BIC Life Podcast

Ep. 052 Tongues, Turtles, and the Presence of God

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Ryan and Scott talk about the spiritual gift of tongues, the presence of God, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (cowabunga!), and a peanut butter kind of legacy.

BIC Life is a podcast about life and faith from a Brethren In Christ perspective

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Articles:
-Tongues article
-Peanut Butter article
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The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

----- Music: "Rock Sport Exercise" Used with permission from: Infraction Copyright holder: Infraction infraction.business@gmail.com source link: https://inaudio.org/track/my-bike-rock/ "Rock Sport Exercise" is 100% no copyright royalty free sport track by Infraction

----- Logo attribution: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/tie-icon Tie icon vector created by winkimages - www.freepik.com https://www.freepik.com/vectors/happy... Happy smiley vector created by starline - www.freepik.com -----

-----Other Production Resources: Suno, ChatGPT, Wondershare Filmora 15

Ep. 051 When Faith Meets Culture: Soccer, the Supernatural, and Rubber Jesus

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode Ryan and Scott talk about how faith meets culture in various ways. Ryan opens with a question about soccer, Scott asks whether or not we take the supernatural worldview of the Bible seriously enough, and Ryan follows up with... rubber Jesus?

BIC Life is a podcast about life and faith from a Brethren In Christ perspective

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Book Recommendations:
-Unseen Realm by Dr. Michael Heiser
-Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by Dr. O'Brien and Dr. Richards
-Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes by Dr. Kenneth Bailey
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The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

-----Other Production Resources: Suno, ChatGPT, Wondershare Filmora 15

Ep. 050 AI Jesus, Aliens, & Pastors Using AI?

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode:
• Paying money to talk to AI Jesus?
• Should pastors should use AI in sermon preparation?
• A new dating show where Christian students are apparently on a deadline to get engaged?
• Aliens. If they're real, are we ready? 👽

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

AI Jesus article

"Ring by Spring Break" article

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

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Ep. 049 Heaven

Mon, 04 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the BIC Life Podcast, we take a fresh look at what the Bible actually says about heaven. Is it just a place we go after we die… or is it something more?

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

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BIC stance

Ep. 048 Let's Talk About Hell

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:15:52 -0400

In this episode, we explore what the Bible actually teaches about Hell, examining common assumptions about Eternal Conscious Torment alongside alternative interpretations such as Terminal Punishment and Annihilationism. Through personal stories, biblical reflection, and historical context, we ask whether our understanding of final judgment matters and how these perspectives shape our view of God.

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

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Further Study:
- (book) Four Views on Hell - 2nd Edition - Counterpoints
- (podcast) Rethinking Hell Podcast
- (podcast) Theology in the Raw podcast about Hell

- Theological Study Forum (non-violent view)

Ep. 047 Ai Worship Music?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the BIC Life Podcast, we sit down with Dwight Thomas to explore the growing trend of AI-generated worship music and what it means for the Church. After listening to two real examples, we wrestle with whether AI generated music is a helpful tool, a potential risk, or something in between. What do you think?

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 046 What Place Does Anger Have In The Christian Life?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Ryan, Scott, and special guest Kerry Hoke, explore the emotional, physical, and spiritual impact of anger. This is an honest conversation about faith, discipleship, and living with a Kingdom mindset in a divided and hurting world.

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 045 Top 5(ish) Questions Every Christian Should Ask in the New Year

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Scott and Ryan kick off 2026 by giving their top 5-ish questions every Christian should ask themselves to start the year. It's a fun way to kick things off and start thinking a little more intentionally.

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com
Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 044 Following Jesus When Life Falls Apart

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Ryan, Scott & Amanda talk openly about grief, loss, and learning to follow Jesus when life falls apart. They share the simple prayers and practices that carried them through the hardest season of their lives: For Ryan, losing his brother Eddie. For Scott & Amanda, losing their son, Alex. If you’re hurting or walking with someone who is, we pray this conversation encourages you in the hope and strength of Jesus.

-Faith, Film, and the F-word article

-Spiritual Practice When You're Just Trying To Survive article

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com
Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 043 Ensmallen: Overcoming the Tyranny of the Big

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Feeling overwhelmed by global crises and national headlines? In this episode, we talk about “ensmallening” our focus, shifting from paralyzing big-picture problems to the small, local, relational work that Jesus himself modeled. God has placed people right in front of us to love, serve, and walk alongside. Join us for a shorter, reflective episode as we unpack why living small is actually the big way the Kingdom grows. Plus, please keep cohost Scott MacFeat and his family in your prayers as they navigate his son’s health journey.

