The Diversity of Unity: Is the SDA a Cult – with Dr. Timothy Gillespie

February 8, 2024

In this episode of “Anchored & Reaching,” Kevin Mannoia dives into the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church’s beliefs and history with Dr. Timothy Gillespie, Dmin, Lead Pastor, Crosswalk Redlands and Teaching Pastor, Crosswalk Global Network of Churches. They discuss the SDA’s origins in the Millerite movement and the Great Disappointment, the denomination’s development including its health and educational work, and address misconceptions labeling it as a cult. Gillespie emphasizes the SDA’s commitment to scripture, education, and the importance of understanding the denomination within the broader Christian community. The discussion also covers the Adventist emphasis on the Sabbath and how it shapes their identity and perception by others in the Christian faith.Key TakeawaysThe SDA Church’s foundation on the Millerite movement and the Great Disappointment.The role of Ellen White and her contributions to SDA theology and practice.The denomination’s extensive work in health and education as expressions of their faith.Challenges and misconceptions faced by the SDA Church, including being labeled as a cult.The significance of the Sabbath in SDA belief and practice, and its impact on the denomination’s relationship with the wider Christian community.Helpful Bible ReferencesHebrews 4:9-10 – Rest in Christ as the Sabbath rest.Revelation 14:12 – The patience of the saints, keeping the commandments of God and faith in Jesus.2 Peter 1:20-21 – Understanding prophecy and scripture.KeywordsSeventh-day Adventist, SDA, Ellen White, Great Disappointment, Sabbath, cult misconceptions, Christian unity, health ministry, educationAbout Anchored & Reaching”Anchored & Reaching” is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.Email: [email protected]: https://anchoredandreaching.com

FMCSC AC25 Ordination Service: Eight New Elders Called to Ministry of Reconciliation
FMCSC AC25 Ordination Service: Eight New Elders Called to Ministry of Reconciliation

Aug 13, 2025

Experience the sacred ordination service from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California’s Annual Conference 2025, where eight pastoral candidates were ordained as elders in a powerful ceremony emphasizing the ministry of reconciliation.

Bishop Kenny Martin delivers a compelling message on reconciliation from 2 Corinthians 5:18, calling the church to unity and revival through repentance, restoration, and reunion. His message sets the spiritual foundation for the ordination of eight new elders who have answered God’s call to shepherd His people.

📖 Scripture Foundation:

• 2 Corinthians 5:18 – The Ministry of Reconciliation
• 1 Peter 4:7-10 – Serving for God’s Glory
• Acts 2:38-39 – The Promise to All Generations
• Isaiah 6:1-8 – “Here I Am, Send Me”
• John 10:11-18 – The Good Shepherd

✨ Newly Ordained Elders:

• Elizabeth A. Cornell
• Brian Scott
• Eleitino A. Tuiasosopo
• Andrea G. Vaudrey
• Reginald C. Wadlington
• Jaime L. Winslow
• Meg Wolfgram
• Jessica Zittel

Bishop Martin’s powerful message emphasizes the “R’s” of ministry:

• Reconciliation with God
• Restoring relationships
• Repentance and renewal
• Reaching those far from God
• Revival through unity
• Reunion of God’s people

The ordination ceremony includes:

• The historic Wesley Covenant Prayer
• Laying on of hands by ordained ministers
• Presentation of Bibles as symbols of authority
• Commissioning to minister the Word, celebrate sacraments, and shepherd God’s people

“Judgment begins in the house of the Lord… It’s time for the body of Christ to come together.” – Bishop Kenny Martin

This service marks a significant moment in FMCSC history as these eight leaders commit to the ministry of reconciliation, joining the legacy of faithful servants who have gone before them.

📍 CenterPoint Church, Murrieta, CA
🗓️ May 17, 2025

#Ordination #FMCSC #MinistryOfReconciliation #FreeMethodist #ChurchLeadership
Learn more about FMCSC: https://fmcsc.org

“Generation to Generation: I’ll Go!” – Bishop Kenny Martin’s Prophetic Call at FMCSC AC25
“Generation to Generation: I’ll Go!” – Bishop Kenny Martin’s Prophetic Call at FMCSC AC25

Aug 13, 2025

Experience Bishop Kenny Martin’s powerful keynote message from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California’s Annual Conference 2025. In this transformative 40-minute message, Bishop Martin delivers a prophetic word about intergenerational ministry and the future of the Free Methodist Church.

Drawing from Acts 2, Joshua 14, and Isaiah 6, Bishop Martin challenges the church to embrace God-given revelation and cross-cultural collaboration. This message includes a spontaneous move of the Holy Spirit where Bishop Martin calls forward representatives from different generations for a powerful demonstration of intergenerational prayer and impartation.

🔥 Key Moments:

• The new Free Methodist Vision Frame and conference restructuring
• Apostolic leadership characteristics for the future church
• Powerful intergenerational prayer
• Prophetic call: “I’ll Go!” – A commissioning for kingdom work
• Personal testimony of God’s healing and faithfulness

📊 Major Announcements:

• New conference formation strategy for FMCUSA
• Updated mission measures and leadership pipeline
• Focus on multiplication and intergenerational ministry

“Your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams” – This message embodies the conference theme “Generation to Generation: God’s Power, Christ’s Glory, Our Future” with a powerful call to action for every generation.

🙏 The message culminates in a spontaneous altar call where hundreds respond to God’s call saying “I’ll Go!”

Introduced by Pastors Janelle Coleman and Cameron Shepherd-Beyenberg from Commission Church

📍 CenterPoint Church, Murrieta, CA
🗓️ May 17, 2025

Bringing Joy Backstage at Disneyland: Shemika Draughan’s Ministry in the Marketplace | FMCSC AC25
Bringing Joy Backstage at Disneyland: Shemika Draughan’s Ministry in the Marketplace | FMCSC AC25

Aug 13, 2025

Meet Shemika Draughan, a dynamic leader at Light & Life West who demonstrates how to be a minister in unexpected places. In this inspiring leadership spotlight from FMCSC Annual Conference 2025, Shemika shares her unique journey of bringing the joy of the Lord to cast members working behind the scenes at Disneyland.

As Co-Lead of Operations at Light & Life West alongside Denise Edmonds, Shemika’s ministry began in the greeting ministry – the first place she served when she joined what she calls “the first church I chose for myself.” Now she’s passionate about leadership development and mentoring the next generation of women leaders.

✨ Key Insights:

• How greeting ministry shaped her leadership foundation
• Ministry opportunities backstage at “The Happiest Place on Earth”
• Bringing encouragement to those who create joy for others
• The importance of co-leadership and collaboration
• Investing in leadership training and development
• Passing wisdom to the next generation of women leaders

“People who work backstage don’t necessarily experience all the happy and joy that we bring to the guests. So myself and other members of my team try to bring that to them backstage.” – Shemika Draughan

This interview beautifully illustrates the conference theme “Generation to Generation” as Shemika honors those who invested in her while actively mentoring emerging leaders.

Hosted by Pastors Janelle Coleman and Cameron Shepherd-Beyenberg from Commission Church.

📍 CenterPoint Church, Murrieta, CA

🗓️ May 17, 2025

#MinistryInTheMarketplace #FMCSC #WomenInLeadership #LightAndLifeWest
Learn more about FMCSC: https://fmcsc.org