Starting Place with Elizabeth Woodson

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God is Infinite & Incomprensible with Nicole Massie Martin Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Nicole Massie Martin to discuss how God is infinite and incomprehensible. Questions Covered in This Episode:

When you think about how God is infinite and incomprehensible, what comes to mind for you?
Where in Scripture do we see these divine attributes displayed?
How should these attributes impact the way we view and interact with God?
How would our relationships be different if we were okay with not knowing everything?
Where do you see the culture promoting the message that a life without boundaries is the way to the "good life"? How is this ideology deceptive, preventing us from flourishing?
How do you see the lack of accountability in the church? What does accountability really look like?
How can we fight to choose the greater good of living within the limits God has given us, even when it's hard?
How does God's infinite and incomprehensible nature point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:Reverend Doctor Nicole Martin is the chief impact officer for Christianity Today. She received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and her Doctor of Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological where she currently serves as an adjunct professor.Dr. Martin is the author of Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry and Leaning In, Letting Go. She is the founder of Soulfire International Ministries, which focuses on empowering others to reach their fullest potential in Christ. Dr. Martin is married with two beautiful daughters.Reflection Question:How should God’s limitless and incomprehensible nature change how you live? Continue Learning:

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church. Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:
Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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God is Triune with JT English Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by JT English, to discuss how God being Trinity shapes and forms our understanding of Him. The Trinity forms the foundation for our understanding of God and from it come all the other attributes we will go through this season.Questions Covered in This Episode:

Why do you think the Trinity is so seldom taught or celebrated within Christian circles today?
What do we lose by neglecting this doctrine?
Why was it significant for the readers of the Old Testament that God declared himself to be One (Gen 1:1, Deut. 6:4)?
What does it mean that God exists as three distinct persons? Can you briefly explain the distinctions between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
What does it look like to emphasize one member of The Trinity over the other?
How does the doctrine of the Trinity affect “who we are, how we should behave, or what we can hope for”?
What is your favorite book on the Trinity?
Can you share a story about how this aspect of God’s nature has either comforted or challenged you? How has it affected the way you show up in your relationships?
How does the triune nature of God point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:JT English serves as a pastor, professor, and author. He is the author of Deep Discipleship: How the Local Church Can Make Whole Disciples, and You are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well. He is also a co-founder of Training the Church and a co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast. He received his ThM in Historical Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and PhD in Systematic Theology from Southern Seminary. He is married to Macy English, and they have two children.Reflection Question:What comes to mind when you think about God? Where do you think you learned this idea?Continue Learning:

Season 3 Teaser Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Season 3 of Starting Place begins on January 24! In this episode, Elizabeth Woodson gives you a preview of what is to come in Season 3!Questions Covered in This Episode:

What is Season 3 of Starting Place going to focus on?

Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:
Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Season 2 Wrap-Up Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson wraps up season 2 by answering questions that were submitted by listeners and reviewing what we learned walking through the New Testament.Questions Covered in This Episode:

What does it mean when every time you read the Bible you find something that makes you want to be less inclined to follow the faith?
Can you offer encouragement for me as I am trying to get back in the habit of going back to church? What should I look for? What questions should I be asking?

Continue Learning:If you want to learn more about the entire story of the Bible check out Elizabeth’s new study, From Beginning To Forever.

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:
Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon. Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:
Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Revelation & Living With Eternal Hope with Matt Chandler Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Matt Chandler to have a conversation about the book of Revelation. In spite of all that we might find confusing about the book, one thing is really clear, Revelation reminds us that Jesus is returning and this future promise gives us a present and eternal hope. Questions Covered in This Episode:

Can you provide us with some clarity by giving us a quick overview of the message of the book of Revelation?
Why did John want to highlight the spiritual war that is happening around us for his readers?
How have Christians over-emphasized or under-emphasized this?
How do we grieve with hope and how does that influence others?
How has this truth helped you press through hard moments with hope?
How does The Book of Revelation and the theme of hope point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:Matt Chandler is a husband, father, pastor, elder, and author whose greatest desire is to make much of Jesus. He has served over 20 years as the Lead Pastor at The Village Church in Flower Mound, TX which recently transitioned its 5 campuses into their own autonomous churches. He is also the Executive Chairman of the Acts 29 Network, a large church planting community that trains and equips church planters across the globe. Matt is known around the world for proclaiming the gospel in a powerful and down-to-earth way and enjoys traveling to share the message of Jesus whenever he can. He lives in Texas with his beautiful wife Lauren and their three children, Audrey, Reid, and Norah.Reflection:Spend a few moments in silent reflection on the future that Revelation says awaits us in eternity. Then, pray asking God to help this eternal hope strengthen you in your present difficulties.Continue Learning:

The Church & Guarding Ourselves Against False Teaching with Lisa Fields Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Lisa Fields to tackle the topic of false teaching, what our Bible teaches us about it and how we can combat it in our current cultural moment.Questions Covered in This Episode:

Can you explain what the writers of scripture meant by "false teaching" since the term is used frequently today?
What kinds of false teachings were the churches mentioned in Scripture being confronted with?
What are false teachings we are confronted with today?
Why do you think the current generation believes that we can create our own way to God?
How would you encourage someone who struggles with the history of Christianity?
How should the church approach discipleship efforts to help combat false teachings?
Could you share a story of someone who found clarity through Jude 3's ministry while struggling with their faith/false teaching?
Is it tempting for people to believe false teachings are “for them”?
Can you share a little bit about your story and how it inspired your work with Jude 3?
Are there any fun things you have coming up in the future?
How do the apostle's warnings about false teaching in The Epistles point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:Lisa Fields, one of the world's most sought-after Christian apologists, is the Founder and President of Jude 3 Project, which is committed to equipping the local Church that the mandate of Jude 1:3 might be fulfilled. It is distinctive in its strong emphasis in equipping those of African descent in the United States and abroad. Through this organization Fields has hosted four Courageous Conversations conferences featuring prominent Black scholars from different theological perspectives, developed two apologetic curricula, curated a YouTube series addressing the pain points millennials have with the Church and curated a popular podcast covering everything from mental health to the importance of the Dead Sea Scrolls. She’s helped produce and create two documentaries, Unspoken, an in-depth look into the Christian heritage of Africa and people of African descent, and Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom, through her partnership with Our Daily Bread. Fields attended undergraduate school at the University of Florida and pursued her Masters of Divinity at Liberty University.Reflection:How are you living in the false teaching of self sufficiency? What is one thing you can do to live more dependent on our sovereign God who is in control of all things? Continue Learning:

The Church & Faithful Endurance in Persecution with KA Ellis Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by KA Ellis to discuss faithful endurance in the midst of persecution. Questions Covered in This Episode:

What is a biblical definition of persecution?
Where are some places in the New Testament where we see the biblical authors address persecution?
What do we learn about God and our life with Him from these teachings?
Can you unpack what "anti-Christian hostility" looks like for Christians in America?
What can we (America) learn from those in the global church who are facing much harsher forms of persecution?
How does the biblical theme of faithful endurance under persecution point us to the hope of the gospel?

Guest Bio:K. A. ELLIS is the Director of the Edmiston Center for the Study of the Bible and Ethnicity in Atlanta, Georgia. She's passionate about theology, human rights, and global religious freedom. Since 2006, she has collaborated with the Swiss-based organization, International Christian Response, traveling internationally to connect local and global Christians while studying and advocating for global religious freedom. Her research explores Christian endurance from society's margins, particularly in places where it's most difficult to live the Christian life. She is the Canada Fellow for World Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary and holds a Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the Yale School of Drama and is a Ph.D. candidate in World Christianity and Ethics at the Oxford Center for Mission Studies in England.Reflection:Spend some time praying for our brothers and sisters outside of America who are experiencing persecution. Pray for their safety, courage, protection, deliverance, and ultimately their faithful endurance.Continue Learning:

