Generous Engagement – Descriptive ❯ Prescriptive Discussion

April 13, 2023

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.

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