The Brethren Way

In this last episode of the Calling Series, Executive Director Steven Cole interviews Miles Larson. They discuss why this podcast series exists, what Miles learned, and where we go from here as a denomination.

In this episode, Miles Larson is joined by Dustin White, former pastor of Radial Church in Ohio and current Fishing Spiritual Mentor. These two discuss what it's like to be called to a specific people instead of a specific position and how to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance even when it doesn't make sense.

Miles Larson is joined by two wonderful friends from the West Coast, Laurie Acker and pastor Jim Miller. They discuss the importance of understanding that "calling" doesn't just mean pastoring a church but that we all, pastors, lay leaders, and congregants alike, have a calling and an important role in the Body of Christ. Small Church Ministry: https://smallchurchministry.com/

In this episode, pastor Tom Sprowls of Berlin Brethren Church and Northeast Regional Resource Coordinator TJ McLaughlin join Miles Larson to continue the discussion on bi-vocational ministry. They discuss how churches can support their bi-vocational pastors well, especially in light of the trend of increasing bi-vocational ministry in the church at large.

As we look at the state of the church today, it looks like there may be an influx of bi-vocational ministry leaders in the near future. In this episode, Miles Larson is joined by two bi-vocational pastors, Jason Huntsinger of Northgate Community Church in California and Justin Morris of The Gathering Church in Virginia, to discuss the benefits and challenges of bi-vocational ministry that full-time pastors might not recognize.

At this mid-way point in the series, Miles Larson is joined by Dr. Yvonne Glass, Executive Dean of Ashland Theological Seminary, to discuss the role of training pastors to follow their God-given calling.

In this church family reunion of sorts, Miles Larson is joined by the father and son duo, pastors Fred and David Miller and pastor Melanie Wylie. Fred and David are both pastors at Mount Olive Brethren Church in Virginia, and Melanie Wylie took a class taught by Fred before she went on to pastor Liberty Brethren Church. These three share their calling stories, both being called and calling others into ministry.

Ron Waters and Zac Yonko join Miles Larson in this episode to discuss the generational differences and similarities of what is expected of the church and its pastor, and how to make necessary changes while honoring those that came before us.

Miles is joined this week by Drew Meziere, North Central Regional Resource Coordinator, and Paul Stanely, pastor of Carson Oaks Brethren Church in California, to discuss the weight of following your God-given calling and the fruit you glean from it.

Brethren Church Director of Pastoral and Congregational Vitality, Miles Larson, is joined by his predecessors, Gary Diehl and Dave Cooksey, to discuss the state of the church and the importance of discerning and following your God-given calling.

If you’ve been enjoying The Brethren Way Podcast or are just tuning in, you’re going to LOVE season three, where we explore the topic of “calling.” Hosted by the Brethren Church Director of Pastoral and Congregational Vitality, Miles Larson, this season will showcase Brethren leaders young and old, or maybe I should say, “new” and “experienced” Brethren leaders, who will share what calling has meant to them, why following your God-given calling is important, and how we address the leadership gap we are experiencing within our denomination and the church at large, in a way that sets us up for health and longevity in the future. We hope you enjoy season three of the Brethren Way Podcast. 

Luke 2:19 (NIV): "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV): "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Reflection Question: Reflect on the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 27:13-14. How does the idea of seeing the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living bring hope to your heart? In what ways have you experienced God's goodness in your everyday life? As you wait for the Lord in this season, how can you cultivate strength and courage, trusting that His power is at work within you? Consider specific ways you can wait expectantly for the Lord in the ordinary moments of your life.

Psalm 103:8-14 (NIV): "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." Reflection Question: Through this advent season, think back on the Character of God that has been revealed. Take some time to thank God for his compassionate, graceful, and forgiving character. Remember the Lord’s unchanging and unfathomable love, despite our shortcomings. How can you respond to such boundless grace in your daily life?  Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Luke 2:19 (NIV): "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Reflection Question: Reflecting on the prayer's themes of finding rest in Jesus and contemplating the wonder of holding baby Jesus, consider the words of Luke 2:19. How do you imagine Mary felt as she treasured and pondered the events surrounding the birth of Jesus? In what ways can you, like Mary, take time to treasure and ponder the gift of Jesus this Christmas season? How might contemplating the wonder of God becoming a baby inspire you to find rest, joy, and peace in the midst of the busyness of life?

Joshua 3:1-4 “Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, for you have never been this way before...” Joshua 3:15-16 “Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.” Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Isaiah 65:1 (NIV): "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'" Reflection Question: Reflecting on the prayer's plea for expectant hope and the reference to Isaiah 65:1, consider the ways God reveals Himself to those who have not asked or sought Him. How does this verse provide a source of hope for your loved ones who may not be actively seeking God? How can you trust God to work in their lives, even when it seems they are in darkness? How might the promise of God revealing Himself and creating praise on their lips bring comfort and encouragement to your heart as you wait and hope for their transformation?

Isaiah 9:2 (NIV):"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." Reflection Question: Reflect on the imagery of light breaking through the darkness in this verse. How does this prophetic passage resonate with the prayer's theme of seeking hope in the midst of darkness? Consider the ways in which God's light has dawned in your life, bringing hope and joy. As you wait expectantly for the arrival of Jesus, how can you intentionally seek and encounter the light of His presence in your current circumstances? Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV): "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Reflection Question: Reflect on the prayer's emphasis on hopeful waiting and claiming God's grace for patience. Consider Isaiah 40:31 and ask yourself: How can I actively place my hope in the Lord during seasons of waiting? In what ways can I find renewal and strength in God's presence, allowing Him to be my source of patience and endurance? How might the image of soaring on wings like eagles inspire me to trust in God's timing and anticipate the blessings ahead?

Psalm 42:1-5 (NIV): "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?' These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Reflection Question: Reflect on the prayer's expression of struggle, pain, and the longing for God's presence. Consider Psalm 42:1-5 and ask yourself: In times of deep struggle, how can I cultivate a thirst and longing for God's presence in my life, akin to the deer panting for streams of water? How can I actively seek and meet with God, even in the midst of difficult circumstances? How might I find hope and put my trust in God, allowing Him to be my refuge and source of strength during challenging times?

Psalm 27:4 (NIV): "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." Reflection Question: Reflect on the prayer's focus on waiting with great expectancy for Jesus to bring peace, joy, love, and hope into different aspects of our lives. Consider Psalm 27:4 and ask yourself: In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of expectancy for the presence of Jesus in the midst of chaos, sorrow, animosity, and despondency? How can the season of hopeful anticipation increase my awareness of God's beauty in unexpected places and everyday rhythms? How might I intentionally seek and dwell in the house of the Lord, gazing on His beauty and seeking Him in all aspects of my life this holiday season?

John 1:5 (NIV): The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. Psalm 148:3 (NIV): Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.  Reflection Questions: What do you think were some of Mary’s concerns on the trip to Bethlehem? Did she worry about where they would stay? Did she worry about giving birth? What are some of your worries? Where do you see darkness in your life? Where do you see Jesus working in your life? Where do you see darkness around you? Is Jesus calling you into the darkness? Lift up a prayer now in faith that His plans will come to pass. Ask Him how you can be a part of it. Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Reflection Question: Reflect on the prayer's exploration of waiting, contentment, and expectation, especially in the context of Mary's experience. Consider Isaiah 9:6-7 and ask yourself: How does the promise of the child born, the Son given, and the establishment of His government bring hope and expectation to the mundane moments of life? In what ways can I find the sacred in the smallness of everyday life, recognizing the presence of the Kingdom in ordinary joys and challenges? How can I cultivate a spirit of contentment while remaining open and ready for the next good thing, trusting in the goodness of God in both big and small moments?

