EP020: Transforming Perspectives: From Church Teachings to Real-World Impact
Jul 22, 2024
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Join Pastor Jim Bergen, head pastor of Flatirons Community Church, as he shares his transformative journey into the Divine Council worldview. He discusses the challenges of integrating this supernatural perspective into church teachings and its impact on personal and societal issues. Discover how this approach fosters dignity in community engagement, encourages spiritual warfare, and empowers a proactive response to social challenges. Explore the importance of deeper theological understanding and authentic connections among congregational members, especially the younger generation.
Understanding the Divine Council worldview empowers believers to navigate spiritual warfare and everyday life with deeper insights into Scripture.
Pastor Jim emphasizes the church's role in addressing contemporary social issues, urging leaders to equip families for critical conversations on morality.
Creating a community of vulnerability fosters authentic connections, allowing church members to share personal struggles and deepen their faith journey.
Deep dives
Introducing the Divine Council Worldview
The episode features an insightful discussion centered on the concept of the Divine Council worldview, which helps shape and influence how believers understand their faith and the supernatural realm. Pastor Jim Bergen, after exploring Mike Heiser's work, began a transformative preaching series at Flatirons Community Church in August 2023. He emphasized the significance of understanding the spiritual world, emphasizing that the Divine Council greatly impacts interactions within the everyday world. The sermons aim to educate church members on these concepts, helping them navigate their understanding of biblical texts and how these principles apply to modern societal issues.
Confronting Contemporary Issues
Pastor Jim shares his concerns about the rapidly changing cultural and political landscape in Colorado, particularly issues surrounding parental rights and education. His observations, fueled by a deep care for his grandchildren and the families in his church, drove him to question the role of the church in addressing these issues more vocally. He notes the need for church leaders to equip parents with knowledge and tools to engage with their children on critical topics like gender identity. By addressing contemporary issues head-on, Pastor Jim seeks to bridge the gap between faith and the challenges families face in today’s world.
The Importance of Spiritual Awareness
Through personal stories and encounters, Pastor Jim emphasizes the necessity of being aware of spiritual warfare and its influence on daily life. He recounts an eye-opening experience while in Kenya, where a local sought to understand the complexities of American culture and the role of the church in confronting moral challenges. This prompted deep reflection on why so many feel disconnected from the church and the teachings of Jesus. By acknowledging the presence of evil and the reality of spiritual forces, he aims to encourage believers to take spiritual warfare seriously and understand its relation to their everyday struggles.
Transformative Learning and Teaching
Pastor Jim’s journey into the Divine Council worldview not only transformed his preaching style but also reshaped his own understanding of Scripture. This transformation stemmed from intensive study and alignment with Mike Heiser’s work, ultimately inspiring him to teach on the first eleven chapters of Genesis. He articulates how understanding the supernatural helps to answer difficult questions about God’s plan and reign in the world. By presenting these themes in an accessible manner, Pastor Jim aims to attract attention from not only long-term church attendees but also newcomers seeking deeper spiritual truth.
Building Community Through Vulnerability
Creating an environment where people feel safe to express their struggles and ask questions permeates Pastor Jim’s ministry approach. He emphasizes vulnerability as a powerful tool in fostering connection and community within the church. By being open about personal challenges facing his family and congregation, he encourages others to do the same, reinforcing the notion that everyone grapples with complexities of faith and life. This emphasis on authenticity not only strengthens fellowship but also positions the church as a refuge for those grappling with difficult personal issues.
Mobilizing for Social Justice
Alongside spiritual education, Pastor Jim advocates for active engagement in societal issues, particularly focusing on social justice. He shares his church's drive to combat sex trafficking and support foster care initiatives, linking these efforts to their understanding of spiritual warfare. Pastor Jim explains how the church can mobilize members to turn compassion into action, ultimately making a substantial impact in their communities through philanthropy and advocacy. By integrating faith with social responsibility, he envisions a church where believers actively participate in reclaiming territory from darkness in practical ways.
Step into a world where the supernatural intersects with everyday life. In this episode, Mel is once again joined with co-host, Rich, as they interview Pastor Jim Bergen from Flatirons Community Church, Boulder, CO, and delve into the journey of his awakening to a worldview shaped by the Divine Council and its profound impact on our reality.
Imagine the transformative power when this perspective infuses teaching, discipleship, and spiritual warfare within the church. Yet, bringing this understanding into congregational life isn’t without challenges. It demands careful preparation, defining terms, and exploring the significance of sacred spaces.
But how does this cosmic perspective translate into practical application? Discover how recognizing our creation in God's image influences our approach in society and shapes how we treat others with dignity. Moreover, the church isn’t just a place of worship; it's a beacon for addressing social challenges and making a positive impact in our communities through both teaching and action. Explore the cosmic geography of peace and its pivotal role in both personal lives and the church’s engagement with society - embracing the importance of confronting life's dark and challenging aspects head-on.
Join us as we navigate the messy and difficult topics that often go unaddressed, guided by a commitment to deep Bible study that will help you make divine council worldview teachings accessible even to new believers.
Don’t miss out on this eye-opening journey that promises to reshape your understanding of faith, community, and the supernatural forces at play in our world today.
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