How do you build a life of purpose and resilience? Join us as we explore this profound question through the lens of Jesus’s transformative teachings in the Gospel of Luke. This week, we emphasize the importance of constructing our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus's teachings, such as the Beatitudes and the radical command to love our enemies.…

What if you knew the exact moment when Jesus declared his mission to the world? Journey with us as we explore Luke 4:14, where Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, returns to Galilee and reads from Isaiah. This pivotal moment sheds light on Jesus' divine mission to bring good news, heal the blind, and release the oppressed, setting the stage for hi…

Imagine being guided to a new path by a simple, persistent nudge from someone close to you. That’s exactly what happened to Nana, whose daughter Brianna’s determination led her to Madison Church, where she found solace and strength in Jesus during a rough year. Nana also shares her heartfelt story, reflecting on how Pastor Stephen’s teachings and t…

Ever felt overwhelmed and unqualified for a task you knew you were meant to do? Join us as we explore one host’s personal journey of faith, beginning at a pivotal youth retreat where they found Jesus and ending with a transformative mission trip to Jamaica. With emotional support from a friend and invaluable advice from a mentor, this spiritual awa…

What if institutional rules are keeping you from true compassion? Join us as Lead Pastor Stephen Feith brings to life a story from Mark 3, where Jesus challenges conventional Sabbath laws with an act of healing. This episode is a powerful reminder that the essence of God's commands is to promote rest and goodness, not strict adherence to rules. You…

Experience the transformative power of the APEST culture and discover how it can advance Jesus' mission in your community. Join us as we celebrate 10 years in Madison with a vibrant gathering on Sunday, September 8th, and embark on part five of our series "Rediscovering Our Forgotten Ways." We revisit essential elements such as declaring Jesus as L…

Ever wondered how a Pixar movie could unlock profound theological insights? Join us as we explore the spiritual depths of "Finding Nemo" and discover how Marlin and Nemo's ocean adventures mirror the journey of stepping out of our comfortable, controlled church environments. Learn how embracing the messiness and unpredictability of the real world, …

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to live out your faith beyond Sunday gatherings? Join us as we break down the missional incarnational impulse, inspired by Alan Hirsch’s book, "The Forgotten Ways." We discuss how aligning our lives with God’s will can transform our communities and everyday interactions. Discover how we, as Christians, are…

Can the essence of your faith be captured in six core values? Join us for a special episode as we revisit the fundamental beliefs that have shaped our journey. Drawing inspiration from Alan Hirsch's "The Forgotten Ways," we dissect our missional DNA, emphasizing that "Jesus is Lord," and the critical roles of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shephe…

What if the secret to transforming your entire life lies in a daily, conscious choice? As we embark on our new series, "Rediscovering Our Forgotten Ways," we're taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Madison Church as we approach our 10th anniversary. From initial excitement to the struggle of preparation, I share my personal chall…

What if your faith could turn the darkest trials into moments of divine comfort and hope? Join us for an inspiring conversation with a seasoned pastor and global worker, who shares over 30 years of experience in church leadership and missions, especially in Ukraine. In this episode, we explore the heart-wrenching challenges faced by his family, inc…

What if we told you that the "edutainment" approach in youth ministry has failed to produce lasting faith among students? Reflecting on a transformative mission trip to Niagara Falls, we delve into our journey as former student pastors and the realization that glitzy programs often lack the depth needed for genuine spiritual growth. Listen as we cr…

Ever felt overwhelmed by life's demands and wondered if you're truly grasping the essence of love? Join us on an eye-opening journey as we recount personal experiences of exhaustion and the profound realizations that followed. Through intensive counseling, we discovered a critical truth: understanding and living out love isn't as straightforward as…

Do you ever feel like your faith and politics are at odds? Join me, Stephen Feith, as I navigate this turbulent intersection in our latest episode of "Outrageous Faith." Reflecting on the divisive nature of recent elections, I'll share how our faith should be the guiding lens through which we view political issues, rather than letting politics dict…

Have you ever wondered how you could truly be present in your relationships despite the chaos of everyday life? In this episode, we share personal anecdotes from our family adventures at Walt Disney World, revealing the unexpected moments that taught us the importance of presence and attentiveness. Through a touching story involving my son Oliver, …

Step into the enigmatic realm of the spiritual battleground, a place where we journey from the Garden of Eden to the wilderness with Jesus. Here, we delve into the essence of human temptation and divine fortitude, exploring the timeless conflict between the soul and body. These ancient narratives, resonating with our modern quest for meaning and re…

Discover the intricate threads connecting the genealogy of Jesus to our everyday lives as Stephen Feith guides us through the Gospel of Luke with the precision of a historian and the passion of a storyteller. Our journey through scripture reveals more than a lineage; it showcases the transformative power of faith across generations, and the inclusi…

