Around The Fire

Pastor Jonny is back! This time, he and Sarah explore Mark 10 and what it really means to follow Jesus. What do James and John’s request for status reveal about the way we use power? How does Jesus show a different way—one rooted in humility and service? What can Bartimaeus teach us about seeing Jesus, receiving wholeness and choosing to follow? Join Jonny and Sarah as they look at two encounters with Jesus and reflect on the heart of discipleship: becoming more like Jesus from the inside out. Got questions? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on socials.Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurch GATHER + GROWWe believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not areality all of the time?In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation.How do we Gather & Grow?The map is the mission. Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far?

How does art, creativity and beauty help us as we find and follow Jesus?Why do stories bring connection and hope?What does it look like gather + grow with Presence at the centre?What happens when a creative theatre company 'jump off a cliff' to follow the leading of Holy Spirit?Join Sarah W and Jason Hildebrand of Presence Creative Arts as they talk all things formation and faith: transforming culture through the power of creative arts.Got questions? Drop us a line on [email protected] or DM us on socials.Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurchFind our more about Jason's work ➡️ https://presencecreativearts.com/GATHER + GROWWe believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not a reality all of the time?In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation.How do we Gather & Grow?Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into?Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture.We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far?

At ELC, we've Created a mid-week Greenhouse Community for deliberate discipleship themed around Spirit in Mission. As we Gather & Grow, a question we are intentionally asking as community is – What is Holy Spirit inviting us/me into?By exploring metaphors and symbols of Holy Spirit we are exploring how we are shaped by and follow the leading of God in the life we are living.Join Sarah and Sarah as they chat through:Water as a symbol helps us to know Holy Spirit● Lives within us to bring life● Refreshes us continually● Flows through us to othersGot questions? Drop us a line on [email protected] or DM us on socials.Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurchRESOURCESGreenhouse Videos ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gsFbNeUkTYct5B5Rpx_4bJE5TraUM1oGod, Gift, and Guide - Knowing the Holy Spirit by Gregg AllisonGift and Giver by Craig S. KeenerThe Message of the Holy Spirit by Keith WarringtonFamiliar Stranger by Tyler StatonHow do we Gather & Grow?Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into?Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture.We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.

Whilst Jonny is on sabbatical, Sarah is joined by Katie Bromwich, who is part of the leadership team at ELC, for a conversation about APEST, formation and developing as a leader.Jonny is Lead Pastor at ELC and Sarah is Head of Prayer & Leadership Development + Elim Prayer Director.You can listen to Sunday talks that track the Around The Fire Podcasts here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gsFbNeUkTaHBAac0_znNk59u_sN-lEM&si=fzmj-JdSvczuLzgvGot questions? Drop us a line on [email protected] or DM us on socials.Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurchGATHER + GROW We believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not a reality all of the time?In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation. How do we Gather & Grow?• Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into?• Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture.We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far? Resource RecommendationsSurrender to Love - David G. BennerMetamorph – Rev. Dr. Kate ColemanCoLab - An ELC Project - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10Vt1OybVbDAOA4ANF9egdJrNLd6kXCsz

S4 Episode 39 - Resources!How do we choose what to read + reflect on?  How do we gather + grow as a leadership team and in community?How do we engage with ideas that may stretch us?Listen in and find out as Sarah and Jonny share what resources are currently enriching, impacting, provoking and informing their formation and leadership.What’s your favourite resource right now? Let us know - [email protected] or DM us on socials.Jonny is Lead Pastor at ELC and Sarah is Head of Prayer & Leadership Development + Elim Prayer Director.You can listen to Sunday talks that track the Around The Fire Podcasts here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gsFbNeUkTaHBAac0_znNk59u_sN-lEM&si=fzmj-JdSvczuLzgvConnection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurchGATHER + GROW We believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not a reality all of the time?In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation. How do we Gather & Grow?Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into?Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture. We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far? Resource RecommendationsMetamorph – Rev. Dr. Kate ColemanStrengthening the Soul of your Leadership - RHBCentering Discipleship – EK StrawserArt + Faith; Theology of Making - Makoto FujimuraConvergence – Jon ThompsonAn Other Kingdom – John L. McKnight, Peter Block, and Walter BrueggemannSurrender to Love/The Gift of Being Yourself – David G. BennerPrayer – Strahan ColemanNinefold Path of Jesus – Mark ScandretteDeeply Formed Life – Rich VillodasThis here Flesh – Cole Arthur RileyHumankind – Ashlee EilandNot in God’s Name - Rabbi Jonathan SacksThe Very Good Gospel- Lisa Sharon HarperThe Life of Moses - James Montgomery Boice Deep Work - Cal Newport Slow Productivity - Cal Newport TheoDisc Podcast Joshua Luke Smith on SubstackMusicJon Webster – UnctionSEU Worship, Kingdom Culture Worship, Common Hymnal, Citizens, John Wilds, Saint Music Praise Songs - Andy Squyres

