by Alberry and Ray Ortlund.
The conversation uncovers the often-unspoken struggles within theologically conservative circles to foster environments where vulnerability is not just accepted but encouraged. Alberry shares personal anecdotes and wisdom on creating a church culture where members can freely confess and find support, emphasizing the importance of living out the gospel in community life.
This episode offers listeners a candid look at the nuances of building a gospel-centered church, aiming to equip leaders with the tools to nurture an environment of grace and truth.

In this episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine dives into the world of church residency programs with Dave Harvey, Dave serves as the president of the Great Commission Collective.
They explore how these residency programs are revolutionizing pastoral ministry and church planting, akin to medical residencies, by providing on-the-job training and mentorship for future church leaders. Dave also shares insights from his extensive experience in ministry and his recent book, "Stronger Together," emphasizing the importance of alignment and collaboration among churches. The conversation also covers the practicalities and benefits of establishing residency programs, the pivotal role of mentors, and how the Great Commission Collective supports these initiatives through resources like the church planter residency kit.
This discussion is not just theoretical but deeply practical, offering guidance on how churches of all sizes can contribute to gospel ministry expansion through well-structured residency programs. Join Bob and Dave as they unpack the vision and mechanics behind these transformative programs, highlighting their potential to nurture the next generation of church leaders.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepine is joined by Rosaria Butterfield to discuss her latest book, “Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age,” challenging prevalent misconceptions within Christianity. Rosaria addresses the urgent need for mature voices in the ongoing cultural conversation. The discussion navigates through the five lies Rosaria exposes in her book, tackling issues from homosexuality to feminism. 
Throughout, they emphasize the importance of love for enemies, proximity without compromise, and the need for Christians to be well-trained warriors in a hostile world. The episode concludes with a bold call to Christians to engage in the battle for truth with kindness, grace, and an unwavering commitment to biblical principles. 
Rosaria Butterfield has also written “Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert” and “The Gospel Comes with a House Key.” She is married to Kent Butterfield, a Reformed Presbyterian pastor in North Carolina, and is a homeschool mother, author, and speaker.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:-Rosaria’s latest book, “Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age”: https://rosariabutterfield.com/five-lies
-”The Gospel Comes with a House Key” book: https://rosariabutterfield.com/the-gospel-comes-with-a-house-key
-”Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert” book: https://rosariabutterfield.com/secret-thoughts-of-an-unlikely-convert 
- Great Commission Collective: https://www.gccollective.org