Have you ever Googled a theological question or tried to find a theological book on Amazon? If so, chances are you were directed to a resource that comes from the Reformed Tradition. And while the BIC and Reformed theological traditions are alike in many ways, they differ in some key areas. Today's conversation with Matthew Peterson, Theologian in …

Scott and Ryan are joined by Christina Embree to talk about intergenerational ministry in a conversation that will change the way you think about the church! Refocus Ministry The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Visit us at www.biclifepodcast.com. Email us! bicli…

Scott and Ryan are back and talking about getting BUFF! Or rather, body building. Then they make a masterful segue to the topic of "body" building: church growth and the mindsets that can be healthy or unhealthy in the body of Christ. The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC pers…

During this episode the BIC Life Podcast hosted a breakout session during our 2024 Brethren In Christ General Assembly. Pastor Ryan Stockton led a panel of 4 (Lynn Thrush, Donna Harvey, Jonah Langenderfer, and Steve Airth) with questions about how we're formed to follow Jesus and what that looks like during a national election. The BIC Life Podcast…

We're talkin' Creeds! With Scott unable to join us, Matthew Peterson, Theologian in Residence of the Great Lakes Conference, pinch-hits and joins Ryan for a conversation about a little known addition to a widely known creed. The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. V…

Scott and Ryan are joined by Hank Johnson of Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church to talk through an article by theologian and professor Carmen Joy Imes. We pray this conversation can be helpful during a sometimes difficult and polarizing year! The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from …

Scott and Ryan have a really fun conversation with Jen Hickey, pastor at Community of Faith Church in Virginia. Whether you're a pastor or not, whether you live or work in an area like Jen's, we know you'll find something that resonates with you as you listen. We're so excited to bring this conversation to you! The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial…

We sit down with Dr. Joshua Nolt of Lancaster Brethren In Christ Church to talk about living prayerfully. What in the world does that mean??? It's a wonderfully practical conversation for our daily journey in Christ. Enjoy! The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast where we talk about life and faith from a BIC perspective. Vi…

Part two of our conversation with Dr. Lynn Thrush, the bishop of the Great Lakes Conference for the Brethren in Christ. We discuss the final three principles for how the BIC approach scripture. See episode 23 for some of Dr. Thrush's foundational thoughts and the first two principles. Articles of Faith and Doctrine PDF download (PDF page 8 contains…

BIC Life sits down with Dr. Lynn Thrush, the bishop of the Great Lakes Conference for the Brethren in Christ. We discuss 5 principles that form a BIC approach to reading, interpreting, and applying scripture. In part 1, Lynn lays out some foundational thoughts, then we talk about the first two principles. Part 2 (Episode 24, coming soon!) discusses…

Scott and Ryan sit down again with Matthew Peterson, theologian in residence for the Great Lakes Conference, to discuss Wesleyanism, the third of the "Three Streams" of influence that helped shape our denomination into what it is today. It's a fascinating conversation with only a FEW nerdy quotes and references to endure. Enjoy! Wesleyanism article…

Happy New Year everyone! Scott and Ryan do a 2-parter to kick off 2024. In part 1 we talk about 19 MORE rules for killing your church. Then, with a new year kicking off and wars continuing, AI continuing to grow in influence and impact, and an election year, we talk about what BIC Core values we should emphasize as individuals, as a local church fa…

Ryan & Scott interview Melanie Rankin from COBYS Family Services to raise awareness about fostercare and adoption. If you would like more information about COBYS Family Services and how you can make an impact, head over to www.cobys.org or the COBYS Kids Closet: https://cobys.org/support-us/kids-closet/ The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethre…

In this episode Scott and Ryan welcome back Ryan Cagno to the podcast. Ryan is the Director of NextGen Ministries in the BIC Atlantic Conference. We talk about what means with regard to BIC internships, but quickly moved to the broader topic of discipleship within our own churches. The BIC Life Podcast is an unofficial Brethren in Christ Podcast wh…

Scott and Ryan sit down with Dr. Terry Brensinger and Dr. Costandy Saba for an incredibly helpful conversation about the Israel/Hamas conflict and the peace position. We hear personal stories, learn some of the history of the region, and talk about the Brethren in Christ value of pursuing peace, even in the midst of such horrible tragedy. Dr. Costa…

Scott and Ryan talk about how some people have tried to protect the Great Wall of China and in doing so have almost killed their churches. Confused yet? Take a listen! Great Wall article: https://apnews.com/article/china-great-wall-destruction-6ca7b89e1c214ff7fb547471808fab2f BIC Blog post: Rules for Killing a Church: https://bicus.org/2023/06/cent…

This episode is a recording of a breakout session from Roxbury camp, 2023. The topic was on one of Project 250's objectives, "Increasing Global Awareness and Impact". For more on the Brethren in Christ's Project 250 Initiative, please visit BICUS.org/Project250. To sign up to join the weekly BIC World Missions Zoom Prayer Call, please email mission…

