Madison Church

Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal or struggled with the weight of broken trust? Our latest podcast episode at Madison Church tackles these tough questions, guiding you through the complex journey of rebuilding trust in the aftermath of disappointment. We open our hearts and share personal stories, revealing how trust is the cornerstone of our community and spirituality. From understanding the critical elements that build trust to facing the hard truths about how easily it can be destroyed, we explore the full spectrum of trust within our relationships and our faith.This episode isn't just about the pain of betrayal, but also the healing power of forgiveness and reflection. Drawing on biblical wisdom and the transformative example set by Jesus, we illuminate the path to forgiving those who have wronged us and the intricate process of restoring trust. We don't shy away from the emotions involved, highlighting that while forgiveness can be freely given, the journey to reestablish trust takes tim

Ever wondered what holds our spiritual journeys and church communities together? The answer lies within the delicate tapestry of trust. I'm your host, Stephen Feith, and in our latest episode, we navigate the nuances of trust, inspired by Dr. Henry Cloud. We'll uncover how a blend of good motives, abilities, character, and a solid track record can enrich our connections with the divine and each other.As we journey through this episode, we unravel the complexities of trust in the fabric of our relationships. From the stories I share with my wife, Megan, to the broader context of our church community at Madison Church, we examine the symbiotic relationship between understanding others and developing trust. By dissecting our abilities and acknowledging our limitations, we cultivate a culture of trust that allows both individual and collective strength to flourish. Trust me, it's an exploration that strikes at the heart of what it means to be part of a faith community.Finishing with a candid reflec

Ever wonder about the strength of the bonds we forge simply through trust? "Just trust me" – three small words that pack a massive punch in the realm of relationships and integrity. Stephen Feith takes us on a profound journey, examining the essence of trust and our worthiness of it, with insights from the Cambridge Dictionary and Dr. Henry Cloud. It's not enough to believe we are trustworthy; we must actively demonstrate it through understanding, good motives, abilities, character, and a commendable track record.Imagine sitting with a doctor who doesn't listen; frustration bubbles up as trust in their expertise wanes. My personal narrative serves as a springboard to discuss the importance of understanding in building trust, whether it's within marriages, friendships, or even small groups at church. Wisdom from Proverbs warns us against ignoring the pursuit of understanding – a vital piece of advice we should all heed. Through listening and empathizing, we can become trustworthy pilla

As dawn broke on a Sunday unlike any other, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary discovered an empty tomb and a risen Christ. The Easter narrative, familiar yet ever-renewing, forms the backdrop of our heartfelt exploration into the depths of spiritual growth and resurrection power. Echoing the global chorus of believers, we declare "Christ is risen; He is risen indeed," drawing from our series "Mature Audiences Only" to journey through prayer and Scripture, seeking not scientific explanation but a spiritual awakening that Easter heralds.Venturing through the painful solemnity of Good Friday and the silent introspection of Saturday, we confront the role of suffering within the Christian experience. This episode doesn't shy away from the darker hues of the Easter story, instead embracing them as vital to our collective narrative of faith. As we relate the agony of the crucifixion to our own trials—from physical training to entrepreneurship—we uncover how pain, far from being a punitive fo

Have you ever felt your prayers were met with a deafening silence? That's the raw and often hidden struggle we're unpacking today. It's Stephen Feith here, embarking on a journey through the valleys of spiritual maturity, where the prayers we learned in childhood no longer suffice amidst the storms of life. As we confront the harrowing pain of lost dreams and the agony of grief, this conversation is an invitation to question, to doubt, and ultimately to grow a faith that can withstand the silence of heaven.Elijah, David, and even Jesus grappled with the silence of God, their stories reflecting our own heart-wrenching pleas. Through their biblical narratives, we open up a dialogue about the complexities of a faith that endures unanswered prayers. It's a chapter in our spiritual journey that calls for honesty in our doubts and steadfastness in our trust. As your guide, I'll share not only scriptural insights but also my family's personal battles with unemployment and the toll it ta

