The Called Out Cafe Podcast

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus, Episode 23: Transitioning From a Jewish Culture to Gentile

With the passing of the Apostles, those left behind were left wondering where to go from there. Where they went was in different directions! Some advocated for following appointed humans, but that is not what Jesus said to do. 

Please join me as we check in with the Church of the end of the first century. Did they pay pastors? Who was in charge? Did they practice taking Communion? Were they big on missions? Did they "share all things in common?"  Lets talk about all that and more!

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus, Episode 22: Adding Gentiles to the Mix

The earliest years of the Ekklesia was a unique time. Many Christians lived in isolation without apostles visiting them, and without a New Testament. This went on for several years. Believers relied on what they had been told by others about the gospel and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Yet, they had everything they needed to accomplish God's will in their lives and follow Jesus. There were no traditions or institutions necessary.

Of course things are so different now. Today we need institutions, and traditions to understand God and serve Him... Really?

Please join me in this latest episode of the Called-Out Cafe as we consider these things.

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus, Episode 21: The Jewish Christians

Christianity grew out of Judaism, but it should have never outgrown it! We have lost so much rich background that is important to understanding the entire context of both Jesus' first and second coming to this earth. 

The earliest Christians were and continued to be Jews. They simply accepted Jesus as their Messiah which their scriptures and religion told them to expect. Am I saying followers of Jesus should try to be more Jewish? Not at all! However, we could benefit greatly by understanding the Jewish origins of following Jesus!

Of course they had a much greater understanding of what they were doing and why, but many of the practices of the Apostles of Jesus that they continued to participate in after Pentecost, within a couple hundred years were looked at as heresy for a Christian to participate in. Whether or not they were also a Jew.  

It is a happy coincidence that this is the week that I talk a little bit about the Passover Seder and how Jesus changed its meaning, which the Christian sacrament of Communion or the Eucharist is now but a shadow of. 

Please join me in this latest episode of the Called-Out Cafe!

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus, Episode 20: Church History, Warts and All

You may glaze over when someone starts talking about History. Maybe even more so when you think about Church History. Thats OK. Think about what the next episodes in this series will be about as a commentary on how we got from what the Ekklesia was during Jesus' day, to what the Church has become 2000 years later in our day. The two are clearly not the same. This will be a warts and all history that will leave you with little doubt that Jesus' Ekklesia and what we know as the Church today are not the same thing.  

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus, Episode 19: What Jesus Had to Say About It All

This time we will take a look at what Jesus had to say directly to the Ekklesias, in the book of Revelation, regarding the purpose of gathering together, what their focus should be, and how they should function. 60 years after His ascension He certainly did not appear to be concerned with how the "Great Commision" was coming. He didn't bring up how much was being donated in the offering plates and didn't seem to care about church attendance. He didn't mention standing for social justice or taking care of the poor. 

Please join me and see what He was concerned with in this episode of the Called-Out Cafe. 

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus, Episode 18:The Other Apostles Writings on How to do Church

In this episode of the Called-Out Cafe, we will look at what all of the other Apostles, besides Paul, had to say about "how to do church." As you will hear, not much. However, they all taught the three foundational principles of anything should be done in the Ekklesia: Faith in Jesus, Hope in what He said, and Love for others in the Ekklesia.  

Beyond this, James tells us there should be no favoratism within a body of believers, and he cautions those who want to be teachers. Peter tells us that individual Ekklesia are like living stones that Jesus is using one by one to build His greater Ekklesia. That is a work in progress, and he gives advice on how to live in this world while not being a part of it. John really gives no instruction on how to do church, but again reinforces the principles of Faith, Hope, and Love.  And, Jude only adds a warning about apostates who have infiltrated the Ekklesia. 

Please join me as we sort through these things!

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus, Episode 17: Paul’s Letters to the Ekklesia Part 5

In this episode we finish up with what the Apostle Paul had to say to the Ekklesias about how to conduct themselves when they get together. We will be looking at the letters from Philippians to Hebrews where Paul addresses topics such as Elders and Deacons, how he was down on religion, and the importance of getting together with other Called-Out Ones, and what that means. 

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus, Episode 16: Paul’s Letters to the Ekklesia, Part 4

In this episode we look at what Paul had to say to the Ekklesia in Ephesus regarding how they should function when they gathered. Paul covers the topics of "good works," how God is making "the mystery" known to the leaders of the unseen spirit realm through the Ekklesia, and how Jesus is the only "head" of the Ekklesia. 

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus Episode 15: Paul’s Letters to the Ekklesias Part 3

In this episode our survey of the New Testament again finds us in the book of 1 Corinthians. The topics of spiritual gifts within the Ekklesia, the role of the Holy Spirit, and whether or not gatherings of the Ekklesia are appropriate for unbelievers to attend are discussed.  

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus. Episode 14: Paul’s Letters to the Ekklesias Part II

As we continue to see what the New Testament has to say about the gathering together of those who are Called-Out of the world to follow Jesus, in this episode we are looking at Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. At least the first letter that was preserved and made a part of the Bible.  

We will see what Paul had to say about how to maintain the integrity of a local community of believers. While that may involve what we think of as “judging others” within the community of believers, we will then see how Paul teaches the followers of Jesus that our role in this world is not to judge those outside of the Ekklesia (the Church).  

Then, I tackle a sensitive topic head on: what does the New Testament really have to say about paying pastors and other members of the clergy? Why would I risk alienating every pastor who most Christians look at as having some sort of extra pull with God? Why would I want to take on an industry whose payroll is about three billion dollars annually? Especially in Oregon, where according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we have over twice as many compensated clergy members per 1000 employed residents than any other state. And, they are the third highest paid clergy members on average in the nation. The truth is, I personally don’t want to take the issue on, so I won’t. I have friends who are pastors and have had pastors who are no longer with us that I have loved dearly that significantly impacted my life. So instead, we will look at what scripture has to say about the topic.  

I hope to “see you” on the podcast!