Madison Church

What if the path of faith meant embracing the unknown, where logic and divine promises seem to clash? Join us on this spiritual journey as we explore the lives of biblical figures like Samuel, Moses, Gideon, and Abraham, who exemplify the art of listening, trusting, and obeying God's call. We promise you'll discover how to tap into the profound strength and courage necessary to navigate life's uncertainties by trusting in something greater than yourself.The story of Abraham serves as our cornerstone, illustrating the profound nature of faith through obedience. Our conversation takes a deep dive into Abraham's ultimate test, where he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, highlighting the tension between human understanding and divine guidance. Reflecting on the radical acts of faith demonstrated by Abraham, we challenge ourselves—and you—to respond swiftly and obediently to God's call, no matter how illogical it may seem.Lastly, we tackle the profound distinction between temptation and

What if embracing doubt could actually deepen your faith journey? Today, we unravel the powerful story of Gideon from Judges chapters 6 and 7, where faith isn't the absence of doubt but the bravery to move forward amidst it. Through Gideon's experience, we uncover insights on how God sees our potential even in our weakest moments and how we can learn to trust and take action despite overwhelming fears and uncertainties. Join us as we explore the art of surrendering our need for certainty and discovering the divine guidance that leads us through chaos.Journey with us as we reflect on Gideon's struggles and victories, drawing parallels to our own lives where doubt often overshadows faith. Find inspiration in how God meets us with patience and grace, encouraging us to step forward when the path seems impossible. As we prepare our hearts for communion, we are reminded of Jesus' ultimate act of faithfulness, inviting us to trust in his promises. Let this episode inspire you to start each day wi

What happens when the ordinariness of life suddenly becomes an extraordinary calling? Discover how Moses, a humble shepherd, found his divine mission amidst the mundane and how his journey can illuminate your path. Join us as we discuss the transformative power of God's presence, even when we doubt our abilities or feel overwhelmed by life's chaos. Through Moses's encounter with the burning bush, we uncover how God's voice calls us to step beyond our comfort zones, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for remarkable growth and purpose.Reflect on how Moses's story parallels our own spiritual journeys, inviting us to shift our focus from insecurities to God's unwavering promises. During this episode, we explore the art of embracing God's call with intention, setting aside time to truly seek his guidance. Whether through small steps of faith or bold leaps, learn how to trust in God's direction and say "yes" to his call, finding strength and purpose beyond

Ever felt spiritually disconnected, like a phone stranded in a dead zone? Join us as we unravel the metaphor of spiritual connectivity, inspired by a recent leadership retreat in Wisconsin Dells. This episode uncovers how we can feel spiritually adrift despite having all the right tools, just like a smartphone that's useless without a network. We reflect on strategies to reposition ourselves to receive and hear God's guidance.Navigating the chaos of life while trying to hear God's whisper can be daunting. Drawing from the timeless biblical story of Eli and Samuel, we explore how God's voice might already be familiar yet challenging to recognize without spiritual attentiveness. We discuss the importance of adopting a listening posture, encouraging openness and intentionality over searching for a secret formula. Through personal insights and biblical narratives, we emphasize the need to create space for God's voice amid life's noise.Imagine being "out of network" with God

What happens when life's challenges seem overwhelming, and self-care feels inadequate? Join Sarah Hanson as she recounts a particularly tough week marked by the loss of a cherished family cat, and the emotional task of breaking the news to her daughter Maggie, serving as a missionary far from home. With her husband's medical issues requiring a grueling visit to the Mayo Clinic, she finds solace in creative outlets like gardening and painting, yet still grapples with the delicate balance between self-care and spiritual growth. Listen in as she candidly shares her struggles and reflects on the moments where faith can feel both elusive and essential during trying times.As we navigate these personal stories, the conversation shifts to exploring faith's enduring strength when faced with doubt and adversity. Drawing parallels to the Israelites' journey through the desert, Sarah delves into the complexities of maintaining belief amidst life's struggles, where self-care provides comfort but c