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV): "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Reflection Question: Reflect on the prayer's focus on hopeful waiting and the request for patience. Consider Isaiah 40:31 and ask yourself: How does the promise of renewing strength in the Lord bring comfort and encouragement to those who are in a season of waiting? In what ways can I trust in God's timing and find solace in His presence during times of uncertainty and waiting? How can the theme of hopeful waiting during Advent remind me of the strength and endurance that God provides as I navigate the challenges of life? Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Luke 2:8-14 (NIV): "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'" Reflection Question: Reflect on the prayer's focus on the birth of Jesus, peace, hope, and love. Consider Luke 2:8-14 and ask yourself: How can I align my heart with the joyous proclamation of the angels in celebrating the birth of the Savior? In what ways can I open my heart, mind, and ears to the message of hope and love that Jesus brings during this Advent season? How can I make this time of waiting and preparation truly fruitful and glorifying to God, keeping in mind the significance of Christ's birth in bringing peace to the world? Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Isaiah 9:2 (NIV): "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." Reflection Question: Reflect on the prayer's acknowledgment of the darkness in the world and the longing for hope. Consider Isaiah 9:2 and ask yourself: How can the light of Jesus dawn in the midst of the darkness we see in the world today? In what ways can I embrace the hope and light of Christ during this Advent season, especially when faced with challenges and despair? How can I cultivate a spirit of connection, tradition, and humility, turning away from the false promises of consumerism, and allowing the true light of Christmas to shine through in my life? Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Luke 8:40-56 (NIV): Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

James 2:14-17 (NIV): What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Reflection Question: Considering the truth from James, ask yourself: how can I live in a way that shows my faith through my actions to those around me? As I wait for the Lord to restore creation fully, in what ways can I be awake, alert, and active to help those he came to save? 

Deuteronomy 8:2-6 (NIV): "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you." Reflection Question: Reflect on the prayer's theme of remembering God's goodness, faithfulness, and mercy. Consider Deuteronomy 8:2-6 and ask yourself: How can I remember and acknowledge God's guidance and provision in my life, even in times of wandering and uncertainty? In what ways can I learn from the Israelites' journey in the wilderness and hold onto the hope of God's promises, trusting in His goodness, faithfulness, and mercy during this Advent season?

Psalm 63:1-4 (NIV): "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift up my hands." Reflection Question: Reflect on the themes of seeking, thirsting, and longing for God in Psalm 63:1-4. Ask yourself: How can I cultivate a deeper earnestness in seeking God, especially in times of dryness and uncertainty? In what ways can I draw inspiration from the psalmist's words to express my longing for God, trusting in His love that is better than life itself? How might I lift up my hands in praise and surrender during this Advent season, anticipating the coming of Jesus into my life?

Romans 15:13 (NIV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Reflection Question: Contemplate the prayer's emphasis on hope, trust, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on Romans 15:13 and ask yourself: In what ways can I allow the Holy Spirit to fill me with joy and peace as I trust in God during this season of waiting? How can I cultivate an overflow of hope in my life, trusting in the promises of God and spreading the light of His gospel to those around me?

Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Reflection Question: Consider Mary's journey and the uncertainties she faced. Reflect on Luke 1:26-38 and ask yourself: How can Mary's example of trust and surrender inspire me during times of uncertainty in my own life? In what ways can I learn from Mary's response to the angel's message and apply her faith-filled attitude to my own journey of waiting and hoping in God's promises? Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Romans 8:24-25 (NIV): "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Reflection Question: Consider the theme of hope in your prayer and the anticipation of Christ's arrival. Reflect on Romans 8:24-25 and ask yourself: How can the concept of waiting patiently for the hope we do not yet see, as mentioned in this passage, deepen my understanding of the Advent season? In what ways can I cultivate patience and trust in God's promises as I prepare, plan, and hope for the fulfillment of His glorious promises during this Advent season and in the coming year? Music: Come, Jesus Come by Brethren Worship

Starting Sunday, December 3, The Brethren Way Podcast presents an “Advent Devotional Series.”  Advent is the Christian liturgical season that encompasses the four weeks leading up to Christmas, symbolizing a period of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While we Brethren don’t typically highlight the liturgical church calendar, there is still such beauty to be found in the season of Advent, and we don’t want to miss it.  This advent season, follow along with Brethren all around the world in this daily podcast devotional series, written by and for the Brethren. This Advent devotional series is unlike any you’ve even seen, because it is created completely by Brethren women from all 5 of our regions. Each day of advent, we will be releasing a prayer, written by Brethren women, a bible passage, and some questions to ponder and discuss as we await the coming of Jesus Christ in this season. We hope you enjoy and take part in this series, as we continue to explore The Brethren Way in the season of Advent. 