The Church & Living on Mission with Antipas Harris Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Antipas Harris to talk about another habit or value that we see the New Testament authors write about a lot - mission. This purpose filled call that all Christians have to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and love and serve our neighbors (both locally and globally).Questions Covered in This Episode:

What does it mean to live on mission as followers of Jesus, and what do we learn about this spiritual practice from the words and actions of the disciples?
How do you think our call to missional living connects with the Genesis 1 creation mandate (i.e., the task of cultivating shalom)?
How did the church’s commitment to missional living impact their witness and growth during the first few centuries? How did it affect the culture?
Why do you think we are tempted to say mission is for some people but not all?
What does it look like for you to live on mission?
How have you navigated some of the harder parts of missional work?
Can you share one story from your work at the Urban Renewal Center where you have seen this practice of living missionally impact the people in your community and lead people to God?
How do Acts, the Epistles, and the theme of mission point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:Dr. Antipas Harris is the founder and president and dean of the Urban Renewal Center (URC) in Norfolk, Virginia. He is the former founding president and dean of Jakes Divinity School and teaches courses at Old Dominion University in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department. Antipas earned a Bachelor’s degree from LaGrange College, a Master’s degree from Emory University, a Master’s degree from Yale University, a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from St. Thomas University. He is the author of several books including Is Christianity the White Man's Religion?: How the Bible Is Good News for People of Color.Reflection:Choose one person in your sphere of influence? (family, friends, neighbors) What is one thing you can do this week to intentionally serve them and point them to God? Continue Learning:

The Church & Pursuing Holiness with Briana McCarthy Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Briana McCarthy to discuss our calling to sanctification and holiness for the glory of God.Questions Covered in This Episode:

What do we learn about sanctification in the epistles? How is it connected to holiness?
Why do we fall into the extremes of legalism and licentiousness? How do they point us to incorrect views of God?
How have these incorrect views impacted the work/witness of the church?
How do we disciple people to have a healthy view of sanctification? What are some spiritual healthy habits we can point them to?
How does what we learn in the epistles about sanctification and holiness point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:Briana McCarthy is the President and Founder of The Brilliant Tribe. Briana is a graduate of Trinity International University and holds a bachelor’s in Christian Ministry with an emphasis in Counseling and Social Services with a minor in Biblical Studies. She received her Master’s in Theology and Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary and plans to begin her PhD in the near future. Briana has had the privilege of writing for and working with several Christian organizations such as the Jude 3 Project, Christianity Today, as well as the And Campaign.Reflection:Which one of these extremes do you struggle with? As you reflect, pray for God to help you have a right view of holiness that centers his glory.Continue Learning:

The Church & Unity with Isaac Adams Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Isaac Adams to have a conversation about how we are called to unity and to pursue oneness in love.Questions Covered in This Episode:

Can you share about one or two specific situations that were causing division in the NT churches?
What wisdom do the NT authors give these first-century Christians about how to pursue unity? Why do you believe they place such great emphasis on the need for Christians to pursue unity?
Why do you think Christians today struggle to overcome the issues that divide us?
What are some pieces of wisdom you could give someone that would help them take a step towards unity in a conversation about race when they disagree?
What does it look like for you to pursue unity in your family and church community?
How does the theme of unity in The Epistles point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:Isaac Adams is the lead pastor of Iron City Church in Birmingham Alabama. He founded United? We Pray, a ministry devoted to praying about racial strife—especially between Christians. He was born and raised in Washington, D.C.. He studied journalism and religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his Masters of Divinity from Southern Seminary. He is married to Megan, and they have three children.Reflection:Who in your church community are you struggling to remain unified with? How can you embody 2 Timothy 2:24 in that situation?Continue Learning:

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