PlainSpoken

Mike Todd of Transformation Church has made quite a name for himself over the last few years, often from shocking and over the top sermon illustrations. In this episode we look at a few examples of his preaching and see what is potentially problematic. Link to YouTube Version:If you enjoy what we are doing you can support us by subscribing on Locals. By doing so you help support this ministry while also getting special perks. Subscribe to Us On Locals: https://plainspoken.locals.com/Subscribe To Us On Substack: https://plainspokenpod.substack.com/ Follow Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlainSpokenPod/ Follow Us On Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PlainSpoken Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

At the end of the UMC General Conference Dr John Robbins, the senior pastor of Pulaski Heights UMC, presented a statement concerning the events to his church. This video has garnered widespread support and praise from those who agree with the outcome of the decisions made at General Conference and has made its rounds around the internet. In this episode we look at the arguments made and see if they are biblically sound or if they fall short and why they do so. Link To The Full Sermon:If you enjoy what we are doing you can support us by subscribing on Locals. By doing so you help support this ministry while also getting special perks. Subscribe to Us On Locals: https://plainspoken.locals.com/ Subscribe To Us On Substack: https://plainspokenpod.substack.com/ Follow Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlainSpokenPod/ Follow Us On Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PlainSpoken Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Talbot Davis was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Princeton University and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. In 30+ years of full-time ministry in the Western North Carolina Annual Conference, he has served two appointments: Mt. Carmel-Midway (1990-1999) and Good Shepherd (1999-present).In this conversation, we talk a bit about sacramental theology, church growth practices, and the ways in which doctrinal fidelity impacts, not only church growth, but how ethnically and culturally diverse a church will be. While we do not carry love for the UMC leadership, we speak to conservatives still within the UMC, asking how it is that folks can righteously continue to participate in such a body. We also talk a bit about why he and his church have chosen not to join the GMC despite having initially signaled a desire to join up. Interesting stuff!Links:Talbot's Website - https://talbotdavis.com/Come Alive Website - https://www.inviteresources.com/lp/come-alive-series Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

This is from my Weekday Morning Briefing on Locals at plainspoken.locals.com. If you enjoy this content and would like to be part of a morning community of prayer and scripture, consider joining us!This topic is in response to a post on the UMC Clergy Facebook page which reminded readers that conservative Christians are not, in fact, good people, but actually want gay people to kill themselves. I spent some time answering that critique theologically and explaining why it is that this sentiment indicates a persistent intolerance among the left of people like me. They will not make room for anyone who espouses a theology that corrects our sexual desires or behaviors. Conservatives need to wake up and understand that they will increasingly be targeted for assimilation or expulsion, not just from the UMC, but from all denominations once called "mainline."Sorry for the video quality on this one. I forgot to hit record before talking this morning, so I had to download the final product, which isn't great. Hopefully the content is enough to make up for it. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Was Jesus rich? Should we expect to be financially prosperous as Christians? You've probably seen videos floating around on the internet claiming many of those things. We take a look at a few of those videos and discuss what the Bible actually says about these things and what our response should be when presented with such ideas. If you enjoy what we are doing you can support us by subscribing on Locals. By doing so you help support this ministry while also getting special perks. Subscribe to Us On Locals: https://plainspoken.locals.com/ Subscribe To Us On Substack: https://plainspokenpod.substack.com/ Follow Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlainSpokenPod/ Follow Us On Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/PlainSpoken Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

In the fallout from the unfortunate General Conference of The United Methodist Church held last month, many United Methodists, inside and outside of America, are trying to discern if the UMC can continue to be a viable home for them. In Africa, many conferences are increasingly clear that they want to at least have a conversation about leaving. Some bishops are willing to shepherd their people. Bishop Quire of Liberia seems unwilling.In this segment, I detail some of the particulars around developments, trying to elucidate how it is that different forces come into play in dynamics like this. I hope Liberian brothers and sisters feel like I have accurately portrayed the situation there. I did my best to understand the Board of Ordained Ministry letter, in particular, so that a western audience can better understand how to pray for you.Links:Letter from Liberian Board of Ordained Ministry calling out Bishop Quire - https://www.facebook.com/alfredkwabena.mensah.5/posts/pfbid02Kujfpwf9aisPPqj6THCUNQyQWXSn8Jjsv4Da4u5Lia7yiEzkVewQQ5m8bzph3fDulUMNews Article Alleging 'Misinfo' - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/liberian-bishop-counters-misinformationBishop Quire's Text to Press Release - https://liberiaumc.org/statement-to-the-people-called-united-methodists-and-the-general-public-on-recent-decisions-of-the-just-ended-general-conference-of-the-united-methodist-church/ Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

