TogetherPDX Podcast

On December 5th, 2024 Dr. Amy Peeler and Dr. Scot McKnight joined leaders from the PNW to speak on the theme of "The Pastor: Embracing the Call to Hopeful Endurance." In this episode, you'll hear Dr. Peeler's portion of the day, titled, "Blameless: Qualifications for and Costs of Christian Leadership."  When Paul instructs his proteges on the practicalities for the healthy continuation of the church, he emphasizes four times over that leaders should be blameless (1 Tim 3:2, 10; Titus 1:6, 7). As any Christian leader knows, one of the costs of leadership is to forfeit the ability to be liked by everyone. At some point, each leader will be blamed. Utilizing Biblical texts and contemporary examples, this study of the virtues required for Christian leadership will equip pastors to know how to respond to blame with humility and confidence.

Mark Sayers, a prominent speaker at the TogetherPDX Gospel Gathering, delves into the vital need for spiritual preparation in post-Christian cities. He shares inspiring stories of revival in Melbourne, contrasting its secular present with a rich spiritual past. Sayers discusses the unique hurdles faced by Generation Z and the essential role of mentorship in navigating change. He advocates for a shift to presence-driven church models, emphasizing genuine community connections and personal encounters with faith over traditional practices.

Mark Sayers, a senior leader at Red Church in Melbourne and author of 'Strange Days,' discusses the shifting cultural landscape and its effects on faith in today's secular cities. He highlights the crisis of faith following the pandemic, emphasizing the potential for spiritual renewal amidst societal disillusionment. Sayers explores the challenges faced by resilient faith communities, the fragility of cultural Christianity, and the rise of alternative spiritual practices, offering insights into how modern society grapples with secularism and consumerism.

Living in Polarizing Times: Hope in the Midst of Complexity (3/3) Russell Moore and Cherie Harder joined pastors and leaders in the northwest in April 2024 to help us lean in and navigate the challenging conversations that await our congregations and communities amidst what can often be polarizing times. This conversation, facilitated by longtime local pastor Rick McKinley, provided tangible ways for pastors and leaders to shepherd their congregations through this year and beyond as we place our hope in the Gospel.

Living in Polarizing Times: Hope in the Midst of Complexity (2/3) Russell Moore and Cherie Harder joined pastors and leaders in the northwest in April 2024 to help us lean in and navigate the challenging conversations that await our congregations and communities amidst what can often be polarizing times. This conversation, facilitated by longtime local pastor Rick McKinley, provided tangible ways for pastors and leaders to shepherd their congregations through this year and beyond as we place our hope in the Gospel.

Living in Polarizing Times: Hope in the Midst of Complexity (1/3) Russell Moore and Cherie Harder joined pastors and leaders in the northwest in April 2024 to help us lean in and navigate the challenging conversations that await our congregations and communities amidst what can often be polarizing times. This conversation, facilitated by longtime local pastor Rick McKinley, provided tangible ways for pastors and leaders to shepherd their congregations through this year and beyond as we place our hope in the Gospel.

Simon Ponsonby joined leaders from the Portland Metro area in January 2024 to speak on the Majesty of God. This is part 3 of 3, "The Power of the Holy Spirit."

Simon Ponsonby joined leaders from the Portland Metro area in January 2024 to speak on the Majesty of God. This is part 2 of 3, "The Love of Christ Jesus."

Simon Ponsonby joined leaders from the Portland Metro area in January 2024 to speak on the Majesty of God. This is part 1 of 3, "The Fear of the Lord."

Dr. Esau McCaulley joined over 300 pastors and leaders in Portland in November of 2023 for two talks. This is the second talk, titled, "How Are We as the Church Trying to Shape the Christian Imagination?" Esau McCaulley is an associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in IL, and theologian in residence at Progressive Baptist Church, a historically black congregation in Chicago. He has written many books, including “Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope,” which won numerous awards including Christianity Today’s book of the year. He is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times. His writings have also appeared in places such as The Atlantic, Washington Post, and Christianity Today.