Category Archives: Uncategorized

CCLI and similar licensing services allow for churches to make song sheets, project lyrics and use other tools to enhance worship. Their efforts support the composers whose work we use while also protecting churches from copyright concerns. Todd talks with two representatives from CCLI, who explain how they work and what CCLI and other similarContinue reading “CCLI: Enhance Worship While Protecting Your Church”

Continuing with the “Sermon on the Plain,” we look at what it means to love our enemies. And we ask the question: Did Jesus really mean what he said? Despite how difficult it can be to love those who disagree with or for some reason dislike us, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Download theContinue reading “Loving Our Enemies”

Looking at Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, we explore in this episode the importance of those of us with plenty to help those who do not. Our goal is equity as we attempt to usher in the Kingdom of God on Earth. Download the episode.

Many of us know well the story of Jesus calling the first disciples and how they would “fish for people.” But in that same story is a lesson about independence — specifically how there are bigger and better things ahead if we are willing to give up some of our independence as we trust andContinue reading “Goin’ Fishin’ (And Giving Up Some Independence)”

Using the story of Jesus’ proclaiming himself to be God’s anointed and the reaction from people in his hometown of Nazareth, we explore the feeling of jealousy and the withholding of the truth that Jesus is the Savior for all of humanity. Download the episode.

The Rev. Dr. Leah Schade returns to “In Layman’s Terms” to pick up on the conversation we stared in 2021 about her book, “Preaching in the Purple Zone.” In this episode, she shares an issue guide designed to help United Methodists discuss LGBTQIA+ inclusion and the upcoming General Conference. Download the episode. Request access toContinue reading “Purple Zone part 2 — Introduction to an Issue Guide”

The miracle of turning water into wine might seem trivial, but a closer look reveals how Jesus interacted with His mother as an adult while teaching us about transformation. The miracle also paved the way for Jesus’ first followers to buy into His ministry. Download the episode.

Todd shares the audio from a sermon he provided from his basement on the first Sunday in January 2022 — a cold, icy day in Lawrence, Kansas. Using the text from Ephesians 1, we explore how we are adopted into the family of God thanks to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. DownloadContinue reading “Adoption Into God’s Family”

Our short series on “The Redemption of Scrooge” concludes with an exploration of how our miserable miser of a character rediscovers joy. May we do so and keep Christmas all year round! Download the episode.

As we continue with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Present teaches our lead character three important aspects of love: Showing love by being part of a community, showing love by showing mercy to others, and showing love in true, genuine relationships with those closest to us. Download the episode.