Spiritual Formation Catalyst
Working to help people respond to the Spirit's call in the midst
of their everyday lives so that they may experience what Jesus describes as,
"life to the full."
Welcome back to the A Place in the Conversation podcast.
Today we are making a place in the conversation for Dan Fech. Dan shares his story of finding recovery from drugs and alcohol. He explains how a higher power and acts of service have helped him remain sober for over 25 years.
On today’s podcast, we make “A Place in the Conversation” for Luis Tovar. Luis shares the work that Kacie’s Cause is doing to help individuals and families address substance use disorder.
Luis serves as the executive director of Kacie’s Cause.
Kacie’s Cause is a group of volunteers dedicated to minimizing the effects of substance use disorder with love and compassion in a non-judgemental way through education, support, prevention, & advocacy. – Kacie’s Cause website
For most of my life, I have been learning through conversation. Sharing life with others has provided opportunities for the Spirit to speak and help shape the person I am today.
Over the years, I have learned that some of the most interesting conversations take place with people whose life experience is different than my own. People who hold different beliefs, world views, or perspectives have much to offer – if only I am willing to listen.
A true conversation, the type where people feel safe sharing their stories is not always easy. It often means I must focus on hearing what they are sharing and watching for opportunities of connection. Connection occurs when people are truly heard, listen to others, and as a result, experience moments of growth.
It is enough to say that there is little in the way of true conversation taking place within our world today. Especially among people with divergent worldviews.
When I was first diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer back in May 2016, I really wrestled with how to invest the remainder of my life. Doctors told me I had little time, and I wanted to use it well. I remember the day, sitting in my office at First Baptist Church when I got very clear on what was important. Less time strategizing, planning, sitting alone in an office…more time investing in life-giving conversations. From that day forward, I spent more time in coffee shops, and restaurants just hanging out with people and having truly amazing conversations.
As I walked away from each conversation, I was humbled by what I had learned, and how the Spirit used the time to help me grow.
One of my frequent coffee partners is my good friend Nick. We have spent countless hours in local coffee shops sharing life and discussing just about everything under the sun.
While the spiritual experience is important to both of us, our journeys have been different. The language we use captures what is important to each of us. Nick has challenged my thinking and helped me grow as a person of faith.
A while back I found myself thinking that some of the conversations I have been blessed to have were really amazing. People sharing from the depths of their lives and helping me understand myself, life, and pursuit of things spiritual. What would it look like if we tried to share some of them with others?
Over coffee one morning Nick and I talked about the possibility of working together to capture the stories of others. We have no set topic list. The more diverse it gets the more successful we will consider ourselves. Our goal is to help provide a place where people can share their stories.
Stick with us and you will hear us talk with those who already have platforms to share their stories. We want to dig deeper and help you understand the person behind the program (so to speak). A real joy is when we provide a place for those without a platform to share their story. There are so many GREAT stories within our communities that should be shared. We want to help make that happen.
A new episode will drop every Monday.
Matthew 28:18-20
This message is the first in a series that deals with the Mission, Vision and Values of First Baptist Church.
When I use the word Mission I am talking about something that is God given…something that is held in common by all churches and individuals who call upon Jesus as Savior and Lord.
When you hear me talk about Vision I am referring to how a particular individual or congregation lives out their God given Mission in a specific place and time.
Vision is a picture of a preferable future…if your vision for your life or for the congregation already exists…then it is not a vision…it is a description of reality…a vision should stretch…it should challenge…it should demand growth…a God given Vision will take your breath away as you think about how the world will be transformed as it becomes a reality.
Values, values are those characteristics of the individual or community that you hold so sacred that you will not sacrifice as you pursue the Mission and Vision.
Some people like to refer to Mission as our sense of purpose…but when it comes to the church, to the things of God I believe we have something bigger than a purpose…we have a God given Mission.
When Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life will find it.” (Matthew 16) he is declaring that his disciples have a mission, are on mission…our lives go beyond purpose.
Jesus very clearly gives the Mission when he says,
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20
This has been the ongoing mission of the healthy and vibrant church seeking to follow Christ since the day Jesus spoke it.
Jesus invites us, no calls us, to partner in what was his Mission…to draw people to God.
This is our mission…the only question is whether we chose to accept it
Daniel has been a seeker his entire life, seeking a deeper relationship with Abba Father. He has served as pastor for American Baptist churches in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. His passion is to "help people encounter God in the midst of their everyday lives." He writes with a transparency intended to allow others to see the struggles that lead to healing and life. Daniel currently serves as Spiritual Formation Catalyst for A Place in the Conversation.
Daniel's journey was disrupted when the doctor said, "You have stage IV colon cancer." Questions of "Why" and "If only" crowded his mind. Can one encounter God in the midst of a cancer journey? Join this seeker as he shares the pain and joys of this journey not of his choosing. Daniel's wife, Nancy, joins in sharing some of her thoughts, and feelings as she watches her husband fight his battle.