Welcome to the Flourishing Disciples Podcast! Today, Kirk Sexton, Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Care, and Jennie Smith, Caring Ministry Assistant, we wrap up our Ephesians series with a powerful call — to stand strong in the battle. Paul reminds us that a healthy church isn’t just loving and unified but equipped — ready to stand firm in the Lord’s strength. In this episode, we’ll talk about what it means to put on the full armor of God, to pray for one another, and to face life’s battles together as the body of Christ. So, grab your Bible and join us as we discover how to stand strong in the battle — not in our own strength, but in His. Here now as Pastor Randy Bare reads from Ephesians 6:10-20.

Title: Spirit-Filled Relationships What if your daily work is part of God’s holy calling? In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Kirk Sexton and Jennie Smith unpack the biblical idea of vocation—that every part of life is sacred when lived in communion with God. From Luther and Calvin to Dallas Willard, discover how our ordinary work becomes a place where God’s extraordinary grace shows up.

Welcome to The Flourishing Disciples Podcast. Today, we discuss Pastor Randy Bare’s sermon on Ephesians 4:17–5:21, which encourages us to live as a community marked by holiness and love. The passage highlights our need for transformation—a process the Holy Spirit continues today. Ephesians 4 focuses on turning from our old ways and embracing new life in Christ, guided by God's grace. We'll talk about how we can live differently together through this renewal.

Pastor Kirk Sexton and Jennie Smith unpack Ephesians 4:1–16, exploring how disciples grow when they are rooted in Christ and united in love. Drawing from Pastor Randy Bare’s sermon, they discuss humility, unity, and the gifts that make every believer vital to a flourishing church.

Title: Gospel-Centered Mission In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples podcast, we continue to consider what is a healthy church. Pastor Randy Bare explores Ephesians 3:1-13, focusing on the theme of a healthy church joining in God's mission to reveal Christ to all. He explains how Paul, writing from prison, unveils a previously hidden mystery: that Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the same body in Christ. The sermon challenges listeners to move beyond an individualistic view of faith and understand the church as central to God's eternal purpose—a new, unified humanity built together to reveal God's glory not just to the world, but to the heavenly realms.

In this week’s episode of The Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton and Jennie Smith unpack Pastor Brant Baker’s sermon, “Citizens in the Household of Peace.” Together, they explore how Jesus breaks down dividing walls and unites people who were once far from God—and from each other. From the temple’s physical barriers to the social divisions of our time, this conversation invites us to consider what walls still stand in our hearts, churches, and communities. How is Christ calling us to live as one new humanity and a dwelling place for God’s Spirit? Join us as we learn how God’s reconciling grace builds His church into a true household of peace.

In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton and Jennie Smith reflect on Ephesians 2:1–10 through Pastor Randy Bare’s sermon, Saved by Grace, Built for Purpose. Paul paints a dramatic picture of our spiritual journey—from being “dead in sin” to being made alive in Christ by God’s grace. But this grace is not only about what we’ve been rescued from; it’s also about what we’ve been created for. As God’s workmanship, we are called to walk in the good works He has prepared for us. Together, Kirk and Jennie unpack what it means for a healthy church never to forget that it was rescued by grace, and they explore the key question: How does God’s amazing grace change the way we serve in the church? Join the conversation and be encouraged to live out your faith as a disciple of Jesus who flourishes in grace and purpose.

In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton and Jennie Smith reflect on Pastor Randy Bare’s sermon from Ephesians 1:15–23. Paul’s prayer for the church is that we would know God better—through the hope of Christ, the riches of our inheritance, and the power of the resurrection at work in us. Join the conversation as we explore how head knowledge moves to heart transformation, and how God’s power shows up in our everyday discipleship.

In today’s episode we begin a new series exploring the book of Ephesians and considering what it means to be a healthy church, grounded in God’s word and aligned with the Holy Spirit. Each week, we'll look at one essential characteristic of a church grounded in Christ and growing in love, unity, and mission. Pastor Kirk Sexton and Caring Ministry Assistant Jennie Smith discuss the weeks sermon text and share personal insights that will delve deeper into the scripture. We begin today, looking at Ephesians 1:1-14. We invite you to listen to the sermon on YouTube and search for Mountain View Presbyterian Church or follow this link: https://youtu.be/Gptd74RlxBE?si=zVXCNzTCxJrzddVL

In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton sits down with Peggy Tazelaar — elder, choir member, and one of the founding members of the Flourishing Disciples movement at Mountain View Presbyterian Church. Peggy shares reflections on those first formative huddles, how discipleship has shaped her leadership as an elder, and why worship and spiritual growth go hand in hand. As a member of the Discipleship Implementation Team, Peggy also offers a hopeful vision for the future of discipleship at MVPC. Whether you’re new to the journey or a seasoned disciple, you’ll be encouraged by Peggy’s steady faith and heartfelt wisdom.

