Episódios
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
This season is all about spiritual rhythms and disciplines, and we’ve been using the last few episodes to focus on sabbaticals, a continuation of the practice of sabbath rest. In this episode, Micki Ann chats with our final guest of the season, pastor Grady Davidson, as he outlines his sabbatical experience.
Grady began thinking about pursuing a sabbatical after nearly thirteen years as a pastor at Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church. With the support of his leadership, encouragement from mentors, and assistance from the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program, the Davidson family set off on a fifteen-week sabbatical. This time was broken up into trips and activities that focused on three areas: exploring the past, embracing the present, and envisioning the future. The result was a fruitful time of rest and refocusing that not only refreshed Grady and his wife but provided him with the perspective and wisdom needed for the unexpected Covid season that developed just months after he returned to ministry.
Join us for the final episode of season 5 as Grady shares the three areas he hoped to address through the sabbatical, and stay till the end to hear about “the spiritual gift of plodding.”
About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:
[0:26] Rhythms of sabbath and sabbaticals[1:53] Introducing Grady Davidson[3:44] The importance of sabbaticals[5:15] Defining sabbaticals[6:41] Thoughts and conversations leading to Grady’s sabbatical[10:27] Areas of focus for sabbaticalGrady’s pulpit ministryFamily and marriageEmpowering congregation to serve[18:15] Preparing the church for Grady’s absence Finding a temporary pastorOutlining worship servicesOrganizing special events[20:39] Content of Grady’s sabbaticalExploring the pastTour of Israel and JordanRoad trips with wife to places they’d livedEmbracing the presentBeach time with familyIntegrating The Daily OfficeEnvisioning the future11 day solo trip in Montana[33:00] Processing the past[38:46] Takeaways and returning to ministry[42:32] Change in spiritual practices[46:38] Call to denominational leaders to advocate for sabbaticals[48:23] Final thoughts: “the spiritual gift of plodding”Links and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerLilly Endowment Clergy Renewal ProgramThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Last episode, Micki Ann and Rusty McKie introduced the topic of sabbaticals. In this episode, Micki Ann interviews pastor Tracy Edwards, who shares his story of working with his congregation to take a much-needed break from ministry.
In his seventeen years of pastoring, Tracy had never taken a sabbatical. It wasn’t until he was overwhelmed by the difficulty of leading a small congregation during the Covid crisis that he reached a breaking point. During a conversation with a counselor, Tracy was able to identify feeling dry and disconnected from God, problems which were affecting both his work in the church and his relationship with his family. With support and encouragement from his congregation and family, Tracy took a one-month sabbatical that culminated in a solo trip where the Lord spoke to the heart of the issue.
This is the second of three episodes about sabbaticals. Listen in to this episode to hear more about Tracy’s experience and why sabbaticals are critical for ministry leaders.
About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:
[0:50] Explaining the extended focus on sabbaticals[2:03] What is a sabbatical?[4:06] Introducing Tracy Edwards[9:23] The unique challenges of being a pastor[11:37] Factors leading to Tracy’s sabbatical[15:19] Turning point: General AssemblyConversation with a counselorHose analogyCircle exerciseFeeling “dry” and disconnected from the Lord[18:49] The issue of pastors not being able to connect with each other[20:59] The dry place and ministry[23:03] Steps Tracy took for restorationConnected with local counselorTalked to leadership about sabbaticalHonesty with congregation[27:31] How Tracy’s family was affected[29:52] Details about sabbatical Unplugging from work/church10-day vacation with wife and daughterSolo camping trip[32:37] Pivotal moment alone with God[37:31] Encouragement to take sabbaticals and following Jesus’s example[42:46] Churches: pray for your pastor[45:53] Practicals for those who aren’t able to take a sabbatical [47:03] True vacation means skipping SundaysLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Earlier in this season, Adam and Micki Ann talked about the spiritual rhythm of sabbath, but what if you need more than one day of rest? In this episode, guest Rusty McKie shares advice on how to take a sabbatical.
