Grace Church Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EP9: Why is Reading the Bible a Discipleship Issue? Jan 02, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Matt Williams discuss how to create space for Bible reading and practical strategies for investing in this area of our spiritual growth. They explore the important role of the Scriptures as a long term investment and as a means of feeding our souls.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

What are some short term and long term benefits of personal time spent in God’s Word?
Can you think of someone in your life who modeled dependence on the Scriptures and who lived out what they read?
Can you identify areas in your life where you are starving and need to be fed by God’s truth?
What practical steps can you take or disciplines can you put in place to incorporate Bible reading into your daily life?

If you have questions or want access to additional resources, be sure to check out the podcast page at https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/memberspodcast

EP8: Why is Generosity a Discipleship Issue? Dec 05, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Rivers and Scott Mozingo discuss the concept of generosity as it relates to discipleship. They explore what the Bible says about money and the bigger picture of how God is using the resources in our lives to drive our devotion to him.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

Where do most of my ideas about money, generosity, and stewardship come from? Does my view of money align more closely with Scripture, or is it more closely tied to the culture?
Is there evidence in my life that I care about the things God cares about? In what ways am I using my resources to evangelize, disciple, and care for the poor? How do I display an attitude of contentment and gratitude for what I have been given?
Based on the Giving Guide spectrum, what type of giver would I classify myself as (consuming, casual, reluctant, intentional, or courageous)? What is one practical step I can take to move towards growth in this area?

If you have questions or want access to additional resources, be sure to check out the podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship

EP7: Why is Recovery a Discipleship Issue? Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Jim Taylor discuss the concepts of recovery, addiction, and idolatry and how these are tied to discipleship and our maturity as believers. They explore how the re:gen ministry can be a tool for confronting the nature of our sin, the sin of others, and the brokenness of the world in which we live. By entering into this process with a humble posture and an awareness of our need for God, we find connection with our Creator.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us God “has planted eternity in the human heart.” In what ways have you seen evidence of this in your own life?
What idols/addictions have you centered your life around? How have you seen these things lead to destruction?
What might it look like to have an unhindered relationship with God? What steps do you need to take personally to reorient your life towards this goal?

If you have questions or want access to additional resources, be sure to check out the podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship

EP6: Why is Membership a Discipleship Issue? Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Daniel Moore discuss the biblical and historical basis for membership in a local church. From the beginning, we read in the Scriptures how God covenanted with his people (i.e. Abraham, David) to bring salvation to man. The promise was fulfilled in Christ, and believers are now united to Christ and live in communion with him and one another. Salvation is, ultimately, not about me but we. The Church, as established by Christ and the apostles, is the living organism through which Jesus invites people to follow him, to experience life transformation, and to carry out his mission of reconciling the world to himself.

Our consumer-driven, self-reliant mindset keeps us isolated from the Body of Christ and hinders our ability to experience healing. We all have blind spots and need others to “see” for us, hold us accountable, and encourage us on the journey. Spiritual formation requires obedience, humility, a willingness to submit to authority, and a commitment to love others as Christ loves us. Because church membership is not something to dismiss or take lightly, Grace Church makes intentional efforts to prepare people for this life-changing commitment. When we commit to the local church, the church is also committing to us.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

What is your current understanding of the local church and its purpose in the lives of Christ’s followers, and how have you been challenged by what you’ve just heard?
Daniel Moore discussed the need for all believers to be under spiritual authority. How has your personal experience shaped how you view authority?
What concerns and fears do you have about church membership, and what is one step you can take toward the local church?

If you have questions or want access to additional resources, be sure to check out the podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship

EP5: Why is Death and Dying a Discipleship Issue? Sep 05, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Matt Kelley discuss death, the natural burial process, and the opportunity to care for and disciple members through this unique season. Matt shares how a conversation with his dad, along with several other contributing factors, spurred discussions about natural burial and what it might look like for Grace Church. Born out of the idea that the Church should take care of its people, not only in life but also in death, natural burial is a practical way to live out this principle. Over the course of time, many parts of the death and after-death process have been outsourced. The church, who rallies towards people when they experience every other kind of grief, was taking more of a hands-off approach to the issue of death. Natural burial creates a communal experience, allowing church members to play an active role in the process and tangibly care for people in their grief.

