Curious Thinking & The Restored Self: Journey of Faithful Inquiry

January 4, 2024

In this enlightening episode of “Anchored & Reaching,” host Kevin Mannoia, along with guest host Susanna Fleming, discuss the vital role of curious thinking in Christian life and its impact on one’s sense of self. They delve into how curiosity and questioning are not just allowed but encouraged in a dynamic relationship with God.

The episode addresses the fear and apprehension often associated with asking difficult questions about faith, and it promotes a narrative that sees questioning as a path to deeper understanding and a more profound relationship with God. They touch on the concept of deconstructionism and how, when done with the intention of seeking truth, it can lead to a more fortified faith. Finally, the episode concludes with the idea of the “restored self,” emphasizing how an inquisitive, open-minded approach to faith can lead to personal transformation and a deeper alignment with God’s vision.

Video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUas9Df0pbsBSvoJTRLz_XWSMDtZ346PnMasterful Living Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Masterful-Living-Kevin-Mannoia-dp-1600393055/dp/1600393055/ref=dp_ob_image_bkSusanna’s Class at Aldersgate School of Ministry: Aldersgatesom.comKevin’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com

Key TakeawaysCuriosity as a Christian Virtue: Embrace questioning and curiosity as integral to a dynamic faith.Deconstruction for Reconstruction: Understand deconstructionism as a process that, when approached thoughtfully, can lead to a more mature faith.Faith in Questioning: Realize that questioning is not a sign of weak faith but a pursuit of a deeper, more robust understanding.Restored Self through Inquiry: Discover how a journey of faithful inquiry can lead to a restored self, more aligned with God’s vision.Helpful Bible ReferencesPsalm 27:4: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”Job 38: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.”John 1:1-5: Discussing the Word being with God and the light shining in the darkness.KeywordsCuriosityRestored SelfDeconstruction,Christian Life,Faithful Inquiry,Dynamic Faith,Spiritual Growth.

About the Podcast”Anchored & Reaching” is a weekly podcast for those eager to explore God’s ongoing story and find their place in it. Host Kevin Mannoia engages in thought-provoking conversations, offering practical insights and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to live dynamically, rooted in faith while actively engaging with the world.

Email: [email protected] Website: https://anchoredandreaching.com

Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Incoming Elders
Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Incoming Elders

The Free Methodist Church in Southern California proudly introduces our incoming Elders for 2025. These nine leaders have completed their journey toward ordination and represent diverse ministry contexts across our conference. Each brings unique gifts and perspectives while sharing a commitment to our core values of life-giving holiness, love-driven justice, and Christ-compelled multiplication.

This video introduces:
• Liz Cornell – Commission Church, Rancho Cucamonga
• Brian Scott – Foothill Community Church, Azusa
• Eleitino Tuiasosopo – Chapel of Change, Paramount
• Andrea Vaudrey – Commission Church, Rancho Cucamonga
• Reginald Wadlington – Centerpoint Church, Murrieta
• Jaime Winslow – Foothill Community Church, Azusa
• Meg Wolfgram – Santa Barbara Free Methodist Church, Santa Barbara
• Jessica Zittel – The Lamb’s Fellowship, Lake Elsinore
• Paul Zittel – The Lamb’s Fellowship, Lake Elsinore

Please join us in celebrating these leaders as they prepare for ordination at our Annual Conference.

FMCSC Annual Conference 2025: “Generation to Generation: His Power, His Glory, Our Future” May 16-17, 2025 at CenterPoint Church, Murrieta

Learn more and register: https://ac25.fmcsc.org

Follow us: @the_fmcsc
#FMCSCAC2025 #FreeMethodistChurch #SouthernCalifornia #Ordination #Elders

Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Conference Ministerial Candidates
Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Conference Ministerial Candidates

Join us in welcoming the Free Methodist Church in Southern California’s 2025 Conference Ministerial Candidates (CMCs). These emerging leaders represent the future of our denomination and embody our commitment to bringing wholeness to the world through healthy biblical communities.
This video introduces:

• Daniel Garzaro González – Avenue Church, Riverside
• Caitlin Jordan – Lamb’s Fellowship, Lake Elsinore
• Mia Shin – Formation Church, San Luis Obispo
• Christopher Spolar – Expressions Church, Pasadena
• Moriah Summers – Avenue Church, Riverside

We invite you to pray for these candidates as they complete their ordination journey.

FMCSC Annual Conference 2025: “Generation to Generation: His Power, His Glory, Our Future” May 16-17, 2025 at CenterPoint Church, Murrieta

Learn more and register: https://ac25.fmcsc.org

Follow us: @the_fmcsc
#FMCSCAC2025 #FreeMethodistChurch #SouthernCalifornia #MinisterialCandidates

Fresh Oil, Fresh Anointing: Breaking Spiritual Bondage with Bishop Kenny Martin
Fresh Oil, Fresh Anointing: Breaking Spiritual Bondage with Bishop Kenny Martin

Bishop E. Kenneth Martin delivers a prophetic challenge to the Free Methodist Church, confronting deep-rooted issues of spiritual bondage, systemic oppression, and the church’s complacency. “Churches are dying in a cage,” he declares, calling for a radical shift in how the church addresses:

– Spiritual chains of sin and oppression
– Historical and ongoing impacts of slavery
– Diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges
– The church’s reluctance to engage difficult conversations
– Breaking free from “nasty” church politics and self-serving leadership

“This is a season of manifestation,” Martin says, urging a breakthrough from 2025 to 2035 that will transform the church locally and globally.

#ChurchTransformation #SpiritualFreedom #RacialReconciliation #ChurchReform #HolySpirit