After pastoring for several years, Rusty sensed God leading him in a new direction, resulting in Steadfast Ministries, an organization that helps ministry leaders. One of Rusty’s focuses is sabbatical coaching, where he helps individuals make the most of an extended time away from work. Although sabbaticals can be for anyone, pastors in particular often need time to refocus and reconnect with the Lord. Rusty explains that pastoral ministry is a career with unique burdens and difficulties, such as mixing the personal, vocational, and spiritual parts of one’s life. Whether it’s time for deep rest or space to process through repressed grief, a sabbatical provides the opportunity to address hardships and make plans for a more sustainable life in ministry.
Even if you’re not a pastor or ministry leader, you can still use Rusty’s tips on caring for your own soul. Listen in to Micki Ann’s interview with Rusty, the first of three episodes about sabbaticals.
About Adam WhitescarverAdam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:
[1:19] Why focus on sabbaticals?[2:07] Rusty McKie’s ministry background and present work[6:06] Why Rusty chose the field of spiritual direction[10:15] What is a sabbatical?[12:24] Sabbatical coaching and book[15:13] The unique challenges of pastoral ministry[21:40] First steps for someone taking a sabbatical [28:07] A crisis of grief[34:26] Planning your sabbatical[40:00] Processing big questions/issues[44:46] How to stay in restful space upon reentrySpend time with God in silence and solitude and ask what needs to changeUtilize a Rule of LifeAnticipate old habits[48:57] Final thought: care for your own soulLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerSteadfast MinistriesSabbaticals by Rusty McKieThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
No spiritual practice is more connected to the Bible and the Church than the Lord’s Prayer. In this episode, Adam explains why knowing this piece of Scripture is so useful for praying comprehensively at any time.
The initial significance of the Lord’s Prayer is obvious – it’s the model prayer Jesus himself gave to his disciples; however, the Lord’s Prayer also represents the most-prayed prayer of church history, AND it covers all the areas Christians should be praying about regularly. So how do you incorporate this prayer into your spiritual rhythms? First, Adam says, you need to memorize it. Once you do, you can pray through the petitions quickly during in-between times (commutes, waiting for your coffee order, etc.) or sit down and go through the prayer slowly during your devotions.
Listen in to this episode to hear how using the Lord’s Prayer repeatedly can be transformative and why one church father called it “the summary of the whole gospel.”
About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:
[0:27] Update: new facility![2:36] Why do a whole episode on the Lord’s Prayer[3:44] The historical and ecumenical significance of the Lord’s Prayer[5:42] A comprehensive prayer[7:50] The gospel and the Lord’s Prayer[12:33] A prayer of few words[13:28] How to use the Lord’s Prayer as a spiritual practiceMemorizationRepetitionPraying on the goUtilizing the petitionsDoing a “deep dive”[23:22] The importance of the first line[26:07] Connecting your life and needs to the prayer[28:09] The Lord’s Prayer as a communal prayer[31:43] “So deep, but so easy”[34:26] Adam and Micki Ann recite the Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.Links and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Does how we use our bodies matter theologically? According to guest Joey Schlabs, the answer is a definitive “yes!” In this episode, Micki Ann dialogues with Joey about embodied spirituality and the why and how of making embodied choices.
Between his academic interest in unexplored topics in the church and his curiosity about the theology of everyday life, Joey has spent more than five years researching the sacred importance of our physical bodies. He explains that humans were made to have embodied presence (physically dwelling with God) and embodied attention (purposefully interacting with the physical world). Within these two paradigms, we are tasked with making choices about how to be present and attentive in the here and now. How we make these decisions is a spiritual discipline that shapes and prepares us for eternity with God.
Listen in as Joey and Micki Ann discuss what embodied spirituality has to say about technology and how he and his family engage these ideas in their daily lives.
