The NewCity Orlando All of Life Podcast

In this episode, Senior Pastor Damein Schitter gives an update on one of the goals laid out in NewCity Next (you can listen to that here). Since August, several new staff members have been hired, or had their existing role expanded and modified. Damein asks each of the following staff members to tell a little about themselves, what their new role is, and what they are excited about:Kelley Wilson (Executive Director of Staff & Strategic Planning)Jason Dunn (Executive Director of Congregational Care)Sara Nixon (Director of Care)Grace Crosby (Ministry Assistant)Nate Claiborne (Director of Ministry Operations)

In the this episode, Nate sits down with Benjamin Kandt to talk about NewCity Circles, which will launch in 2023. Ben defines what Circles are, explains the space that they serve, and details how he envisions them functioning at NewCity.You can view the launch guide here.

In the latest episode, Nate sits down with Benjamin Kandt to talk about the foundations for the sacraments that we see in the Exodus story. They discuss the Passover, as well as the Red Sea crossing and the manna in the wilderness to make biblical and theological connections to the Lord’s Supper and baptism. 

In this episode, Nate asks Theologian in Residence Michael Allen about the plague accounts in Exodus. Mike explains some of the ways that they function as a polemic against the gods and government of Egypt. Rather than just a random collection of natural disasters to break Pharaoh's resolve, the plague accounts show how God is working not only to deliver his people, but ultimately to make his name known over against the name of Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt.

In this episode, Dr. Greg Perry joins Senior Pastor Damein Schitter, and Lead Deacon, Aaron Angstrom, to discuss the vital role of the office of deacon in the church. The call of deacons is to show the gospel by meeting spiritual needs through physical means. This episode is a repost from back when NewCity was just starting the process of nominating, training, and ordaining deacons. On Sunday October 23rd, we will be ordaining Deacons and commissioning Deaconesses, who are called to organize and lead in service. This discussion serves as an important reminder and refresh on why we committed to seeing this process through from start to finish.

In this episode, Nate talks about the hardening of Pharaoh's heart with Pastoral Resident Ryan Gawrych. Exodus 4 is Ryan's sermon text this coming Sunday, and it introduces God's promise to harden Pharaoh's heart, which then plays out over the course of the next few chapters of the story. Nate and Ryan discuss what this phrase means and what it ultimately points to about God's ways in our world.The article Ryan mentions can be found here.  The book that Nate draws from, by the same author as the article can be found here.

In this episode, Nate asks Jonathan Duckett to explain what G45 is all about. G45 is the 4th and 5th ministry at NewCity and targets a crucial stage in childhood development and discipleship. Duckett explain what he does in leading G45 and some of the philosophy behind it all. He also gives an inside look at what the G45 events are like, and invites parents to consider checking out this upcoming monthly lunch if they're interested in learning more.

In this episode, Nate has the opportunity to have a wide ranging conversation with Andy Crouch. They begin with a distinction from Andy's most recent book, The Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World.  Technology often promises expanded capabilities and reduced burdens, and yet also leads to restricted capabilities and enforced burdens. We find this most often in devices, which are commodities, rather than through instruments, which actually extend and enhance natural human abilities. Nate and Andy lean into their prior training as musicians to think through how instruments can be used for our renewal.For more from Andy, you can check out his work with Praxis here.

In this episode, Nate asks Theologian in Residence Michael Allen about the significance of Exodus 3. In particular, they talk about the way God reveals his name to Moses, which happens twice in the narrative. Once, it is a name of mystery, and once it is a name of mercy. Theologians have explored how this demonstrates God's ultimate transcendence, which actually  provides a way for him to be immanent with his creation.

In this episode, Nate gives a quick preview of the upcoming Exodus Bible Study, noting how it is similar to a NewCity Community, but significantly different. He also gives a snapshot of what the first week will look like, as well as what to expect in the rest of the weeks ahead.