The Scott Stedman Podcast

Episode 267: What the Heck is Happening with the Church of God?

What is happening with the Church of God (Anderson, IN)?  Recently there have been some new developments with COG-affiliated groups and state ministries that have Scott and Micah scratching their head.  We discuss Pastor's Fellowship's Retreat in May and debate what it means to have "uncompromising teaching" looking at their theme "A Fresh Word on Critical Themes," and question if the topics are even critical themes.
We then look at the events happening at Indiana Ministries and unpack the recent events where pastors have to sign a document agreeing to certain theological issues or risk losing their pastoral credentials.  We discuss whether this is a good thing or not and whether this is even allowed based on the leadership structures of the Church of God.
The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 266: Things Churches Say that are Unbiblical

Have you ever heard someone say something that sounded biblical but turned out it was not?  Scott and Micah unpack the various things that church people say that sometimes can be attributed to scripture or sound theology, but it is nothing more than feel-good gibberish.
The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 265: Reflections on Bishop Mariann Budde's message to Donald Trump

During the inaugural prayer service, Bishop Mariann Budde preached a message that upset President Trump.  Scott and Micah discuss the moment and debate whether or not it was an appropriate time for that service.  Micah thinks it was not the appropriate time to have that message presented due to the nature of the service, where Scott took a different stance.  Aside from the prayer service, we discuss the pastor's from the pulpit and when or when not is a time to speak on timely events, or is it challenging due to our culture today.
 The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 264: Should Churches disclose their Finances with the Congregation?

In recent years, there have been conversations about churches not disclosing or withholding information regarding their finances. Scott and Micah weigh in on the topic by looking at why churches need to be transparent about their finances and why some churches choose not to disclose that information.
 The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

263: Film for Thought: Nosferatu (2024)

Scott is returning to a former segment, Film for Thought, discussing Robert Egger's film "Nosferatu."  Scott discusses the homage to Marnau's original take and updates it for modern audiences from the film elements to the thematic themes.  Scott then discusses the play of dark and light and how when we share our struggles in a loving community, we can receive healing for it.
 
The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 262: Authentic vs Perfection in Church Life

Within social media platforms, there have been conversations among Christian influencers about churches shifting from a perfectionist culture to a more authentic one.  Scott and Micah weigh in on the conversation and discuss the challenges churches have on both sides of the spectrum.  Micah shares the challenges of leading worship authentically when there is a certain look, vibe, and culture when it comes to worship. In contrast, Scott questions if the polished, programmed heavy, perfectionist church culture will kill the authentic churches, which usually breads in smaller church settings.
 
The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 261: Gatekeeping & Transitions in Ministry

Young ministers have had a hard time trying to advance in ministry due to positions being unavailable or transitions derailed by outgoing ministers.  In this episode, Scott brings up the concept of gatekeeping in ministry where young leaders feel trapped and unable to move up in the ministry.  We look at the challenges young leaders deal with, and why some are leaving the ministry because of it.
The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 260: Finding a Career after Ministry

In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss the challenges ministers face when they try to find a career outside of ministry.  Scott and Micah had different views on challenges and tips for navigating the secular workforce.  Micah also shares an odd story involving renewing his minister credentials. 
 
The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 259: Ego in Ministry

In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss the topic of Ego in Ministry. We look at the ways ego presents itself, how it can effect one's ministry, and even ways to combat egoism in one's life and ministry.
The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 258: Dealing with Death and the Afterlife

In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss the topic of death and the afterlife.  We discuss the various views within Christianity about what happens when we die, why pastors need to educate their congregations on life after death, and the importance of hope when dealing with grieving.
The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast's continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast