The charis4’s Podcast

What Is A Sexually Faithful Church - Mark Sanders

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:28:23 -0300

Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this workshop is an overview of five different essential features of a sexually faithful church. Those features include moral integrity at the leadership level, the relational and spiritual culture of the church, proactive teaching and discipleship on matters of sexuality, redemptive ministry for those struggling with sexual sin or those impacted by it, and helping everyone in the church see how talking about sex is a theological and doxological matter that should lead to the worship of God. MARK SANDERS serves as the President of Harvest USA.

From Interest To Action: Master Volunteer Recruitment - Rothen Bedford

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:26:59 -0300

As ministry leaders, we’re always recruiting, and the health and effectiveness of our ministries are directly tied to the quality of our volunteer teams. Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this workshop helps to equip you with practical tools for attracting great volunteers and building teams so healthy, engaging, and mission-driven that they naturally attract others to serve alongside them. This dicussion explores proven strategies for identifying potential leaders, creating a positive volunteer culture, increasing engagement, and developing sustainable teams. ROTHEN BEDFORD serves as the Pastor of Student Ministry for Grace Fellowship in Pickerington, Ohio.

Building Connected Communities: Using Digital Tools to Strengthen Relationships - Pete Monast

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:24:35 -0300

Strong churches are built on strong relationships — but fostering meaningful connection in today’s world can be challenging. Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this roundtable discussion explores how digital tools can help churches strengthen communication, deepen engagement, build community, and create pathways for discipleship and connection. Discussion focuses on practical ways churches are using technology to connect people within their congregations, support ministry initiatives, and foster collaboration across groups, campuses, and networks. Whether your church is exploring new tools or looking to maximize existing platforms, this conversation will provide ideas, examples, and opportunities to learn from others seeking to build stronger, more connected ministry communities. PETE MONAST serves as a Ministry Consultant for Subsplash, a digital engagement platform built for ministries.

The Unseen Battle and a Biblical Battle Plan - Jeremy Wike & Charlotte Mosier

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:21:01 -0300

If we are to take the Scriptures seriously, we must have a plan to counter the enemy seeking to destroy us. But what exactly is the spiritual battle? Can Christians be influenced by demons? Where is the battle waged? And what about extremists who are out of line? Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this workshop delineates a Scriptural perspective of spiritual warfare, as well as articulating the model one Charis church uses for discipling people toward inner healing and spiritual deliverance in partnership with Wellsprings of Freedom International. JEREMY WIKE serves at the Lead Pastor of Community of Hope in Columbia City, Ind. CHARLOTTE MOSIER leads the Wellsprings of Freedom ministry at Community of Hope in Columbia City, Ind.

The Charis Fellowship Story: How God Shaped Our Movement - Tim Hodge

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:19:09 -0300

Like a stone dropped into a pond, the events of the past continue to create ripples that shape who we are today. Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this is an inspiring journey through the history of the Charis Fellowship — from the Protestant Reformation, Pietism, and the early Brethren movement to the defining moments that forged our identity. Discover how commitments to biblical truth, authentic relationships, local church vitality, and global mission have been woven into our spiritual DNA for more than 300 years. More than just a history lesson, this workshop will help you better understand who we are, why we exist, and how God continues to use the Charis Fellowship and the global Charis Alliance to impact lives around the world. TIM HODGE serves as the Charis Fellowship Coordinator.

The State of the Rural Pastorate - Adam Kipp

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:16:23 -0300

What is really happening in rural ministry today — and how does your experience compare? Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this roundtable discussion draws on a landmark research study of more than 1,000 rural ministers while fostering honest conversation about the challenges, encouragements, and opportunities facing small-town churches. Discussion focuses on key findings from the research, explores common ministry realities, and seeks to help us learn from one another’s experiences in the field. DR. ADAM KIPP serves as the Executive Director of Rural Home Missionary Association.

Six Mantras Short Term Missions with Long-Term Impact - Trevin Hoekzema

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:13:50 -0300

Short-term mission trips can either create lasting gospel partnerships or become little more than meaningful memories. The difference often comes down to how we prepare, serve, and follow through. Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this workshop explores six simple but transformative mantras that help shape short-term missions around the Great Commission rather than the experience itself. Drawing from biblical principles and practical ministry experience, the focus is on how to maximize the long-term impact of a one-week trip for your team, your church, and your partners around the world. Whether you’re leading trips, serving on a team, or developing a missions strategy for your church, you will learn some about practical tools and a fresh vision for making disciples of all nations, one week at a time. TREVIN HOEKZEMA serves as the Pastor of Outreach for Calvert Grace Church in Owings, Md.

Principles and Practices of Prayer - Nate Bosch

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:11:22 -0300

Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this workshop examines scriptural teaching on prayer, learning that a humble prayer and Bible-saturated life/marriage/family/church/ministry is the only path God has designed for His children to experience true joy and fruitfulness in the Christian life. Prayer is not viewed or presented as an activity but rather the expression of our human weakness and total dependence on God and our desire to walk in deep, obedient fellowship with Him. Urgency, consistency, and effectiveness of prayer are also discussed as well as practical guidance for fostering these. DR. NATE BOSCH serves as the Dean of the School of Science and Engineering at Grace College.

Preaching with Spiritual Power - Freddy Cardoza & Trent Lambert

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:09:29 -0300

Preaching is part art and part science. For many of us, the Sunday morning service is the crown jewel of the ministry week. Ever since the Reformation (1517), congregational life has largely orbited around the preaching of God’s Word to the gathered church. Grace Seminary is committed to encouraging and equipping preachers in their calling. Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, Grace Seminary leaders, Drs. Freddy Cardoza and Trent Lambert, and a select group of Charis Fellowship preachers, explore the theme, “Preaching with Spiritual Power.” Using key biblical passages about preaching, discussion focuses on how the preacher’s hermeneutics, homiletics, and spiritual formation help bring about a demonstration of the Spirit’s power in preaching by looking at three key passages of scripture as examples. DR. FREDDY CARDOZA serves as the Vice President for Grace Theological Seminary. DR. TRENT LAMBERT serves as the Director of the Center for Thriving Leaders at Grace Theological Seminary.

One Hour One Book: The Book of Acts - Randy Smith

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:07:09 -0300

As Jesus departed, He gathered His men and entrusted them with an impossible mission: reach the world with His message. The command was staggering, but the Spirit’s power was greater still. Generation after generation has traced their footsteps, studied their labors, and stood in awe of their accomplishments. Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this is the story of the Church’s first days, overcoming huge hurdles and celebrating how God drew so many people to Himself through their witness. In one hour, we unpack their story and follow their footsteps through the Roman world. DR. RANDALL SMITH serves as the Director of Christian Travel Study Programs and served as a Charis Fellowship pastor.

Navigating Core Tensions in Great Commission Pursuits - Mike Yoder

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:05:07 -0300

Jesus calls His followers to take the Gospel to the nations. Local churches are central in that mission. Yet churches and the mission agencies which serve them face some unavoidable issues in that common calling. What is the heart of the Great Commission? What kind of workers are needed? What is the desired outcome? How long should it take? How do the church, agency, and worker partner together? What does financial transparency look like? Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this workshop explores answers as Encompass leaders help local churches like yours chart a fruitful path forward. MIKE YODER serves as the Executive Director for Encompass World Partners.

Moral Injury and Care of Souls - George Youstra & Mark Penfold

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:03:13 -0300

Some wounds are invisible, but no less devastating. Beneath the surface, many carry deep pain shaped not only by trauma, but by guilt, shame, betrayal, and spiritual anguish. Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this workshop is intended to help pastors and ministry leaders understand moral injury, discern how it differs from PTSD, and respond with compassionate, Christ-centered care. In a world full of hidden wounds, the Church has a vital calling to speak hope, healing, forgiveness, and restoration. DR. GEORGE YOUSTRA (COL) is a retired Air Force Chaplain. DR. MARK PENFOLD (COL) is a retired Army Chaplain and serves as the Endorsing Agent with Eagle Commission.

Missions Metaphors and Imagination - Roy Angle

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:53 -0300

In a world that is constantly in flux, how do we engage our 21st century contexts while being rooted in a 1st century text? What guides our curiosity and shapes our questions about missional engagement? Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this workshop discusses how to mimic Jesus’ use of the agricultural metaphor to promote Kingdom and missional insight and action. Jesus and the New Testament authors used insights about planting, growth, and harvest in the biological world that provided a grid for missional perception and engagement in any cultural setting. Also includes real-life examples of the use of the agricultural metaphor in missional strategy and engagement in modern day missions in Dublin, Ireland. ROY ANGLE serves as a Missionary in Dublin, Ireland, with Encompass World Partners.

Building Ministry Residencies and Internships: Investing in Future Partners - Ethan Bunce & Rich Hancock

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:58:47 -0300

The church is always “one generation away from extinction,” and yet God has always been faithful to raise up workers for His harvest. As a Fellowship of churches, are we doing our part to identify, equip, and send faithful, well-rounded pastors into ministry? Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this roundtable features a practical discussion on creating opportunities for emerging leaders, developing healthy pathways for pastoral training, and intentionally investing in the next generation of shepherds for the local church. The discussion explores effective models for mentorship, internships, residencies, and leadership development, while sharing ideas and experiences from churches that are actively cultivating future ministry leaders. ETHAN BUNCE serves as a Pastoral Elder for Bellefontaine Grace Church in Bellefontaine, Ohio. RICH HANCOCK serves as the Family Ministries Pastor for Marysville Grace Church in Marysville, Ohio.

Proven Strategies for Long Lasting Rural Ministry - Adam Kipp

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:55:57 -0300

What does it really take to build a ministry that lasts in a rural or small-town context? Drawing from research,
real-life experience, and biblical truth, this workshop (recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference) explores the deeper factors that help pastors not only stay, but thrive over the long haul. Be encouraged, challenged, and equipped with practical insights to cultivate a ministry that bears fruit and endures for years to come. DR. ADAM KIPP serves as the Executive Director of Rural Home Missionary Association.

