Changing a Church’s Culture: 3 Essential Factors
How does a church create a healthy, biblical culture? No church wakes up one morning known for evangelism or its thriving young adult program. Some aspects of a church’s culture depend on its context—the urban church will have a different makeup than the rural church. But much of a church’s culture is shaped by what […]
Preaching That Connects: Why Delivery Matters More Than You Think
The Overlooked Art of Delivery Delivering a sermon is an aspect of preaching that often receives insufficient attention. Much of this stems from the reality that pastors rightly do not wish to focus on entertaining their congregation. Rather, a pastor seeks to glorify the Lord, who uses the “foolishness of preaching” (1 Cor. 1:21) to […]
From the Archives | What Does it Mean to be Gospel-Centered?
Originally aired on July 21, 2021 On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz break down the implications of gospel-centrality beyond the buzzword.
From the Archives | Gossip in the Church
Originally aired on February 3, 2021 The tongue is indeed a fire. In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the danger of church gossip.
When People Disappoint
To be in fellowship is to open yourself up to disappointments. But how do we deal with it when someone we trusted or respected disappoints us deeply? How can we avoid “spiritualizing” our disappointments or holding grudges? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss ways to give grace to others even — especially — when they don’t deserve it.
Every Member is a Worshipper
Imagine you’re at a friend’s party one night, where you’re introduced to a man in his late 20s. Let’s call him Rico. You ask him what he does, and he says, “I’m a quarterback.” As a football fan, you’re immediately interested and begin to ask him questions. “Really,” you say. “Who do you play for?” […]
What is a Gospel Centered-Church and Why Do We Need One?
The Gospel affects the entire life of a believer, and the same is true for a body of believers that comprise a local church. Churches, and all that they do, should have a particular Gospel focus. From the preaching to the polity, everything should be intentionally centered on the Gospel. The purpose of this short […]
Episode 331: Encouraging Your Pastor
Pastor Appreciation Month is coming soon, and Jared and Ross want to get you in the right mindset to make a difference in your pastors’ hearts and minds. Why do pastors need so much encouragement anyway? And where should we start? The guys discuss the “double honor” ways of encouraging our churches’ shepherds.
When You Can’t Listen to the Sermon
What purpose is there in going to church when you aren’t able to listen to the sermon or lesson?
Episode 329: Discipling Emerging Leaders
Why should more churches take leadership development seriously? Why is raising up leaders “in house” so important? And how would you go about doing it? On this episode of the podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the ins and outs of raising up the next generation of church leaders in your local ministry.