Have you ever pondered Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" This compelling episode wraps up our "Finding Your Place and Purpose" series by challenging you to explore the depths of your faith through the lens of Jesus's profound teachings and miracles in the Gospel of Luke. By embracing the transformative power of true discipleship, we promise to guide you in a journey of authentic faith that transcends mere intellectual agreement and demands a life of genuine surrender.We take a bold step into the essence of Christian discipleship, urging you to examine whether Jesus is truly the Lord over your life or just a moral guide. By reflecting on C.S. Lewis's trilemma and drawing inspiration from thinkers like Dallas Willard and Tim Keller, we emphasize the importance of self-denial and daily commitment. This episode confronts the world's values of self-promotion and materialism, encouraging you instead to allow Jesus' character to shape every aspect of your life, prom

Note: Unfortunately, the introduction and series overview were not captured due to a technical issue. The remainder of the talk is intact, and we hope you still find it helpful and encouraging.What happens when you suddenly find yourself in the midst of life's fiercest storms? Discover how an ancient tale of fishermen gripped by fear in a relentless tempest can still speak volumes to us today. We explore the profound message behind Jesus' calming of the storm, not as a rebuke but as an invitation to remember and rely on the faith we already have. Drawing on this powerful narrative, we relate it to our own personal tempests—be it health scares, financial turmoil, or relationship challenges—highlighting the transformative power of faith and Jesus' unwavering presence.Journey with us as we recount stories of unyielding faith leading to miraculous healing and restoration. We delve into the lives of a woman healed by her belief and Jairus, whose daughter was brought back to life, illustrating the un

Can generosity and inclusivity truly redefine your purpose in life? We promise that by listening to this episode, you'll uncover how the profound teachings from the Gospel of Luke can guide you toward a life of purpose centered around these principles. We focus on Jesus' mission challenging us to step out in faith, embrace our unique callings, and find strength in the Holy Spirit. By examining how ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary feats, we emphasize that our purpose isn't rooted in perfection but in our willingness to respond to a divine call. Building on last week's insights, we turn to Luke chapter 7, exploring how the narrative of the Roman centurion showcases the transformative power of faith, humility, and breaking societal barriers.In this narrative, the centurion's faith and generosity serve as a timeless model, transcending ethnic and social boundaries, and exemplifying a heart aligned with God's vision. Despite being an outsider, his actions—such as constru

How do you build a life of purpose and resilience? Join us as we explore this profound question through the lens of Jesus’s transformative teachings in the Gospel of Luke. This week, we emphasize the importance of constructing our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus's teachings, such as the Beatitudes and the radical command to love our enemies.Discover the revolutionary nature of Jesus's Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6:27-36, where we're challenged to bless those who curse us and love our enemies. Applying these teachings in our daily lives, especially with difficult neighbors or unfair bosses, is no easy feat. But Jesus's call to turn the other cheek and give generously, even to those who wrong us, was groundbreaking during his time and remains so today. This radical love reflects God's unconditional love for us and urges us to live visibly compassionate lives, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.We'll also dive into what it means to build a lasting foundation on Jesu

What if you knew the exact moment when Jesus declared his mission to the world? Journey with us as we explore Luke 4:14, where Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, returns to Galilee and reads from Isaiah. This pivotal moment sheds light on Jesus' divine mission to bring good news, heal the blind, and release the oppressed, setting the stage for his transformative ministry. Our new series, "Finding Your Place and Purpose," begins by recapping the miraculous events of Jesus' birth and early life, highlighting God's intricate plans and the significance of Jesus' baptism and temptation in the wilderness.Following this, we delve into Jesus' healing ministry from Nazareth to Capernaum. Witness how Jesus' miracles went beyond physical healing, addressing spiritual needs and challenging cultural perceptions of illness as a punishment for sin. We draw parallels to modern times, encouraging listeners to serve their communities and embody Jesus' mission today. Practical sugg