Jason is joined in this ninth and final episode by his dear friend and mentor, Jerry Flora. Together, these giants of the faith talk about their friend, Brian Moore, and his friend, Jesus Christ, about their places in Brethren Spirituality. It is significant that we end this podcast series by listening to these two men who have walked through life together in deep, spiritual friendship for 20 years; this is, indeed, “the Brethren Way.” Please enjoy Episode 9: The Place of Jesus in Brethren Spirituality. If you enjoyed this limited podcast series or if you have some constructive criticism for us, we want to hear it! Please email [email protected] to share your thoughts. As we venture into the world of podcasting, we want to know the best way to serve our people, the Brethren Church. We are always interested in your feedback so we can create content that serves you and your community in the best way possible!  Thanks for joining us on this new adventure! We’re so excited to share what’s coming next on The Brethren Way Podcast, so be sure to stay tuned until next time!   Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough Host: Jason Barnhart Guest Speaker: Jerry Flora

In this penultimate episode of the Brethren Way Podcast Series, Jason Barnhart and Steven Cole are joined by Daniel Machado, the founder of the Brethren Brew Pub in Manteca, CA. Daniel shares his story of how he found himself starting a unique church that happened to worship together while brewing beer, and the three discuss Chapter 11 of A Brethren Way, “Piety in the Age of Secularity.” Piety is defined as “The quality of being religious and reverent,” and Dan has an interesting take on what that can look like while building community in unique and innovative ways even when others don’t fully agree.  Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough Host: Jason Barnhart, Steven Cole Guest Speaker: Daniel Machado

One Brethren phrase that can be heard or read if you spend much time at all in Brethren spaces is the idea of “counting the cost.” When the original 8 Brethren in Germany told their confidant that they wanted to be re-baptized and thus sever ties with the established churches of the region and lose their citizenship, he asked them a question that still rings out through the minds of Brethren today, “Have you counted well the cost of such a decision?” The original 8 knew that by following the Word and Spirit, they would be giving up everything; they would be choosing to become refugees in a now strange land; they would be choosing a life of suffering.  In this episode of The Brethren Way Podcast Series, Jason Barnhart and Steven Cole are joined by Sandile Mkwhanazi, and the three discuss chapter 8 of A Brethren Way, “Suffering in an Age of Comfort.” Sandile, Brethren Leader of the Brethren Church in South Africa, has a unique perspective on suffering and what it’s like to follow Jesus’ example of suffering for the sake of the world, especially when the world is avoiding suffering at all costs.  Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough Host: Jason Barnhart, Steven Cole Guest Speaker: Sandile Mkwhnazi

Historically, the Brethren have been known to hold a peace position. Throughout the years, however, this historical distinction has become a point of contention for us. In this episode of the Brethren Way Podcast Series, Jason Barnhart and Steven Cole are joined by Brethren Military Chaplain, David Graetz, to discuss chapter 8 of A Brethren Way, “ Peace in an Age of Violence.” They discuss the Brethren view on peace vs. violence, along with some stories from David’s time as a military Chaplain. Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough Host: Jason Barnhart, Steven Cole Guest Speaker: David Graetz

In this very southern episode, Jason Barnhart and Steven Cole talk with Gail Heiston about country ham sandwiches, southern accents, and living a simple life in the midst of a very complex culture. Gail, cousin of Jason, is a Brethren leader, mom, grandma, and so much more. She talks about how she balances the crazy busyness of her life with the slow, simple life of following Jesus.  Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough Host: Jason Barnhart, Steven Cole Guest Speaker: Gail Heiston

