Send us a text Pastor Caleb Hilbert talks with Richard Bargas about the right and wrong ways to use evidence when defending the faith. Are there ever bad reasons for presenting evidence? Is there ever any reason why we would stop sharing Christ with someone? What are some other good reasons for knowing evidence for the Christian faith? All these questions and more are answered in this episode of Advancing the Cause. IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ Lewis and Clark Bible Church - https:...
Apr 01, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Send us a text Richard Bargas gives a short historical overview of how IFCA regions developed over our history, the growing pains that they worked through when problems occurred, and some of the lessons we can learn from this history. He then gives Reasons Why IFCA Regions Exist. Every IFCA member and church needs to hear this episode! IFCA International: https://www.ifca.org/ IFCA Regional Leader Handbook: https://www.ifca.org/page/regions IFCA Annual Convention: https://ifca-international.fina...
Mar 18, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Send us a text Richard Bargas shares a report on his recent trip to India where he engaged with IFCA-related ministries in Delhi, Odessa, Rajasthan, and Manipur. In this report, Richard shares encouraging news about the gospel going forward in the most adverse conditions, new Christians being baptized even under the threat of persecution, and some of the greatest needs in Manipur. IFCA International: https://www.ifca.org Fellowship Bible Church: https://www.fellowshipwv.org IFCA Giving: https://...
Mar 04, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Send us a text The problem of evil has been a point that atheists and agnostics have used as an argument against the existence of God for centuries. What does the Bible say about evil, where it came from, and how is it that a good and all-powerful God can exist in a world where sin seems to run rampant? All of these and more are addressed in this episode when Richard Bargas and Dr. Geoff Kirkland go to the Word of God for answers to these important questions. IFCA International - Christ IFCA Int...
Feb 19, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Send us a text Richard Bargas talks with Dr. Tim Sigler, CEO2 of Ariel Ministries about whether we should understand that God intends to bring the whole nation of Israel to salvation in His plan for the future. Looking at passages from both the Old Testament and the New, Richard and Tim will discuss the views of both Dispensationalists and Covenantalists to clear passages Like Romans 11:25-26, and how the testimony of Scripture teaches that God is not done with the nation of Israel. IFCA Interna...
Feb 05, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Send us a text Description: Richard Bargas talks with Dr. Peter Goeman about the arguments against the reformed doctrine of infant baptism. In looking at it theologically, biblically, and exegetically, Dr. Goeman demonstrates that the biblical record connects faith and baptism, while it does not support the theological Covenant of Grace. These two arguments strike critical blows by showing that the Bible does not support these main tenets of Covenant Theology. So, where did this doctrine come fr...
Jan 22, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send us a text Some Christian traditions uphold the belief that baptism should include the infant children of believers, while others say that baptism is only for those who have placed their faith in Christ. IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas and Pastor Ryan Day dig a little deeper into what different traditions believe and why, and what the Bible teaches most clearly. Touching on Covenant theology, Roman Catholic dogma, what we can know about babies that die in infancy, and how Protestant C...
Dec 31, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send us a text In this last episode of season 1, Dr. Richard Bargas speaks with Eric Mock, Vice President of Ministry Operations for Slavic Gospel Association. Richard and Eric discuss how the Lord has used the gospel in warring countries such as the Ukrainian-Russian and Israeli-Palestinian wars. Even amid great destruction and tragedy, the unfettered power of the gospel continues to shine brightest in some very dark places. IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ Slavic Gospel Association -...
Dec 18, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Send us a text Richard Bargas and Bob Rodgers, Ex. Dir. of Northwest Independent Church Extension (NICE) talk about the need for younger pastors to be mentored and discipled by older, wise men, and how he has done this personally. With over 40 years in church planting ministry, Bob sees the connection between the mentoring pastors and the future health of the church. Bob also shares about how his wife Katherine has taken an interest in the wives of these pastors and has been able to speak into t...
Dec 04, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Send us a text What would it be like to be a fly on the wall at an IFCA International Board of Directors meeting? IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas shares what goes on in the Mid-Year Board meetings held at the IFCA Home Office for those who have always wondered. What happens when a bunch of fundamentalist leaders get together? More fun than you might think! IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ Support the show Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: ...
