Madison Church

What if you knew the exact moment when Jesus declared his mission to the world? Journey with us as we explore Luke 4:14, where Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, returns to Galilee and reads from Isaiah. This pivotal moment sheds light on Jesus' divine mission to bring good news, heal the blind, and release the oppressed, setting the stage for his transformative ministry. Our new series, "Finding Your Place and Purpose," begins by recapping the miraculous events of Jesus' birth and early life, highlighting God's intricate plans and the significance of Jesus' baptism and temptation in the wilderness.Following this, we delve into Jesus' healing ministry from Nazareth to Capernaum. Witness how Jesus' miracles went beyond physical healing, addressing spiritual needs and challenging cultural perceptions of illness as a punishment for sin. We draw parallels to modern times, encouraging listeners to serve their communities and embody Jesus' mission today. Practical sugg

Imagine being guided to a new path by a simple, persistent nudge from someone close to you. That’s exactly what happened to Nana, whose daughter Brianna’s determination led her to Madison Church, where she found solace and strength in Jesus during a rough year. Nana also shares her heartfelt story, reflecting on how Pastor Stephen’s teachings and the welcoming community enriched her spiritual life and brought her closer to her family. Annalee joins the conversation, expressing her deep gratitude for the supportive environment that nurtured her spiritual growth and helped her forge meaningful connections. Their stories are testaments to the profound impact of faith, community, and courage.Discover the power of persistent prayer and a serendipitous search in our next segment. Bri opens up about her unwavering prayers for her family’s spiritual journey, culminating in a beautiful family baptism in Monona Lake. We also hear from Chrissie Valdez, who found her way back to faith after 15 years, thanks to a fateful

Ever felt overwhelmed and unqualified for a task you knew you were meant to do? Join us as we explore one host’s personal journey of faith, beginning at a pivotal youth retreat where they found Jesus and ending with a transformative mission trip to Jamaica. With emotional support from a friend and invaluable advice from a mentor, this spiritual awakening shifted their career path from psychology to guiding others in their spiritual journeys.Discover the profound impact of Jesus's last words and the essential role of the Holy Spirit as we discuss how the disciples, despite witnessing miracles, needed divine empowerment for their mission. Learn how the Holy Spirit’s power is not just for personal growth but is a crucial force for expanding God’s kingdom globally. This episode underscores the lasting importance of this empowerment, not only for the disciples but for us as we pursue our own spiritual missions.Finally, we highlight the significance of recognizing the Holy Spirit as a person and how this under

What if institutional rules are keeping you from true compassion? Join us as Lead Pastor Stephen Feith brings to life a story from Mark 3, where Jesus challenges conventional Sabbath laws with an act of healing. This episode is a powerful reminder that the essence of God's commands is to promote rest and goodness, not strict adherence to rules. You'll hear inspiring personal stories from our Madison Church community as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, filled with fun activities and delicious food, all while reflecting on how institutionalism can sometimes overshadow genuine faith and compassion.Discover the blueprint for a vibrant, organic church movement in our discussion on disciple-making. Emphasizing the necessity of living under Jesus's lordship, we explore how adopting a missional and incarnational approach can help us reach beyond church walls. We'll dive into the APEST framework, which empowers every believer to contribute actively. Learn how flexible, resilient structures wit

Experience the transformative power of the APEST culture and discover how it can advance Jesus' mission in your community. Join us as we celebrate 10 years in Madison with a vibrant gathering on Sunday, September 8th, and embark on part five of our series "Rediscovering Our Forgotten Ways." We revisit essential elements such as declaring Jesus as Lord, disciple making, and community, before introducing the roles of Apostles, Prophets, Shepherds, Evangelists, and Teachers. Find out how these gifts, based on Ephesians 4:7-11, are crucial for every believer, not just church leaders, as we aim to build a mission-driven community.Embark on a journey through the pioneering spirit of apostles and the profound insights of prophets. Drawing inspiration from biblical figures like Paul, we explore how apostles bring visionary leadership to new ministries and ideas, and how prophets, defined as "the ones who hear," play a crucial role in guiding the community. Through detailed planning and collab

Ever wondered how a Pixar movie could unlock profound theological insights? Join us as we explore the spiritual depths of "Finding Nemo" and discover how Marlin and Nemo's ocean adventures mirror the journey of stepping out of our comfortable, controlled church environments. Learn how embracing the messiness and unpredictability of the real world, just as Jesus did, can lead to genuine growth and transformation in our faith lives.We'll also delve into the significance of sharing meals in Jesus' ministry, highlighting how breaking bread fosters deep, meaningful connections. Find out why hospitality is more than just a social activity—it's a powerful spiritual discipline. Finally, we reflect on building authentic community through vulnerability and conflict resolution, inspired by Jesus' example. This episode offers valuable insights on living out our faith in a way that fosters unity and reflects God's welcoming heart. Don't miss this chance to enrich your spiritual

