Videos and Podcasts

In this episode of “Anchored & Reaching,” host Kevin Mannoia dives deeper into the theme of generous engagement, exploring how Christians can engage in an increasingly pluralistic and changing culture while remaining anchored in their identity as children of God.

In the previous episodes, Kevin discussed the importance of being centered, more than bounded, and being descriptive rather than prescriptive. In this final episode of the series, he shares the third key principle of generous engagement: being more relational than propositional.

Key discussion points in this episode:The essential definition of engagement: connecting who we are with the culture and community around us, bringing the kingdom near as Jesus did.The importance of being relational rather than propositional when engaging with others, as truth is a person, Jesus Christ, rather than a mere intellectual proposition.The difference between engaging with a proposition and engaging with a person, starting from a posture of desire instead of doubt.Generous engagement should be focused on connecting people with Jesus, using relational patterns of behavior and avoiding polemical debates.Encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find moments where they can engage from a relational starting point as a way to bring the kingdom near.

Join Kevin Mannoia in this insightful episode as he shares his thoughts on generous engagement, helping Christians to navigate an increasingly complex world while staying true to their faith.

Generous EngagementChristians are called to engagement with the world. That’s what we mean when we say we are “the hands and feet of Jesus,” bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Unfortunately, we often choose to engage in ways that can feel more like a sales pitch than real concern for the world in which we live and participate.

Becoming generous in our engagement requires a mindset like that of Christ, where salvation isn’t giving up on the world but is instead redemption of God’s creation. “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” wasn’t a platitude – it was the goal. Let’s consider what that looks like as we prepare ourselves for generous engagement.

Throughout his journey as a Christian and a pastor, Joe Alvarez from The Avenue Church in Riverside, CA has learned that the essence of the church lies not in its physical structure, but in the love, compassion, and service we extend to our fellow human beings. In this 4-minute video, Joe shares his experiences working with the homeless community and discovering the true meaning of the church—one without walls, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 25:40.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Key takeaways from this video:
• The church is not confined to a building; it is a community of believers serving others
• Embrace the church without walls by showing love, compassion, and support to the homeless and those in need
• Reflect on Matthew 25:40 and its powerful message about caring for the “least of these”

Be sure to like, comment, and share this video with friends, family, and fellow believers who may find inspiration and encouragement in Joe’s story. Subscribe to our channel for more content like this.

Connect with The Avenue Church Riverside:
Website: https://www.theavenueriverside.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAvenueRiverside
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theavenueriverside
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheAvenueRvrside
#ChurchWithoutWalls #Matthew2540 #HomelessOutreach #TheAvenueChurchRiverside #JoeAlvarez

In this thought-provoking episode of Anchored & Reaching, hosts Kevin Mannoia and Susanna Fleming discuss the challenges and opportunities of living in a pluralistic society as Christians. They differentiate between pluralism and universalism, encouraging Christians to approach people of different beliefs and values with generosity and a missional mindset. The conversation provides valuable insights on how to share the gospel and engage with others in a way that honors and reflects the love of Christ.

In this episode, you’ll learn:The differences between pluralism and universalism, and their implications for ChristiansHow to approach people of different beliefs and values with generosity and a missional mindsetThe importance of discerning where God is already at work in people’s lives and culturesThe need for finding commonality with others as created in God’s imageThe significance of being descriptive rather than prescriptive in sharing the gospelHow to approach others with a humble and curious disposition, seeking to understand God’s work in their livesThe value of building trust and relationships before sharing the gospelThe importance of allowing Christ to work through us in a natural, permeable way

Join Kevin and Susanna as they navigate the complexities of engaging in a pluralistic society as Christians, offering a different pattern of thinking that seeks out the telltale signs of God in each person and place. Tune in to this episode of Anchored & Reaching for a fresh and nuanced perspective on living out your faith in a diverse world.

Generous EngagementChristians are called to engagement with the world. That’s what we mean when we say we are “the hands and feet of Jesus,” bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Unfortunately, we often choose to engage in ways that can feel more like a sales pitch than real concern for the world in which we live and participate.

Becoming generous in our engagement requires a mindset like that of Christ, where salvation isn’t giving up on the world but is instead redemption of God’s creation. “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” wasn’t a platitude – it was the goal. Let’s consider what that looks like as we prepare ourselves for generous engagement.

We could all use a little encouragement these days as we help our congregations navigate through the post-pandemic world. Brett Masters, lead pastor of the Dream Center Lake Elsinore, shares valuable wisdom from Hebrews 12:1-2 in the following 4-minute video.

As we all know, the pandemic has drastically altered the landscape of ministry. Brett emphasizes the importance of reframing our approach to church leadership and outreach, adapting to new realities, embracing change, and emerging stronger in our mission to spread hope and love in our communities.

Brett encourages us as church leaders to remain steadfast in our calling by reminding us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” This scripture serves as a powerful reminder that our primary focus should always be on Christ as we press on and continue to serve others.

Key takeaways from this video:
• Embrace change and adapt to new realities in ministry
• Persevere in your calling, remembering that God is always with you
• Focus on Jesus as the foundation and inspiration for our ministry efforts

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video with fellow church leaders and friends who could benefit from Brett’s encouraging message. Subscribe to our channel for more content like this.

Connect with Dream Center Lake Elsinore:

Website: https://www.dreamcenterle.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamCenterLE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamcenterle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DreamCenterLE

#Hebrews1212 #ChurchLeadership #PostPandemicMinistry #DreamCenterLakeElsinore #BrettMasters

Can you imagine trying to describe a sunset without ever seeing it? You might get it right in theory, but when you describe it after watching one, you realize there’s so much more that goes beyond the theory. Experiencing and describing how God moves in your life goes way beyond applying a theory or doctrine of right thinking. There’s fullness and wonder that explodes in the reality of “God with us!”

Generous EngagementChristians are called to engagement with the world. That’s what we mean when we say we are “the hands and feet of Jesus,” bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Unfortunately, we often choose to engage in ways that can feel more like a sales pitch than real concern for the world in which we live and participate.

Becoming generous in our engagement requires a mindset like that of Christ, where salvation isn’t giving up on the world but is instead redemption of God’s creation. “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” wasn’t a platitude – it was the goal. Let’s consider what that looks like as we prepare ourselves for generous engagement.

Kevin Mannoia and Susanna Fleming discuss the difference between being focused on the perceived boundaries that define Christian identity – which can often reflect culture more than a Biblical worldview – versus being focused on and living out the values and goals of Jesus.

Generous EngagementChristians are called to engagement with the world. That’s what we mean when we say we are “the hands and feet of Jesus,” bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Unfortunately, we often choose to engage in ways that can feel more like a sales pitch than real concern for the world in which we live and participate.

Becoming generous in our engagement requires a mindset like that of Christ, where salvation isn’t giving up on the world but is instead redemption of God’s creation. “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” wasn’t a platitude – it was the goal. Let’s consider what that looks like as we prepare ourselves for generous engagement.

Join Christopher Frazier and Pete Wilson from Purpose Church, CA as they explore the future of church media production in this insightful online meetup for worship leaders and media professionals in the Free Methodist Church. Discover how to harness the power of large-language AI for simple media tasks and learn how to implement cutting-edge video technology on your church stage.

In this session, you’ll gain insights into:

• Simplifying media production with AI
• Implementing new video technology in church settings
• Enhancing worship experiences through innovative tech

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and take your church’s worship experience to the next level!

🔗 Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fmcmedia
🔗 Visit the Free Methodist Church in Southern California website: https://fmcsc.org
🔗 Learn more about Purpose Church, CA: https://purposechurch.com

#WorshipLeaders #ChurchMedia #FreeMethodistChurch #AIinChurch #VideoTechnology

We like to say, “Holiness isn’t what you don’t do. It’s what you do instead.” There’s a big difference between living your life fixated on avoiding things “not of God” versus focusing on your true identity and what God has called you to be. It’s not easy to shift the tilt of your heart, but the payoff is freedom over legalism; love over fear.

Generous EngagementChristians are called to engagement with the world. That’s what we mean when we say we are “the hands and feet of Jesus,” bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Unfortunately, we often choose to engage in ways that can feel more like a sales pitch than real concern for the world in which we live and participate.

Becoming generous in our engagement requires a mindset like that of Christ, where salvation isn’t giving up on the world but is instead redemption of God’s creation. “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” wasn’t a platitude – it was the goal. Let’s consider what that looks like as we prepare ourselves for generous engagement.

Christians are called to engagement with the world. That’s what we mean when we say we are “the hands and feet of Jesus,” bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Unfortunately, we often choose to engage in ways that can feel more like a sales pitch than real concern for the world in which we live and participate.

Kevin Mannoia and Susanna Fleming discuss why Christians need to rethink the way they engage with the world as they move from a dominant cultural position to one that competes in the broader marketplace of ideas.