Have you ever felt like your quirks were more of a curse than a blessing? I sure have. But in our latest episode, we journey together towards understanding that every oddity we possess could be part of a grand design. I get personal, sharing the twists and turns of learning to love what makes me different and how it aligns with God's intention. We …

Ever had that sinking feeling after making a major purchase you immediately regret? I certainly have, as my venture into buying a used minivan taught me a lesson I'll never forget. My tale of misplaced trust and overlooked red flags isn't just a story about a vehicle—it's a metaphor for the risks we face in our relationships when excitement and nai…

Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal or struggled with the weight of broken trust? Our latest podcast episode at Madison Church tackles these tough questions, guiding you through the complex journey of rebuilding trust in the aftermath of disappointment. We open our hearts and share personal stories, revealing how trust is the cornerstone of ou…

Ever wondered what holds our spiritual journeys and church communities together? The answer lies within the delicate tapestry of trust. I'm your host, Stephen Feith, and in our latest episode, we navigate the nuances of trust, inspired by Dr. Henry Cloud. We'll uncover how a blend of good motives, abilities, character, and a solid track record can …

Ever wonder about the strength of the bonds we forge simply through trust? "Just trust me" – three small words that pack a massive punch in the realm of relationships and integrity. Stephen Feith takes us on a profound journey, examining the essence of trust and our worthiness of it, with insights from the Cambridge Dictionary and Dr. Henry Cloud. …

As dawn broke on a Sunday unlike any other, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary discovered an empty tomb and a risen Christ. The Easter narrative, familiar yet ever-renewing, forms the backdrop of our heartfelt exploration into the depths of spiritual growth and resurrection power. Echoing the global chorus of believers, we declare "Christ is risen; …

Have you ever felt your prayers were met with a deafening silence? That's the raw and often hidden struggle we're unpacking today. It's Stephen Feith here, embarking on a journey through the valleys of spiritual maturity, where the prayers we learned in childhood no longer suffice amidst the storms of life. As we confront the harrowing pain of lost…

When Jason's grandfather, the actor-turned-pastor, would speak, his voice would resonate with a conviction that could only come from a lifetime of faith and prayer. In this heartfelt episode, we honor his legacy and explore the enigmatic force that underpins our spiritual journey: prayer. Together, we dissect what it means to align our pleas with G…

Have you ever found yourself reminiscing about the simplicity of childhood prayers only to realize they don't quite stand up to the challenges of adulthood? That's exactly what we're tackling here at Madison Church Online, as Stephen Feith leads us through the evolution of prayer life in the latest chapter of our series. From the earnest nighttime …

Have you ever considered the profound impact of prayer on the ordinary moments of your life, or how it evolves as we grow? Picture this: a speeding scare on Kentucky backroads turns into an unexpected reflection on faith for me, my dad, and our church friends amidst the backdrop of bourbon distillery tours and rare bottle 'hunts.' Our latest episod…

Ever feel lost in the maze of biblical scholarship? Fear not, as my colleagues Sarah Hansen, Jason Webb, and I, Stephen Feith, light the way through varying approaches to Bible study and engagement. Sarah dispels the myth of 'right time' Bible study with her eclectic blend of podcasts and casual reading, while Jason draws from his predawn moments o…

Our latest episode is a captivating journey through the complexities of these narratives, drawing parallels that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for both. We start by unpacking the beginning of everything, the fall of man, and God's unwavering master plan. The Bible's grand tale, from Genesis to Revelation, is broken down into digestibl…

Embark with us on a thought-stirring sojourn where the dusty pages of the Old Testament spring to life, revealing their enduring relevance in our personal growth and faith. We don't shy away from the tough questions as we scrutinize the complexities of scripture, challenging the simplistic narratives often taught. Our conversation takes you through…

Have you ever tried to communicate something important, only to end up in a tangle of confusion? That's exactly what happened when Sarah hinted to Chris about not wanting to make dinner, which somehow translated into a mix-up involving Jimmy John's. It's the perfect segue into our profound exploration of Genesis, where we unravel the rich tapestry …

Ever wondered about the complex journey of the Bible from ancient manuscripts to the book on your nightstand? Join me, Stephen Feith, as we traverse this historical landscape, piecing together the remarkable story of the scriptures. We dive into the Bible's origins and its enduring narrative—a narrative that centers around the figure of Jesus, whos…

Have you ever caught a whiff of a familiar scent, and it instantly transported you back in time? This week at Madison Church, we're joined by a special guest, Rev. Abbie Sawczak, and together we venture into the heart of spiritual growth. We'll reflect on the beauty of abiding in Christ, as she recounts the journey from her transformative campus mi…

Have your New Year's resolutions fizzled out in the flurry of life's demands? Let's rekindle that spark of transformation together. In our latest episode, we navigate the tempest of personal change, invoking the rhythms of chronobiology and the sweet promise of Mondays as beacons for a fresh start. We ponder the elements that snag our focus—be it t…

As each new year rings in, many of us find ourselves reflecting on promises made and the tenacity of our faithfulness to keep them. This episode is for those of us pondering the resolutions of yesteryear with either a sigh of achievement or a pang of forgetfulness. I, Stephen Feith, get candid about my own hurdles in staying true to my commitments,…

Embark with us as we peel back the layers of time to the very heart of the Christmas story, retracing Mary and Joseph's steps to Bethlehem within our narrative series, "Christmas According to Luke." The Gospel of Luke paints a tapestry of the extraordinary entwined with the humdrum – a census journey, a stable birth, and shepherds' wide-eyed wonder…

Feeling the holiday rush? The joy of gift-giving and its complexities is a theme we all can relate to. Remember the unadulterated delight of a child receiving their favored gift? Well, that same emotion is often a challenge to recreate as we become adults. Join us as we ruminate on this progression of emotions and the true pleasure that a thoughtfu…

What if you could discover hidden truths buried within familiar biblical narratives that would awaken faithfulness and obedience in your Christian walk? In our latest conversation, we peel back layers in the stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary from the book of Luke, revealing valuable lessons about faith and obedience regardless of our unders…

Ever wondered what time travel has to do with the Christmas story? Brace yourself for an intriguing exploration of faith, disbelief, and divine revelations that'll reshape your understanding of the biblical account of Mary and the angel Gabriel. We kick off our talk with a spirited debate on Christmas music before we journey back in time, drawing y…

Ever felt that prickle of anticipation, that longing for Christmas morning as a child? Remember that toy you desired above all else but never found under the tree? We're about to venture on a journey that explores the art of waiting, the disappointment that sometimes accompanies it, and ultimately, the divine purpose that unfolds in God's perfect t…

Ever wondered about the peculiar Christmas traditions that have become an integral part of your holiday celebrations, or the historical intricacies of the Gospel of Luke? If so, buckle up for an enlightening discussion where we decode these traditions, starting from the peculiar Christmas Pickle to Krampus Night. We also embark on an explorative jo…

Have you ever wondered about the role faith plays in our lives, and how it impacts our decisions and perceptions? We've embarked on an enlightening journey, concluding our Suspicious Faith series by delving into the thought-provoking critiques of Freud, Marx, and Nietzsche. Uncover how Freud's assertion that faith fulfills unconscious psychological…

Ever wondered why some of history's most influential atheists like Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, and Frederick Nietzsche, were able to make such uncomfortably accurate critiques of faith? We're shaking things up in our latest episode, taking a brave step towards understanding their perspectives and how they invite us to examine our own beliefs. This is…

Imagine walking a path of faith, hand in hand with Jesus, that is not dictated by dogmas but a journey of self-discovery and critical examination. Can we genuinely experience spiritual fulfillment without questioning the very foundations of our beliefs? It’s a journey that invites us to dig deep into the philosophies of Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, an…

Have you ever found solace in the phrase "everything happens for a reason" during challenging times? Challenging this comforting belief, we probe into its potential to misinterpret divine intentions. Does everything really happen for a reason? Is it part of a divine plan, or is it simply the result of our free will? To answer these questions, we di…

Ever wondered why the desire for independence is so deeply rooted within us, and how it shapes the trajectory of our lives? We are taking a deep-dive into these questions and discussing the cultural resonance of personal independence. More so, we uncover the harsh feelings of guilt and shame when we can't accomplish something on our own, and how th…

Ever been told God won't give you more than you can handle? We're about to turn that misconception on its head. We've all found ourselves in dire straits—situations that seem insurmountable. The Bible is teeming with examples of such predicaments. From Noah's daunting task of saving humanity to Abraham's promise of fathering a nation, we see biblic…

What if the life-changing, soul-shaking, breathtaking vision Jesus had for the church wasn't about a physical building at all? Imagine a church where community and relationships with God and one another trump everything else, and where mission isn't what we do but who we are. We're peeling back the layers of tradition and challenging the norms, exp…

What if you were right there, experiencing an unprecedented spiritual revival firsthand? Get ready to be catapulted into the heart of a remarkable event that turned a routine chapel service at Asbury University, Kentucky, into a global phenomenon. We'll walk you through the electrifying moment when God's presence disrupted complacency and triggered…

Have you ever pondered what makes your church unique and essential in your spiritual journey? Well, we did just that at Madison Church. In part two of this series, we delve into the distinctive elements of Madison Church that make us who we are. On this exciting journey of discovery, we unpack the six core values that form our community's backbone:…