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to live out your faith beyond Sunday gatherings? Join us as we break down the missional incarnational impulse, inspired by Alan Hirsch’s book, "The Forgotten Ways." We discuss how aligning our lives with God’s will can transform our communities and everyday interactions. Discover how we, as Christians, are called to actively participate in God’s mission to redeem and restore the world through the gospel, following Jesus' example of being sent to share the good news.Get ready to hear some compelling personal stories, including my experiences working with Nehemiah, a nonprofit in Madison. We'll share valuable lessons learned from black leadership, and discuss the transition from traditional church events to a lifestyle of continuous service and involvement. Listen as we explore how fostering genuine connections in our neighborhoods can have a profound impact, encouraging us all to embody the life, love, and grace of Jesus in our everyday actions and

Can the essence of your faith be captured in six core values? Join us for a special episode as we revisit the fundamental beliefs that have shaped our journey. Drawing inspiration from Alan Hirsch's "The Forgotten Ways," we dissect our missional DNA, emphasizing that "Jesus is Lord," and the critical roles of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers in our community. As we reflect on a decade of growth and challenges, we also look ahead, aiming to sustain and expand our mission in Madison.What makes a faith movement endure the test of time? In our discussion, we explore the historical and contemporary impacts of effective disciple-making, from the early church to the explosive growth of Christianity in China, and the rise and fall of the Methodist movement. By examining these examples, we highlight the importance of fostering a disciple-making culture at Madison Church. Our goal is to equip every member to become a disciple-maker, ensuring the longevity and transformat

What if the secret to transforming your entire life lies in a daily, conscious choice? As we embark on our new series, "Rediscovering Our Forgotten Ways," we're taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Madison Church as we approach our 10th anniversary. From initial excitement to the struggle of preparation, I share my personal challenges in crafting this talk and how this series will pivot from our typical Bible studies to explore what sets Madison Church apart. We recount the resilience and unexpected growth during the pandemic, highlighting personal transformations within our congregation and contemplating our values and future vision.How many parts of your life have you truly surrendered to Jesus? In this episode, we dive into the profound significance of embracing Jesus as Lord in every aspect of our lives. We examine the rapid spread of early Christianity and Paul's crucial assertion on the resurrection, emphasizing how the declaration "Jesus is Lord" can be

What if your faith could turn the darkest trials into moments of divine comfort and hope? Join us for an inspiring conversation with a seasoned pastor and global worker, who shares over 30 years of experience in church leadership and missions, especially in Ukraine. In this episode, we explore the heart-wrenching challenges faced by his family, including the difficult decision to evacuate from Odessa amidst escalating conflict. Drawing wisdom from the Apostle Paul's letters to the Corinthians, we delve into the power of enduring faith and resilience, illustrating how God's promises provide solace even in the most trying times.Listen as our guest recounts the emotional turmoil of leaving Ukraine, the intense moments of packing up, and the heartbreaking farewell to their church community. Balancing the calling to continue missionary work with the need to protect their children, our guest grapples with profound questions of faith and the search for God's presence amid suffering. Through personal a

What if we told you that the "edutainment" approach in youth ministry has failed to produce lasting faith among students? Reflecting on a transformative mission trip to Niagara Falls, we delve into our journey as former student pastors and the realization that glitzy programs often lack the depth needed for genuine spiritual growth. Listen as we critically examine the shortcomings of entertaining yet shallow youth group activities and share how Madison Church is shifting focus to foster deeper, more enduring connections with Jesus.This episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of pushing young people out of their comfort zones to build a stronger faith. From the nursery to high school, we discuss how Madison Church is creating a nurturing environment for spiritual growth. Hear about real-life scenarios where our students applied their Sunday teachings, demonstrating that faith is about living out Jesus’ teachings through action, not just absorbing information.Our mission trip experiences, from

Ever felt overwhelmed by life's demands and wondered if you're truly grasping the essence of love? Join us on an eye-opening journey as we recount personal experiences of exhaustion and the profound realizations that followed. Through intensive counseling, we discovered a critical truth: understanding and living out love isn't as straightforward as years of teaching and preaching might suggest. You'll learn about a pivotal moment when a counselor highlighted the importance of embracing our failures, recognizing that we are not alone, and knowing that we are loved. This revelation pushed us to revisit biblical teachings and reflect deeply on the boundless love of Christ, transforming our approach to ministry, family, and relationships.Imagine a world where love isn't just a concept but a tangible force that influences every sphere of life. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of winsome love, especially in today's divided and often hostile environments. Inspired by

Do you ever feel like your faith and politics are at odds? Join me, Stephen Feith, as I navigate this turbulent intersection in our latest episode of "Outrageous Faith." Reflecting on the divisive nature of recent elections, I'll share how our faith should be the guiding lens through which we view political issues, rather than letting politics dictate our beliefs. We'll explore how to maintain a Christlike demeanor amidst heated debates and focus on embracing an unapologetically bold faith that prioritizes core Christian values over personal attacks.Imagine the commitment of Christian missionaries who packed their belongings in coffins, symbolizing a one-way dedication to their mission. In "Ambassadors and Missionaries," we draw parallels between these early efforts and the role of modern Christians as ambassadors of Christ. Our mission isn't just for personal salvation but to share grace and help others reconcile with God. By diving into historical contexts and sharing powe

Have you ever wondered how you could truly be present in your relationships despite the chaos of everyday life? In this episode, we share personal anecdotes from our family adventures at Walt Disney World, revealing the unexpected moments that taught us the importance of presence and attentiveness. Through a touching story involving my son Oliver, we explore how easily we can get lost in our thoughts and miss what's right in front of us, drawing vital parallels to our interactions with loved ones.It's no secret that faith and politics can be a powder keg of polarization, especially during election cycles. We dig deep into these contentious waters, challenging ourselves to adopt an "Outrageous Faith" that rises above societal discord. We discuss the delicate balance of allowing our faith to shape our political views while acknowledging that no political party fully aligns with Jesus's teachings. This episode is a call to thoughtful political engagement that is guided by our spiritual b

Step into the enigmatic realm of the spiritual battleground, a place where we journey from the Garden of Eden to the wilderness with Jesus. Here, we delve into the essence of human temptation and divine fortitude, exploring the timeless conflict between the soul and body. These ancient narratives, resonating with our modern quest for meaning and redemption, reveal the seductive allure of shortcuts to fulfillment and the transformative power of worship and gratitude in our daily lives.As the tides of temptation rise, we offer insight into how to withstand the onslaught of spiritual and physical desires. Stephen illuminates the path to resilience, sharing poignant anecdotes and wisdom that underscore the crucial role of vigilance and communal support in our faith journeys. Together, we confront the deceptive tactics of our adversaries, fostering a steadfast spirit and the cultivation of a life rich with purpose and spiritual health.Our dialogue culminates in a thoughtful examination of the delicate balance betw

Discover the intricate threads connecting the genealogy of Jesus to our everyday lives as Stephen Feith guides us through the Gospel of Luke with the precision of a historian and the passion of a storyteller. Our journey through scripture reveals more than a lineage; it showcases the transformative power of faith across generations, and the inclusivity at the heart of Christianity. From Zechariah and Elizabeth's moving narrative to the angel Gabriel's announcements, and the unexpected placement of Jesus's lineage, we find that every name, every story, is a deliberate stitch in the tapestry of God's grand design.Feel the weight of history and the personal touch of redemption in the stories of Biblical figures like Rahab, whose life is a testament to the fact that our origins do not confine our destiny. As we trace Jesus's ancestry back to Adam, we embrace a shared identity that transcends all human divisions, affirming that we each have a role in the unfolding story of faith. Listen cl

Have you ever felt like your quirks were more of a curse than a blessing? I sure have. But in our latest episode, we journey together towards understanding that every oddity we possess could be part of a grand design. I get personal, sharing the twists and turns of learning to love what makes me different and how it aligns with God's intention. We unpack the life of John the Baptist, a man whose 'weirdness' was actually his divine calling, to show you just how your own unique traits might be setting you up for an important role in the grand tapestry of life.Then, we transition from reflection to action, exploring what it truly means to follow Jesus not just in word, but in deed. Through the lens of Jesus's own baptism and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we discuss the power and responsibility that come with being a modern-day forerunner of His message. Our deeds—expressions of generosity, honesty, and justice—can deeply influence the world around us. As we close, I challenge you to see

Ever had that sinking feeling after making a major purchase you immediately regret? I certainly have, as my venture into buying a used minivan taught me a lesson I'll never forget. My tale of misplaced trust and overlooked red flags isn't just a story about a vehicle—it's a metaphor for the risks we face in our relationships when excitement and naivety overshadow wisdom. Join me as I share the repercussions of a hasty decision and the pivotal role due diligence plays, not just in the marketplace but in the connections we forge throughout life.The struggle to build and maintain trust is akin to the contestants on Alone battling the elements and their own psyches—except our wilderness is the human heart. In this heart-to-heart, I'll relay my own journey overcoming betrayal and the pivotal steps toward rebuilding trust. With the help of expert insights, we'll unpack the significance of a ""rust committee' and the spiritual discernment needed in forging genuine bonds. I&apo

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