Advancing the Cause

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Advancing the Cause

IFCA International

67 episodes

3 days ago

Send us a text In this insightful episode, we explore the transition of pastoral leadership—a journey filled with blessings, challenges, and the faithful guidance of God’s Word. Joining us are special guests Dr. Gary Gilley and his son Brian Gilley, who share their firsthand experience walking through a father-to-son leadership transition within the local church. Together, they discuss the emotional and spiritual dynamics of passing the baton, the biblical principles that shaped their decisio...

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Religion & Spirituality,

Society & Culture,

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Send us a text In this insightful episode, we explore the transition of pastoral leadership—a journey filled with blessings, challenges, and the faithful guidance of God’s Word. Joining us are special guests Dr. Gary Gilley and his son Brian Gilley, who share their firsthand experience walking through a father-to-son leadership transition within the local church. Together, they discuss the emotional and spiritual dynamics of passing the baton, the biblical principles that shaped their decisio...

Show more...

Religion & Spirituality,

Society & Culture,

Episodes (20/67)

Advancing the Cause

Passing the Baton: Navigating a God-Honoring Pastoral Transition

Send us a text In this insightful episode, we explore the transition of pastoral leadership—a journey filled with blessings, challenges, and the faithful guidance of God’s Word. Joining us are special guests Dr. Gary Gilley and his son Brian Gilley, who share their firsthand experience walking through a father-to-son leadership transition within the local church. Together, they discuss the emotional and spiritual dynamics of passing the baton, the biblical principles that shaped their decisio...

3 days ago

1 hour

Advancing the Cause

Wielding Divine Authority: Leading Like Christ in a Culture of Power Struggles

Send us a text In a world obsessed with influence, image, and control, how can God’s servants wield authority without becoming authoritarian? Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:1–6, Dr. Richard Bargas explores how Paul’s example teaches church leaders to exercise divine authority with humility, dependence, confidence, biblical conviction, and an eternal perspective. This episode challenges pastors and ministry leaders to reject the fleshly tactics of our age and instead lead like Christ—strong yet...

2 weeks ago

1 hour 5 minutes

Advancing the Cause

5 Powerful Ways Your Church Can Support Chaplains & Military Families

Send us a text Chaplains and military families often serve quietly on the frontlines—whether in the military, healthcare, or other high-pressure settings. But who ministers to them? In this episode, we share 5 practical and impactful ways your church can come alongside chaplains and military families with encouragement, support, and gospel-centered care. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or church member who wants to make a difference, you’ll come away with simple steps your congregat...

2 months ago

32 minutes

Advancing the Cause

Beware the Wolves: How to Spot and Stop False Teachers in the Church

Send us a text False teachers aren’t always easy to spot. They may smile, quote the Bible, and fill stadiums—but Jesus warned they’re “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matt. 7:15). In this episode, we uncover how to recognize spiritual deception, test every teaching against God’s Word, and protect the church from dangerous influences—whether they come from outside or within. You’ll learn: The biblical tests for identifying false prophets (Deut. 13, Deut. 18, 1 John 4)Why popularity, char...

3 months ago

1 hour 5 minutes

Advancing the Cause

The Church Boiler Room: Powering the Mission Through Prayer

Send us a text In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we uncover the true powerhouse behind gospel ministry—not programs, not strategies, but prayer. Drawing from the powerful example of Charles Spurgeon’s “boiler room” and the weighty testimony of Scripture, we explore eight critical ways every church, ministry, and pastor needs prayer to fulfill the mission of Christ. From preparation and preaching to spiritual warfare and leadership, prayer is not a support activity—it is the work. We’ll ...

3 months ago

51 minutes

Advancing the Cause

"Say It Plainly: The Power of Clarity in Preaching"

Send us a text In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we explore the vital role of clarity in preaching, specifically through the use of propositional statements. Clarity in a sermon isn't just helpful—it's essential. Without it, even the most passionate message can leave listeners confused or unmoved. A clear, concise propositional statement helps anchor the sermon’s main idea, giving the congregation something they can remember, reflect on, and apply. Join us for a practical conversation t...

4 months ago

24 minutes

Advancing the Cause

Steeplejacking: When Churches Face Hostile Takeovers

Send us a text In this episode of Advancing the Cause, host Richard Bargas shines a light on the unsettling trend of “steeplejacking”—when struggling churches are targeted and taken over by more aggressive ministries. Richard unpacks how this strategy works, why it’s often harmful, and what churches can do to safeguard their health, doctrine, and identity. This episode acts as a call for discernment, wisdom, and faithfulness in the face of pressure and decline. Support the show Advancing t...

5 months ago

1 hour 3 minutes

Advancing the Cause

Can I Be a Professional at Work and a Faithful Christian?

Send us a text Join John-Michael Wong, an elder at Evangel Bible Church in Berkeley, CA, and an engineer, as he and Richard Bargas explore integrating faith with work. This discussion delves into the importance of aligning Christian beliefs with professional careers, offering guidance for Christian professionals, young and old, on how to live out their faith without feeling overwhelmed. It addresses common challenges Christians face in secular workplaces, such as maintaining integrity a...

5 months ago

1 hour

Advancing the Cause

The Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 2

Send us a text In this part 2 of a thought-provoking episode, "The Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 2," we continue to delve deep into the enduring relevance and authority of Scripture in the modern Christian life. Based on Richard Bargas' lecture, this discussion continues to explore the critical connection between the doctrine of inerrancy and the sufficiency of Scripture, underlining how the Bible remains the ultimate guide for faith, counseling, theology, and daily living. Join us as...