-Ensmallen article

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com
Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 042 AI: Is it Ethical?

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, from classrooms to pulpits. But what happens when AI collides with faith, ethics, and spiritual formation? In this episode of the BIC Life Podcast, Scott and Ryan dive into a recent Christianity Today article on AI in the classroom and reflect on how tools like ChatGPT are shaping education, ministry, and everyday life.

We explore questions like:
- Is it ethical for students to use AI in their papers?
- Can pastors responsibly use AI in sermon prep without short-cutting spiritual growth?
- Where do efficiency and spiritual maturity clash or complement each other?
- What are the dangers of letting AI replace community, accountability, and wisdom?

From personal stories to practical tips, we wrestle with the promises and pitfalls of AI while pointing back to the foundation of Scripture, wisdom, and real relationships.

👉 What do you think? How do you use AI in your own life, work, or ministry? Drop your thoughts in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!

Christianity Today Article

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.
Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com
Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 041 Vibes Theology - Are we hooked on a feeling?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Ryan and Scott dive into the growing trend of “vibes theology”, a faith guided more by feelings than Scripture. Prompted by Ryan’s article, they explore why every Christian is a theologian (whether they know it or not), how cultural catchphrases like “I’m no theologian, but…” can undermine spiritual growth, and how to pursue a faith rooted in truth.

Ryan's article: Vibes Theology

The BIC Life Podcast talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 040 Faith over Power - A conversation with Cody Cook

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? Especially in a world full of political power struggles, religious tribalism, and cultural confusion? In this episode, Cody Cook joins us to explore the heart of Anabaptist theology: a faith rooted in community, peace, and the cross. Drawing from his book The Pocket Anabaptist, Cody helps us rediscover a simple but radical invitation to live like Jesus, not just believe in Him.

The BIC Life Podcast is a podcast that talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

The book: The Pocket Anabaptist

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

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Ep. 039 Rethinking Life - An Interview With Shane Claiborne

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

The guys are back with special guest Shane Claiborne to talk about his book "Rethinking Life: Embracing the Sacredness of Every Person." Reforming guns into gardening tools, Shane takes the peace perspective to the next level by rethinking the Christian call to be a peacemaker.

The BIC Life Podcast is a podcast that talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BICLifePodcast

Ep. 038 Immigration and the Image of God

Mon, 05 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

This month we interviewed Rebekah Teuscher about her recent article on how God's people are commanded to treat foreigners with compassion, regardless of political affiliation, because human beings are created in the image of God.

The BIC Life Podcast is a podcast that talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Rebekah's article

Resources mentioned:

After the Last Border

Everything Sad Is Untrue

&Campaign

Faith Rooted Organizing

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 037 Culture Making

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan are joined by Karah Leaman to talk about the concept of culture making and some new, related initiatives in the Brethren in Christ.

The BIC Life Podcast is a podcast that talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 036 4th of 3 Streams of the BIC: Evangelicalism

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Matthew Peterson joins us again to talk about the 4th stream of influence that has helped to shape the Brethren in Christ into who we are today and we talk a little bit about whether this stream has been a net positive or net negative for the denomination.

The BIC Life Podcast is a podcast that talks about life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren in Christ perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Article: Three Streams - Evangelicalism

Ep. 035 Embracing Godly Discomfort

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Scott and Ryan discuss a listener's email and talk about an article from Ryan's substack where we are encouraged to embrace and pray for discomfort. What???

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Article: May You Have Discomfort

Ep. 034 Dealing With Church Hurt

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Scott and Ryan sit down with Dr. John Reitz to talk about how we as the people of God can receive those who have experienced hurt at the hands of the Church.

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 033 Theology Matters: Covenants

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Do the covenants in the Bible still matter? Should we still care? In this episode we welcomed back Pastor Hank Johnson of Harrisburg BIC Church to talk about how understanding covenants can change the way we read the New Testament.

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 032 Theology Matters: BIC and Reformed

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Have you ever Googled a theological question or tried to find a theological book on Amazon? If so, chances are you were directed to a resource that comes from the Reformed Tradition. And while the BIC and Reformed theological traditions are alike in many ways, they differ in some key areas. Today's conversation with Matthew Peterson, Theologian in Residence of the BIC Great Lakes Conference, helps us to parse out some of these differences. We really enjoyed the conversation and we hope you will find it helpful too!

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 031 Refocusing Ministry

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan are joined by Christina Embree to talk about intergenerational ministry in a conversation that will change the way you think about the church!