About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:
[0:58] Introduction to Joey Schlabs[5:38] How Joey came to focus on this topic[9:12] Defining “embodied spirituality” [13:21] Embodied presence[16:18] Embodied attention[23:22] The “Garden to City” paradigm[27:22] Babel, Babylon, and the rival city[30:52] Technology as relief from our physical burdens[41:33] Making embodied choices[48:38] The science of the brain following the body[52:27] The habitude of embodied choices[56:58] Joey’s experience doing spiritual disciplines in community[1:00:07] Final thoughts and book recommendationsLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerEvery Moment Holy (Vol. I) by Douglas Kaine McKelveyEvery Moment Holy (Vol. II) by Douglas Kaine McKelveyYou Are What You Love by James K. A. SmithThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
This episode’s spiritual discipline is the Examen – but don’t worry, this isn’t a test! It’s an ancient practice combining prayer, thankfulness, and reflection. As they walk through the steps of the Examen, Adam and Micki Ann discuss the importance of reflective practices.
In simplest terms, the Examen is the process of prayerfully reflecting on your day. As you go over the events, feelings, and conversations that happened, invite God to highlight moments to you, offering thanks and asking forgiveness as needed. Part of what makes this practice unique is the focus on feelings. As Micki Ann explains, God speaks to us through our hearts, so knowing ourselves better is helpful in growing closer to God.
Listen in to this episode to hear Micki Ann’s thoughts about getting to live your day twice and why the Examen is so valuable.About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:
[0:37] Why talk about spiritual practices on this podcast[1:34] The etymology of “examen”[2:51] What is The Examen?[6:19] The steps of The Examen1. Looking back on your day with God2. Reviewing your day and expressing thanks3. Paying attention to feelings (consolations and desolations)4. Asking for forgiveness5. Looking ahead to the next day[14:50] What it really means to examine our feelings[18:20] Adam’s thoughts on this practice[22:26] The benefits of “living your day twice”[26:13] The importance of reflection[29:20] The fruitfulness of The ExamenBeing able to see that God is at work in your lifeKnowing our own heartsReflecting[32:37] Closing thought from John CalvinLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
How can the Ten Commandments be used as a positive spiritual practice? In this episode, Adam and Micki Ann move past the common negative view of the Ten Commandments and show how they can be used to bring us closer to God and the life He created us for.
Especially in the context of creation, the Ten Commandments help answer the question, “What would my life be like if it was as God intended?” They act as a calling both to holiness and to human flourishing. Through prayer (and memorization!), the Ten Commandments can be used to evaluate our own lives, allowing God to reveal areas of sin and help us realign ourselves with His morality.
Listen in to this episode to hear some of Adam’s experience with this practice and tips for incorporating it into your own spiritual walk.About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:
[0:49] Why the Ten Commandments?[4:24] The Ten Commandments and human flourishing[7:00] The Ten Commandments and human spirituality[10:52] Remembering the “upward call”[13:44] Changing popular perception of the Ten Commandments [18:58] How to use the Ten Commandments as a spiritual disciplineMemorizationPraying through them[21:25] Challenges of this practice[26:12] Exploring the Ten Commandments in the context of a prayer retreatLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
There are many ways to read Scripture, but Lectio Divina (Latin for “sacred reading”) is a slowed-down approach with the aim of engaging in conversation with God through the text. In this episode, Adam and Micki Ann look at the four movements of Lectio Divina and how these practices can be used to hear God in unexpected places.
The movements of Lectio Divina are easy to remember: Read (slowly!), Reflect (on “shimmery” words/passages), Respond (in prayer), and Rest (allow the Word to settle). Although they can go by different names, these are the four pieces that have been practiced for hundreds of years. Several “bonus” movements can be added, including a time of preparation before reading and an opportunity to Resolve at the end. As Micki Ann notes, the more you practice Lectio Divina, the more the movements become habits that help you to become aware of how God can speak to you through nature, a conversation, and even art.
Listen in to this episode to hear how changing the way you read the Bible can revitalize your spiritual journey, and find out how Adam connects Lectio Divina to Batman.About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:
[1:18] What is Lectio Divina?[9:30] “Dryness” and changing the way you read Scripture[14:53] The four movements of Lectio Divina(Bonus) Preparation1. Read2. Reflect3. Respond4. Rest(Bonus) Resolve[24:20] Adam’s advice to task-oriented people[26:07] How the movements of Lectio Divina can help you hear God outside of reading Scripture[31:34] The invitational aspect of Lectio DivinaLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
For this episode, Adam and Micki Ann switch roles to allow Adam to tell the story of how he came to realize that he needed to craft a rule of life. As they discuss life-giving habits, real limitations, and the rhythms that guide both of these categories, Micki Ann and Adam explain the rule of life and how it benefits the whole self.
