

Collective Church Podcast
Collective Church
This audio podcast features talks given at Collective Church, a church on LA’s Westside. We are a community following Jesus and seeking to reach, teach, and equip others to do the same. Our desire is to become a healthy and multiplying expression of Christ’s church in each of the 23 neighborhoods that make up the Westside of Los Angeles. Visit us online at www.collectivechurch.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 13, 2025 • 37min
Philippians: The Joy of Imitation
Join a deep dive into the transformative power of suffering as illustrated through Paul's experiences. Discover how challenges can spark faith-sharing opportunities, and learn to navigate your own adversity with resilience. The exploration of joy amidst hardship highlights the role of hope and the divine presence during tough times. With insights on embracing fear and finding purpose, this discussion encourages listeners to connect with their faith and uncover joy even in the darkest moments.

Jan 6, 2025 • 39min
Philippians: The Paradox of Imitation
Discover how imitation shapes our values and the importance of having positive role models, especially the example set by Jesus. Explore the rich history of the Philippian church, rooted in diversity and Roman pride. Dive into the emotional and spiritual ties that create true church fellowship based on shared faith, rather than mere social ties. Learn about the transformative call of the gospel, emphasizing love within the community, and delve into the self-sacrificial nature of agape love, essential for understanding and practicing the gospel.

Dec 16, 2024 • 40min
Consecration at Christmas
Explore the inspiring story of Anna, a biblical prophetess whose faith and resilience radiate through her 84 years as a widow. Delve into the power of waiting as an active journey that fosters spiritual growth. Discover the significance of devotion and community service in Anna's life, encouraging acts of service and fasting. Reflect on radical devotion and the importance of wholehearted commitment to God, especially during the Christmas season, challenging the idea of compromised Christianity.

Dec 8, 2024 • 35min
The Spirit of Christmas
The speaker humorously navigates the challenge of crafting captivating Christmas sermons with the help of AI. They delve into the profound significance of circumcision and the name 'Jesus' in biblical tradition. The journey of Simeon showcases the Holy Spirit's vital role in guiding believers, emphasizing obedience and the joy of salvation amid challenges. The conversation blends theology with personal insights, making the Christmas story a rich tapestry of faith and guidance.

Dec 2, 2024 • 40min
The Shockingly Domestic
Dive into the contrast between materialism and the simplicity of Christmas through a young girl's eyes. Discover the profound humility of Christ’s incarnation and its transformative impact on believers. Embrace the beauty of ordinary life amidst ambitious pursuits, recognizing that small actions can embody powerful faith. Redefine hospitality by understanding the cultural context around Jesus’ birth, learning to offer more than just the bare minimum. Finally, explore the joy of surrendering to faith, inspired by the shepherds' humble response to divine news.

Nov 25, 2024 • 41min
Awakening Gratitude
Discover how to embrace gratitude, even when life challenges it. Reflect on the divisions in the Corinthian church and the call for unity as members faced inequality. Explore the sacred role of thankfulness during trials and learn from Jesus at the Last Supper, where gratitude shone through adversity. The discussion also offers practical tips for cultivating a thankful heart through faith, transforming your perspective and enriching your spiritual journey.

Nov 18, 2024 • 43min
What Are Christians For?
In a politically charged Los Angeles, the discussion examines what Christians should prioritize. An unexpected visit from Vice President Mike Pence stirs debate on church and state. Amidst ideological conflicts in Mark, the importance of evaluating personal beliefs is highlighted. Jesus' teachings on taxes reveal complex social dynamics. There's a call for a faith-centric approach to politics, emphasizing love and unity while identifying the dangers of idolizing political beliefs.

Nov 11, 2024 • 38min
The King's Decree
Dive into the impact of fear-mongering in politics and how it distorts public perception. Discover the importance of embodying peace and spiritual purpose amid political chaos. Reflect on biblical examples of confronting injustice while honoring authority. Learn how Christianity transitioned from obscurity to a major force, emphasizing communal strength in fulfilling divine missions. Finally, embrace your identity as a follower of Jesus over political labels, focusing on personal growth and connection with God.

Nov 3, 2024 • 38min
The King
Explore the intriguing intersection of faith and politics as the discussion reveals how political ideologies can distort the essence of Christianity. Discover the importance of the church's role in confronting moral cowardice, especially during election cycles. Listeners are challenged to reflect on whether their political beliefs align with Jesus' teachings or if they are merely reshaping His image for personal convenience. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need to prioritize spiritual identity and recognize Jesus as the true King, transcending worldly politics.

Oct 28, 2024 • 43min
The Party Crasher
In this insightful discussion, author and pastor Joshua Ryan Butler navigates the complex intersections of faith and politics. He addresses the alarming trend of political rifts in churches and emphasizes Christ’s unifying message. Butler explores the idea of political ideologies becoming modern religions, contrasting the 'religion of progress' with the 'religion of responsibility.' He also delves into how social media influences identity and self-presentation, urging believers to cultivate unity despite contemporary divisions in society.