Madison Church

"Circles" are essential to us at Madison Church. They're part of our strategy for connecting people with God and each other. We have systems to help people read the Bible daily and pray regularly. We also have a plan for sharing meals with one another.(We literally have "eat together" on our website.)As such, we host a free community lunch on the first Sunday of every month. We also put it in our bylaws that for people to be members of our church, they must be involved in at least one small group a year. That's how serious "circles" are to us."Circles" aren't just crucial to MC, though. They're essential to you too. Think about some of the most meaningful moments in your life and where they happened? Around a kitchen table? On a road trip? In a restaurant?Some of the most meaningful times in your life have happened in a "circle." None of us were created or meant to live life alone. We are made for relationships. God's intention has alw

If you’re a follower of Jesus today, part of what you “signed up” for was a relationship with God and other people. It’s mission-critical that you do. Why don’t we do it more often? There are obstacles. Here are the three most significant barriers people tell us: fear, tiredness, and busyness.Fear. We have to talk, open ourselves up, and be vulnerable. That’s difficult. It can be scary to let people see us. What if you go out to brunch with that person who asked you to, and they’re a weirdo? Or what if they find out you’re the weirdo?Tiredness. Fatigue affects every area of your life. Being tired is not just keeping you from going to a group once a week for a couple of months or getting together with a friend.Busyness. We’re all busy people. My calendar is jam-packed with things. Your calendar is jam-packed with things. Sarah wrote about this in the last post, which is worth reading: https://madisonchurch.com/community-as-self-care/.No matter the obstacle, when you feel like you need a circle the least is whe

The description of the early church begins with a wholehearted devotion to God and a relational devotion and dedication to one another. Their relationship with God was not something that was to be pursued or experienced alone in solitary form. They were devoted to learning together, spending time with one another, and celebrating communion.Acts 2:42-47 reads, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was awed by the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily, those who are being saved.”PBS commissioned a study to understand the relationship between relational connec

As we convene at Madison Church, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of our lives, I, Stephen Feith, share heart-wrenching yet uplifting tales of lives forever changed by divine encounters. This season, when weariness seems to cling to our bones, we embrace the stories of those who walked with Jesus and found their burdens transformed into beacons of hope. My own journey through grief—a miscarriage and the loss of a cherished pet—serves as a testament to the restorative power of faith. Together, we uncover the parallels between the ancient narratives of the first Christmas and our current adversities, finding solace in the promise of renewal that the Christmas message bestows upon our weary hearts.In an atmosphere charged with anticipation for the coming celebration, we delve into the essence of what biblical hope truly means. Far from a naive belief in a pain-free existence, we unravel the profound truth that Christian hope is about God's unwavering companionship through life's storms. The discussions we

Feeling left out of the Christmas party invite list was just the nudge I needed to ponder the profound significance of belonging. As the holiday chaos ensues, we often forget that the most meaningful gifts can't be bought. This episode unpacks the concept of belonging—being seen, known, and valued. I share a personal tale of post-parenting loneliness and how, paradoxically, even Albert Einstein once confessed to feeling isolated. We tackle the idea that belonging transcends age, status, or success, and I introduce a conversation about the Samaritan woman's life-altering encounter with Jesus. Her story isn't just a biblical lesson; it's a timeless inspiration for fostering inclusion in our own circles.As we unwrap the theme of transformation, we find ourselves at the well with Jesus and the Samaritan woman, seeing her transformation from an isolated individual to a catalyst for change in her community. I suggest practical steps we can all take to build stronger connections, from lingering a

As the twinkling lights of the season catch our eyes, let's remember the deeper joy that Christmas brings. Join me, Stephen, at Madison Church, where we've wrapped up our hearts and our laughter in the coziness of ugly sweaters and the nostalgia of nearly forgotten Christmas cards. Embark on a journey through the excitement and mishaps of holiday traditions, revealing how our search for lost ornaments mirrors our quest for something greater. From misplaced decorations to the warmth of rediscovery, we explore the essence of being found during the holiday season.Have you ever felt the heart-dropping panic of a lost child in a crowd? That very fear led me to a profound epiphany amidst a zoo light show, one that paints a vivid picture of God's pursuit of the estranged human heart. This episode weaves personal anecdotes with the biblical story of Zacchaeus, peeling back the layers of historical tax collection and societal disdain to reveal the transformative dinner that altered his life. Discover ho