6 months ago

51 minutes

Advancing the Cause

The Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 1

Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, "The Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 1," we delve deep into the enduring relevance and authority of Scripture in the modern Christian life. Based on Richard Bargas' lecture, this discussion explores the critical connection between the doctrine of inerrancy and the sufficiency of Scripture, underlining how the Bible remains the ultimate guide for faith, counseling, theology, and daily living. Join us as we address contemporary challenges ...

6 months ago

54 minutes

Advancing the Cause

Legacy of Faith: A Father & Son’s Journey Through Generations

Send us a text In this powerful episode, we welcome Pastor Rick Gregory and his son, Pastor Rich Gregory, for an inspiring conversation on continuing a lasting legacy of faith through multiple generations. As leaders in their respective ministries and part of a family rooted deeply in Christian values, Rick and Rich share their personal stories, the blessings and challenges of generational faith, and the importance of intentional discipleship within the family. From the foundational faith of ...

7 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

Advancing the Cause

Is Your Ministry Adrift or On Target?

Send us a text In this insightful episode tailored for pastors and church leaders, we delve into the essential task of realigning your ministry with its foundational mission and purpose. Discover practical strategies to revitalize your church's vision, set clear goals, and chart a purposeful direction that resonates with your congregation. Richard Bargas, Executive Director of IFCA International, will share actionable insights and real-world applications to help you navigate the challenges of...

7 months ago

45 minutes

Advancing the Cause

Church SOS, part 4: How to Get and Keep Visitors

Send us a text Richard Bargas concludes this four-part series on assisting struggling churches in regaining their footing. This episode offers guidance on capitalizing on chances to invite people to your church services and programs, as well as strategies for reaching your community for Christ. However, what about after your visitors arrive? Richard shares valuable insights on developing an effective follow-up program to ensure that those who visit are more likely to return for another visit....

8 months ago

56 minutes

Advancing the Cause

Church SOS, Part 3: The Benefits of Examining Your Church's Facilities and Programs Through the Eyes of a First-Time Visitors

Send us a text In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we dive into the vital practice of evaluating your church's facilities and programs from the perspective of a first-time visitor. Often, church leaders and members are so familiar with their surroundings that they overlook small details that can significantly impact newcomers' experiences. Join us as we explore the benefits of taking a step back, walking through your church as if it's your first time, and identifying areas for improvement...

8 months ago

43 minutes

Advancing the Cause

Church SOS, Part 2: How to Steer Your Church Back on Course

Send us a text In Part 2 of Church SOS, we explore how churches can use the concept of a funnel to assess and refine their programs for greater impact. Just like a doctor’s diagnosis of a sick patient, statistical analysis can reveal strengths and highlight areas that need attention. By examining simple attendance numbers over time, church leaders can gain valuable insights into where their ministry is thriving and where thoughtful reflection, strategic adjustments, and prayerful decisi...

9 months ago

48 minutes

Advancing the Cause

Church SOS: How to Steer Your Church Back on Course

Send us a text In “Church SOS,” Richard Bargas delves into the narratives of churches that have drifted from their foundational purposes, exploring how this shift has led to dwindling congregations and diminished impact. This episode uncovers the subtle signs of mission drift, the internal pressures that lead to misalignment, and the profound consequences of losing sight of the purposes that Christ has called His Church to fulfill. Listeners are invited to reflect deeply on the true role of t...

9 months ago

51 minutes

Advancing the Cause

What Fuels the Fires of Antisemitism?

Send us a text Dive into a compelling and eye-opening conversation as Dr. Richard Bargas and Paul Scharf, Church Ministries Representative for Friends of Israel, confront the alarming surge of antisemitism that is casting a shadow across the globe. In this thought-provoking episode, they unravel the roots of this age-old hatred, even seeping into unexpected places like American universities and some Christian denominations. Explore the biblical insights into antisemitism and anti-Zionism whil...

10 months ago

49 minutes

Advancing the Cause

How Can I Make My Bible Teaching More Interesting? - Dr. Richard Bargas

Send us a text Welcome to Season 3 of Advancing the Cause! In this episode, Richard Bargas shares several reasons why you might think that you don’t need to use illustrations to make your sermons and Bible studies more interesting—and how properly used illustrations not only help your listeners remember what you have taught but aid in understanding the concepts and doctrine you are trying to teach them. Need some help in this area of lesson and sermon preparation? Listen as Dr. Bargas shares ...

10 months ago

1 hour

Advancing the Cause

Preaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist- Bonus episode

Send us a text In this final installment of the series, Richard Bargas wraps up his mini-series on Preaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist, with the last points on improving your preparation of Old Testament sermons and Bible lessons. Dealing practically with the text, Dr. Bargas helps guide you through any possible pitfalls as you develop a biblical sermon from the Old Testament. Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2084058/episodes/16243761 Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/20...

10 months ago

26 minutes

Advancing the Cause

Preaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist, part 2

Send us a text In this second installment of this series, Richard Bargas moves from reasons to preach the Old Testament to sharing helpful hints to help you feel more comfortable and improve your preparation of Old Testament sermons and Bible lessons. Dealing practically with the text, Dr. Bargas helps guide you through any possible pitfalls as you develop a biblical sermon from the Old Testament Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia...

11 months ago

42 minutes