Collective Church Podcast

As we begin our new series 'Teach Us To Pray' with Pastor Ryan Smith, we explore the Lord's Prayer as Jesus' six-movement paradigm to guide us into a deeper life of prayer. To pray like Jesus, we are taught to begin with the contemplation of God as our Father in Heaven.

Our lead pastor, Lorenzo Smith, marks our 8th birthday and shares a vision for cultivating a greater hunger for God in our 9th year.

Guest Pastor Gerry Breshears closes out our series, "Devoted: The Posture and Practices of Spirit-Filled People" by looking at the expansive growth that marked the early church. As we celebrate baptisms within our own church, we consider the significance of the sacrament and the mission of the church.

The podcast explores the early church's commitment to praise and the influence of the Psalms. It discusses the power of praise in the early church and how distractions prevent true praise. The concept of hunger is examined, along with the importance of simplicity and fasting. The podcast also explores the use of 'helper' to describe God's salvation work and the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection in bringing freedom to believers.

In our ongoing series, 'Devoted: The Posture and Practices of Spirit-Filled People,' Pastor Ryan Smith delves into the early church's commitment to gathering together and sharing meals in their homes. Hospitality, as demonstrated by the early church, is a crucial practice for seeking to steward a work of the Spirit in an era marked by an epidemic of loneliness.

Guest teacher and co-founding pastor of Collective Church, Casey Fritz joins us as we consider the practice of sharing all things in common for the sake of meeting the needs within our community.

As part of our series "Devoted: The Posture and Practices of Spirit-Filled People," Pastor Ryan Smith looks into the early church's commitment to "the prayers," a daily rhythm of specific prayers. Amid the challenges of distraction from and confusion around prayer, this practice serves as the pathway to sustained intimacy with God throughout our days.

Unpacking the significance of the breaking of bread in the Christian faith, including its connection to fellowship and hospitality. Exploring the importance of communion and baptism and the power of rhythm, ritual, and spiritual gifts in the church. Discussing how the communal meal helps us remember our identity in Jesus and the truth he represents. Emphasizing the need for self-examination and coming to the table in repentance and reception of forgiveness.

They discuss the books 'Destroyer of the Gods' and 'Why on Earth Did Anyone Become a Christian in the first three centuries?'. They explore the attraction of early Christianity and the importance of fellowship. They delve into loneliness and isolation in the city and building fellowship within the church. They highlight the significance of unity and holiness and building strong fellowship through commitment, proximity, and intimacy. Finally, they stress the importance of vulnerability in fellowship.

Pastor Ryan Smith continues in our series, "Devoted: The Posture and Practices of a Spirit-Filled People" and the first practice of "devoting themselves to the Apostles' teaching." Looking at their example we consider the necessity for an unwavering commitment to doctrine and how we carry this practice out in the life of the church.