City Lights Podcast

Asking if Matth 7:24-27 reminds us to build strong foundations for our lives, asking whether we are on something solid or shaky.  Clay Lassiter

Today, we cover ground in what it means to start small.  Clay Lassiter

Building the Biblical community. Today's episode we focus on where to start building a community centered on reading scripture together.  Clay Lassiter

Headland Methodist Recap Clay Lassiter

The Importance of being the kind of church and person who has attentive love and looks for the ONE.  Clay Lassiter

Esther’s story is one of quiet courage that turned into bold faith. A young Jewish woman, orphaned and raised by her cousin Mordecai, Esther is chosen to be queen in a foreign land. At first, her position seems like chance—but God was already writing a bigger story. When her people faced annihilation, Esther wrestled with fear and uncertainty. Yet, she stepped forward with the words, “If I perish, I perish.”Her faith was not loud or flashy—it was tested in silence, in fasting, and in the risk of walking into the king’s presence uninvited. Esther reminds us that heroism in faith often looks like obedience in the face of fear, and that God can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways. She shows us that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to speak up, trust God with the outcome, and believe that you were placed “for such a time as this.”  #Leadership #GlobalMethodistChurch #Wesleyan #Unofficial  Clay Lassiter

Picture Israel in one of its darkest hours. The people are oppressed, fear is thick in the air, and hope feels far away. And then, under the shade of a palm tree, a woman named Deborah rises. She isn’t just a prophet hearing the word of the Lord—she’s a judge, a leader, a mother to her people. Day after day, men and women gather beneath that tree, waiting for her wisdom, trusting her discernment.When the time comes for battle, she doesn’t sit back. She calls Barak to lead, but when he hesitates, she steps in with courage, standing shoulder to shoulder on the front lines. Deborah’s life tells us that leadership isn’t about power or position—it’s about trust in God, the boldness to act, and the willingness to lead when no one else will.  #Leadership Clay Lassiter

🎙️ Podcast Update – Heroes of Faith: DavidIn this week’s Heroes of Faith episode, we turn our attention to David — the shepherd boy who became king, the poet who gave us the Psalms, and the man Scripture calls “a man after God’s own heart.”We’ll explore the courage that led him to face Goliath when no one else would, the deep humility found in his psalms of repentance, and the faith that sustained him through battles, failures, and victories. David’s story reminds us that God delights not in perfect strength, but in surrendered hearts.This episode will challenge us to look at our own lives and ask: What giants do I need to face? Where do I need to repent and return to God? And how can I cultivate a heart that truly longs for Him?Tune in as we uncover how David’s life points us to the greater King — Jesus, the Son of David — who fulfills every promise of God. Clay Lassiter

In this episode, we dive into the complicated, raw, and redemptive story of Jacob—the man who wrestled with God and walked away with a limp and a new name. From grabbing his brother’s heel to becoming the father of a nation, Jacob’s life reminds us that faith isn’t always clean or easy—it’s often forged in the mess, the wrestling, and the waiting. Clay Lassiter

In this episode of City Lights Leadership, we step into the wilderness with Moses to explore one of the most mysterious and powerful moments in all of Scripture: the burning bush. Why did God choose a bush—and why did it burn without burning out?We’ll unpack how God used a simple, unexpected moment to call Moses into a world-changing mission. Along the way, we’ll discover how God still speaks through the ordinary, how He invites us into holy ground moments, and how our calling often starts when we finally slow down enough to notice the fire.Whether you're feeling stuck, unseen, or unsure of your next step, this episode will remind you: God is still in the business of lighting fires that don’t burn out—and calling people who feel unqualified. Clay Lassiter

This week on City Lights Leadership, Pastors Gabe and Clay from Headland Methodist Church join forces for an encouraging and timely conversation about Noah, obedience, and what it means to build an ark in today’s world.In this episode, we explore:What it looks like to walk faithfully with God when the culture pulls the other wayHow personal obedience becomes a vessel of hope for the next generationWhy building something in faith—even when it doesn't make sense—still mattersWhether you're leading in ministry, your home, or your community, this conversation will challenge you to pick up your hammer and build with faith.Tune in, share with a friend, and ask yourself: What ark is God calling you to build?#CityLightsLeadership #MustardSeedMovement #BuildTheArk #NoahFaith #NextGenLeadership #HeadlandMethodist Clay Lassiter