In previous coverage on Alabama-West Florida, we have noted a lot of strangeness. It would now seem that, despite past assurances made, the conference is entrapping all of their congregations whether or not they want to remain part of The United Methodist Church. In this segment, I read over a couple of short articles and then watch footage from this recent session of their conference.Links:"Alabama Supreme Court upholds dismissal of UMC disaffiliation lawsuit brought by 48 Methodist churches" by Caleb Taylor in 1819 News - https://1819news.com/news/item/alabama-supreme-court-upholds-dismissal-of-lawsuit-from-48-methodist-churches-seeking-to-disaffiliate-with-umc"‘Let us leave’: United Methodist churches still blocked from disaffiliating in Alabama-West Florida Conference" by Greg Garrison on AL.com - https://www.al.com/news/2024/06/let-us-leave-united-methodist-churches-still-blocked-from-disaffiliating-in-alabama-west-florida-conference.html?outputType=amp Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

In this section, we finish the portion dealing with how Robert's Rules of Order is going to be utilized, get into decorum, and wrap this whole segment up. Lots of opportunities for audience feedback on this one. We look forward to seeing what y'all have to say.Link to our petition questionnaire - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfh9VhGo7nB9zav4WGBUQ-lI_31Zn5Jey27OXaccLKem4Qkag/viewform?usp=sharingLink to this General Conference document that we review - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Convening-General-Conference-Community.pdf Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Rev. Dr. Peter Bellini is the Professor of Church Renewal & Evangelization at United Theological Seminary, as well as a Global Methodist Elder. He has a broad experience in life, both in the local church and in the academy. He as published a good amount of content on the Holy Spirit. I was encouraged to seek him out by Dr. David Watson, who thought Bellini could help me to figure out a helpful posture towards the growing charismatic influence in Methodism. Bellini didn't disappoint.In this conversation, he and I discuss the topic of pneumatology, which is the branch of theology that deals with the Holy Spirit. We explore the history of the Methodist tradition and its relationship with the Holy Spirit, as well as the importance of reclaiming pneumatology in the context of the Global Methodist Church. We also touch on topics such as deliverance ministry, enthusiasm, and the balance between gifts and fruit of the Spirit. The conversation highlights the need for a normative understanding of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in the life of the church. We explore the relationship between pneumatology and Christology, emphasizing the importance of linking our understanding and relationship with the Holy Spirit to our understanding of Christ. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the person and work of Christ, not to himself. The conversation also highlights the need for discernment and testing of spirits, as there are false manifestations and spiritual narcissism in the charismatic movement. Discipleship and accountability are crucial in cultivating the gifts of the Spirit and ensuring they are used for the edification of others. The focus should be on fruit over gifts, holiness over power, and the love of God and neighbor.As it comes up a few times in this conversation, you might consider purchasing (and reading) Bellini's book: "Thunderstruck! The Deliverance Ministry of John Wesley Today" - https://a.co/d/gzkj4UiHe also has a number of other titles that you can find by searching his name on Amazon.If you would like to support PlainSpoken for conversations like these, you can go become a supporter at plainspoken.locals.com. Thanks! Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

In this section, we deal primarily with the procedures we can anticipate being in place, especially some of the particulars around Robert's Rules and voting. As always, we sorta trip through the material and do a decent job eventually constructing a proper impression. We are pleased with this document and are optimistic about the gathering that it will make possible.Link to our petition questionnaire - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfh9VhGo7nB9zav4WGBUQ-lI_31Zn5Jey27OXaccLKem4Qkag/viewform?usp=sharingLink to this General Conference document that we review - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Convening-General-Conference-Community.pdf Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe