UNpolished Micro Churches

UNpolished Micro Churches

Jon Sherwood

Honest conversations about the complexity, frustration, and beauty of church life in the 21st century. Topics range from theology, ecclesiology, discipleship, practical ministry, missions, spiritual formation, and other things related to following Jesus in community.

Who Grows the Church?

Who Grows the Church?

"All healthy things grow" ... right?In this episode Jon Sherwood discusses his journey in the vocational ministry and his understandings of what it is he gets paid to do. What does success in the ministry look like? How can we tell if we are doing what God wants? If ministry doesn't grow numerically, does it mean that something is necessarily wrong? Join us as we tackle some of these questions.#UNpolished #microchurch #housechurch #church #churches #christian #christianity #churchgrowth #minist

Feb 18, • 9:50

The Pros & Cons of Church Decentralization

The Pros & Cons of Church Decentralization

Jon Sherwood, James Hatfield and Daniella Hatfield have a conversation about the pros and cons of church decentralization and what it has been like to decentralize from a single traditional church to a micro church network of multiple microchurches. Topics include the beauty and weirdness of walking into a house church for the first time, as well as advice for big church leaders and pastors that may be considering including small church expressions that are incorporated into their existing stru

Jan 30, • 41:40

The Backstory: Our Journey from Large Church to Microchurches

The Backstory: Our Journey from Large Church to Microchurches

Jon Sherwood and Asheville Church Network leaders and guests, James and Daniella Hatfield, recount some of the backstory of our journey from a traditional model church to a micro church network. They discuss the need to journey through change slowly, and that no single church (or model) can meet everyone's needs or be the best fit for them to thrive spiritually. Resources referenced: Brian Sanders, Microchurches⁠⁠ Francis Chan, We Are Church⁠⁠ Mark Baker, Centered-Set Church Ralph Moore

Jan 3, • 45:10

Pilot Episode: What is UNpolished?

Pilot Episode: What is UNpolished?

Jon Sherwood and James Hatfield discuss what the UNpolished Church Podcast is about and who it is for. In this pilot episode they talk about the origins of UNpolished as well as the Asheville Church Network, a micro church network in Western North Carolina. This episodes also touches on the direction and future of the show, as well as why there seems to be a growing discontent with traditional church in America. #microchurch #housechurch #church #churches #christian #christianity

Dec 21, 2024 • 26:46

Jesus the Center Of Mission

Jesus the Center Of Mission

Today we talk about Jesus being the center of mission. We discuss the nature of God's mission and how we can join and co-labor with God in his great mission to reconcile all things back to himself through Jesus.

Aug 3, 2024 • 35:22

Jesus the Center of Politics

Jesus the Center of Politics

In this session of the Jesus Centered series we take a look at politics. How does Jesus' kingdom impact and affect our political involvement and civic engagement? Jon encourages us that no matter how we choose to engage the politics of the world, or not, we do so through an explicitly Christian worldview.

Jul 7, 2024 • 44:28

Jesus the Center of the Church

Jesus the Center of the Church

Today we talk about what it means to have Jesus at the center of the church. The ways in which christians improperly judge, and are supposed to judge properly. We also discuss centering around the person of Christ, being neither bounded by legalism nor becoming fuzzy by relativism. Gal 2-3 Here are two questions to think about from the sermon today: - What are some ways you see fence building in Churches? - How can we as a church help lead people towards this well of Jesus, the living water of

Jun 2, 2024 • 42:43

Jesus the Center of Our Lives

Jesus the Center of Our Lives

What does it mean for Jesus to be at the center of our lives? This could encompass a seemingly limitless list of topics, but here we focus on one: character. Mat 25, Gal 5

May 5, 2024 • 54:03

Jesus At the Center of the Gospel

Jesus At the Center of the Gospel

In a Christianized context, the term and idea "gospel" can become dull and lose its meaning. Here we discuss exactly what is the Gospel? What does it mean for us? And how Jesus being the center of the Gospel the best news humanity has ever received?

Apr 7, 2024 • 34:13

Jesus the Center of Truth

Jesus the Center of Truth

Continuing the "Jesus Centered" series in this episode we discuss what it means for Jesus to be the Center of Truth in our life. We look at the concept of truth in our cultural context, where those concepts come from, and the rival worldview that Jesus presents to some popular worldviews today.

Mar 2, 2024 • 48:24

Jesus the Center of the Word

Jesus the Center of the Word

Continuing the series "Jesus Centered", in this episode we explore how Jesus is the life and subject matter of all Scripture. We discuss the implications for us as we not only read the Scriptures, but respond to the Word of God through a Jesus centered lens.

Feb 3, 2024 • 50:25

Jesus the Center of Love

Jesus the Center of Love

Jesus is the center of Love. He is the center of how we understand, give, and receive love. He is the embodiment of love. In this sermon, pastor Jon Sherwood discusses 1 Corinthians 13 and the most excellent way of love found in Jesus, while making applications to our lives and the life of micro churches.

Jan 4, 2024 • 35:58

Peacemaking Not Passivity

Peacemaking Not Passivity

In this lesson we discuss using nonviolence as a means of peacemaking. We examine the difference between Jesus' peacemaking and his rejection of passivity.

Sep 19, 2023 • 43:10

Following the Prince of Peace: Do Not Be Afraid

Following the Prince of Peace: Do Not Be Afraid

In this third installment of the series, Jon Sherwood discusses the heart of Christianity, and that as believers in the resurrection we are to be freed from our fear of death as well as the fear of all threats of death as we trust in a God who is sovereign.

Aug 20, 2023 • 41:49

Following the Prince of Peace: Christian Nationalism

Following the Prince of Peace: Christian Nationalism

The second part of the series, this episode discusses the ideas of Christian nationalism, its origins and implications for Christ followers today.

Jul 30, 2023 • 50:38

Following the Prince of Peace: A War of Two Kingdoms

Following the Prince of Peace: A War of Two Kingdoms

Beginning a series about the nonviolent life and teachings of Jesus, we start by looking at John 18 and the interaction between Jesus and Pilate and how their two different kingdoms are in conflict over power, truth, violence, and righteousness.

Jul 23, 2023 • 30:41

Marty Solomon Interview: Asking Better Questions of the Bible

Marty Solomon Interview: Asking Better Questions of the Bible

Jon discusses Marty Solomon's new book, "Asking Better Questions of the Bible: a Guide for the Wounded, Wary, & Longing for More" along with a host of other questions surrounding the mystical Jesus, deconstruction of dogma, and whether it gets run over by karma. Find the book, Bema podcast, and all things Marty at: https://www.martysolomon.com

Feb 14, 2023 • 36:23

Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting

Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting

Continuing in our spiritual disciplines series as we discuss fasting and Jesus' new teachings on fasting.

Jan 15, 2023 • 18:01

Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer

Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer

Here we kick off our 2023 series on classic Spiritual Disciplines, beginning with prayer. I discuss three facets of prayer: that we need to learn to pray, that prayer and righteousness must go hand in hand, and that we must persevere and never give up in our prayer life.

Jan 8, 2023 • 35:43

Kingdom of God: Aliens & Strangers

Kingdom of God: Aliens & Strangers

Here we discuss the intersection of the kingdom of God and politics. What does it look like to be aliens and strangers in the world, yet still be in the world? Should Christian's vote if they have the opportunity?

Nov 15, 2022 • 46:53

Jesus & Nonviolence? an interview with Dean Taylor

Jesus & Nonviolence? an interview with Dean Taylor

What if Jesus meant every word he said? Dean Taylor is president of Sattler College in Boston and author of A Change of Allegiance, a book that chronicles his journey of faith to wrestle with the question, "what if Jesus meant every word he said?" While a soldier in the United States Army, Dean wrestled with the idea of Christian nationalism as he and his wife sat in the bunks reading their Bible every night. They simply couldn't get past Jesus' abundantly clear teaching to love your enemy.

Nov 5, 2022 • 44:24

Kingdom of God: Subversive Confrontation

Kingdom of God: Subversive Confrontation

Continuing the Kingdom of God series, here we take a look at the passion week of Christ in the gospel of John to show how Jesus confronted the kingdoms of the world and undermined and subverted their power by overcoming death itself, not by force or war, but through peaceful, non-retaliatory self-sacrificing love.

Jun 12, 2022 • 36:52

Kingdom of God - An Unexpected King

Kingdom of God - An Unexpected King

On Palm Sunday, in this sermon we take a look at the arrival of an unexpected king riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and what that has to do with our lives today. Matthew 21:1-11

Apr 2, 2022 • 34:38

Kingdom of God - a Kingdom of Peace

Kingdom of God - a Kingdom of Peace

Here we look at Mat 5:21-48, the "6 antitheses" of Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus fulfills and expounds upon the law of Moses to show that God is concerned about the human heart and motive, as well as outward action. In particular we discuss the radical and upside down nature of God's kingdom of peace and non-violence.

Mar 20, 2022 • 35:31

The Kingdom of God - Reconciliation

The Kingdom of God - Reconciliation

The Kingdom of God is characterized by reconciliation. Here we take a look at God's heart of reconciliation, justice, and mercy. We look at how Jesus perfectly showed these things in his ministry and how only in Christ can racial reconciliation truly be achieved, for only in Jesus can the two become one new humanity (Eph 2:11-18).

Feb 19, 2022 • 35:08

Gender & Sexuality in the 21st Century: an interview with Ellen Radcliff

Gender & Sexuality in the 21st Century: an interview with Ellen Radcliff

Here I interview Ellen Radcliff, a licensed marriage and family therapist who used to live as a lesbian, and now lives her life radically for Jesus. And no, she didn't pray the gay away. Ellen serves as COO (deputy director) of Strength In Weakness ministries and helps Christians with unwanted same sex attractions and gender identity issues find their hope, joy, fulfillment, and identity in Jesus. In this interview we discuss topics of homosexuality, transgender, and other sexual identity

Feb 11, 2022 • 48:33

The Kingdom of God - The Future Breaks In

The Kingdom of God - The Future Breaks In

Continuing our Kingdom of God series, here Jon discusses the nature of the kingdom breaking in through Jesus and how the future kingdom of God in heaven is to be made a reality in our lives right now.

Jan 23, 2022 • 27:41

Kingdom of God - the Future Breaks In

Kingdom of God - the Future Breaks In

In this sermon on the Kingdom of God we discuss how the future kingdom has broken in through Jesus and what that kingdom, already but not yet, looks like in our lives today.

Jan 21, 2022 • 27:41

Kingdom of God - The Coming Kingdom

Kingdom of God - The Coming Kingdom

Continuing the Kingdom of God series, here we discuss the coming kingdom as foretold in the Old Testament.

Jan 13, 2022 • 24:09

Kingdom of God - Introduction

Kingdom of God - Introduction

In this sermon, we dive into the introduction of our year long series the Kingdom of God. Books referenced: Tom Jones, The Kingdom of God, 3 Volumes, Illumination Publishers, 2005-2020.

Jan 7, 2022 • 24:09

Disciple Hell

Disciple Hell

In this installment of the sermon series Disciple we discuss Jesus' teachings on the topic of hell.

Dec 5, 2021 • 31:46

Disciple: Marriage, Divorce, and Singleness

Disciple: Marriage, Divorce, and Singleness

In this part of the Disciple series we discuss the teachings of Jesus on the topics of marriage, singleness, and divorce.

Nov 13, 2021 • 52:11

Disciple: Gender & Sexuality

Disciple: Gender & Sexuality

Here we wade into the controversial, and often taboo subjects in the church, of gender and sexuality. We discuss creative intent and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in the cultural soup of universalism and relativity. In issues of sexuality and gender how can we stand for truth, and be gracious at the same time - just as Jesus was?

Oct 30, 2021 • 31:55

Disciple: True Love

Disciple: True Love

What is love? With such a pervasive culture claiming love in all its various forms at every turn, what exactly is love? Here we look at the biblical witness of true love while focusing in on some of the lesser known aspects of God and Jesus' love.

Oct 24, 2021 • 51:04

Disciple: Difficult Teachings of Jesus

Disciple: Difficult Teachings of Jesus

Here we begin a new series on the difficult teachings of Jesus. The first in the series will be looking at what it means to be a disciple according to the Bible and how that differs from the modern definition of a disciple used by most today. Be ready though, today's topic, just like many of the ones to come, will be unpopular to many and will take humility to truly practice.