Healthy Churches New Churches: Pathways to Growth and Multiplication - Nathan Bryant

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:53:25 -0300

Every church is at a different place in its journey, but every church can take intentional steps toward greater health, impact, and mission. Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this workshop explores practical pathways for church planting, church revitalization, leadership development, and ministry multiplication. Drawing on the experience and resources of Assist Church Expansion, the workshop covers principles, tools, and real-world examples that can help churches assess their current reality, strengthen their ministry, develop leaders, and pursue new opportunities for Gospel impact. NATHAN BRYANT serves as the Executive Director for Assist Church Expansion.

Healthy Churches - Bart Blair

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:50:44 -0300

Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this roundtable discussion unpacks a three-fold framework of making, growing, and sending disciples to help our ministry move from a maintenance mindset to active health, including practical ways to implement this continuous discipleship loop and reverse the trends of stagnation within our unique community context. BART BLAIR serves as the Director of Church Revitalization for Assist Church Expansion.

Coaching: Helping You Take Your Ministry to the Next Level - Ed Short

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:47:01 -0300

Ever feel like you need an unbiased voice to help you think through the effectiveness of your ministry and what steps you need to consider taking next? Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, during this roundtable discussion Ed talks through what a ministry coach can do for you and your ministry, and also explores how to assess your ministry and set goals that will help your ministry move to the next level. ED SHORT serves as the Church Revitalization Ministry Associate for Assist Church Expansion.

Church Planting Roundtable - Jeremy Bury

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:43:28 -0300

Church planting remains a vital part of the Charis Fellowship’s mission to make disciple-making disciples. Recorded at the 2026 Charis Fellowship Conference, this roundtable featured pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders discussing the opportunities, challenges, and lessons being learned through church planting today. Explore practical strategies, multiplication pathways, leadership development, and ways local churches can cultivate a culture of church planting. JEREMY BURY serves as the Lead Pastor for Marysville Grace Church in Marysville, Ohio.

The Church and the Politics of a Country - Florent Varak - Seminar at Charis Fellowship Conference 2024

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:19:30 -0300

How should the Church engage the political direction of a country? Many Christians are wondering how to respond to the confusion generated by the variety of candidates for public office and the differing perspectives of church leaders who are trying to evaluate the political picture. This seminar will provide additional guidelines and discussion to assist Christians navigate these challenges in a God-honoring and Gospel-affirming way.
Florent has served as the director of the Church Equipping Network at Encompass World Partners since 2015. Prior to that he pastored the Charis church in Lyon, France, for 25 years. He has written books and articles on apologetics, ministry, and theology.

Growing Intentional Disciplemaking Cultures - Justin Gravitt / Dave Holmes - Workshop at Charis Fellowship Conference 2024B

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:06:58 -0300

Want to send everyday disciplemakers from your church to transform their everywhere? It’s way easier said than done. What happens when a church starts making disciple makers—not just disciples? Where does a church leader start the journey of building a disciple making culture? Come and hear the true story of one disciple making church; the lessons learned, the path walked, and what’s ahead.
Justin Gravitt – Director of Innovation and Advancement, Navigators Church Ministries.
Dave Holmes – Lead Pastor, Centerville Grace, Centerville OH.

The Geopolitical Crisis in the Middle East in Light of the Gospel - Bob Fetterhoff / Clancy Cruise - Workshop at Charis Fellowship Conference 2024

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:02:37 -0300

Do you feel like the Middle East is at best confusing and perhaps a complete mess? Are there any answers for the conflict? Do you wonder about God’s plan for Israel in light of Bible prophecy? This workshop will address several perspectives from the Gospel about the current crisis involving the holy land.
Bob Fetterhoff – Executive Director of Walk the Bible (former Senior Pastor, Grace Church), Wooster OH.
Clancy Cruise – Staff Pastor, Marysville Grace, Marysville, OH.

Equipping Missional Marketplace Leaders - Kadi Cole - Workshop at Charis Fellowship Conference 2024

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:00:08 -0300

Momentum Ministry Partners Executive Director of Leadership, Kadi Cole leads an engaging workshop on what it means to equip marketplace leaders to not only live missionary but also mentor the next generation of marketplace leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the Momentum Marketplace curriculum and how you can integrate it into your ministry to provide practical tools to empower both your congregation and the broader community.
Kadi Cole – Executive Director of Leadership Development, Momentum Ministry Partners.

Church Triage - How to process differing opinions about ministry - Phil Sparling - Workshop at Charis Fellowship Conference 2024

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 18:54:33 -0300

Every church has a statement of faith, a list of doctrines that guide ministry. At the same time, every church has ministries (practices) that carry out those beliefs. But what happens when there is a variety of opinions and preferences about those practices? What does a leader do when the elder Board does not all agree on a decision or vision, or a staff is not unified on how ministry is to be operated? Does the Bible give us any steps to process this diversity of thoughts and desires? Discussion on one way to process and resolve these differences before they lead to division and hurt. Romans 14 will be our key text.
Phil Sparling – Lead Pastor, Auburn Grace, Auburn CA.