Imagine being guided to a new path by a simple, persistent nudge from someone close to you. That’s exactly what happened to Nana, whose daughter Brianna’s determination led her to Madison Church, where she found solace and strength in Jesus during a rough year. Nana also shares her heartfelt story, reflecting on how Pastor Stephen’s teachings and the welcoming community enriched her spiritual life and brought her closer to her family. Annalee joins the conversation, expressing her deep gratitude for the supportive environment that nurtured her spiritual growth and helped her forge meaningful connections. Their stories are testaments to the profound impact of faith, community, and courage.Discover the power of persistent prayer and a serendipitous search in our next segment. Bri opens up about her unwavering prayers for her family’s spiritual journey, culminating in a beautiful family baptism in Monona Lake. We also hear from Chrissie Valdez, who found her way back to faith after 15 years, thanks to a fateful

Ever felt overwhelmed and unqualified for a task you knew you were meant to do? Join us as we explore one host’s personal journey of faith, beginning at a pivotal youth retreat where they found Jesus and ending with a transformative mission trip to Jamaica. With emotional support from a friend and invaluable advice from a mentor, this spiritual awakening shifted their career path from psychology to guiding others in their spiritual journeys.Discover the profound impact of Jesus's last words and the essential role of the Holy Spirit as we discuss how the disciples, despite witnessing miracles, needed divine empowerment for their mission. Learn how the Holy Spirit’s power is not just for personal growth but is a crucial force for expanding God’s kingdom globally. This episode underscores the lasting importance of this empowerment, not only for the disciples but for us as we pursue our own spiritual missions.Finally, we highlight the significance of recognizing the Holy Spirit as a person and how this under

What if institutional rules are keeping you from true compassion? Join us as Lead Pastor Stephen Feith brings to life a story from Mark 3, where Jesus challenges conventional Sabbath laws with an act of healing. This episode is a powerful reminder that the essence of God's commands is to promote rest and goodness, not strict adherence to rules. You'll hear inspiring personal stories from our Madison Church community as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, filled with fun activities and delicious food, all while reflecting on how institutionalism can sometimes overshadow genuine faith and compassion.Discover the blueprint for a vibrant, organic church movement in our discussion on disciple-making. Emphasizing the necessity of living under Jesus's lordship, we explore how adopting a missional and incarnational approach can help us reach beyond church walls. We'll dive into the APEST framework, which empowers every believer to contribute actively. Learn how flexible, resilient structures wit

Experience the transformative power of the APEST culture and discover how it can advance Jesus' mission in your community. Join us as we celebrate 10 years in Madison with a vibrant gathering on Sunday, September 8th, and embark on part five of our series "Rediscovering Our Forgotten Ways." We revisit essential elements such as declaring Jesus as Lord, disciple making, and community, before introducing the roles of Apostles, Prophets, Shepherds, Evangelists, and Teachers. Find out how these gifts, based on Ephesians 4:7-11, are crucial for every believer, not just church leaders, as we aim to build a mission-driven community.Embark on a journey through the pioneering spirit of apostles and the profound insights of prophets. Drawing inspiration from biblical figures like Paul, we explore how apostles bring visionary leadership to new ministries and ideas, and how prophets, defined as "the ones who hear," play a crucial role in guiding the community. Through detailed planning and collab

Ever wondered how a Pixar movie could unlock profound theological insights? Join us as we explore the spiritual depths of "Finding Nemo" and discover how Marlin and Nemo's ocean adventures mirror the journey of stepping out of our comfortable, controlled church environments. Learn how embracing the messiness and unpredictability of the real world, just as Jesus did, can lead to genuine growth and transformation in our faith lives.We'll also delve into the significance of sharing meals in Jesus' ministry, highlighting how breaking bread fosters deep, meaningful connections. Find out why hospitality is more than just a social activity—it's a powerful spiritual discipline. Finally, we reflect on building authentic community through vulnerability and conflict resolution, inspired by Jesus' example. This episode offers valuable insights on living out our faith in a way that fosters unity and reflects God's welcoming heart. Don't miss this chance to enrich your spiritual