A rule of life is the ordering of your spiritual disciplines and boundaries to “support spiritual growth and life." Adam shares that even though his life was full of prayer, Bible reading, and listening to sermons, he felt empty and drained. By crafting a rule of life around daily, weekly, and yearly practices, Adam’s life took on a rhythm of doing and not doing that strengthened his spiritual life. As much as the rule of life is individual (based on your own personality, abilities, limitations, etc.), it’s important to practice it in community – for accountability, encouragement, and edification.
Listen in to this episode to hear ways to start crafting a rule of life, and find out why this rhythm is like growing cucumbers.About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.Jump Through the Conversation:
[1:50] What is a rule of life?[6:14] How Adam found himself needing a rule of life[11:01] Why Adam’s spiritual practices were draining and how he reconfigured them[16:51] The individual and corporate aspects of the rule of life[19:32] The importance of writing things down[20:40] Adam’s growth with his rule of life[25:54] Example from the retreat guide on how to develop a rule of life[32:52] On starting small[37:50] The benefit of doing the rule of life in community[40:52] Adam’s family and the rule of lifeLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerRule of Life Retreat Guide by Adam WhitescarverThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “sabbath?” In this episode, Adam and Micki Ann address preconceptions about the Sabbath and show why this sacramental time is an invitation not just to rest but to deepen intimacy with God.
As Adam shares, a mandatory Sabbath day can seem like the act of an “oppressive overlord,” but this couldn’t be farther from the truth; the Sabbath a holy, consecrated day, but it’s also an acknowledgement of human limitation and our intrinsic need to take a break from work. In fact, we’re encouraged to think about what “taskmasters” in our lives are keeping us from rest and peace. Of course, there’s mystery in why God made this day holy and blessed, and the only way to understand this better is to seek His heart.
Listen in to this episode to hear some practical steps for creating a day of rest. Plus, Micki Ann and Adam answer an important question: what if you work on Sundays?About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.Jump Through the Conversation:
[1:31] Addressing misunderstandings about the Sabbath[3:55] God’s creation of the first Sabbath[8:54] Connection between the Sabbath, eternity, and Jesus’s work on the cross[11:07] Defining sabbath rest [14:54] What it means to “remember” the Sabbath[20:20] What’s keeping you from resting?[26:33] Plan, prepare, and practice[29:35] Doing Sabbath on a different day[33:11] Jesus and the Sabbath[35:00] Information about ChattHOP’s Sabbath Retreat GuideLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer Sabbath Retreat Guide by the Chattanooga House of PrayerThe Sabbath by Rabbi Abraham Joshua HeschelThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
If the thought of sitting in extended silence sounds challenging or even awkward, you’re not alone. Even Micki Ann acknowledges that silence, solitude, and stillness are some of the hardest rhythms to learn – but also the most important. In this episode, Adam and Micki Ann look at these three concepts, what makes them difficult, and the benefits they offer.
Instead of thinking about silence, solitude, and stillness strictly in terms of absence (of noise, people, or movement), Micki Ann explains that these conditions allow for an experience of the “very rich presence [of God].” Of course, the absence of distractions can be uncomfortable, and it’s essential to pay attention to the thoughts, emotions, and temptations that emerge in the quietness. But if you can recognize and address these resistances, then you can begin to enjoy the peace cultivated through these three disciplines.
Listen in to this episode to hear what the Rhythms Retreat on silence, solitude, and stillness is like and learn some tips for developing these practices on your own.About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:
[1:22] Explaining silence and solitude[2:31] Acknowledging and dealing with discomfort[5:21] Creating a place of peace[8:09] Explaining stillness[9:42] The importance of addressing our reactions to silence, solitude, and stillness[16:48] Tips for cultivating these rhythms [24:51] Identifying the desire to develop these practices[26:04] Benefits of silence, solitude, and stillnessLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Joining Adam for Season 5 is Micki Ann Harris, the Spiritual Formation Director at the Chattanooga House of Prayer. In this episode, Micki Ann shares how her life experiences led her to Chattanooga and ChattHOP, and she and Adam talk about their Rhythms Retreats and why these spiritual practices are invaluable for Christians.
