Everyday Ministry

VG26: Building a Word-Rich Church with Tony Payne What does it look like for the word of Christ to shape every part of our church life? In this session from VG26, Tony Payne brings together his earlier talks on the "one another word" to explore what it means for a church to be built around the shared word of Jesus Christ. Drawing on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together, Tony reminds us that what truly unites Christians is not shared interests, backgrounds, or even the structures and programs that make church life happen. It is our shared relationship with Jesus Christ, who comes to us through his Word. So what does this mean for the way we think about church, maturity, and ministry? Tony argues that a culture where Christians regularly share God's Word with one another is not just one part of church life. It is the soil out of which mature disciples, future leaders, and evangelistic ministry grow. Tony also offers practical ways churches can cultivate this culture, from teaching and modeling the one-another word to encouraging Bible reading together, shaping small groups, and equipping preachers to help people share Scripture with others. In this episode, we explore: Why the Word of Christ is at the heart of Christian community. How listening, practical help, and bearing with one another support the ministry of the Word. Why a culture of Christians sharing God's Word is the soil in which future leaders grow. Practical ways to make the one-another word a normal part of church life, including preaching, small groups, and one-to-one Bible reading. How church structures and programs can be shaped to support the growth of disciples. Resources and links Explore Matthias Media for gospel-centered resources to help you grow in ministry. Read Ephesians 4 (ESV), which describes Christ equipping his people for ministry and growing his body toward maturity. Read Hebrews 3 (ESV) and Hebrews 10 (ESV) on encouraging one another toward faithfulness and love. [Sign up for our weekly emails] [Sign up to receive e27 news and registration updates for Philadelphia in October 2027] Follow us on Instagram at @matthiasmedia.us. The Everyday Ministry Podcast is a conversation for all Christians: to participate and grow in gospel work. We're Lindsey Yeagley and Marty Sweeney, and we want to help you take the next step in speaking God's Word and making disciples in everyday life. Visit Matthias Media for more resources to help you grow in gospel ministry.

VG26: Building a Culture That Raises Up Gospel Workers with Bruce Chimani How do we build a church culture that doesn't just grow disciples, but raises up and sends out gospel workers? In this session from VG26, Bruce Chimani takes us to Acts 13 to explore how the church at Antioch became a place where gospel workers were formed, equipped, and sent out. Using the example of jazz musician Art Blakey, who intentionally trained musicians to go out and start their own bands, Bruce challenges us to think differently about ministry. What if we measured the health of our ministries not just by who comes, but also by who we train and send? Bruce unpacks the building blocks of a training culture, beginning with patient, prayerful dependence on God and a deep conviction that his Word is authoritative and necessary. He explores how we can help people understand the Bible as one story that points to Jesus, clearly articulate the gospel, and let gospel convictions shape their character, evangelism, and discipleship. Building this kind of culture takes intentionality and patience. It means modeling what we want others to learn, making room for people to grow through mistakes, and trusting God to raise up workers for his harvest. Whether you're thinking about ministry apprenticeships, developing leaders, or helping everyday Christians disciple one another, Bruce offers a helpful framework for taking a next step toward a culture where the gospel continues to spread. In this episode: Why a healthy ministry culture is willing to train and send people out The importance of patient, prayerful dependence on God Helping people grow in their understanding of Scripture and the gospel How gospel convictions shape godly character, evangelism, and discipleship Practical ways to take the next step in developing a training culture in your church Resources and links Explore gospel-centered resources from Matthias Media Read Acts 13 (ESV) Read Matthew 9:35–38 (ESV) [Sign up for our weekly emails] [Sign up to receive e27 news and registration updates] Follow Matthias Media on Instagram The Everyday Ministry Podcast is a conversation for all Christians: to participate and grow in gospel work. We're Lindsey Yeagley and Marty Sweeney, and we want to help you take the next step in speaking God's Word and making disciples in everyday life. Visit Matthias Media for more resources to help you grow in gospel ministry.

VG26: How Does the One Another Word Relate to Preaching? with Tony Payne If preaching the Word is central to the life and growth of a church, where does that leave the role of everyday Christians speaking God's Word to one another? In this session from VG26, Tony Payne continues exploring the "one another word" and considers how it relates to the preached Word. Drawing from the book of Hebrews, Tony explains why these two forms of Word ministry are not in competition with each other. Instead, they work together to help Christians grow toward maturity in Christ. Preaching helps shape the whole congregation's understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow him. It establishes the truth of the gospel, forms our thinking, and helps us understand how God's Word applies to our lives. But what happens when we leave church on Sunday and face the complexities of life on Monday? When we're struggling, doubting, anxious, or unsure how to respond in a particular situation, we need more than a sermon we remember. We need other Christians to come alongside us and bring the Word of Christ to bear on our circumstances. Tony challenges us to see how the one another word carries the truth we hear preached into the everyday moments of life. Through encouragement, exhortation, and loving correction, Christians help one another remember, understand, and live out the gospel. Both preaching and the one another word are essential to a healthy church culture where people continue to grow in Christ throughout the week. In this episode: How preaching and the one another word complement each other Why preaching cannot address every personal circumstance The importance of speaking God's Word into the everyday challenges of life How Christians encourage, remind, and exhort one another with the gospel Why healthy church culture needs both faithful preaching and everyday Word ministry Resources and links Explore Let the Word Dwell Richly and other gospel-centered resources from Matthias Media Read Hebrews 3 (ESV) Read Hebrews 10 (ESV) [Sign up for our weekly emails] [Sign up to receive e27 news and registration updates] Follow Matthias Media on Instagram The Everyday Ministry Podcast is a conversation for all Christians: to participate and grow in gospel work. We're Lindsey Yeagley and Marty Sweeney, and we want to help you take the next step in speaking God's Word and making disciples in everyday life. Visit Matthias Media for more resources to help you grow in gospel ministry.

Everyday Ministry Podcast | VG26: Putting the Word Back into Every Member Ministry with Tony Payne What does it really mean for every Christian to be involved in ministry? And is it more than just finding a place to serve at church? In episode two of our VG26 season, Tony Payne challenges us to rethink every member ministry and what the Bible says about the role every Christian plays in helping others grow toward maturity in Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and passages throughout the New Testament, Tony unpacks what he calls the one another word: the everyday practice of speaking God's truth in love to one another. This is not just the work of pastors, preachers, or ministry leaders. It's a normal part of the Christian life and a vital way God grows his people. Tony challenges us to look beyond filling volunteer roles and running church programs to consider whether our church cultures are actually helping people speak the truth of Christ to one another. Practical service matters, but the ministry of God's Word is something different, and every Christian has a part to play. If we want to see a culture of disciple-making flourish in our churches, what might need to change? Perhaps it begins with recovering the simple, powerful practice of sharing God's Word with one another. Listen in as Tony helps us consider what it means for every member of the body of Christ to participate in the work of building one another up in love. Resources & Links Explore The Trellis and the Vine and other gospel-centered resources from Matthias Media. Read the Bible passages discussed in this session: Ephesians 4 and Colossians 3:16. Sign up for our weekly emails to receive ministry encouragement, resources, and updates: [Sign up for our weekly emails] Interested in e27 in Philadelphia in October 2027? [Sign up to receive e27 news and registration updates] Follow along on Instagram and Facebook: @matthiasmedia.us The Everyday Ministry Podcast is a conversation for all Christians: to participate and grow in gospel work. Hosted by Lindsey Yeagley and Marty Sweeney, we're here to help you take the next step in everyday ministry.

Everyday Ministry Podcast | VG26: What Moves People Toward Maturity in Christ? with Mark Howard Welcome to a new season of the Everyday Ministry Podcast! This season, we're sharing talks from VG26, our annual Vinegrowers retreat for pastors and ministry leaders, where we gathered to think more deeply about the work God is doing through his people. In this opening session, Mark Howard asks a foundational question: What is God doing in the world, and how does he do it? God is gathering people around the throne of Jesus, bringing them into his kingdom through faith and transforming them into the likeness of Christ. But how do we, as churches and individual Christians, participate in that work? Drawing from Colossians, Mark explores the forces that move people toward maturity in Christ and those that can pull us away. He unpacks the four E's of ministry: engaging, evangelizing, establishing, and equipping, and the four P's God uses to grow his people: proclamation of his Word, prayer, people, and perseverance. Mark also challenges us to consider how our own church cultures, convictions, character, and ministry practices might unintentionally hinder spiritual growth. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or everyday Christian, this session will help you reflect on how God grows his people and how we can faithfully participate in his work. Listen in and consider: What are the forces shaping your own growth and the maturity of the people God has placed around you? Resources & Links Explore gospel-centered, disciple-making resources at Matthias Media. Sign up for our weekly emails to receive ministry encouragement, resources, and updates: [Sign up for our weekly emails] Interested in e27 in Philadelphia in October 2027? [Sign up to receive e27 news and registration updates] Follow along on Instagram and Facebook: @matthiasmedia.us The Everyday Ministry Podcast is a conversation for all Christians: to participate and grow in gospel work. Hosted by Lindsey Yeagley and Marty Sweeney, we're here to help you take the next step in everyday ministry.  

In this final episode of the season, we reflect on the foundational ideas that have shaped our conversations: gospel clarity and helping people move toward maturity in Christ. We talk about why hope in Christ isn't just a future idea but something that reshapes how we live today. That future hope fuels urgency in evangelism, patience in discipleship, and purpose in everyday ministry. We also unpack what it really looks like to "move people to the right." It's not about delivering perfect content or expecting instant transformation. It's about helping each person take their next step toward maturity, wherever they are. You'll hear practical examples from real ministry contexts, including: Using simple frameworks to reinforce gospel clarity in Bible study Why repetition is necessary (even when it feels redundant) How to lead with both challenge and patience The importance of teaching people, not just material We close by reminding ourselves that growth doesn't happen by accident. It happens through intentional, prayerful dependence on God's Word and Spirit. Stay Connected Want more resources to help you grow and help others grow toward maturity in Christ? Sign up for our weekly emails: https://matthiasmedia.com/signup Follow us for encouragement and practical ministry tools: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthiasmedia.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthiasmedia.us Key Resources Mentioned Two Ways to Live (gospel framework) https://matthiasmedia.com/products/two-ways-to-live Learn the Gospel https://matthiasmedia.com/products/learn-the-gospel Future Grace by John Piper https://www.desiringgod.org/books/future-grace Swedish Method Bible Study (simple inductive approach) Matthias Media resources https://matthiasmedia.com

What do you do when there are more people to disciple than you can possibly handle? In this episode, Marty sits down with Bruce to wrestle with one of the biggest challenges in ministry: how to faithfully disciple people without bottlenecking growth. As their campus ministry has grown from zero to hundreds of students, they've had to rethink what it really means to make disciples. They explore the tension between depth and breadth, the necessity of training others, and why multiplication—not just personal investment—is essential for gospel ministry. This conversation challenges the common instinct to "just go deeper with a few" and instead calls leaders to think bigger about raising up more gospel workers. Sign up for emails Follow on Instagram Leave a review on Apple What You'll Learn Why one-to-one discipleship alone isn't enough The difference between making disciples and making disciple-makers How to think about growth without compromising faithfulness Why "chasing numbers" isn't necessarily unspiritual The importance of training and deploying others How to handle the tension between quality and capacity Why multiplication is essential in any ministry context Key Ideas from the Episode You can't personally disciple everyone—so you must train others Ministry must move from addition to multiplication Structure and intentionality help sustain growth Deployment matters—people won't be "fully ready" God is sovereign, but he uses people as his means Key Quotes "You can't just do a deep work in a few—you have to help them do the same." "If I spend all my time with one person, I don't have time for anyone else." "There's nothing wrong with wanting more people—if it's for the gospel." "At some point, you have to deploy people before they feel ready." "We want to present everyone mature in Christ." Resources Mentioned The Trellis and the Vine Growth and Change Wisdom in Leadership Key Takeaway Faithful ministry isn't just about investing deeply in a few people—it's about equipping those people to do the same. If we want to reach more people with the gospel, we need to think beyond addition and embrace multiplication.

What happens after someone shows curiosity about Jesus? In this episode of The Everyday Ministry Podcast, Lindsey Yeagley is joined by Bruce Chimani, College and Young Adults Pastor at Old North Church, for an honest and practical conversation about evangelism pathways—and the gaps churches often face when engaging non-Christians. Drawing from campus ministry, women's ministry, and local church contexts, Lindsey and Bruce reflect on how people actually move from curiosity to conviction, why evangelism often feels overwhelming, and how churches can think more strategically without losing the personal nature of gospel conversations. They discuss the importance of evangelistic courses as a shared entry point, the role of follow-up after conversion, and why a theological conviction about eternity must fuel practical evangelism efforts. This episode will encourage pastors and ministry leaders to think clearly, pray boldly, and build pathways that don't rely on one person doing everything. In This Episode, You'll Hear About Why evangelism pathways are often unclear or overwhelming Differences between campus ministry and adult church contexts The danger of throwing new believers straight into deep-end Bible studies Why evangelistic courses help churches share the load together Acts 17 and the often-overlooked group of "curious but unconvinced" people Why follow-up after evangelistic courses matters more than the course itself How prayer undergirds sustainable evangelism Why a deep conviction about eternity fuels urgency in gospel work 📚 Resources Mentioned Discover (Evangelistic Course) – Matthias Media https://matthiasmedia.com/products/discover Taste and See – Rory Shiner (Evangelistic Course) You, Me & the Bible – Tony Payne https://matthiasmedia.com/products/you-me-and-the-bible Just for Starters – Matthias Media https://matthiasmedia.com/products/just-for-starters The Christian Gospel – Matthias Media https://matthiasmedia.com/products/the-christian-gospel Acts 17:32 – Paul's sermon and varied responses to the resurrection Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 03:06 Understanding Evangelism in College Contexts 06:00 Challenges in Evangelism: Gaps and Strategies 09:01 The Importance of Community and Follow-Up 11:55 The Role of Prayer in Evangelism 15:02 Theological Foundations for Evangelism 17:56 Practical Approaches to Engaging Non-Christians 20:57 Looking Ahead: Future Strategies and Goals evangelism, college ministry, church growth, community engagement, prayer, discipleship, non-Christian outreach, theological foundations, follow-up strategies, personal testimony Sign up for our weekly email here Follow us on IG

Thinking Right to Move Right: When Women's Ministry is Built to Grow What does it look like to build a women's ministry that actually helps women grow — not just attend? In this episode of The Everyday Ministry Podcast, Lindsey Yeagley is joined by Beth Harrell, Women's Ministry Director at Old North Church, for a practical and honest conversation about intentionality in women's ministry. Together, they explore how existing ministries—like Bible studies and gatherings—can be used more thoughtfully to encourage maturity, evangelism, and long-term fruit. Beth shares wisdom from years of ministry experience, including how to train leaders well, why growth often happens slowly and incrementally, and how informal "sheepdogs" play a vital role in helping women take their next step toward maturity in Christ. They also discuss the importance of unified Bible study, clear pathways for involvement, and cultivating a culture where gospel conversations are normal—even when we fail or feel hesitant. This episode is especially helpful for pastors, women's ministry leaders, and volunteers who want to think carefully about structures that support growth, without over-programming or burning people out. In This Episode, You'll Hear About Why women's ministry needs intentional trellises, not just events Using existing Bible studies more evangelistically and formatively Training leaders to notice and nurture "left-lookers" The role of informal leaders ("sheepdogs") in gospel growth Why small, incremental change matters more than quick results Helping women identify their next step toward maturity Holding ministry structures loosely and adapting wisely over time 📚 Resources Mentioned (with Links) Motherhood – Jocelyn Loane https://matthiasmedia.com/products/motherhood The Trellis and the Vine – Colin Marshall & Tony Payne https://matthiasmedia.com/products/the-trellis-and-the-vine The Vine Project – Colin Marshall & Tony Payne https://matthiasmedia.com/products/the-vine-project Guidance and the Voice of God – Phillip Jensen & Tony Payne https://matthiasmedia.com/products/guidance-and-the-voice-of-god Connect With Us 🌐 Website: https://matthiasmedia.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/everydayministrypodcast SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY EMAIL!

Thinking Right to Move Right: Building Pathways for Women to Grow What does it actually look like to help women take their next step toward maturity in Christ? In this episode of The Everyday Ministry Podcast, Marty Sweeney sits down with Beth Harrell, former Matthias Media staff member and now full-time Women's Ministry Director at Old North Church. Together, they explore how thoughtful ministry structures—paired with patient, relational discipleship—help women move from events to engagement, and from attendance to maturity. Beth reflects on the importance of building clear pathways for growth, balancing large gatherings with one-to-one ministry, and training leaders without burning them out. The conversation also challenges common assumptions about success in women's ministry, reminding us that long-term fruit often comes through slow, faithful investment in people rather than impressive programs. This episode is especially encouraging for churches with limited time, staff, or resources—and for anyone wanting to think more carefully about how real growth happens in everyday ministry. In This Episode, You'll Hear About Why women's ministry needs pathways, not just programs How one-to-one ministry supports and strengthens larger gatherings Identifying and training leaders with patience and care Why the "next step" isn't always another event Measuring fruitfulness by growth, not numbers 📚 Resources Mentioned The Trellis and the Vine – Colin Marshall & Tony Payne https://matthiasmedia.com/products/the-trellis-and-the-vine The Vine Project – Colin Marshall & Tony Payne https://matthiasmedia.com/products/the-vine-project Guidance and the Voice of God – Phillip Jensen & Tony Payne https://matthiasmedia.com/products/guidance-and-the-voice-of-god Connect With Us 🌐 Website: https://matthiasmedia.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/everydayministrypodcast SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY EMAILS: HERE