When Jason's grandfather, the actor-turned-pastor, would speak, his voice would resonate with a conviction that could only come from a lifetime of faith and prayer. In this heartfelt episode, we honor his legacy and explore the enigmatic force that underpins our spiritual journey: prayer. Together, we dissect what it means to align our pleas with God's will, taking cues from Jesus and Paul's teachings, and inviting you to reflect on how prayer molds your life story.There's nothing quite like the echo of an 'emptiness statue' in our quiet moments of struggle; it's something Jason has come to know intimately. Sharing candid tales of his personal battles, Jason pulls back the curtain on the solace he found in Scripture, particularly in the notion of the Lord as a fortress in times of trepidation. We discuss the role of prayer in seeking divine support, especially when our emotional reserves are depleted, offering an honest depiction of the raw supplications that have been Jason

Have you ever found yourself reminiscing about the simplicity of childhood prayers only to realize they don't quite stand up to the challenges of adulthood? That's exactly what we're tackling here at Madison Church Online, as Stephen Feith leads us through the evolution of prayer life in the latest chapter of our series. From the earnest nighttime rituals of our youth to the deep, soul-searching conversations we engage with God as adults, we're peeling back the layers on how our faith matures and adapts alongside us.This week, I take you down memory lane, sharing a comical yet poignant high school escapade involving teenage crushes, mechanical mishaps, and the earnest prayers of a young heart. Imagine the soundtrack of Simple Plan setting the mood as I recount the tale of my not-so-reliable truck, my attempts to woo Heather, and the lessons learned when life throws you a curveball. It's a story that teaches us about the consequences of our actions and the true nature of prayer—not jus

Have you ever considered the profound impact of prayer on the ordinary moments of your life, or how it evolves as we grow? Picture this: a speeding scare on Kentucky backroads turns into an unexpected reflection on faith for me, my dad, and our church friends amidst the backdrop of bourbon distillery tours and rare bottle 'hunts.' Our latest episode is a heartfelt recount of these experiences, coupled with an honest confession of my own speeding habits and how they led to a spontaneous prayer for reprieve.This journey isn't just about bourbon; it's about the camaraderie that comes from shared trials and the lessons learned in faith. We discuss the evolution of prayer from childhood to adulthood, unpacking how misconceptions can skew our understanding and make us feel like unanswered prayers are personal failures. Through candid conversations, we confront these myths head-on, striving to reshape our practice of prayer into one that reinforces our faith, self-esteem, and our relationship wit

Ever feel lost in the maze of biblical scholarship? Fear not, as my colleagues Sarah Hansen, Jason Webb, and I, Stephen Feith, light the way through varying approaches to Bible study and engagement. Sarah dispels the myth of 'right time' Bible study with her eclectic blend of podcasts and casual reading, while Jason draws from his predawn moments of peace, steeped in the Psalms. I share how Jesus' teachings in the Gospels offer a daily compass for my life, illustrating that whether in the quiet dawn or the midst of life's hustle, scripture speaks.But what about the voices around us? Our latest discussion opens the floor to the indispensable role of community in biblical interpretation. Together, we navigate the tightrope between honoring scripture and avoiding its deification, promoting a narrative that invites us into larger conversations rather than ending them. We invite you to consider the beauty of divine communication through arts and expressions beyond the written word, and to engag

Our latest episode is a captivating journey through the complexities of these narratives, drawing parallels that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for both. We start by unpacking the beginning of everything, the fall of man, and God's unwavering master plan. The Bible's grand tale, from Genesis to Revelation, is broken down into digestible segments, revealing the purpose of our existence and the ripple effects of our choices.As the plot thickens, we move beyond mere spectacle to the heart of the matter: our active role in the divine drama. I navigate the treacherous waters of consumerism in today's church and how it clashes with our mission as believers. Our conversation is a wake-up call, urging us to reject passivity and instead, engage fully in the narrative of redemption and restoration. Madison Church stands as a testament to this calling, and as we celebrate its 10th anniversary, we delve into what makes this community a beacon of hope and collaboration.Finally, we wrap up by in

