How to Pioneer When you Feel Unprepared - Demetrius Hicks

Thomas Aquinas once said: “No one then can prepare himself for grace…” So How do you pioneer something you feel like you know NOTHING about? Meet Demetrius Hicks. Demetrius is a church planter pioneering in Orlando, Florida, where preparation most often happens through grace in the moment. In this episode, Bethany Barr Phillips sits down with Demetrius to explore divine preparation (the grace you can't see), the challenges of church planting to encourage people towards faith, and the importance of authenticity for a believer. “The people of God must be distinguished by the presence of God,” Hicks unwaveringly declares. They discuss the convicting reality of the need to return to the heart of the gospel amidst a post-COVID landscape. How a person pastors under the banner of “leadership” won’t matter if they aren’t willing to pioneer back to the heart of the matter. Don’t miss this episode to be encouraged and strengthened if you feel unqualified for the path in front of you. Authenticity in ministry is crucial in today's world. The presence of God should distinguish the people of God. The Gospel is NOT an ice cream shop: We don’t get to pick and choose HOW we want to live it. Discipleship involves wrestling with questions and uncertainties. The Bible is meant to be engaged with relationally, not superficially. Hope is is a person, not a thought pattern. Demetrius Hicks: https://www.instagram.com/demetriushicksmusic/ https://newcreationorl.org/   Chapters 00:00 Intro and Connection 02:03 Pioneering in Church Planting 06:18 Challenges of Church Planting 08:17 The Importance of Authenticity in Ministry 10:08 Exalting Jesus in Church Leadership 12:49 The Distinction of God's Presence 13:19 The Pursuit of God's Presence 15:57 The Gospel is NOT an Ice Cream Shop 16:22 Navigating Personal Faith and Community 18:01 The Tension of Leadership and Discipleship 19:47 Returning to the Core of Christianity 22:38 The Journey of Faith and Understanding