In Episode 357, Tim and Sara explore how the church can counter consumerism by embodying agape love. They examine the cultural tendency to ask, "What can I get?" and challenge leaders to prioritize discipleship that shifts the focus to, "What can I give?"

Tim shares a powerful story about Loy, an engineer who used his gifts to serve children through prayer and transformed a school community in the process.

The conversation touches on:

• Practical ways to counter consumerism in the church.
• The role of discipleship in reorienting believers toward sacrificial love.
• How leaders can model agape love in both big and small ways.
• The connection between joy, hope, and serving others.

Whether you're a church leader or a follower of Jesus looking to grow in love and service, this episode offers both encouragement and actionable insights.

Find show notes at: https://TransformingMission.org/357

Join the conversation on Facebook by following the link on the show notes page.

Time Stamp for Episode 357

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:21 Consumerism in the Church

01:40 Agape Love: A Countercultural Approach

07:45 Practical Steps to Counter Consumerism

11:52 Joy in Serving: A Real-Life Example

18:02 The Power of Hope and Agency

21:57 Authenticity and Integrity in Leadership

24:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dive into the critical theme of restoring and reclaiming the Church's mission and identity. Explore what it means to focus on a purpose-driven identity, foster ministry of reconciliation, and ask the essential questions about growth in your relationship with Jesus. Discover how transformation goes beyond physical restoration to creating a community that embodies the values of Jesus. Hear insights on the importance of programs as tools, embracing discomfort for deeper relationships, and ensuring clarity of focus. Join us in this discussion to reconnect with the Church's true mission.

Read more and listen to this episode at https://transformingmission.org/356

Timestamp for Episode 356

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:19 Reclaiming the Church's Identity

01:31 Restoration and Reconciliation

03:06 Purpose-Driven Mission

05:14 Building Relationships and Discipleship

09:57 Clarity of Focus in Ministry

12:12 Transformation and Community Impact

19:10 Conclusion and Benediction

Rediscovering Community in a Fragmented World | Episode 355

In Episode 355 of the Transforming Mission Podcast, Sara and Tim dive into the pressing question of 'What happened to our sense of community?' They explore factors like the influence of technology and its impact on human relationships, especially in neighborhoods and churches.

The discussion includes reflections on the role of the church in fostering community, insights from Acts 2:42-47, and practical ways to reconnect with others. They emphasize the importance of intentionality in building relationships and the church's unique mission to be a space for genuine connection and accountability.

Read more and listen to Episode 355 https://transformingmission.org/355

Timestamp for Episode 355: Church and Community in a Fragmented World

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:13 The Changing Sense of Community

01:02 Impact of Technology on Relationships

03:55 The Role of the Church in Building Community

06:43 Practical Steps for Fostering Connections

08:23 The Importance of Intentionality

21:31 Building Relationships Through Accountability

23:50 Real-Life Examples and Final Thoughts

29:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

Roots of Renewal - The Church’s Role in a Changing World

Begin your year with a renewed focus on building a community that reflects the love of God. You'll explore how the church can navigate societal changes, foster deep relationships, and use technology for genuine connection. Dive into discussions on countering consumerism, rekindling community bonds, and creating a culture where people feel valued and known.

Tim and Sara introduce this year's theme of reclaiming the church's role and provide practical takeaways for church leaders.

• Listen at https://transformingmission.org/354
• Join the conversation at https://www.facebook.com/transformingmission
• Be the first to know about a new podcast: https://transforming-mission.kit.com/5618f6c6b9

Time Stamp for Episode 354 Roots of Renewal

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings

02:06 Reclaiming the Church's Role in Society

04:27 Building Community and Relationships

05:40 The Impact of Technology and Social Media

09:37 Practical Steps for Church Leaders

13:06 Conclusion and Final Blessings social media

Hope Realized: Reflecting on the Birth of Jesus

In Episode 353 of Transforming Mission’s Podcast, you are invited to reflect on the transformative moment of Jesus's birth. As you explore the contrasting themes of hope realized in the humble surroundings of Jesus's birth, you will gain insights into the significance of this event in a world marred by struggle and hardship.

