New Work Fellowship Podcast

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION - I Was Fine Right Where I Was (12/22/24)

Sometimes the last thing we want is an interruption. Everything is going along just like we want it to. I imagine that 's the way it was with the shepherds. They were content.  They were comfortable. I don't picture the shepherds as an exceedingly ambitious lot. Their job was on the bottom rung of economic advancement. There must have been "easy as you go" vibe to these guys. This night was just same ol', same ol'. They were used to day in and day out. Every night was the same...oh, sure - maybe the occasional moment of madness when a bear or lion tried to swipe a lamb.  And this night was nothing special, until SUDDENLY IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE! There is comfort in routine. We like to know what is coming. Christmas can be tough because we lose our routine and rhythm, but this interruption was God's way of saying, "There is more to your story!" God's story intersected their story, and God has a purpose when He interrupts your story.  He is inviting you to something more. So what's the lesson here? Get your eyes up, get your worship on, step into the call, find Jesus, AND never be the same again!

Beyond Sunday- PARDON THE INTERRUPTION (Week 3)

In this episode of the Beyond Sunday podcast, host Josh Hensley is joined by Michael Shearan, Evan Ryan, and special guest April Oatts to discuss several engaging topics. The group dives into Pastor Steve's recent sermon about the wise men's journey to Jesus, exploring the profound significance of their three gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh - and what these gifts reveal about Jesus's identity as king, priest, and sacrifice. They share personal stories about following God's calling, including Evan's transformative journey from Arkansas to becoming a vital part of New Work Fellowship's ministry.

The conversation also touches on upcoming Christmas Eve services and mission initiatives, with April providing insights into how the church's year-end missions offering supports local, national, and global partners. Don’t miss out on the beginnings of the exciting and upcoming journey of Michael and Laina welcoming a new cat to their family. There sure to be more as the story develops and unfolds!

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION - I Didn't See It Coming (12/15/24)

Same story as last week. Only this time, we are not looking so much at Herod's perspective but watching the journey of the magi. These wisemen were perceptive, far-seeing visionaries who were on a mission. Notice these truths about these Christmas travelers: 1) they were prepared, 2) they had a goal, and 3) they even knew who could potentially help them to accomplish their mission.  What they didn't know is that every step of the journey - they were caught in a trap. Notice their interruption: they were warned in a dream. All of them. It interrupted their sleep. Life is like that. What do you do when life takes a frightening turn? Trust the Light (where God illuminates - trust Him); Stay on the way (be patient but be persistent); Follow the nudge (when God tugs at your heart, jump all in - even if you don't know where the journey will end).

Beyond Sunday- PARDON THE INTERRUPTION (Week 2)

The Beyond Sunday podcast, hosted by Steve Buttram, Josh Hensley, Evan Ryan, and Michael Shearon, delves into faith, control, and personal growth. This episode explores three key topics: King Herod's mistakes in resisting divine interruptions, including his refusal to relinquish control; the challenges of balancing forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships; and the importance of trusting God with finances and other areas of life. The hosts also share personal stories of surrendering control and finding peace through faith, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and what they might need to release to God.

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION - It's Not Supposed to Be This Way (12/8/24)

Pardon the Interruption - "It's Not Supposed to Be This Way" - Matthew 2:1-8, 16:20

Ever feel that way? Ever think these words? It's NOT supposed to be this way! We plan, but plans fail. The story of Herod is one of a man who was a wheeler & dealer. He was an exceptional planner (or plotter - his schemes were maddening and murderous). But this was a guy who was used to being in charge. He worked every angle; he laid out all his plans. The truth is all of us like to believe the myth of control. It comforts us - until it is shattered. The moment comes to all of us whether through death, loss of a job, illness, betrayal...or, sometimes we just discover, "I am not the king that I thought I was." In those moments, trust that God's ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) Realize that you don't have to have all the answers. Look for God's message in the moment. Even evil, broken, sinful King Herod had an inside track to an amazing truth of Christmas, "...when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him." How close he was to the needed interruption. How close could you be?

Beyond Sunday- PARDON THE INTERRUPTION (Week 1)

In this episode of the Beyond Sunday Podcast, hosts and pastors Justin Eshenbaugh, Paxton Redd, Michael Shearon, and Josh Hensley dive into the theme of "interruptions" as part of the new sermon series, Pardon the Interruption. The discussion focuses on how life's unexpected detours, like those experienced by Mary and Joseph during the first Christmas, can shape our faith and obedience to God's will. Paxton highlights key takeaways from his sermon, including the importance of trusting God amidst disrupted plans. The hosts share personal stories of significant interruptions, such as career changes and caregiving, emphasizing how these moments often reveal God’s greater purpose. They also discuss how to remain open to God's leading and preview next week's sermon on how interruptions can either shape or derail us.

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION - Not My Agenda (12/1/24)

Pardon the Interruption - "Not My Agenda" - Luke 1:26-35, Matthew 1:18-21

Wow! This was not the wedding they had planned. It was not the "BIG Day" Mary had dreamed of since being a child. No matter her wedding scrapbook collection or Bride magazine pile - this wasn't the wedding of her dreams. And no doubt, this was NOT what Joseph had envisioned. He just knew - she was the one of his dreams. The wedding was just the beginning of all his dreams. And...this wasn't the agenda they had quietly talked about and planned in the weeks before this. This was a HUGE interruption.  What do you do when your plans fall through or fail? How do you hold your plans with open hands?

Beyond Sunday- FACTORY RESET (Week 4)

The latest episode of Beyond Sunday, hosted by Chaney Guffey, David Rambo, Cliff Hines, Paxton Redd, and DJ Tate, discussed reflections on Thanksgiving traditions, personal faith challenges, and combating doubts about God's ability to act in difficult circumstances. They shared heartfelt stories about moments of vulnerability, the importance of community, and how to strengthen belief in God’s faithfulness. The episode emphasized the value of prayer, turning to scripture for guidance, and building a supportive faith-based network to navigate life’s struggles and counter negative self-perceptions.

FACTORY RESET - God Cannot (11/24/24)

Factory Reset - "God Cannot"  (Habakkuk)

Doubt is one of Satan's favorite tools. From the Garden of Eden to this day, if the accuser can get you to doubt God's goodness, His care, His ability, His interest - in you- the battle for your mind is already finished. In Genesis 3, his entire strategy is to get Eve to doubt. In Exodus 3, you can hear doubt riddled Moses. And it is likely that you also are tempted at times to think - God cannot, God will not, God is not, God does not... There are some things God cannot do - He cannot lie; He cannot fail; He cannot forsake His own; He cannot make mistakes; He cannot be stopped! If God is for you, who can be against you? Doubt can be just a thought, but it can become the rupture to our confidence in God.

Beyond Sunday- FACTORY RESET (Week 3)

In this episode, host Michael Shearon, Josh Henley, Hannah Buttram, and Evan Ryan discuss the recent sermon from Factory Reset on the statement "I've Got This," exploring how social media and personal comparisons can negatively impact self-esteem and authenticity. The team reflects on the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, highlighting how comparison can be a subtle tactic the enemy uses to trap individuals. They share personal insights about social media, family photos, and the importance of authenticity, concluding with excitement about an upcoming young adult worship night and the power of the Holy Spirit in their community.