In this solo episode, Pastor Kirk Sexton unpacks the vision, structure, and heart behind the Flourishing Disciples process at Mountain View Presbyterian Church. Learn how Huddles, intentional commitments, and personal discipleship designs are helping everyday people grow in intimacy with Jesus and live out their faith with purpose. Whether you’re exploring next steps or ready to dive deeper, this episode offers a clear and compelling invitation to the journey of flourishing as a disciple.

This week, Pastor Kirk Sexton sits down with Suzanne Black—deacon, leader, and one of our first Flourishing Disciples at MVPC. Suzanne shares how daily rhythms of prayer, scripture, and journaling have transformed her walk with Jesus and led to real fruit in her life and ministry.

In this episode in our series, “Everyday Disciples,” host Kirk Sexton sits down with Jennie Smith, a pastoral intern at Mountain View Presbyterian Church and a candidate for ordination in the ECO Presbyterian denomination. Jennie shares her journey into ministry and how leading a Flourishing Disciples huddle has shaped her spiritual life and leadership. Together, they explore the challenges, joys, and growth that come from walking closely with Jesus and guiding others to do the same. Whether you’re a seasoned disciple or just starting out, this conversation will inspire you to take your next flourishing step.

In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton welcomes a deeply influential voice in his own spiritual and pastoral journey—Pastor Tom Parker. A gifted teacher, preacher, and scholar, Tom has served as Director of Fuller Seminary Southwest, adjunct teacher at the Flourishing Institute of Theology and works full time coaching and mentoring pastors, leaders, and their churches. Together, Kirk and Tom dive into the heart of discipleship in the American church today. They explore how cultural pressures have shaped our understanding of following Jesus, why theological depth matters in everyday faith, and what best practices are helping believers grow into mature, flourishing disciples. Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or someone simply seeking a deeper walk with Christ, this episode offers timeless wisdom and practical encouragement.

In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton sits down with Madeleine Jeffrey, a deeply committed member of Mountain View Presbyterian Church. Madeleine serves on the Discipleship Implementation Team, as a Deacon, in the nursery, and as a volunteer in the church office. She brings a rich background of church ministry experience and a deep love for Scripture. Together, they reflect on Madeleine’s journey of following Jesus, her role in shaping the Flourishing Disciples process at MVPC, and her leadership at the recent discipleship retreat—where she taught the Discovery Bible Study method. Madeleine shares practical insights on serving faithfully in everyday roles and offers encouragement to anyone seeking to grow as a disciple of Jesus. This conversation is full of wisdom, warmth, and the quiet strength of a life lived in steady pursuit of Christ.

In this episode of Flourishing Disciples, Pastor Kirk Sexton sits down with a special guest Debby DeBernardi—an expert in spiritual formation and discipleship. With years of experience guiding others into deeper intimacy with Christ, she shares how the practice of the Saint Ignatius Examen has shaped her own life and the lives of those she disciples. As a featured teacher at our Prayer School, she also brings fresh insight into how we can pray the scriptures and open ourselves more fully to God’s transforming work. Whether you’re a new disciple or a seasoned leader, this conversation will deepen your understanding of spiritual formation as a Spirit-led, journey with Jesus.

Today on Flourishing Disciples, we sit down with Pam Bryan—a longtime teacher, faithful Huddle Leader, and one of the foundational voices in the Flourishing Disciples movement at Mountain View. Pam recently completed two years as Moderator of the Deacons, and her story is one of steady leadership, deep faith, and a heart for discipleship. Join us as she shares how God has worked in and through her to shape a legacy of growth and service.

As we conclude our Lenten journey, Pastor Kirk and Dr. Tim reflect on the power and glory of God. They discuss how living with a kingdom perspective can shape our prayers, our worship, and our daily lives.

We all face struggles, but God is our protector and guide. This week’s episode explores spiritual warfare, temptation, and the strength we find in Christ to resist and overcome.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest—and most freeing—practices of faith. This week, Pastor Kirk and Dr. Tim discuss the transformative power of God’s grace, the challenge of forgiving others, and how forgiveness leads to healing.