Nov 20, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Send us a text IFCA International Executive Director Richard Bargas talks with Church Plant pastor Reed Waggoner about his new church, Redeemer Bible Church in Springfield, OH. Reed shares some of the initial work that went into the planning of this new church, why East Springfield was chosen, some of the challenges he has faced, and why they planted a church in a movie theater. At the time of this interview, Redeemer was only 4 weeks old. IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ Redeemer Bibl...
Nov 06, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send us a text Executive Director Richard P. Bargas speaks with his father, retired pastor and police officer Richard S. Bargas about some of the things that churches and Christian organizations should think about in regard to safety, security, and handling all sorts of emergency situations. With over 50 years of police experience coupled with almost 30 years of pastoral experience, Officer Bargas shares insights that are valuable to our ministries. IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ Thu...
Oct 16, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send us a text Pastor Allan Tayebwa and Richard Bargas discuss why Allan is planting a second church in Uganda, the demographics of this African country, how the false Word of Faith Gospel has destroyed the church, and the hope for Uganda that is only found in Jesus Christ. IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ Support The Tayebwas - https://www.piei.org/hope-for-nanasana-uganda Support the show Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org L...
Oct 02, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Send us a text Richard Bargas and Pastor Ryan Day discuss the biblical qualifications for leaders within the church and Ryan shares how he and his elders develop leaders at Revolve Bible Church. This episode is practical and helpful to everyone seeking to develop more leaders in their church. IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ Revolve Bible Church - https://revolvebiblechurch.org/ Biblical Eldership Resources (Alexander Strauch) - https://www.biblicaleldership.com/ Support the show Advan...
Sep 18, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Send us a text We’ve all seen the guy with the megaphone standing on the corner yelling at cars, or the guy carrying the sign that reads “Turn or Burn!” When statistics show that most Christians fail to share their faith on a regular basis, we need to ask some serious questions, such as “What is faithful gospel witnessing?”, “Is open-air preaching a legitimate form of evangelism?”, “Are gospel tracts effective?”, and “Does believing in God’s sovereignty and election lead Christians to neglect ev...
Sep 04, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send us a text Chaplain Bill Dickens and Richard Bargas talk about the critical importance of chaplaincy and how chaplains are able to reach people at their most vulnerable times and in ways most civilians cannot. Bill answers the question about whether military chaplains must compromise their faith to serve as an endorsed chaplain for the armed forces, and what it takes to become an IFCA Chaplain. IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ IFCA's Bible Churches Chaplaincy - https://www.ifca.org...
Aug 21, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send us a text What is the right (and biblical) way to view the usage of technological advances for the Church and the spreading of the gospel? Some churches have a philosophy that anything goes because the ends justify the means, therefore strobe lights and smoke machines are acceptable, while others retain the methods of the early church like flannelgraphs and overhead projectors 😁. How can we think biblically and find help that won't require large amounts of cash? Edwin Tevez, Assistant Past...
Aug 07, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Send us a text Exec. Director Richard Bargas and Dr. Alex Montoya sat down and talked about what it means to be a churchman. Some of the topics discussed include the early years of Pastor Montoya's ministry, the "secret sauce" for church growth, lessons learned that he would tell his younger self, and the value IFCA has been in his life and ministry. Some of the answers may surprise you! Share this episode with someone! https://advancingthecause.buzzsprout.com/share IFCA International - https://...
Jul 17, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send us a text Pastor Jeremy Howard speaks with host Richard Bargas about what postmillennialists basically believe and some of the different varieties in the reformed/covenantal world. Touching on an introductory understanding of amillennialism, theonomy, Christian Nationalism, and classic postmillennialism, Richard and Jeremy hope to encourage listeners toward further study and engagement with the ideas presented in these views which are in opposition to our dispensational understanding of Scr...
Jul 03, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Send us a text Open pastoral positions are at an all-time high right now, and there are many factors that seem to be a part of the reason why so many pulpits need to be filled: Decline in seminary enrollment: North America’s 280 Christian seminaries enrolled 78,000 students for fall 2022 , about 600 fewer than last year. Declines were among evangelical (-3.2%) and mainline Protestant (-5.9%) schools. Aging Pastors: According to Lifeway Research , the average pastor today is 57, compared to 50 in...