Refocus Ministry

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Email us! biclifepodcast@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 030 Body Building - When Church-Growth Mindsets Become Unhealthy

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan are back and talking about getting BUFF! Or rather, body building. Then they make a masterful segue to the topic of "body" building: church growth and the mindsets that can be healthy or unhealthy in the body of Christ.

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Support us on Patreon!

Video from discussion

Support Harrisburg Brethren in Christ recover from severe storm damage.

Ep. 029 Following Jesus during an Election

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

During this episode the BIC Life Podcast hosted a breakout session during our 2024 Brethren In Christ General Assembly. Pastor Ryan Stockton led a panel of 4 (Lynn Thrush, Donna Harvey, Jonah Langenderfer, and Steve Airth) with questions about how we're formed to follow Jesus and what that looks like during a national election.

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 028 Creeds and Commas

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We're talkin' Creeds! With Scott unable to join us, Matthew Peterson, Theologian in Residence of the Great Lakes Conference, pinch-hits and joins Ryan for a conversation about a little known addition to a widely known creed.

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Support us on Patreon!

-Article: https://matthewrpeterson.substack.com/p/the-anabaptist-comma-to-the-apostles

APOSTLES CREED:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary. --ANABAPTIST COMMA--
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Ep. 027 Unity Among Diversity

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan are joined by Hank Johnson of Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church to talk through an article by theologian and professor Carmen Joy Imes. We pray this conversation can be helpful during a sometimes difficult and polarizing year!

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Support us on Patreon!

-Article: The Church Shouldn't Be an Echo Chamber, Carmen Joy Imes

Ep. 026 Local Pastors, Kingdom Stories - Pastor Jen Hickey, Roanoke VA

Mon, 06 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan have a really fun conversation with Jen Hickey, pastor at Community of Faith Church in Virginia. Whether you're a pastor or not, whether you live or work in an area like Jen's, we know you'll find something that resonates with you as you listen. We're so excited to bring this conversation to you!

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 025 Living Prayerfully

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400

We sit down with Dr. Joshua Nolt of Lancaster Brethren In Christ Church to talk about living prayerfully. What in the world does that mean??? It's a wonderfully practical conversation for our daily journey in Christ. Enjoy!

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 024 How do we interpret the Bible? Part 2

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Part two of our conversation with Dr. Lynn Thrush, the bishop of the Great Lakes Conference for the Brethren in Christ. We discuss the final three principles for how the BIC approach scripture. See episode 23 for some of Dr. Thrush's foundational thoughts and the first two principles.

Articles of Faith and Doctrine PDF download (PDF page 8 contains the paragraph we discuss in this episode)

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 023 How do we interpret the Bible? Part 1

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

BIC Life sits down with Dr. Lynn Thrush, the bishop of the Great Lakes Conference for the Brethren in Christ. We discuss 5 principles that form a BIC approach to reading, interpreting, and applying scripture. In part 1, Lynn lays out some foundational thoughts, then we talk about the first two principles. Part 2 (Episode 24, coming soon!) discusses the remaining three principles.

Articles of Faith and Doctrine PDF download (PDF page 8 contains the paragraph we discuss in this and the next episode - episode 24)

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 022 Three Streams of the BIC Pt. 3 - Wesleyanism

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Scott and Ryan sit down again with Matthew Peterson, theologian in residence for the Great Lakes Conference, to discuss Wesleyanism, the third of the "Three Streams" of influence that helped shape our denomination into what it is today. It's a fascinating conversation with only a FEW nerdy quotes and references to endure. Enjoy!

Wesleyanism article

Article on Sanctification from Matthew Peterson

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Support us on Patreon!

Ep. 021 Core Values for 2024 and MORE Rules for Killing a Church

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Happy New Year everyone! Scott and Ryan do a 2-parter to kick off 2024. In part 1 we talk about 19 MORE rules for killing your church. Then, with a new year kicking off and wars continuing, AI continuing to grow in influence and impact, and an election year, we talk about what BIC Core values we should emphasize as individuals, as a local church family, and as a denomination in 2024. It's going to be a big year!

19 MORE Rules for Killing a Church: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sz2h5VshlKtwTt6nAeyAomWRDFW8l8iF/view?usp=sharing

Original posting on BIC blog: https://bicus.org/2023/06/centuries-past-rules-for-killing-a-church/

BIC Core Values: https://bicus.org/about/what-we-believe/core-values/

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Ep. 020 The Gift of Adoption

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Ryan & Scott interview Melanie Rankin from COBYS Family Services to raise awareness about fostercare and adoption. If you would like more information about COBYS Family Services and how you can make an impact, head over to www.cobys.org or the COBYS Kids Closet: https://cobys.org/support-us/kids-closet/

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com.

Ep. 019 Shifting Our Discipleship Imagination

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode Scott and Ryan welcome back Ryan Cagno to the podcast. Ryan is the Director of NextGen Ministries in the BIC Atlantic Conference. We talk about what means with regard to BIC internships, but quickly moved to the broader topic of discipleship within our own churches.

The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective.

Ep. 018 The War in Israel

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:11:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan sit down with Dr. Terry Brensinger and Dr. Costandy Saba for an incredibly helpful conversation about the Israel/Hamas conflict and the peace position. We hear personal stories, learn some of the history of the region, and talk about the Brethren in Christ value of pursuing peace, even in the midst of such horrible tragedy.

Dr. Costandy Saba's article for the Brethren in Christ historical society:

https://bic-history.org/journal-articles/my-story-and-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/#comments

The BICLife Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective.

Ep. 017 Rules For Killing Your Church

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan talk about how some people have tried to protect the Great Wall of China and in doing so have almost killed their churches. Confused yet? Take a listen!

Great Wall article: https://apnews.com/article/china-great-wall-destruction-6ca7b89e1c214ff7fb547471808fab2f

BIC Blog post: Rules for Killing a Church: https://bicus.org/2023/06/centuries-past-rules-for-killing-a-church/

The BICLife Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective.

Ep. 016 BIC Missions

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This episode is a recording of a breakout session from Roxbury camp, 2023. The topic was on one of Project 250's objectives, "Increasing Global Awareness and Impact". For more on the Brethren in Christ's Project 250 Initiative, please visit BICUS.org/Project250.

To sign up to join the weekly BIC World Missions Zoom Prayer Call, please email missions@bicus.org.

The BICLife Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective.

Ep. 015 Three Streams of the BIC Pt. 2 - Pietism

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400

What is the world is Pietism?? In this episode Scott and Ryan welcome back Matthew Peterson to talk about this concept. Pietism is one of "Three Streams" that, when blended together, historically makes up the BIC Church.

Matthew's blog, "Think Theologically," contains more on Pietism and other theological and current event topics such as the rapture, the Apostle's Creed, and the Asbury Revival.

- Think Theologically Blog: https://matthewrpeterson.substack.com/

- Pietism Article: https://open.substack.com/pub/matthewrpeterson/p/three-streams-the-brethren-in-christ-92a?r=1xhi3l&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

The BICLife Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective.

Ep. 014 Rethinking the Purpose of the Church

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan have a super practical conversation with Dr. Rob Douglass about a paradigm shift in the way we think about the ideas of salvation and the Church and how those ideas engage with each other. These ideas have very practical ramifications for how we think about church, discipleship, and so much more!

The BICLife Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective.

Ep. 013 What’s the deal with FOOTWASHING?!

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode Ryan and Scott talk about mud-running obstacle courses and footwashing! Footwashing has historically been a ritual that the BIC denomination practices. We'll talk about why BIC churches do or don't practice this ritual, whether or not it was a command from Jesus, and the practical ways this kind of posture plays out in our everyday Christian lives. Plus, surviving on wine and candy and janitors in the operating theater.

-Woman survives 5 days in the Australian bush with wine and candy: https://www.npr.org/2023/05/10/1175179638/australia-wine-missing-woman-mitta

-Janitor helps amputate a toe: https://apnews.com/article/germany-operation-amputation-toe-surgeon-cleaner-b0f8d9299694db4057c9291aabb905b6

-Footwashing article: https://anabaptistworld.org/inspired-by-footwashing-ethiopian-turns-rebel-fighters-toward-peace/

The BICLife Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective.

Ep. 012 (Bonus!) - How does the BIC interpret the Bible?

Wed, 03 May 2023 09:06:54 -0400

Our conversation with Matthew Peterson didn't stop after the last episode! We had more questions for him and the recording kept going. It's fairly wide-ranging and we start talking a little shop, but it could be a fun peek-behind-the-curtain and in our informal conversation you might be made aware of some new resources or ideas that could help you on your faith journey. We thought it was fascinating, so we're sending it out to you to check out as well! Matthew R. Peterson is the Theologian in Residence of the Great Lakes BIC Conference.

Ep. 012 Three Streams of the BIC Pt. 1 - Anabaptism

Mon, 01 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan sit down with Matthew Peterson, Theologian in Residence of the Great Lakes Conference to talk about some root theology of the Brethren in Christ. Also, Lord of the Rings. And Ghostbusters. And Star Wars. It's fun.