Be sure to check out our podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship. On this page, you can access additional resources and questions to help you move towards discipleship.

EP4: Why is Singing a Discipleship Issue? Aug 01, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Brian Darnell discuss singing and how this act of worship plays a role in maturing us as disciples of Christ. Brian shares how worship comes in many different forms but, at its core, is a personal response to God. One of the most practical ways we can respond to God is through singing. It gives us the opportunity to declare his worth and acknowledge his character. Singing is a way to cultivate our relationship with God while simultaneously benefitting us as individuals and collectively as a church. When we sing, we humble ourselves. We recognize the relationship we have with God and remember what he has done for us. As individuals, singing gives us words to say when we don’t know what to say. It allows us to preach truth to ourselves and shapes our ability to be fully devoted to God. As a church, singing has a unifying factor. When we know the struggles others are facing and are able to see them worship through singing, we are encouraged and strengthened as a body. Be sure to check out our podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship. On this page, you can access additional resources and questions to help you move towards discipleship.

EP3: Why is Baptism a Discipleship Issue? Jul 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Chris McGowan discuss baptism as worship and how it serves as an “ebenezer” for believers to grow in their devotion to God. In the Old Testament, we read of prophets and leaders setting up stone monuments to remind them of God’s help and deliverance. Baptism, likewise, is a powerful, public declaration of what Christ has done for us in rescuing us from sin and death and uniting us with himself. Why be baptized?

For Christ - Jesus was baptized, and we demonstrate our obedience to him and identify with him when we humble ourselves publicly to follow him.
For ourselves - Baptism is an ebenezer, reminding us that we no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ. We can trust him for cleansing, healing, and new life. Just as Christ was resurrected, so will we be.
For others - Christianity is communal. When we are baptized in front of witnesses, we acknowledge our need for others and invite them into our spiritual growth. The church is the vehicle through which Christ carries out his mission.

Be sure to check out our podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship. On this page, you can access additional resources and questions to help you move towards discipleship.

EP2: Why is Serving a Discipleship Issue? Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and LeeAnne Cavin discuss serving and the role it plays in moving us from an outlook oriented on self to an outlook oriented on others. LeeAnne defines the word serving as simply “giving your life away.” She emphasizes it is more than just filling a role or doing a specific job, it is an orientation of the heart. Serving has both a vertical component (“I serve because of what God has done for me”) and a horizontal component (“I serve because I want to lay my life down for others”). LeeAnne shares her own personal experience of moving from a church “consumer” background to a mindset of wanting to serve and genuinely caring about the people she was serving. She reminds listeners that as we strive to make the shift to an outlook oriented on others, we will begin to see the difference between discipleship vs. fulfilling an obligation. We will begin to strive for something bigger than simply preserving our comfort. We will begin asking ourselves the question: “am I serving because I have to or because I want to?” While serving is not always easy and it will often push us out of our comfort zone, it is critical to our walk with Christ. It provides us with opportunities to rely on Christ’s comfort and apply the Scriptures as we give our lives away for others.

Be sure to check out our podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship. On this page, you can access additional resources and questions to help you move towards discipleship.

EP1: Grace Church Members Introduction Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

In the first episode of "Grace Church Members" podcast, Chris Rivers and Scott Mozingo discuss the purpose of the podcast and give listeners an idea of what to expect. They address how we are often clear on the “what” behind the mission we are trying to accomplish and the "how" behind achieving our ministry objectives, but forget the "why" behind the ministry we do. They explore how understanding the “why” gives us confidence in what we are doing and allows us to communicate and draw others into the mission. It also challenges us to move beyond the goal of self-improvement and pursue transformational life change. As they address different topics during each episode, they will seek to answer two questions: 1) Why is this a discipleship issue? 2) How does it help me grow in my devotion to God and others?

RESOURCES:

How does Grace Church View Discipleship?

Be sure to check out our podcast page at gracechurchsc.org/whydiscipleship. On this page, you can access additional resources and questions to help you move towards discipleship.

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