Jun 19, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Send us a text In this episode Exec. Director Richard Bargas talks about Paul's admonition to "endure hardship as a good soldier" and what that means today as the church faces the growing darkness in our world. IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ IFCA Convention - https://ifca-international.finalweb2.finalweb.net/ Support the show Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org...
Jun 05, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Send us a text IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas discusses the differences between a conference and a convention and why the IFCA Convention is better. Along with the difference, he shares a few of the features first-time attendees can expect as well as some highlights for this year, along with a few bits of "inside information" (shhh), and some of the extra activities you can plan on attending. For those who have never been to the convention and think that you could never afford to go, Ric...
May 15, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Send us a text IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas has a conversation with his wife Wendy, the IFCA Women’s Coordinator about women’s ministry, egalitarian views on women in the pastorate, the #metoo and #churchtoo movements, and how we should think biblically on these issues, and more. IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ IFCA Women's Fellowship - https://www.ifca.org/page/women IFCA Annual Convention - https://ifca-international.finalweb2.finalweb.net/ Support the show Advancing the C...
May 01, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Send us a text Dr. Cory Marsh, Professor of New Testament at Southern California Seminary (El Cajon, CA) speaks with IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas about the place of Christian academics in the church and the place that dispensational theology has in the academy. Southern California Seminary - https://www.socalsem.edu/ SCS Press - https://scspress.socalsem.edu/ Revolve Bible Church - https://revolvebiblechurch.org/ IFCA International - https://www.ifca.org/ IFCA Annual Convention - https...
Apr 17, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Send us a text Joel Tetreau, pastor of Southeast Valley Bible Church, in Gilbert AZ, talks with Richard Bargas about the different types of fundamentalism and what some of the differences are between fundamentalists like Jack Hyles, John MacArthur, and J. Vernon McGee. Southeast Valley Bible Church - https://www.sevbc.org/ IFCA International - http://www.ifca.org Advancing the Cause - advancing@ifca.org Support the show Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: fo...
Apr 03, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Send us a text After returning from a meeting in Southern California with several IFCA men, Exec. Dir. Richard Bargas shares some of his thoughts on why IFCA exists, and where we are going in the future. This episode may be short, but it is filled with exciting developments that we'd invite you to pray along with us. IFCA International - http://www.ifca.org Richard Bargas - https://twitter.com/rbargas Email: Advancing@ifca.org Don't forget to share these episodes with your friends, and make sure...
Mar 20, 2023•8 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Send us a text Richard Bargas, Executive Director of IFCA International, speaks with Andy Huber, a pastor at Church of the Open Door, Leavenworth, KS, and a member of the IFCA Youth Council about biblical youth ministry versus the current trendy youth ministry models. Andy shares his convictions and how being a shepherd to youth isn't really all that different from shepherding the rest of the church. Church of the Open Door- https://www.opendoorinfo.org/ IFCA Youth Ministry - https://ifcayouth.o...
Mar 06, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Send us a text Richard Bargas talks with Jeremy Estrema, pastor of Widefield Community Bible Church in Colorado Springs, CO about how he practically views evangelism and discipleship. As a former missionary in Argentina, Jeremy gives insight into how he builds relationships that point people toward Christ, sharing some of the resources that he has found helpful. Widefield Community Bible Church - https://widefieldbible.org/ Fundamentals of the Faith - https://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Faith-Le...
Feb 20, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Send us a text IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas talks with Pastor Shawn DeJong about preaching apologetically--why we should do it, how he does it, and some of the benefits that come from defending the faith from the pulpit. Shawn DeJong is the Sr. Pastor of Jamestown Baptist Church (Hudsonville, MI; www.jamestownbaptist.org ) and a member of IFCA International. Support the show Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org Learn more about ...
Feb 06, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Send us a text IFCA's Executive Director Richard Bargas speaks with Dr. Rich McCarrell, Executive Director of IMI/SOS about his ministry and how it helps churches that need an interim pastor, and how IMI/SOS can be a resource for pastors needing counseling, and churches needing help taking the next step in their pastor search. More information about IMI/SOS can be found at https://www.imisos.org . Support the show Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundati...
Jan 16, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 2