In this thought-provoking episode, Pastor Clay Lassiter sits down with Jeffrey Rickman, pastor, theologian, and host of the Plainspoken podcast, for a deep dive into the Global Methodist Church’s emerging identity and its unwavering commitment to holiness. With candor and conviction, Jeffrey shares insights into the current landscape of the GMC, its theological roots, and the challenges and opportunities ahead for a denomination seeking to remain both faithful and fruitful.Together, Clay and Jeffrey explore questions like:What sets the Global Methodist Church apart in today’s ecclesial environment?How can leaders embody and inspire a life of scriptural holiness?What does a faithful future look like for a church committed to orthodoxy and transformation?Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply passionate about the Wesleyan tradition, this episode will sharpen your understanding and stir your spirit for the journey ahead.You can learn more about Jeffrey Rickman and his ministry at: https://jeffreyrickman.substack.com/https://www.youtube.com/@plainspokenpod🔗 Don’t miss this rich conversation about leadership, doctrine, and the holy calling that still echoes from Wesley’s day to ours. Clay Lassiter

On Today's Episode: Jeremy Smith, Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Church in Niceville, Florida, is deeply committed to cultivating a disciple-making culture within his congregation. His passion aligns closely with the principles of Replicate Ministries, an organization dedicated to equipping churches to make disciples who, in turn, make disciple-makers.​Several years ago, a pivotal question—“What kind of disciples are you developing?”—prompted Pastor Smith to reevaluate Crosspoint's ministry focus. Despite leading a thriving multi-site church with over 4,000 attendees, he recognized the need to shift from merely growing attendance to fostering intentional discipleship. Collaborating with Replicate Ministries, he and his team reimagined their vision, emphasizing the multiplication of disciples. ​This renewed vision led to the launch of the Awakening Initiative, aiming by 2035 to:​Deploy 2,000 leaders who understand their calling and are actively engaged in missionWitness 3,000 conversions of faithActivate 500 churches within the Global Methodist Church to initiate their own disciple-making movements​Under Pastor Smith's leadership, Crosspoint Church has become a model for integrating Replicate's strategies, such as Discipleship Groups (D-Groups), the HEAR journaling method, and the Discipleship Blueprint. These tools have been instrumental in transforming the church's approach to spiritual formation and community engagement.​For more insights into Pastor Jeremy Smith's journey and Crosspoint Church's discipleship initiatives, you can  go to https://crosspoint.church/niceville/ Clay Lassiter

Today's episode is with Hunter Bethea: follower of Jesus, husband to Haley, dad to Edith, and pastor to Mulder Church. He love sports, nature, deep theological (but practical) conversations, and writing.  Today, we focus on Holiness, Leadership, and Young Clergy leading the way. You can find more about Hunter and his Church, Mulder Methodist in Wetumpka, Alhttps://hunterbethea.com/about-me/&https://mulderchurch.com/ Clay Lassiter

This week, my special guest is my 11-year-old son, who came to the office and wanted to talk today about baseball and Jesus.  Clay Lassiter

In this week's episode, I got to talk about life, holiness, and the way forward for those who now call the Global Methodist Church their home denomination. Dric serves as the pastor of Hartford Methodist Church in Hartford, Alabama.  Clay Lassiter

In this insightful episode, Dr. Bradley Chamblee joins us to discuss the transformative journey of church revitalization and the exciting developments within the Global Methodist Church. As a seasoned expert in church renewal, Dr. Chamblee shares practical strategies for revitalizing congregations, focusing on leadership, community engagement, and sustainable growth. He also offers a unique perspective on the Global Methodist Church's current movements and future direction. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or someone passionate about the church's future, this conversation offers valuable wisdom for navigating both local revitalization efforts and broader denominational shifts. We discussed what it means to care for the church and for one another.  Clay Lassiter

On this week's Episode, I talk with Matt Reynolds of Spirit & Truth ,a back-to-the-basics ministry born out of a vision and passion to see local churches renewed in the power of the Holy Spirit and mobilized to make disciples of Jesus Christ. After serving for many years as a pastor, Matt experienced a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit which led to him serving with a missionary organization in the United States for a year and the eventual launch of Spirit & Truth. He has served in local church ministry for about 19 years. You can find out more about Matt and the Spirit & Truth Ministry on the link Below.https://www.spiritandtruth.life/ Clay Lassiter

Interview today With Dr. Harrison James Bell of St. James. His knowledge and insight into the upcoming conference in Costa Rica is going to help you know exactly what, where, why, and how much it will cost for the GMC to know what kind of Church we are to become. I believe we are returning back to Holy Conferencing and it feels so good. Clay Lassiter

 This Week's Episode is with Dr. Larry Bryars and we discuss the upcoming GMC Conference. Listen in as we discuss what to expect coming out.  Clay Lassiter

On This week's episode we hear from Dunford Cole, presiding elder of 6 rivers region and hear his thoughts on the up coming GMCGC.  Clay Lassiter

