The Called Out Cafe Podcast

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus Episode 27: Church Fathers Part 2

In this episode we talk about a few more of the early "Church Fathers" and the unfortunate enduring influence they had on making the Church what it is today. If you ever wonder why things are the way they are in the Church, or what you believe and do as an "orthodox Christian," these guys had a lot to do with it! 

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus Episode 26: The Early Church Fathers Part One

In this episode we will look at a group of people who had a dramatic effect on the way that Church has been done for the past 1900 years: The "Church Fathers." Who were these guys and why were they given so much voice? 

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus Episode 25: The Persecution of the Early Church

Another major contributor of shaping the early Ekklesia was the persecution of the Church. It served to weed out the posers. And, when no one else was any longer persecuting the Church, the Church persecuted itself for centuries. 

Leaving the Church to Follow Jesus Episode 24: Deception from Within the Ekklesia

Hello! Its been a couple years, but here is the next episode of the Called-Out Cafe. This week I will talk about the early attack on the Ekklesia which came from within, that still influences the Church today. 

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!