Vocations and Church Connections | POD 079

Hosts: Paul Brandes & Ben Beasley

Guests: Paige Wiley

Introduction

This episode explores the importance of connecting Sunday faith to Monday work, featuring discussion of the Scatter survey—a tool developed by Made to Flourish to help churches understand and support the vocational realities of their congregations. Guest Paige Wiley along with Campus Pastors Paul Brandes and Ben Beasley discuss how broadening our understanding of work (including paid and unpaid roles) strengthens discipleship, community, and mission.

5 Main Takeaways

The conversation focuses on bridging the gap between Sunday faith and Monday work, emphasizing that discipleship extends beyond church walls into daily vocations 00:01:31.

One concept discussed is the importance of viewing all types of work—paid, unpaid, caregiving, studying—as valuable contributions to God’s mission 00:11:40.

A key theme that emerges is the potential for isolation in the workplace and how communal connections within similar industries can undo this sense of aloneness 00:08:19.

The discussion explores challenges like burnout and the need for churches to recognize, lament, and address work-related pressures among congregants 00:18:49.

Several points are raised, including the vital role of pastors and church leaders in listening to and equipping people for mission and formation in their everyday work, not just within church programs 00:09:10.

Resources

madetoflourish.org

https://www.madetoflourish.org/scatter

Keywords

Scatter survey, Faith and work, Burnout, Vocational discipleship, Mission of God, Cultural mandate, Royal priesthood, Paid and unpaid work, Church community, Work sentiments, Discipleship, Missional living, Congregation data, Industry connections, Sacred-secular split

Serving the Least of These | POD 078

Hosts: Paul Brandes

Guests: Jack & Candy Houghton

Introduction

In this episode, Paul Brandes talks with Jack and Candy Houghton of Relentless Prison Ministry about their journey into prison ministry, the transformative power of grace and forgiveness among incarcerated men, and how they witness lives being changed inside Lansing Correctional Facility.

3 Main Takeaways

1) Transformation and Community Behind Bars

Jack and Candy share powerful stories of inmates finding purpose, forgiveness, and faith through the work of Relentless Prison Ministry, especially within Building A5, which has become a model of positive community and transformation within Lansing Correctional Facility.

2) Forgiveness is Central

Many incarcerated individuals struggle to forgive themselves or believe they can be forgiven, but through programs like trauma healing classes and genuine one-on-one connections, Jack emphasizes that realizing God’s forgiveness is a pivotal moment that often leads to personal growth and a desire to help others.

3) Anyone Can Make a Difference

Candy encourages listeners not to be afraid of volunteering and to be open to seeing where God leads them, highlighting that practical needs range from teaching and spiritual support to simply spending time with residents, playing games, or sharing music and events.

Resources

https://relentlesspm.org

Timestamps

01:05: Jack Houghton shares his origin story—how losing his wife and asking, “What now, Lord?” led to his first experience inside a prison and his calling into prison ministry.

04:53: Jack describes the development of A5, their unique pod within the prison focused on community and transformation, and the philosophy behind welcoming residents.

09:01: Jack explains the transformative power of Jesus’ name within the prison, detailing how gang members are released from their gangs if they truly follow Jesus.

12:11: Jack recounts a pivotal story of forgiveness and transformation, where a resident chooses to forgive a personal wrong rather than seek revenge.

25:40: Jack tells a moving story about a resident’s trauma from childhood and how the ministry helped him move toward healing and family reconciliation.

Keywords

Prison ministry, Relentless Prison Ministry, Lansing Correctional Facility, Transformation, Forgiveness, Second chances, Community, Trauma healing, Grace, Incarceration, Volunteers, Rehabilitation, Faith, Gang activity, Redemption