In a world where community can feel hard to find and sustain, this latest episode offers a fresh perspective on what it means to gather and grow together in faith. As they discuss the transition from crowd to community, Jonny and Sarah talk about the importance of engaging in authentic conversations.  It’s a wide ranging exploration of Mark chapter 8; a pivotal moment that shifts the narrative and invites us to rethink our understanding of Jesus and our role in His mission. They discuss what Jesus means, when he encourages his followers: “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” These conversations are not just about understanding the narrative of Mark; but about applying it to our lives today. How can we build community centred on Jesus? Let’s find out together.Jonny is Lead Pastor at ELC and Sarah is Head of Prayer & Leadership Development + Elim Prayer Director.You can listen to Sunday talks that track the Around The Fire Podcasts here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gsFbNeUkTaHBAac0_znNk59u_sN-lEM&si=fzmj-JdSvczuLzgvGot questions? Drop us a line on [email protected] or DM us on socials.Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurchGATHER + GROW We believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not a reality all of the time?In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation. How do we Gather & Grow? • Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into? • Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture.We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far? Resource RecommendationsParadoxolgy by Krish Kandiahhttps://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/paradoxology-book-krish-kandiah-9781444745368?sku=GOR007551444&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24034537664&gbraid=0AAAAADZzAICAbLw7fb9Kemv-9sKmJwne1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_eLVBhBEEiwAeaYZfHoKPthGu5QYdT_H6i3_nlciBQ6Wia5YtQ14kKcNoJLh2nLiBcJrFhoCsTgQAvD_BwE

S4 Episode 37 Mark 7 We are back in the Gospel of Mark. Jonny and Sarah chat about an intriguing encounter with Jesus. The Good News of Jesus is for everyone, everywhere! Listen in as we explore the mission unfolding…Jonny is Lead Pastor at ELC and Sarah is Head of Prayer & Leadership Development + Elim Prayer Director.You can listen to Sunday talks that track the Around The Fire Podcasts here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gsFbNeUkTaHBAac0_znNk59u_sN-lEM&si=fzmj-JdSvczuLzgvGot questions? Drop us a line on [email protected] or DM us on socials.Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurchGATHER + GROW We believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not a reality all of the time?In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation. How do we Gather & Grow?Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into?Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture.We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far? 

At ELC, we've Created a mid-week Greenhouse Community for deliberate discipleship themed around Spirit in Mission.As we Gather & Grow, a question we are intentionally asking as a community is – What is Holy Spirit inviting us/me into?We love a Q+R episode! Listen in as we respond to some of your Holy Spirit questions. Jonny is Lead Pastor at ELC and Sarah is Head of Prayer & Leadership Development + Elim Prayer Director.You can listen to the Sunday talks at ELC that track the Around The Fire Podcasts here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gsFbNeUkTaHBAac0_znNk59u_sN-lEM&si=fzmj-JdSvczuLzgvThank you for your questions. Keep sending them in. Drop us a line on [email protected] or DM us on socials.Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurchGATHER + GROW We believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not a reality all of the time?In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation. How do we Gather & Grow?Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into?Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture.We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far? Resource RecommendationsJon Thompson talking about Convergence - https://pod.wave.co/podcast/the-wake-up-call/the-gifts-of-the-spirit-jon-thompson-wake-up-call-conversations Holy Spirit + Genderhttps://pauldazet.substack.com/p/why-i-sometimes-call-the-holy-spirithttps://www.womanalive.co.uk/is-the-holy-spirit-the-female-part-of-god/19813.article https://margmowczko.com/spirit-masculine-pronouns-john/

The second part of our Mark 6 episode is here! Jesus lives a rhythm of rest + mission. How does this help us find + follow Jesus in the life we are living? Jonny is Lead Pastor at ELC and Sarah is Head of Prayer & Leadership Development + Elim Prayer Director.You can listen to the Sunday talks at ELC that track the Around The Fire Podcasts here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gsFbNeUkTaHBAac0_znNk59u_sN-lEM&si=fzmj-JdSvczuLzgvGot questions? Drop us a line on [email protected] or DM us on socials.Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurchGATHER + GROW We believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not a reality all of the time?In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation. How do we Gather & Grow?Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into?Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture.We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far? 

Mark 6 is so brilliant we are giving you two episodes on it! Here’s the first part where we take a deep dive into the life and death of John the Baptist. Jonny is Lead Pastor at ELC and Sarah is Head of Prayer & Leadership Development + Elim Prayer Director.You can listen to the Sunday talks at ELC that track the Around The Fire Podcasts here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gsFbNeUkTaHBAac0_znNk59u_sN-lEM&si=fzmj-JdSvczuLzgvGot questions? Drop us a line on [email protected] or DM us on socials.Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurchGATHER + GROW We believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not a reality all of the time?In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation. How do we Gather & Grow?Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into?Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture.We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far? Resource RecommendationsMark: The Story of God Commentary by Timothy G. Gombis  https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/mark-book-timothy-g-gombis-9780310327158