Daniel felt God’s call to serve in China. While planting churches in China, he started applying parts of the Bible that are frequently associated with Anabaptism. Listen to Daniel’s encouraging journey of being sold out to Christ and his work. In an upcoming episode Daniel shares more stories of the Chinese church. Buy David Bercot’s books: https://scrollpublishing.com/products-category/books-by-david-bercot/ Kingdoms in Conflict: https://amzn.to/3hlS8rS Once Saved, Always Saved?: https://amzn.t...
May 13, 2021•36 min•Ep. 128
We all have a cultural heritage. How does it affect us? What are right ways to view our heritage? Kyle Stoltzfus wants us to recognize traditions that are helpful and essential in Christian living. “When we build with heritage, we recognize tools that we have been handed. We learn to exercise ourselves and apply ourselves to the tools that we actually have in our hands.” In future episodes, Kyle will expand on understanding our heritage and legacy. Kyle is a frequent guest on our Patron exclusiv...
May 06, 2021•24 min•Ep. 127
What church culture nurtures Christian growth? How do we integrate newcomers into church? Ernest Eby is passionate about church and outreach. Diversity and equality are necessary for flourishing in Christian maturity. Earnest describes three church cultures which either encourage or discourage the maturing of members. “[Christian Growth is] growing in knowledge of the Scriptures, growing in wisdom, growing in holiness, growing in love, and growing more useful and usable in the Kingdom of God.” T...
Apr 29, 2021•26 min•Ep. 126
Josh Good’s episode on voting provoked a lot of discussion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYooZM6TDlc One listener charged that using the word “President” to describe Jesus is a severe demotion of his kingly status. Kyle Stoltzfus, Marlin Sommers, and Reagan Schrock evaluated the charge on an episode of our patron only podcast, which was released back in January on Patreon.com/anabaptistperspectives. Now we are happy to share this episode on our main channel as well. You can access all 20 back...
Apr 24, 2021•13 min
What are benefits of having intellectual pursuits? What are some of the challenges that come along with focusing on the intellect? Michael Hochstetler talks about the process he went through trying to balance attentiveness to the intellect, emotions, and spirit. He encourages those with intellectual interests to reach out and to show interest in those with less intellectual interests. “Do I want people to say [about me], ‘That guy was really smart’ or do I want people to say, ‘He loved God. He l...
Apr 22, 2021•18 min•Ep. 125
How is Christianity distinct from world religions? What does Anabaptism add to Christendom? Stephen Russell discusses two ways that Christianity is different than world religions: entry by choice and separation from governments. He considers how the early church, early Anabaptists, and the church today view these topics. Stephen also discusses the importance of Christian community. This is the 124th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various as...
Apr 15, 2021•33 min•Ep. 124
How can we study the Bible with those who do not have a Christian background? Which parts of the scriptures do these people find the hardest to understand? Ernest Eby, from State College Pennsylvania, shares his experience helping others understand the Bible. "If people can tell that you care, they are going to be more open to Bible studies and they are going to be more likely to become part of the church. If people sense that you view them as a project, and all you want to do is convert them, t...
Apr 08, 2021•23 min•Ep. 123
How does studying science challenge a Christian’s faith? In what ways do conservative Anabaptists tend to view science wrongly? In this episode, John Mark Kuhns discusses how higher education and the study of science affected his faith in God. John Mark encourages us to correctly understand how science works to find truth. This episode is the second part of an interview with John Mark. This is the 122nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines variou...
Apr 01, 2021•28 min•Ep. 122
How should Christians view secular science? In what ways does properly understanding nature affect the way we live? John Mark Kuhns, a teacher at Faith Builders Christian School, has a record of pursuing the sciences. In this episode, he discusses how Christians should view and be involved in science. John Mark specifically discusses evolution and creation care. This is part one of a two-part series. This is the 121st episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that ...
Mar 25, 2021•33 min•Ep. 121
Why are the early church beliefs important today? How can studying early church writings help to clarify scripture for us? In this episode, David Bercot shares the most important lessons that he has learned through studying church history. David encourages us to not view the early church writings as scripture, but as insight into how the authors understood scripture. Visit Scroll Publishing: https://scrollpublishing.com/ Buy “Will The Real Heretics Please Stand Up”: https://bit.ly/3d1o7Kd See ra...