Embark with us on a thought-stirring sojourn where the dusty pages of the Old Testament spring to life, revealing their enduring relevance in our personal growth and faith. We don't shy away from the tough questions as we scrutinize the complexities of scripture, challenging the simplistic narratives often taught. Our conversation takes you through the potent blend of history, ethics, and spirituality, examining the relationship between ancient texts and the moral quandaries of the contemporary world. It's a candid exploration that promises to deepen your understanding of faith amidst a tapestry of diverse beliefs and ideas.The scriptures often come under fire for their seemingly archaic rules and the portrayal of a God starkly different from the compassionate figure of modern faith. Together, we navigate these turbulent waters, responding to critiques like those from Richard Dawkins and others who call into question the ethical implications of the Hebrew scriptures. We dissect the contrast between

Have you ever tried to communicate something important, only to end up in a tangle of confusion? That's exactly what happened when Sarah hinted to Chris about not wanting to make dinner, which somehow translated into a mix-up involving Jimmy John's. It's the perfect segue into our profound exploration of Genesis, where we unravel the rich tapestry of creation narratives and their dance with scientific thought. We bypass the pitfalls of misinterpretation and plunge into the heart of what Genesis really aims to tell us, considering not just the dawn of the cosmos and humanity, but the very foundation of the Hebrew nation.Against the backdrop of passionate and often polarized debates, this episode zooms in on the pivotal truth that God is the creator, infusing the universe with intent and purpose beyond our human timelines. With the help of new insights from the James Webb Space Telescope stirring the scientific community, we examine the parallels between the faith we place in science and religion

Ever wondered about the complex journey of the Bible from ancient manuscripts to the book on your nightstand? Join me, Stephen Feith, as we traverse this historical landscape, piecing together the remarkable story of the scriptures. We dive into the Bible's origins and its enduring narrative—a narrative that centers around the figure of Jesus, whose life reshaped history and whose teachings have transcended generations. This episode promises to deepen your understanding of the Bible's compilation and the profound impact of oral traditions in preserving the story of Christianity's cornerstone.Could the New Testament's claims about Jesus withstand the scrutiny of historical inquiry? We examine the robust evidence supporting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, acknowledging the challenges and affirming the extraordinary nature of his story. As followers of Christ, we are often called to defend the faith against skeptics, and this episode equips you with the historical context and archaeol

Have you ever caught a whiff of a familiar scent, and it instantly transported you back in time? This week at Madison Church, we're joined by a special guest, Rev. Abbie Sawczak, and together we venture into the heart of spiritual growth. We'll reflect on the beauty of abiding in Christ, as she recounts the journey from her transformative campus ministry years in Madison to the present day, diving into how personal stories and biblical narratives intertwine to reveal the fragrant trail we can leave by walking in faith.Navigating the spiritual realm can be akin to traversing a winding road, but through our discussion, we'll explore how practices like 'dwelling' and 'submitting' provide the seatbelts we need for the ride. Our conversation takes a turn into the garden of our hearts, where we grasp the importance of being pruned by the Gardener's hand, a necessary pain for the blossoming of our souls. Join us as we stitch together the wisdom from the Bible and the lived exp

Have your New Year's resolutions fizzled out in the flurry of life's demands? Let's rekindle that spark of transformation together. In our latest episode, we navigate the tempest of personal change, invoking the rhythms of chronobiology and the sweet promise of Mondays as beacons for a fresh start. We ponder the elements that snag our focus—be it the tug of love, the weight of financial woes, or the embrace of family—and how they might be steering us away from the growth we yearn for. I share insights to help you recalibrate your attention, empowering you to pursue meaningful metamorphosis at any time of year.Then, take a stroll with me through the cobblestoned paths of ancient Jerusalem, as we recount a unique tale from Jesus' youth. Discover how a moment of parental panic during Passover reveals the eternal thread of familial concern that connects us across millennia. No guide or historian needed here; the story of Jesus lost in the temple not only illuminates the cultural backdrop of Bi

