What if the roles of teachers, prophets, and evangelists in the church are more than just titles? Join us as we unravel the spiritual gifts behind these roles, delving into their true purposes and debunking common misconceptions. We'll explore how these gifts aim to foster unity and maturity within the body of Christ, referencing powerful scriptures like Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12.

Throughout our discussion, we shine a spotlight on the often underappreciated role of teachers in ministry. Teachers help simplify complex spiritual concepts, driving profound growth and understanding within their communities. Reflecting on Jesus' unparalleled teaching through parables, we emphasize how His methods made deep spiritual truths accessible to everyone, illustrating the critical function of teaching in faith development.

Balancing evangelism with discipleship is another key theme we tackle, using biblical references to highlight the importance of each role in holistic spiritual growth. We also address the contemporary challenges of recognizing and using prophetic gifts effectively, stressing the necessity of humility, discernment, and alignment with the fruits of the Spirit. This episode promises to equip you with a deeper understanding of these spiritual gifts and how they can be gracefully integrated into the life of the church.

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What does it mean to truly embody the gifts of the five-fold ministry? Discover the profound insights behind Paul's teachings in Ephesians 4 as we kick off Season Two of the "We Are Lions" podcast. We begin with a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated listeners and share an exciting new way for you to partner with us. This episode sets the stage for our two-part series on the five-fold ministry—apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher, and evangelist—and their roles in building a robust church community.

Ever wondered how Apostle Paul balanced self-recognition and external validation in his ministry? We dive deep into the unique calling of apostles, exploring both historical and modern contexts. You'll hear thought-provoking discussions on the apostolic gifting, its multifaceted nature, and the critical role of raising and discipling future leaders. With insights from Pastor Jeremy Graham and the influential work of Damon Thompson, we unravel the complexities of this vital ministry function and its impact on the church's mission.

Misconceptions about pastoral leadership abound in modern Western churches, and we aim to set the record straight. Through personal stories and wisdom from "The Complete Wineskin" by Harold Eberle, we'll redefine what it means to be a true pastor. Emphasizing genuine care, humility, and theological training, this episode challenges the conventional view of pastoral roles, advocating for a balanced and community-focused approach. Join us for an enriching conversation that not only highlights the importance of aligning with your spiritual gifts but also fosters a unified and strong church community.

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Today's Episode: Why Theology Matters

When Pastor Cole Burks took the helm at Resting Place Church, he never imagined the profound transformation his community—and his own faith—would undergo. This episode, we're joined by the insightful pastor from Knoxville, who guides us through the intertwining paths of personal belief and collective identity. Get ready to witness a narrative of hope and change, as we uncover the story behind a church's evolution from its dwindling numbers to a congregation reborn with a deeper, more introspective mission.

The theological ground beneath our feet isn't as solid as some might have you believe—it shifts, grows, and challenges us to reexamine our inherited doctrines. Throughout our discussion, we lace humor with earnest introspection, considering how well-worn our own theological "baseball gloves" are. Pastor Burks and The Lion Crew navigate the tricky waters of doctrine and belief, emphasizing how true faith isn't about adhering to rigid dogma, but instead, about fostering a living, breathing relationship with the divine that is as concerned with justice as it is with spirituality.

In the grand tapestry of Christianity, what threads hold us together? This episode draws on Pastor Burks' stories and our shared experiences to answer that question, examining how our views of God shape every human interaction we have. We talk about the transformative power of incarnational theology—living out the Gospel with hands and feet, not just with our words. Join us as we explore what it means to have a faith that not only guides, but also serves, and in doing so, challenges us to reflect the image of God in the most authentic way possible.

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Ever found yourself wondering how to stay true to your goals while navigating the complexities of life and faith? Prepare to have your perspective shifted as we unpack the essential role of accountability, not only for correcting missteps but as a catalyst for personal potential and growth. We're laying it all out - the struggles with healthy living, the pivotal shift from punitive to supportive accountability, and the alignment of daily choices with life's larger visions.

Joined by special guests, we're bringing personal stories from the frontlines of church planting and ministry, exploring how accountability is deeply embedded in the Christian journey. Host, Cory, discusses him and Jess delving into the challenges of comparison, setting personalized benchmarks, and the strength found in partnership. We examine how these principles have steered their path and can help illuminate yours, whether in leadership, personal finance, or staying true to your mission.

To wrap things up, we don't shy away from the hard truths. We address the risks of pedestals and the beauty of grace-filled restoration. Reflecting on Jesus’ teachings, we highlight the need for humility in leadership and the transformative power of understanding and inclusivity. Join us for an honest, heart-to-heart conversation that promises to inspire and guide you towards honoring God's vision for your life and community.

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Have you ever walked away from a place meant for sanctuary with a heart heavier than when you entered? You're not alone. Our latest episode is a raw and empathetic journey through the often-unspoken pain of church hurt. We open up about the delicate task of healing from wounds inflicted not by faith, but by fellow believers. Throughout the discussion, we pull from the well of our own pastoral experiences, sharing insights and stories that shine a light on the path towards restoration and growth within the church body.

Churches, at their core, are communities built on human connections, yet the balance between managing an organization and nurturing souls can be a precarious one. We candidly address the challenges faced by church leadership, from the dangers of reducing members to mere metrics to the risks of letting institutional goals overshadow individual spiritual needs. In these moments, we stress the importance of empathy in leadership, recounting how a shift in perspective can transform the way we guide and engage with our congregations, steering us closer to an authentically people-focused mission.

Our conversation ultimately circles back to the individual, exploring how each of us can reframe hurt to foster healing and growth. We speak to the complexities of forgiveness and boundaries, emphasizing that sometimes, the healthiest choice is to chart a new spiritual course. This episode isn't just a dialogue; it's an invitation to a journey of empathy, healing, and hope, reminding each listener of their value within the church and beyond. Join us as we navigate these waters, offering a prayer for understanding, reconciliation, and the transformation of adversity into a force for good within God's kingdom.

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Embark on the second leg of an enlightening adventure with us as we unveil the transformative experience of not just receiving God's love, but becoming conduits of his boundless grace. Our latest discussion traverses the heartening transition from understanding our identity as cherished children of God to extending that love outward, illuminating lives around us. Feel inspired as we delve into the symbiotic relationship between embracing our own divine worth and reaching out with love and prayer to those in need.

In the spirited debate over who is truly a child of God, our conversation challenges prevailing views with the inclusive example set by Jesus Himself. We reflect on the radical nature of His love, which embraced sinners and outcasts, and question traditional interpretations of divine vengeance in scripture. This chapter is a clarion call for believers to rise above retribution and walk in the footsteps of reconciliation, recognizing every person as part of God's family.

As we wrap up part 2, we reaffirm the simple yet profound impact of love in healing and restoration. We share a collective prayer that this message of God's impeccable love will resonate deeply with both believers and non-believers. With a compassionate approach to living out faith, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to lighten the complexities of spiritual life and spread the warmth of God's love in its purest form.

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When I held my son after a tough baseball game, whispering truths of his inherent worth, I never imagined how profoundly it would mirror the unconditional love we're all offered from above. This episode is a journey into the depths of 'Posture of the Heart,' where we explore how to stand ready to receive and reflect divine love. It's about peeling back the layers of our heart's readiness, understanding the differences between how believers and non-believers approach this beautiful openness, and how personal stories of affirmation can shine a light on the love that awaits us.

We've all felt the weight of conditional love, the kind that hinges on our successes and failures. But what if we shifted our hearts to embrace love without prerequisites? We dive deep into the parent-child dynamic to illustrate God's unwavering affection, challenging the traditional views on atonement and grace that may have clouded our perception. We invite you to re-examine your theological beliefs through heartfelt discussions and the loving lens of a Father to His children, urging you to discover an identity rooted in being a cherished child of God.

Concluding our intimate talk, we emphasize the need for engagement with scripture beyond the pews, likening it to a 66-book love letter. Our reflections on the simple yet profound teachings of Jesus guide us to a place of unity and joy, and we send forth a prayer for courage to challenge our beliefs and embrace the simplicity of grace and compassion. Join us for a heartwarming episode that promises to inspire, uplift, and maybe even transform the way you perceive divine love and your place within it.

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Thank you for joining us on this journey. As we share dialogue on different topics, we pray it gives you hope and a deeper level of joy. Our desire is for you to walk in Beloved Identity, fully knowing that the Father is in love with you!

If you feel led to partner with us, please consider praying for us and donating towards this cause. Donate here >https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VXCSTENBVTK68

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