Although Micki Ann became a Christian as a 9-year-old, she found her calling in ministry when she rededicated her life at 20. After moving across the country several times and serving in many church and ministry roles, Micki Ann helped found the Chattanooga House of Prayer in 2010. Her current role is the culmination of years of growing in intimacy with God and feeling a personal need for the beautiful and life-giving spiritual practices that she teaches to others. These spiritual rhythms are the backbone of the retreats Micki Ann leads at ChattHOP, and although there are various rhythms (as you’ll hear in this season!), the goal of each one is fostering deeper intimacy with God.
Listen in to this episode to find out some of the specific rhythms that Micki Ann and Adam will be discussing this season.About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.Jump Through the Conversation:
[1:19] Introduction to Micki Ann[6:34] How a difficult season deepened Micki Ann’s intimacy with Christ[9:56] Micki Ann’s calling and growth in ministry [14:59] Adam’s observations and encouragement to twenty-somethings[16:04] The relationship between action and formation[20:04] Micki Ann’s history with ChattHOP[23:48] Current role as Spiritual Formation Director[25:30] The inception of Rhythms at ChattHOP[29:47] What retreats at ChattHOP look like[33:30] Some of this season’s topics/rhythmsSilence and solitudeCultivating intimacy with GodMeditative approach to ScriptureSabbathForms of prayerUnderstanding worth of human bodiesRule of life[39:11] Why one should attend a ChattHOP retreatLinks and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerCelebration of Discipline by Richard FosterSacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley BartonThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Welcome to Season 5 of A Beautiful Church Podcast! For the past four seasons, we’ve brought you ecumenical voices from across the greater Chattanooga area through Adam’s conversations with pastors, priests, and ministry leaders – all with the goal of showing the beauty within the diversity of God’s Church and how there’s more that unifies us than divides us. Unity is at the core of ChattHOP’s mission, and in this season, we’re highlighting a different way of building unity by exploring spiritual disciplines that the Church has used for centuries.
If you want to go deeper with these spiritual practices, check out the Retreat Guides on our website’s Resources page.About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Links and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayResources from the Chattanooga House of PrayerThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Ken Sauer knew he was called to be a pastor from a young age, but it took a radical experience with a cult, ten years of depression and spiritual wandering, and the MTV Video Music Awards to get him to start his ministry journey. Now, Ken is the pastor of Red Bank United Methodist Church, a congregation with a long history and a reputation for its food bank ministry. In the final episode of Season 4, Ken and Adam talk about the strengths of Methodism, how Red Bank UMC is doing post-pandemic, and what Ken sees happening in Chattanooga and across the nation.
Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.
About Adam WhitescarverAdam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
[0:42] Ken’s background and long road to ministry[1:00] Journalism career[2:24] Call to ministry and lifestyle in highschool[4:33] The impact of events in college[7:03] Opening a heavy metal t-shirt shop after losing his faith[11:11] Turning point: MTV VMAs[14:09] Seminary and reflections on the previous 10 years[15:41] Ken’s long struggle with faith and depression[20:28] Church location, service times, connection information[21:57] History of Red Bank UMC[24:58] Red Bank UMC’s role in the community[28:06] Ken’s experience running food pantries[35:28] Unity and division in the United Methodist Church[44:27] What it means to be a connectional denomination[49:28] More historical and general information about the UMC[56:52] How Red Bank UMC is doing post-pandemic[1:02:55] Sociological trends in the US and the dwindling of church culture[1:09:03] Final exhortation to believers
Jump Through the Conversation:Links and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayRed Bank UMC websiteThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Pastor Terry Evans knows what God has called his church to do – minister to the community. Grace Pointe Assembly of God has found ways to serve local oncology patients, homeschool groups, special needs kids and their families, and more. Alongside its outreach, Grace Pointe makes space for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as demonstrated by two miracles of healing that happened at a recent church revival.