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to live out your faith beyond Sunday gatherings? Join us as we break down the missional incarnational impulse, inspired by Alan Hirsch’s book, "The Forgotten Ways." We discuss how aligning our lives with God’s will can transform our communities and everyday interactions. Discover how we, as Christians, are called to actively participate in God’s mission to redeem and restore the world through the gospel, following Jesus' example of being sent to share the good news.Get ready to hear some compelling personal stories, including my experiences working with Nehemiah, a nonprofit in Madison. We'll share valuable lessons learned from black leadership, and discuss the transition from traditional church events to a lifestyle of continuous service and involvement. Listen as we explore how fostering genuine connections in our neighborhoods can have a profound impact, encouraging us all to embody the life, love, and grace of Jesus in our everyday actions and

Can the essence of your faith be captured in six core values? Join us for a special episode as we revisit the fundamental beliefs that have shaped our journey. Drawing inspiration from Alan Hirsch's "The Forgotten Ways," we dissect our missional DNA, emphasizing that "Jesus is Lord," and the critical roles of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers in our community. As we reflect on a decade of growth and challenges, we also look ahead, aiming to sustain and expand our mission in Madison.What makes a faith movement endure the test of time? In our discussion, we explore the historical and contemporary impacts of effective disciple-making, from the early church to the explosive growth of Christianity in China, and the rise and fall of the Methodist movement. By examining these examples, we highlight the importance of fostering a disciple-making culture at Madison Church. Our goal is to equip every member to become a disciple-maker, ensuring the longevity and transformat

What if the secret to transforming your entire life lies in a daily, conscious choice? As we embark on our new series, "Rediscovering Our Forgotten Ways," we're taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Madison Church as we approach our 10th anniversary. From initial excitement to the struggle of preparation, I share my personal challenges in crafting this talk and how this series will pivot from our typical Bible studies to explore what sets Madison Church apart. We recount the resilience and unexpected growth during the pandemic, highlighting personal transformations within our congregation and contemplating our values and future vision.How many parts of your life have you truly surrendered to Jesus? In this episode, we dive into the profound significance of embracing Jesus as Lord in every aspect of our lives. We examine the rapid spread of early Christianity and Paul's crucial assertion on the resurrection, emphasizing how the declaration "Jesus is Lord" can be

What if your faith could turn the darkest trials into moments of divine comfort and hope? Join us for an inspiring conversation with a seasoned pastor and global worker, who shares over 30 years of experience in church leadership and missions, especially in Ukraine. In this episode, we explore the heart-wrenching challenges faced by his family, including the difficult decision to evacuate from Odessa amidst escalating conflict. Drawing wisdom from the Apostle Paul's letters to the Corinthians, we delve into the power of enduring faith and resilience, illustrating how God's promises provide solace even in the most trying times.Listen as our guest recounts the emotional turmoil of leaving Ukraine, the intense moments of packing up, and the heartbreaking farewell to their church community. Balancing the calling to continue missionary work with the need to protect their children, our guest grapples with profound questions of faith and the search for God's presence amid suffering. Through personal a

What if we told you that the "edutainment" approach in youth ministry has failed to produce lasting faith among students? Reflecting on a transformative mission trip to Niagara Falls, we delve into our journey as former student pastors and the realization that glitzy programs often lack the depth needed for genuine spiritual growth. Listen as we critically examine the shortcomings of entertaining yet shallow youth group activities and share how Madison Church is shifting focus to foster deeper, more enduring connections with Jesus.This episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of pushing young people out of their comfort zones to build a stronger faith. From the nursery to high school, we discuss how Madison Church is creating a nurturing environment for spiritual growth. Hear about real-life scenarios where our students applied their Sunday teachings, demonstrating that faith is about living out Jesus’ teachings through action, not just absorbing information.Our mission trip experiences, from