The Diversity of Unity: Is Holiness Really Legalistic? – w/ Rev. Dr. Carla Sunberg

February 22, 2024

Rev. Dr. Carla Sunberg, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene, discusses common misconceptions around the Wesleyan view of holiness, tracing the roots of the holiness movement to the transformational work of the Holy Spirit in followers’ lives. Over time, later generations focused too much on outward actions rather than the Spirit’s inner sanctifying work. She points out that discipleship helps avoid legalism. This episode unpacks the biblical basis for living a life that is both deeply rooted in personal holiness and actively engaged in promoting social justice. Listen as we explore practical ways to embody these dual commitments in our communities and beyond.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding the biblical call to holiness and social justice.Strategies for integrating faith into action within one’s community.Understanding other traditions gives richer insight into holiness.Helpful Bible ReferencesMicah 6:8 – Emphasizing the requirement to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.James 2:14-26 – Highlighting the inseparable nature of faith and deeds.Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the SpiritHebrews 12:14 – Pursuing holinessKeywordsHoliness, Wesleyan theology, Sanctification, Discipleship, Holy Spirit, Social Justice, Faith in Action, Biblical WisdomLinks and ResourcesKevin Mannoia’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com/Holiness Today Magazine: https://holinesstoday.org/index.php/Holiness Today Podcast: https://holinesstoday.podbean.com/Way, Truth, Life: Discipleship as a Journey of Grace, by Dr. David Busic: ​​https://www.amazon.com/Way-Truth-Life-Discipleship-Journey/dp/0834139693 Reflecting the Image, by Dr. Carla Sunberg: https://www.amazon.com/Reflecting-Image-Mirror-Christ-World/dp/0834135272/Teach Us to Pray, by Dr. Carla Sunberg: https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Us-Pray-Learn-Scripture/dp/0834141787/Dr. Carla Sunberg’s blog: https://reflectingtheimage.blogspot.com/ About the Podcast”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

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