It is only appropriate that the episode about community would feature the person who seems to know and be known by everyone, Rickey Bolden. Jason Barnhart, Steven Cole, and Rickey discuss chapter 6 of A Brethren Way, “Community in the Age of Alienation.” Rickey has influenced so many in the Brethren Denomination and has brought so many new people into our own community, including Jason and Steven. Please enjoy this conversation on the importance of community and how Brethren uniquely live out the calling to be a part of the Christian community in Episode 4: Community in the Age of Alienation. Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough Host: Jason Barnhart, Steven Cole Guest Speaker: Rickey Bolden

The Brethren Movement, from its humble beginnings in Germany, has always been guided by leaders who were “seekers of truth.” Brethren are a confluence of Anabaptists and Pietists, one group seeking truth solely from the Scriptures, while the other seeking truth from the Scriptures as well as a more mystical approach, having received direct revelation from the Holy Spirit. These two come together in the Brethren, and this is where our famous tension begins; we seek truth from the Word and the Spirit.  In episode 3 of the Brethren Way Podcast Series, Jason Barnhart and Steven Cole are joined by Nate Bebout, and the three discuss chapter 5 of The Brethren Way, “A Voice in the Wilderness of Confusion.” Nate, as a Brethren pastor and philosopher, discusses the historical approaches to seeking truth in the Modern and Post-Modern eras of philosophy. Jason, Steven, and Nate consider how the Brethren may be uniquely positioned to answer some of the questions the world is asking about what truth is and where to find it. Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough Host: Jason Barnhart, Steven Cole Guest Speaker: Nate Bebout

Jason Barnhart, also lovingly referred to as “Barney,” interviews Sara Moore and Cory Smith in this second episode of the Brethren Way Podcast series. These three discuss chapter 3 of The Brethren Way, “Do We Have a Problem?” In this chapter, Brian ponders whether we, as Brethren, a small denomination of less than 300 churches, have an identity problem. He starts the chapter by saying that the Brethren are prone to absorb the flavor and smell of our surroundings because we are uncertain of our own story and our identity. Jason, Cory, and Sara consider why we continue to choose Brethren and how vital it is to know our history and identity so we can know the unique gifts we Brethren have to offer the world.  2023 Brethren Church Vision Statement: "The Brethren Church is led by the Word and Spirit as a family of churches creating innovative relational spaces for every tribe, language, people, and nation to encounter God’s redemptive Kingdom." Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough Host: Jason Barnhart Guest Speakers: Sara Moore, Cory Smith

In this inaugural episode of The Brethren Way Podcast Series, it is only right that we spend some time learning about the man who really is the reason behind this podcast, Brian Moore. Steven Cole interviews Jason Barnhart and Bill Ludwig, two Brethren Leaders who had the honor of working closely with Brian and who together were the author and editor of the second edition of his book, The Brethren Witness for the 21st Century. This episode sets the tone for the rest of this series: lots of jokes, laughter, and rich conversation about the beauty of what it means to be Brethren. Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough Host: Jason Barnhart, Steven Cole Guest Speaker: Bill Ludwig

Hello, and welcome to the Brethren Way Podcast, hosted by Jason Barnhart and Steven Cole. In this podcast, Jason and Steven will talk with other Brethren leaders about the book A Brethren Way, which is a continuation of the conversation started by the great Brian Moore in his book, The Brethren Witness for the 21st Century.  Brian wrote The Brethren Witness for the 21st Century for four reasons: To convince us more deeply of the truth that we Brethren have unique gifts to offer our culture, To help us identify those gifts,  To show how those gifts address conditions prevalent in our culture, And to demonstrate how those gifts could offer positive appeal to our culture.  The goals of this podcast are the same. Brian’s work has influenced so many in our movement, and his teaching is just as applicable today as it was when he first wrote it.  So please join us for this limited series podcast as we continue the conversation that Brian started. You’ll hear from Brethren leaders, friends, brothers and sisters, and together we will explore why we all continue to choose The Brethren Way.  Music: Yours, Brethren Worship Introduction: Lydia McCullough