Mar 18, 2021•33 min•Ep. 120
Joel Martin shares his story in this episode about deciding to stay Anabaptist. As a youth, Joel was discontented with the level of spiritual life that he saw in Anabaptist churches and planned to leave. Before he left though, a few events happened in his life that caused his perspective to change. Joel ends the episode by briefly sharing about the work that he is doing with All-Nations Bible Translation. Learn more about All-Nations Bible Translation: https://allnationsbt.org/ This is the 119th...
Mar 11, 2021•19 min•Ep. 119
How can an individual help to strengthen their church? How can we help people to begin to love their church? In this episode, Val shares his heart for the local church and gives practical direction for ways to be a blessing in one’s brotherhood. Val encourages Christians to view the church as the people that they will spend eternity with. Visit Kitchi Blessings Ministries: https://www.kitchiblessing.com/ Works Referenced: Being the Blessing: https://kitchiblessing.com/being-the-blessing/ I Will ...
Mar 03, 2021•15 min•Ep. 118
This episode is part two of an interview with Bryant Martin about hospitality. Here Bryant moves from describing the importance of hospitality to telling personal stories about how he has seen being hospitable work out. Bryant finishes the interview by quoting Rosaria Butterfield, “Radical, ordinary, and daily hospitality is a basic building block for vital Christian living. Start anywhere but do start.” Buy “The Gospel Comes with a House Key” at: https://amzn.to/3k0NfDO Read Mark Glanville’s ar...
Feb 25, 2021•21 min•Ep. 117
What is the importance of hospitality for Christians? How can one show a spirit of hospitality beyond just inviting others into their house? Bryant Martin, owner of Sowers Harvest Café, shares about the example of hospitality that Jesus left for his disciples. Bryant quotes Mark Glanville saying, “We learn from Jesus fellowship meals that our tables should be places of radical welcome, especially for those who feel lonely and on the outside. This is the shape of the Kingdom of God!” The next epi...
Feb 18, 2021•21 min•Ep. 116
Who was Justin Martyr? What were convictions that he stood up for? David Bercot presents an overview of Justin Martyr’s life and writings in this episode. Justin was zealous for living a life that was sold out to Christ, yet he had a kind and generous heart. Read Justin’s “First Apology” https://bit.ly/3j2Mb1S Read Justin’s “Second Apology” https://bit.ly/39y9z4l or buy both Apologies: https://amzn.to/3aiF4hV Read Justin’s “Dialogue with Trypho” https://bit.ly/3aknHgM or buy https://amzn.to/3ta1...
Feb 11, 2021•23 min•Ep. 115
What opportunities for ministry can be had by working in the fire service or EMS? How can one fight the negative influences that can be present in these companies? Here Merle Weaver shares about his ministry working in the Fivepointville Fire Company. Merle shows us how working in these emergency services can be a light to one’s community. He also encourages those involved in the service to maintain accountability with a close “buddy”. This is the 114th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podc...
Feb 04, 2021•15 min•Ep. 114
There are a lot of difficulties that our society is facing today. What do these reveal about our culture? How can we come out well on the other side of these difficulties? In this episode, Kyle Stoltzfus describes what he has observed through the COVID-19 and race crises that happened in 2020. Kyle discusses how to view, and interact with, greater society during this time. Buy “After Virtue”: https://amzn.to/3cfxwyU This is the 113th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTu...
Jan 28, 2021•32 min•Ep. 113
How does one properly discern between what is true and what is false? How can we engage in constructive conversations with those to whom we disagree? In this episode, Peter Goertzen discusses how to have discernment between what is truth and what is false. He describes different types of right and wrong facts. Peter encourages us to be sure we are allowing God to work in us as we interact with those who have different worldviews than we do. This is the 112th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a...
Jan 20, 2021•35 min•Ep. 112
What can the humanities add to Anabaptism? How do we correctly respond to secular views within the humanities? In this episode, Josh Nisley discusses how the field of the humanities can help us to better understand the world. He encourages us to not too quickly dismiss what others believe, but to seek to understand, critically engage with, and present our own beliefs to them. Download, The Mind of The Maker: https://www.fadedpage.com/showbook.php?pid=20140909 or buy it at: https://amzn.to/3blKpX...
Jan 14, 2021•35 min•Ep. 111
What is it like to live in Jerusalem? How does watching the Israel-Palestine relations firsthand affect one’s view? In this episode, Josh shares life lessons that he learned while living and working in Jerusalem. Josh encourages us to remember that the narrative behind the interactions of Israelis and Palestinians is complex. This is the 109th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought. Read o...