As each new year rings in, many of us find ourselves reflecting on promises made and the tenacity of our faithfulness to keep them. This episode is for those of us pondering the resolutions of yesteryear with either a sigh of achievement or a pang of forgetfulness. I, Stephen Feith, get candid about my own hurdles in staying true to my commitments, and I extend an invitation for you to voyage with me into the essence of metanoia, the transformative alignment of our hearts and minds with the divine. We take a leaf from the enduring patience and humility of Simeon and Anna, two biblical beacons of devotion, whose stories offer us a mirror to our spiritual pursuits as we stride into 2024 with renewed fervor.Amid the festivities and cheer, we find profound wisdom in the lives of those who waited with bated breath for the Messiah. Simeon and Anna, those prophetic voices from the Gospel of Luke, serve as testament to a faith that transcends time and status. Their encounters with the Holy Family are more than just n

Embark with us as we peel back the layers of time to the very heart of the Christmas story, retracing Mary and Joseph's steps to Bethlehem within our narrative series, "Christmas According to Luke." The Gospel of Luke paints a tapestry of the extraordinary entwined with the humdrum – a census journey, a stable birth, and shepherds' wide-eyed wonder, all fulfilling ancient prophecies while resonating deeply with both believers and inquisitive souls. As we narrate this tale, we consider its profound impact on individuals like Theophilus, the original recipient of Luke's Gospel, and its promise of reassurance and insight for those who seek to understand the Christian faith today.This episode is a heartfelt invitation to view the divine through a new lens this Christmas, seeing God's presence in the quiet, everyday moments as well as in the monumental ones. Through the Christmas story, we are reminded of the universality of God's grace and love, transcending barriers of circumst

Feeling the holiday rush? The joy of gift-giving and its complexities is a theme we all can relate to. Remember the unadulterated delight of a child receiving their favored gift? Well, that same emotion is often a challenge to recreate as we become adults. Join us as we ruminate on this progression of emotions and the true pleasure that a thoughtful gift can bring.Let's transition to the story of Elizabeth and Mary, two humble and faithful women who showed that faith is not about having all the answers. Their tale resonates with us, a profound testament of how God's promise unfolds. As Elizabeth gives birth to John, we witness not just a fulfillment but also a lesson - to embody humility and faith in our lives. We then journey to the prophecy of Zechariah, the birth of Jesus, and how it defied Jewish expectations. Beyond the story’s biblical significance, we ponder on Jesus' birth as the ultimate gift that satiates our universal longing for wholeness.As we immerse in the Advent season, let&apos

What if you could discover hidden truths buried within familiar biblical narratives that would awaken faithfulness and obedience in your Christian walk? In our latest conversation, we peel back layers in the stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary from the book of Luke, revealing valuable lessons about faith and obedience regardless of our understanding or circumstances. We explore the incredible joy Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced after welcoming parenthood after a long wait, reminding us that with God, no waiting season is ever in vain.We also venture into the extraordinary encounter between Elizabeth and Mary, both carrying miracles in their wombs. The exchange between these women is brimming with divine revelations; from Elizabeth's spirit-filled prophetic greeting to Mary's hymn of praise, their stories exemplify courageous faith and obedience beyond societal norms. It's a reminder of God's favor on those who society might disregard, emphasizing the importance of aligning with G

Ever wondered what time travel has to do with the Christmas story? Brace yourself for an intriguing exploration of faith, disbelief, and divine revelations that'll reshape your understanding of the biblical account of Mary and the angel Gabriel. We kick off our talk with a spirited debate on Christmas music before we journey back in time, drawing you into the extraordinary announcement Mary receives and her remarkable faith in response. Unpack the significance of Gabriel's message and the role of Joseph, even as we highlight the surprising ways God works.As we continue our journey, we dive deep into Mary's response to Gabriel's announcement. Imagine being told you'll bear a son who will be great and be called the Son of God! We break down the religious language so you can grasp the full implications of this divine message. Discover how Mary's faithful affirmation contrasts sharply with Zechariah's skepticism. We conclude our episode with a practical discussion on embracing G