Matthew's article: https://www.theseed.online/_files/ugd/a7612a_67e96521a7d44a7fbb34441b5147fa4d.pdf

The Seed Online: https://www.theseed.online/deeper-theology

Matthew's substack: https://matthewrpeterson.substack.com/

Ep. 011 Neighboring: an interview with Chad Frey

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan talk with Chad Frey about the concept of neighboring and what it might look like in different contexts. Ryan also comes a little too close to swearing.

Chad's blog post: https://bicus.org/2023/01/a-zesty-mix/

A convening of minds at Messiah University regarding neighboring (occurring April, 20, 2023): https://www.messiahconnection.com/

Ep.010 The Rhythms of Life, Work, and Rest

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Scott and Ryan are joined by Beth Claassen-Thrush to talk about work/life balance. Also, is AI coming for the BIC Life podcast??

Ep. 009 BIC History During the Civil Rights Movement

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Scott and Ryan talk with Dr. David Weaver-Zercher, professor at Messiah University, about his recent articles examining the BIC's response to the Civil Rights movement of the 50's, 60's, and 70's.

Ep. 008 Livestreaming in the 1930’s

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode Ryan and Scott talk about the pros and cons of continuing to livestream church services. To help with this discussion, they interviewed BIC historian Dr. Devin Manzullo-Thomas to get a sense of how the denomination has historically viewed the use of new technologies for sharing the good news of Jesus. This episode specifically looks at an article written by C. N. Hostetter Jr. from a 1930's edition of the Evangelical Visitor, a BIC magazine publication (no longer in print). We find it's always helpful to look back into our history to help us make decisions today.

Resources Discussed in this Episode:

- Link to the BIC Archives (You'll have to search for a particular year of the Evangelical Visitor): https://messiaharchives.pastperfectonline.com/

- "Messenger of Grace: A Biography of C.N. Hostetter Jr." By E. Morris Sider (1982) Amazon Link: shorturl.at/abhkT (also available to buy from the BIC Archives, archives@messiah.edu)

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The BIC Life Podcast talks about issues surrounding life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren In Christ perspective.

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Music: "Rock Sport Exercise" Used with permission from: Infraction Copyright holder: Infraction infraction.business@gmail.com source link: https://inaudio.org/track/my-bike-rock/ "Rock Sport Exercise" is 100% no copyright royalty free sport track by Infraction

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Ep. 007 Women In Ministry, pt.4

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode Ryan and Scott talked with Bishop Heather Beaty about her journey as a woman in leadership, and the BIC denomination as a whole. Heather is the Bishop of the BIC Susquehanna Conference. The BIC Life Podcast talks about issues surrounding life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren In Christ perspective.

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Ep. 006 Women In Ministry, pt. 3

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0500

Scott and Ryan sit down with Ericka Henry, pastor at The Holy District, a new church plant in Allentown, PA. Ericka brings her experiences and wisdom to the conversation of women in ministry leadership and we know that you will benefit from this conversation!

Ep. 005 Women in Ministry, pt. 2

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Nerd Alert!! Scott interviews Dr. Timothy Fisher about the topic of women in ministry. Also, what can Snoop Dogg can teach us about Paul's letter writing?

Ep. 004 Women in Ministry, pt.1

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Scott and Ryan begin a series about Women in Ministry. The BIC believe that both women and men are equally called and gifted and that any position that is open to a man in ministry is also open to a woman. In this first episode, Scott and Ryan take a look at some of the apologetic, or the biblical defense, for this position. More episodes for this series on the way, including some interviews and voices from women in the denomination.

Ep. 003 Adding to the Noise

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan and special guest Ryan Cagno talk about Mike Glenn's article about silence and how silence can be applied not just spiritually, but socially. Also, dogs are the best.

Articles:

Dogs can cry tears of joy when owners come home: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62645859

If You Can't Improve the Silence by Mike Glenn https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2022/july/if-you-cant-improve-silence.html

Ep. 002 Living Simply

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Scott and Ryan talk about the core value of living simply. And also Norwegian horses.

Articles:

Out-horse your email: https://www.visiticeland.com/outhorse-your-email/

A high-profile pastor was robbed during a live-streamed service in NYC: https://www.npr.org/2022/07/25/1113430654/bishop-lamor-whitehead-robbed

Ep. 001 Pursuing Peace

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Ryan and Scott talk about the idea of pursuing peace and how it may not always be so cut and dry!