Listen to this episode to hear Terry and Adam discuss Terry’s call to ministry, the structure of the Assemblies of God, and Grace Pointe’s current outreach focus.
Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.
About Adam WhitescarverAdam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
[1:28] Church location, service times, connection information[3:05] History of Grace Pointe[6:07] How Terry came to be a pastor[10:26] Comparing onramps to ministry in different denominations[14:10] Overview of Assemblies of God[18:17] Comparing disciplinary methods in different denominations[23:16] Grace Pointe’s outreach to Chattanooga[29:56] Gifts of the Holy Spirit at Grace PointeHappens in addition to works of faith (outreach)Two recent healings[33:08] Theology of healing[43:19] What God is doing at Grace PointeFocus on young familiesThe importance of small groups[53:39] Dealing with challenges as a pastor[57:19] Final exhortation to believers
Jump Through the Conversation:Links and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayGrace Pointe Assembly of God websiteThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
From coming to the Lord at six years old at a revival at the church to leaving a thriving ministry in Indiana to return as its senior pastor, Dr. Ternae Jordan’s life and ministry have been undeniably connected to Mount Canaan Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Following in the footsteps of his father, the previous pastor, Ternae keeps Mount Canaan focused on serving the community, even through the recent pandemic.
Listen in to this episode to hear Ternae talk about his church philosophy, his experience in inner city Fort Wayne, and his thoughts on the black church.
Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.
About Adam WhitescarverAdam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
[1:16] History of Mount Canaan Baptist Church[4:21] Ternae’s attitude toward ministry[7:24] Ternae’s church and street ministry in inner city Fort Wayne[12:34] More on Ternae’s ministry in Fort Wayne and his transition back to Chattanooga[22:08] Mount Canaan’s role in Chattanooga[27:55] Church location, service times, connection information[29:52] How 2020 affected Mount CanaanIncreased viewershipFacilitated racial reconciliation events Advocating for COVID-19 help for underserved communities [35:34] On African-American church tradition [45:02] Why Ternae joined the Southern Baptist Convention[51:21] Final exhortation to believers
Jump Through the Conversation:Links and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayMount Canaan Baptist Church websiteThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Association with any denomination comes with both pros and cons. Although The Crossing changed its name to attract those who might have a negative view of the Church of God, this congregation has not strayed from its Pentecostal roots. In fact, Pastor Chad Harris has made it a point not just to understand the history of the church but to make sure The Crossing continues to offer an “authentic Pentecostal experience” that is grounded in sound theology and the Word of God.
Check out this episode to hear Chad talk about how Pentecostalism is expressed at The Crossing and how he came to be their pastor and to listen as Chad and Adam discuss teaching and ministering to the next generation.
Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.
About Adam WhitescarverAdam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
[0:49] About Pastor Chad Harris[3:01] History of The Crossing[4:52] Hereditary pastorship in the Church of God[6:52] Reason for the church’s name change[9:02] Church location, service times, connection information[10:18] What Chad learned during a lunch with the church’s longest memberThe church has always been Holy Spirit-focusedThe church always began to die when it wasn’t addressing the next generation[15:42] Adam talks about catechisms[19:53] More on the Pentecostal history of The Crossing[21:28] Chad’s vision for The Crossing[28:38] The challenge of changing a church’s culture[35:44] The Crossing’s prayer culture[43:36] Chad’s experience at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary[45:13] How an individual can “responsibly” seek a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit[53:29] On how Pentecostals miss out by not teaching theology to their children[57:08] What Chad sees God doing in Chattanooga and across the nation[1:05:03] Exhortation to not be consumer-minded with church
Jump Through the Conversation:Links and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayThe Crossing Church websiteThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Pastor Melody Winderweedle’s call to ministry came in the form of a dream – two dreams, actually. In 2015 when the founding pastor of Ekklesia was called to another state, he asked Melody and her husband, Bud, to take over the pastorship. When they both had prophetic dreams on the same night, they realized that this is what God was leading them to.