Today's episode  is with Dr. Matt O'Reilly from the North Alabama Conference. He is the author of Free to Be Holy & Study on Thessalonians, both available at SeedBed.Com and he has started a scholarship fund to help pastors in North Alabama reach educational goals and reduce their debt coming out of seminary. Listen in as we here Matt talk about the GMC conference coming up and what is at stake and his passion for scriptural holiness.  You will be blessed. Light up the World with love of Christ. https://www.gmfna.org/ Clay Lassiter

This week I talked with Pastor Allen Newton of Destin Methodist Church. He shared about the upcoming GMC General Conference, delegation, and the movement that has started in the Global Methodist Church. Clay Lassiter

On this week's episode, I get to talk with Janet Krantz a presiding elder here in the Alabama Emerald Coast Conference.  We talk about ministry life in the role of a presiding elder and the upcoming Global Methodist Conference in Costa Rica.  We believe great things are ahead for the people called Methodists! Clay Lassiter

On Today's episode, I interviewed President Pro Tem of the Florida Conference, Jay Therell. Jay talked about the passion for saving souls, awakening, and the upcoming convening conference of the Global Methodist Church. My favorite piece was clarity about the legislation concerning Bishops and the future of deployments for clergy.You can find more information on the Florida Conference here:  https://floridagmc.org/annual-conference/ Clay Lassiter

On today's episode, I talked with Dr. Lester Spencer, President Pro Tem of the Alabama Emerald Coast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.-We discussed the hopes and dreams of a young conference!-Leading people to make disciples.-Next Generation Ministry.-Upcoming events in the life of the Global Methodist Movement. You can find more information about the Alabama Emerald Coast Conference by clicking here : https://aecgmc.org/  Moving Forward the Wesley Way! Clay Lassiter

On this week's episode, I talked with Rob Couch of Christ United Church in Mobile, Alabama.  Rob's church left the United Methodist Church in November of 2023 and he talked with me about their process at CU and how different things are now that they are out of the United Methodist Church. Our next series is going to be about joining the Global Methodist Church and the pastors who essentially left the United Methodist Church and joined to lead a church after disaffiliation.You can find out more about Rob's Church:https://christunited.com/ Clay Lassiter

On this week's episode, I sat with Matt Jordan of First Methodist Enterprise and talked about the process of him leaving the UMC from a church that did not choose to disaffiliate and into a church that did.  Stay tuned for the next episode as I get to interview another friend, Dr. Rob Couch of Christ United in Mobile, Al. You can find more about Matt's amazing church at  https://www.fmce.church/   As always... Shine the Light of Christ! Clay Lassiter

 I met with Matt Mobley of Cornerstone Church in Auburn, Alabama, and we unpacked what it meant for him and the church to leave the UMC.  Listen in as we share the ups and downs of the journey and what excites him about the GMC and the possibility of joining our movement. You can find his church online at  https://www.cornerstonebuzz.org/ Clay Lassiter

In this week's episode, I got to interview 3 Global Methodist Elders and talk about leadership, theology, and how the church needs leaders to take the next step. Let's Light the Way! Kyle is the lead pastor from Covenant, Randy from Abbeville, and Dric from Hartford .  Clay Lassiter

This episode features Reid Guy, director of the 128 project in Mobile, Alabama. For more information, visit http://www.128project.org/. They provide food for the Gulf Coast and advocate for justice on both social and spiritual levels. Dr. Reid Guy says, " At The 128 Project, our mission is to bring a smile to people's faces by providing food, services, and education to those in need in the Gulf Coast region. We bring positive change to people's lives by providing them with resources that bring freedom and hope." Clay Lassiter

Kyle Gatlin was our guest on the podcast this week. We talked about leadership that is intentional and relational.  Clay Lassiter

Sam is the campus pastor of Crosspoint Church. Today we talked about adaptive leadership, leading with humility, and redefining success. Below is his information if you want to know more about Crosspoint or church planting.Website: crosspoint.churchFacebook: facebook.com/crosspointfreeportfacebook.com/sambrown28Instagram:@sam.gray.brown@welcometocrosspoint@crosspoint_fp Clay Lassiter

Trust needs to become the highest priority for any leader. It is what will make your organization rise or fall.  Let's shine and dive in.  Clay Lassiter

One of the most underutilized topics among leaders today is the discussion about emotional intelligence (EQ).  We might miss out because the simple fact is... emotional intelligence is another way of saying character development. Tune in and find out whether this skill set can help or hurt your team, church, and leadership.  Clay Lassiter

Welcome to the first episode of  City Lights Leadership.This first episode is one step in the journey. We are looking forward to recording many episodes to come. We dive into what is your why? Clay Lassiter