Ep. 27: More Than Numbers - Biblical Church Growth

In this episode of The Art of Discernment, Dr. Bob Dickson interviews Dr. Jordan Morton, the dean of The Master's University's Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education, about navigating K-12 education. They discuss the myriad options available to Christian parents today, from public schools to home schooling, and how to thoughtfully evaluate each one. Morton shares valuable insights from her own experience as a parent and educator, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's wisdom, gathering reliable information, and finding the right fit for each child. They address common concerns like fear, lack of information, and the need to be actively involved in a child's education. Ultimately, Morton encourages parents to view their child's education as a means of equipping them for service in God's kingdom, rather than simply pursuing worldly success. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Subscribe to TMU's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMastersUniversity?sub_confirmation=1

Harry Walls, campus pastor at The Master's University, welcomes Dr. Carl Hargrove to discuss the vital ministry of church revitalization. Hargrove, a fellowship pastor at Grace Community Church and director of Grace Advance, explains what church revitalization involves and why it is so necessary. He shares common reasons that churches decline and need revitalization, such as moral failure, lack of biblical focus, changing demographics, and an unwillingness to adapt methods while holding firm to biblical principles.  The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Subscribe to TMU's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMastersUniversity?sub_confirmation=1

Dr. Abner Chou, president of The Master’s University, is joined by pastor and author Costi Hinn for an exploration of the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Hinn shares from his unique background, and encourages believers to find assurance not in emotions or experiences, but in the truth of God's Word. He challenges the tendency to chase “mountain-top experiences” while neglecting personal holiness and provides pastoral wisdom on discerning the Spirit's leading. This conversation equips Christians to rightly understand and rejoice in the Spirit's work, while avoiding unbiblical extremes. Hinn and Chou also discuss how to graciously engage those who may hold different convictions. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

Shannon and Danielle Hurley, graduates of The Master's University, join The Art of Discernment podcast to provide insight into what it means to be called to missions and offer advice for those considering the mission field. They also share about their work with Sufficiency of Scripture Ministries in Uganda. For the past 17 years, the Hurleys have been reaching their community for Christ and strengthening churches throughout Uganda. They discuss the realities of life on the mission field, including hardships and joys, and emphasize the importance of proper training, church support, and a heart for the lost. Their passion for making Christ known in Uganda is evident as they share about transformed lives and the joy of serving the Lord together as a family. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

Drs. John MacArthur and Ken Ham join The Art of Discernment to discuss the importance of biblical authority, particularly in Genesis 1-11. MacArthur, chancellor of The Master’s University and pastor of Grace Community Church, and Ham, Founder CEO of Answers in Genesis, discuss the attempts made by culture to undermine biblical authority and the need to hold an unwavering commitment to Scripture. They also address the necessity of equipping young believers with apologetics to answer skeptical questions, finding the right educational resources, and the crucial role of Christian higher education in training the next generation.  The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU's YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

Dr. Gregg Frazer, dean of The Master’s University’s John P. Stead School of Humanities and author of “The Religious Beliefs of America's Founders,” explains that leading founders held to a belief system he calls “theistic rationalism.” What is theistic rationalism? Was America founded as a Christian nation? What impact do these questions have on us today? Frazer and host Dr. Bob Dickson explore the answers in the latest episode of The Art of Discernment.  The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU’s YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found.  Learn more at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

Dr. Paul Twiss joins The Art of Discernment to discuss how Christians should pursue and understand true beauty. Twiss, an associate professor at The Master’s Seminary and the teaching pastor at Bethany Bible Church in Thousand Oaks, California, explains that beauty is transcendent, pointing us to greater truths, and is inextricably tied to what is good and true. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Monday during the fall and spring semesters on TMU’s YouTube channel and wherever podcasts are found. Learn more about TMU at https://www.masters.edu/discernment

What are the hallmarks of a Christ-honoring women's ministry? What common challenges do women's ministries face — and how can those challenges be overcome? Betty Price — who has served at The Master's University in various roles since 1985, including as director of women's ministries — points us to Scripture for the answers. The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. To learn more about TMU, visit https://www.masters.edu/.

The performing arts are not a simple discipline for believers to navigate. How do Christians tell stories that are authentic to the human experience — narratives that include conflict and sin — in a way that honors the Lord? Does the script always have to include an overt gospel message? How important is excellence in the shows Christians produce? Tricia Hulet, director of TMU's Theatre Arts program, takes up these questions on today's episode.  TMU Theatre Arts is performing "Daddy Long Legs" on March 25-26 and April 1-2 through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. For tickets or to watch via livestream, visit masters.edu/theatre.  To learn more about The Master's University, visit masters.edu. 

Some view college degrees as simply commodities to be acquired. TMU Provost Mitch Hopewell explores that trend and offers this alternative: College, done rightly, can be an experience that not only offers job readiness, but also shapes the whole person.  The Art of Discernment is produced by The Master's University. New episodes are released every other Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. To learn more about TMU, visit https://www.masters.edu/.