What is the world is Pietism?? In this episode Scott and Ryan welcome back Matthew Peterson to talk about this concept. Pietism is one of "Three Streams" that, when blended together, historically makes up the BIC Church. Matthew's blog, "Think Theologically," contains more on Pietism and other theological and current event topics such as the raptur…

Scott and Ryan have a super practical conversation with Dr. Rob Douglass about a paradigm shift in the way we think about the ideas of salvation and the Church and how those ideas engage with each other. These ideas have very practical ramifications for how we think about church, discipleship, and so much more! The BICLife Podcast is an unofficial …

In this episode Ryan and Scott talk about mud-running obstacle courses and footwashing! Footwashing has historically been a ritual that the BIC denomination practices. We'll talk about why BIC churches do or don't practice this ritual, whether or not it was a command from Jesus, and the practical ways this kind of posture plays out in our everyday …

Our conversation with Matthew Peterson didn't stop after the last episode! We had more questions for him and the recording kept going. It's fairly wide-ranging and we start talking a little shop, but it could be a fun peek-behind-the-curtain and in our informal conversation you might be made aware of some new resources or ideas that could help you …

Scott and Ryan sit down with Matthew Peterson, Theologian in Residence of the Great Lakes Conference to talk about some root theology of the Brethren in Christ. Also, Lord of the Rings. And Ghostbusters. And Star Wars. It's fun. Matthew's article: https://www.theseed.online/_files/ugd/a7612a_67e96521a7d44a7fbb34441b5147fa4d.pdf The Seed Online: htt…

Scott and Ryan talk with Chad Frey about the concept of neighboring and what it might look like in different contexts. Ryan also comes a little too close to swearing. Chad's blog post: https://bicus.org/2023/01/a-zesty-mix/ A convening of minds at Messiah University regarding neighboring (occurring April, 20, 2023): https://www.messiahconnection.co…

Scott and Ryan are joined by Beth Claassen-Thrush to talk about work/life balance. Also, is AI coming for the BIC Life podcast?? ----- Music: "Rock Sport Exercise" Used with permission from: Infraction Copyright holder: Infraction infraction.business@gmail.com source link: https://inaudio.org/track/my-bike-rock/ "Rock Sport Exercise" is 100% no cop…

Scott and Ryan talk with Dr. David Weaver-Zercher, professor at Messiah University, about his recent articles examining the BIC's response to the Civil Rights movement of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. ----- Music: "Rock Sport Exercise" Used with permission from: Infraction Copyright holder: Infraction infraction.business@gmail.com source link: https://…

In this episode Ryan and Scott talk about the pros and cons of continuing to livestream church services. To help with this discussion, they interviewed BIC historian Dr. Devin Manzullo-Thomas to get a sense of how the denomination has historically viewed the use of new technologies for sharing the good news of Jesus. This episode specifically looks…

In this episode Ryan and Scott talked with Bishop Heather Beaty about her journey as a woman in leadership, and the BIC denomination as a whole. Heather is the Bishop of the BIC Susquehanna Conference. The BIC Life Podcast talks about issues surrounding life and faith in Jesus from a Brethren In Christ perspective. ----- Music: "Rock Sport Exercise…

Scott and Ryan sit down with Ericka Henry, pastor at The Holy District, a new church plant in Allentown, PA. Ericka brings her experiences and wisdom to the conversation of women in ministry leadership and we know that you will benefit from this conversation! ----- Music: "Rock Sport Exercise" Used with permission from: Infraction Copyright holder:…

Nerd Alert!! Scott interviews Dr. Timothy Fisher about the topic of women in ministry. Also, what can Snoop Dogg can teach us about Paul's letter writing? ----- Music: "Rock Sport Exercise" Used with permission from: Infraction Copyright holder: Infraction infraction.business@gmail.com source link: https://inaudio.org/track/my-bike-rock/ "Rock Spor…

Scott and Ryan begin a series about Women in Ministry. The BIC believe that both women and men are equally called and gifted and that any position that is open to a man in ministry is also open to a woman. In this first episode, Scott and Ryan take a look at some of the apologetic, or the biblical defense, for this position. More episodes for this …

Scott and Ryan and special guest Ryan Cagno talk about Mike Glenn's article about silence and how silence can be applied not just spiritually, but socially. Also, dogs are the best. Articles: Dogs can cry tears of joy when owners come home: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62645859 If You Can't Improve the Silence by Mike Glenn https://…

Scott and Ryan talk about the core value of living simply. And also Norwegian horses. Articles: Out-horse your email: https://www.visiticeland.com/outhorse-your-email/ A high-profile pastor was robbed during a live-streamed service in NYC: https://www.npr.org/2022/07/25/1113430654/bishop-lamor-whitehead-robbed ----- Music: "Rock Sport Exercise" Use…

Ryan and Scott talk about the idea of pursuing peace and how it may not always be so cut and dry! ----- Music: "Rock Sport Exercise" Used with permission from: Infraction Copyright holder: Infraction infraction.business@gmail.com source link: https://inaudio.org/track/my-bike-rock/ "Rock Sport Exercise" is 100% no copyright royalty free sport track…