As the twinkling lights of the holiday season cast a warm glow over our homes, I, Stephen Feith, invite you on a journey that transcends the bright decorations and festive cheer. Picture this: a home brimming with the sounds of Christmas music, the laughter of children anticipating their birthdays, and a heartwarming transition from Thanksgiving to a season that's not just about merriment, but about embracing God's greatest gift to humanity. In our latest podcast episode, I reveal the intimate moments that make my family's celebrations special, my personal triumph over a fear of heights to adorn our abode with lights, and most importantly, how these treasured traditions mirror the deeper significance of Christmas for us followers of Jesus.As the pastor at Madison Church, I delve into an often overlooked narrative of Christmas—one where the radical love of Jesus Christ shines brightly through his acceptance of the marginalized, as seen in the evocative story from Luke 7. Our discussion meanders

How can our perspectives change and expand through personal relationships, and how does this relate to our relationship with Jesus? Join us as we share our heartfelt journey of growth and understanding. We explore how embracing these new experiences can lead us to a deeper relationship with Jesus and a more expansive view of the world around us, as we step into the kingdom of God.We also dive into the three realms of the kingdom of God - personal, relational, and social - and how Jesus started his ministry with a powerful social, communal, and even political message. Discover the importance of racial reconciliation as part of our Christian responsibility. Let's talk politics - often a touchy subject, but one that Jesus didn't shy away from. We explore how Jesus engaged with political authority and the importance of viewing politics from a Kingdom perspective. We discuss how love always wins, regardless of election results, and the role the church can play in bringing people of all political beliefs

Are you feeling exhausted by the upcoming election and the relentless attack ads? It's time to take a step back and explore the intersection of faith and politics in this week's eye-opening episode. We dive into the importance of putting our faith first when it comes to our political party affiliations, discussing how no political party perfectly aligns with the values of Jesus, yet both parties can represent some of his values. We continue by examining Paul's journey to becoming a slave to all people, in order to bring many to Christ. Discover how Paul strategically chose his battles to live amongst the Jews and the Gentiles, and learn how choosing unity and love over fear and division is key to navigating our current political climate. As Christians, we need to be reminded that we should have more in common with fellow believers who hold opposing political views than with those who share our politics but not our faith.Lastly, as the election approaches, we explore how to approach difficult co

Can we all agree that faith and politics are a touchy yet undeniably important topic? Join us as we dive in head-first, exploring Jesus' teachings on politics and their modern-day relevance. We'll navigate the excitement and apprehension surrounding the upcoming midterm elections while examining how Jesus' teachings transcend the political climate of any era.We're challenging ourselves - and you - to be better followers of Jesus by filtering our politics through our faith, not the other way around. Let's explore together the idea of disagreeing politically but loving unconditionally, as we delve into John 17. Are we prepared to follow Jesus, even when it creates space between us and our political party of choice?Lastly, let's consider Jesus' prayer for unity among his followers and its significance in our world today. Divisions within the church can lead people away from God, so let's discuss what it means to prioritize the kingdom of God and work together, despite our

When Stephen embarked on the journey of establishing Madison Church, the vision was to create micro locations fostering healthy, quality communities rather than attracting huge crowds. Join us in this episode as we share the incredible story of Madison Church's growth, the many lives transformed through baptism, and the power of Jesus to bring healing, purpose, and life.We also discuss the impact of friendship and perseverance in faith, as shown through Jason's journey from moral failure to working at Madison Church, where he helped reshape our leadership team. Dive into the potent message of the Hebrews letter, which encourages us to support each other despite our friends' mistakes and persevere through life's challenges. Together, let's explore how to live like never before.Lastly, we delve into the true essence of biblical holiness by examining Jesus' teachings on money, marriage, and hospitality. Discover the importance of honoring God in our relationships, being content with