Ekklesia, a Vineyard-associated church, makes space for the Holy Spirit to move, dreams (and healing!) included. In this episode, Adam and Melody discuss personal and biblical experiences of God’s power, what it’s like to be a Vineyard church, and how Ekklesia has been advocating for local students.
Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021. Ekklesia has since changed locations. For more information, please visit their website.
About Adam WhitescarverAdam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
[2:44] Church location*, service times, connection information[3:10] How Melody and Bud came to be the pastors of Ekklesia[8:50] Prophetic dreamsMelody and Bud’s prophetic dreams that lead them to accept the role at EkklesiaAdam’s examples of dreams from the Bible and his own experiences[17:05] What Melody’s ministry has looked like in the past five years[19:18] Difficulties of pastorship and the importance of community support[23:00] Background information on the Vineyard Movement[26:46] Praying for healing/theology of miracles[33:17] Melody’s healing story[42:45] More information about the Vineyard Movement[48:25] Ekklesia’s place in Chattanooga[55:59] What Melody sees God doing in Chattanooga[1:01:38] Exhortation to “humbly listen to one another
Jump Through the Conversation:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayEkklesia Church website
*Special note*: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021. Ekklesia has since changed locations. For more information, please visit their website.
Links and Resources:Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
City Church seeks to be just that – a church for the city. Even though it isn’t the oldest or largest congregation in Chattanooga, City Church has a reputation of being a “mother church” due in part to how they live out their mission. Lead Pastor Shannon Chapman says that City Church doesn’t need or want to lead every outreach opportunity in the city – “we just want to be involved.”
But what really makes City Church unique is how they value both the experience of the presence of God and the Word of God. Listen in to this episode to hear more about City Church’s culture and what Shannon sees God doing at City Church and in Chattanooga in this season.
Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.
About Adam WhitescarverAdam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
[1:22] Church location, service times, connection information[2:10] History of City Church[5:31] City Church’s heart for Chattanooga[6:20] What it means to be a Church of God church[9:25] City Church’s emphasis on the presence of God[14:23] Stewarding spontaneous moments with order[18:43] Balance between Scripture and experience[22:13] Knowing how to steward the experience after it happensAdam’s examples from ScriptureExperiencing the Word of God to know that it’s true[29:04] City Church’s role in the city of Chattanooga[30:41] Shannon: “God is stirring things in the heart of Chattanooga”Urgency, hunger for GodHow Shannon is learning that “God meets us at our level of desperation”[34:18] The origin of City Church’s heart for Chattanooga[38:04] City Church’s prayer culture[43:55] What God is doing in City Church[50:49] Back to Shannon’s observations on what God is doing in Chattanooga[52:49] Exhortation to create quiet space
Jump Through the Conversation:Links and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todayCity Church websiteThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.
Tony Walliser has what he calls a “small-church-pastor heart” despite being the senior pastor of one of Chattanooga’s largest churches. During his twenty-six years on staff, Tony has seen Silverdale Baptist Church grow into four venues and thousands of members. But Silverdale’s current discipleship initiative is not for the sake of adding to those numbers. Listen to this episode to find out why Silverdale is starting home churches, how Tony came to Christ and how God has dealt with his insecurities, and what three things make up the backbone of Silverdale’s culture.
Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.
[1:51] Tony’s early years and introduction to the gospel[6:52] Church location, service times, connection information[8:23] Background on Silverdale[11:44] On staying at Silverdale for so longTony’s “small-church-pastor heart”Tony on realizing when he’s taking on a yoke that isn’t his[16:20] How God has addressed Tony’s insecuritiesChildhood insecurity: “there’s nothing that you have to say that anybody wants to hear”God’s promise to Tony from Exodus[23:52] Missions and worship, growing, and serving as Silverdale’s emphases [34:53] Information about Oaks Coffee House[36:30] Silverdale’s prayer culture[42:37] Silverdale’s current focus on discipleship through a home church model[51:53] Exhortation to be doers of the Word[53:48] Tony’s vision for Chattanooga to be a “city on a hill”
About Adam Whitescarver
Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.
Jump Through the Conversation:Links and Resources:
A Beautiful Church websiteChattanooga House of Prayer websiteGive todaySilverdale Baptist Church websiteThanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.
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