The episode looks at Luke 2:1-14, offering a poignant reminder that hope and God's presence manifest in the most unexpected places. Through heartfelt stories and reflections, you are encouraged to see Jesus's birth not just as a historical event but as a present reality that calls for active participation in God's ongoing work.

The podcast reminds listeners of the powerful message of hope that resonates during the Christmas season and beyond, encouraging you to proclaim, 'Jesus is real.'

Continue Reading and Listen to Episode 353 at https://transformingmission.org/353

Time Stamp for Episode 353: Hope Realized

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:13 Reflecting on the Birth of Jesus

01:07 Different Experiences of Christmas

02:11 Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-14

03:48 Hope Realized in Unexpected Places

07:02 Invitation to Participate in God's Work 10:05 A Heartwarming Christmas Story

14:46 Final Reflections and Benediction

Episode 352 of the Transforming Mission’s podcast continues the Advent series 'Living the Promise of Hope,' focusing on the theme of hope in preparation by exploring Luke 3:7-18. John the Baptist’s intense message on repentance is examined, emphasizing the need for actions that demonstrate genuine change.

Discussions center on practical examples of living out repentance, the connection between economic justice and spiritual life, and the communal aspect of repentance. Powerful stories illustrate the transformative power of abandoning old ways for a new, hopeful life in Jesus.

As listeners journey through this episode, they will be encouraged to embody hope, justice, and the light of the world in their daily lives.

Read more and listen to Episode 352 at https://transformingmission.org/352

Time Stamp for Episode 352

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:35 Reading from Luke 3:7-18

02:30 John the Baptist's Message

04:56 Repentance and Economic Justice

09:18 Living Out Repentance

16:08 A Story of Transformation

19:57 Conclusion and Call to Action

Hope Declared: Preparing the Way with John the Baptist

In Episode 351, 'Hope Declared,' the hosts continue their Advent series by discussing Luke 3:1-6 and John the Baptist's call to prepare the way for the Lord. The conversation explores the context of Luke's gospel, contrasting human kingdoms with God's reign, and emphasizes the importance of humility and discernment for church leaders. The episode also examines themes of repentance, transformation, and the role of leaders in guiding their communities through these processes. Through illustrations and practical reflections, the hosts encourage leaders to align their actions with God's mission, focusing on justice, mercy, and hope.

Read more and listen to episode 351 at https://transformingmission.org/351

Time Stamp for Episode 351 Hope Declared

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:31 Scripture Reading: Luke 3:1-6

02:41 Context and Historical Background

03:11 John's Message and Its Relevance Today

06:17 Personal Story: Lessons in Humility

12:04 The Call to Repentance and Transformation

15:31 Leadership and Preparing the Way

21:02 Illustration: Lost in the Wilderness

26:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 350: Hope on the Horizon

Episode 350 begins a new liturgical year with the start of Advent. We'lre looking at the theme of 'Living the Promise of Hope,' by exploring Luke 21:25-36.

Join us as we discuss the importance of staying vigilant, patient, and spiritually ready while awaiting Jesus' return....we'll talk about that too.

Personal anecdotes and stories highlight how Jesus shows up in unexpected ways, reminding us of God's presence and the significance of active waiting. The episode encourages listeners to be steadfast in their faith, practice hope through prayer, and recognize Jesus in daily life, ultimately fostering a sense of community and transformation.

Listen to Episode 350 at https://transformingmission.org/350

Time Stamp for Episode 350: Hope on the Horizon

00:43 Advent and the Promise of Hope

01:16 Exploring the First Scripture for Advent

03:16 Theological Discussion on Patience and Waiting

06:17 Stories of Jesus Showing Up in Unexpected Ways

17:58 Practical Reminders for Active Waiting

25:05 Conclusion and Sending Forth