How often do you find yourself consumed by the daily distractions of life, struggling to reconnect with the divine? This episode reveals the power of music in worship, as a tool to help us refocus our attention on our spiritual connection with God. Join us as we share our journey in founding Madison Church and the vital role music plays in creating an impactful, meaningful worship experience.Discover the significance of persevering faith as we delve into the lives of individuals mentioned in Hebrews 11 and the lessons we can learn from their faith in action. Learn how the two covenants play a role in our spiritual lives and the importance of community in helping us persevere through trials and challenges. As we explore the concept of holiness, find out how God's holiness once kept him distant from his people and how, through Jesus, we can now approach him without fear.Finally, let's challenge ourselves to reorient our lives towards the present and future workings of God, not just the past. We invite

Imagine completing an Iron Man triathlon and the sheer perseverance it demands, both physically and emotionally. Now, picture your spiritual journey as an Iron Man race, with similar endurance and commitment necessary to cross the finish line victoriously. That's the heart of our conversation in this episode, as we explore Hebrews 12 and its teachings on faith and perseverance.Join us as we discuss Jesus as the ultimate example of faith, enduring the cross and disregarding the shame, teaching us the value of perseverance in our spiritual race. We dive into the powerful analogy of running the race with weights, which represent the extra baggage that slows us down in our spiritual journeys, and the faith Jesus demonstrated through his sacrifice on the cross. Furthermore, we unpack the significance of discipline and learning from God, who acts as our personal trainer, pushing us to reach our goals and dreams.Finally, we emphasize the importance of community support in persevering in our faith. By surroundin

Did you know that heroes don't always wear capes? Sometimes, they're the people we least expect, like our parents, mentors, or even ourselves. Join me as I share the incredible story of my grandpa, who transformed from a mean alcoholic to a wonderful grandfather and became one of my personal heroes. His journey taught me that it's not about how you start, but how you finish that truly matters.Faith can be a controversial topic, but what if it's not just a blind leap but a confident belief in God based on what he has already done? In this episode, we dig deep into Hebrews 11 to dissect misconceptions around faith and the stories of biblical heroes like Abraham and Moses. Together, we'll explore the importance of persevering in faith despite overwhelming challenges and how God works in, through, and around us, even when we can't see it.But faith isn't just an abstract concept; it involves movement and action. Whether it's moving cities or making an offering, taking a step

Are you wavering in your commitment to your Christian community? This powerful discussion dives into the crucial role that fellow believers play in our spiritual growth and well-being. We unpack the idea that neglecting our relationships with other Christians can lead to a wavering faith in Jesus, as well as the dangers of turning our faith into a hyper-individualistic, do-it-yourself practice.We also tackle the consequences of deliberate sin, examining the Greek word 'Hakusos' which refers to willful sinning. Discover how this can lead to the breakdown of relationships and our inability to live according to God's standards. The importance of discipline in our faith journey cannot be understated, as it affects our relationship with God and those around us.Lastly, we explore the importance of remembering our faith during persecution, discussing the various ways modern-day persecution can manifest. From internet memes with Bible verses taken out of context to ridicule and mocking from non-believe

Stephen's journey into the world of ministry started with great excitement, only to be confronted by a toxic and abusive church environment that left him feeling broken and questioning his future as a pastor. In this episode, he bares all and shares his personal story - from being yelled at and bullied, to witnessing inappropriate behavior and questionable financial practices. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Stephen found valuable lessons about perseverance and finding hope in the darkest of times.Together, we explore the concept of boldly approaching God through Jesus and unravel the Old Testament symbolism of the High Priest. As we discuss how Jesus is the one true High Priest, come to understand that this isn't a new religion, but rather the fulfillment of what was always meant to be. Embrace a life free from guilt, where we can genuinely share our inner selves with God.Finally, let's talk about living a purposeful spiritual journey, embracing both challenge and support. Discover how to put your th

Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, plea

Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, plea

Looking at several key encounters between Jesus and his followers on the shores of Sea of Galilee, we learn what Jesus was about.As followers of Jesus, we need to resist the human tendency to focus on our own performance and goodness. Instead, we  build our lives on the foundation of God’s grace.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general i

Looking at several key encounters between Jesus and his followers on the shores of Sea of Galilee, we learn what Jesus was about.Wholeheartedly following Jesus means having the courage to step out of our comfort zones to join him where he is and in what he is doing.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The