Dec 28, 2020•19 min•Ep. 109
This episode is a sequel to the episode released last week, consider watching it first if you have not already. In today’s episode, Clyde Zimmerman shares stories from his experience overseas while helping with the SALT program described in the previous episode. He presents practical examples of the way that SALT helps communities, and tells stories of interactions where he has seen God’s hand at work. Clyde encourages us to share the gospel wherever we are at as intentionally as we expect those...
Dec 23, 2020•17 min•Ep. 108
In this episode, Clyde Zimmerman describes the ways in which he was been involved in helping with community development across the globe. He recounts how he has been able to assist those in impoverished areas, and shares lessons he has learned as he has observed people from across the globe. Learn more about SALT: https://christianaidministries.org/program/salt-microfinance-solutions/ “King Jesus Claims His Church” by Finny Kuruvilla: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18470201 “Misreading Scri...
Dec 15, 2020•26 min•Ep. 107
How does one’s relationship with a brother affect his relationship with Christ? How is the Anabaptist view of church different than the Roman Catholic and Protestant views? In this episode, Val Yoder describes his understanding of how Christ calls his Church to operate within local congregations. To help understand the Anabaptist view, he compares and contrasts it with the Roman Catholic and Protestant views. Find Val’s book: “I Will Build My Church”: https://tgsinternational.com/product/i-will-...
Dec 10, 2020•17 min•Ep. 106
Who is Tertullian? What can we learn from him today? In this episode David Bercot gives an introduction about Tertullian, an early church Father who gave many writings to the Church in the early 3rd century. Tertullian was austere in taking the practice of Christianity seriously. He discussed many practical issues that still apply to us today. Tertullian’s Apology: https://ccel.org/ccel/tertullian/apology/anf03.iv.iii.i.html History of the Christian Church: Volume 2: https://www.goodreads.com/bo...
Dec 03, 2020•30 min•Ep. 105
Lesbos, Greece is an island with multiple migrant camps on it. Randall Graber and his family work in Lesbos under a network of conservative Mennonite churches. In this episode, Randall tells about the work in Greece and shares how individuals can become involved. He also recounts one refugee’s story of migration and coming to Christ. This is the 104th episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought...
Nov 26, 2020•21 min•Ep. 104
In the early 2000s, Val Yoder and his family felt called to be involved in the development of a training place for young people. Several years later they moved to Thailand in order to help start the Institute for Global Opportunities. In this episode, Val shares the story and vision behind starting IGo and explains what the value is in having a school set in a culture that is different from the students’ home culture. Institute for Global Opportunities: https://www.igoasia.org/ Personal Workers ...
Nov 19, 2020•18 min•Ep. 103
Anabaptists have often emphasized the character trait of gelassenheit. In this episode, Chester Weaver describes what “gelassenheit” is. Gelassenheit is a German word that has no simple translation into English but is often described as yieldedness. Having this character trait is essential to having a strong relationship with God and his church. This is the 102nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life...
Nov 12, 2020•19 min•Ep. 102
What are things practiced today that reflect bad fundamentals? What is the interaction between fundamentalism and rules? This is the Q&A session from our live event on October 24, 2020. In this session, Chester Weaver, Matt Landis, and Marlin Sommers respond to questions that our audience asked in response to the first part of our live event (episode 101A). This is the second part of the 101st episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspe...
Nov 06, 2020•28 min
What was the fundamentalist movement? Why was the fundamentalist-modernist controversy so defining for the 20th century? This episode is a recording of our live event from October 24, 2020. In this episode, Chester Weaver, Matt Landis, and Marlin Sommers dive into and clarify topics from Chester’s episodes early in 2020. The Q&A session will be released shortly. Mennonites, Amish, and the American Civil War: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1196419 Understanding Fundamentalism and Evangel...
Nov 03, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 101
At one point Joshua Good was very interested, and willing to be involved, in politics. Today though, he views the Christian’s involvement in politics as contrary to the calling of those who follow Christ. Listen to Joshua share his story of change in this episode. Find Joshua’s video “Anabaptist Vision; Kingdom Gospel; American Nationalism, Racism, Next Steps...” at: https://youtu.be/G-38bs32YJc Find “King Jesus Claims His Church” at: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18470201 Find today’s ver...
Oct 29, 2020•41 min•Ep. 100