Oct 16, 2021 • 39:23

Marty Solomon (BEMA) Interview

Marty Solomon (BEMA) Interview

Marty Solomon (BEMA) Interview - Talking with Marty Solomon of the BEMA podcast about a myriad of things such as the nature of discipleship, the holy Scriptures, why BEMA has blown up and whether or not any of us are saved or Christians at all. Oh yea, and Marty basically rebukes St. Augustine's interpretation of the Apostle Paul. Learn more about BEMA and find Marty Solomon at: https://www.bemadiscipleship.com

Nov 10, 2020 • 43:38

Christians & Race Relations

Christians & Race Relations

A conversation with Michael Burns, bible teacher in Minneapolis, MN and Scott Kirkpatrick, lead pastor in Columbia, SC where we discuss the cultural moment and how Christians can navigate faithfully through race relations and racial tensions around us.

Jun 15, 2020 • 41:51

Fire & Testing

Fire & Testing

Discussing the recent cultural events of racial turmoil, protesting, and riots ... and the need to represent Jesus in all things.

Jun 3, 2020 • 33:56

Coronavirus & Church Revival with John Eldredge

Coronavirus & Church Revival with John Eldredge

In this interview with John Eldredge of Ransomed Heart Ministries (ransomedheart.com) and author of Wild at Heart, we discuss what life is like in the midst of the pandemic and how we can use this as a gospel moment and be part of spiritual revival.

Apr 19, 2020 • 17:18

Exiles in Digital Babylon

Exiles in Digital Babylon

Exploring what it looks like to be uncaged from technology and live faithfully while exiled in digital Babylon.

Feb 29, 2020 • 37:38

Evolution and Faith: LaGard Smith Interview

Evolution and Faith: LaGard Smith Interview

An interview with Dr. F LaGard Smith (https://lagardsmith.com) where we discuss the narrative of Evolution in our culture and why Darwin has a problem with sex.

Dec 12, 2019 • 39:45

If I had to Preach One Sermon for the American Church

If I had to Preach One Sermon for the American Church

Check out this sound bite from my recent interview with Daniel McCoy from Renew.org where I talk about what I would say to the American church, if I just had one shot.

Nov 19, 2019 • 3:41

Overcoming Staleness in your Bible Study

Overcoming Staleness in your Bible Study

Daniel McCoy of Renew.org interviews Jon Sherwood on ways to overcome staleness in your personal Bible study habits and experience God's word as a light to your path.

Nov 14, 2019 • 18:49

Summer of Wisdom: Psalms Part 2

Summer of Wisdom: Psalms Part 2

Continuing our Summer of Wisdom series with our second installment from the book of Psalms where we focus on meditating on God's word.

Aug 17, 2019 • 31:45

Summer of Wisdom: Psalms Intro

Summer of Wisdom: Psalms Intro

Continuing the Summer of Wisdom where we seek wisdom for our modern world from ancient wisdom literature from the Bible

Aug 11, 2019 • 27:45

Summer of Wisdom: Job Part 2

Summer of Wisdom: Job Part 2

The second installment of the book of Job where we explore an ancient understanding of God and seek wisdom for our modern world in the Summer of Wisdom series.

Jul 19, 2019 • 45:27

Summer of Wisdom: Job Intro

Summer of Wisdom: Job Intro

Continuing the Summer of Wisdom series where we seek wisdom for our modern world, here we start to explore the ancient wisdom literature of Job.

Jul 14, 2019 • 44:15

Summer of Wisdom: Ecclesiastes Intro

Summer of Wisdom: Ecclesiastes Intro

Continuing our Summer of Wisdom series, here we start into the book of Ecclesiastes to seek wisdom for our modern world.

Jun 9, 2019 • 42:46

Summer of Wisdom: Proverbs Intro

Summer of Wisdom: Proverbs Intro

Kicking off the series Summer of Wisdom with an introduction to Proverbs and exploring Lady Wisdom. Can ancient wisdom literature provide us with wisdom for our modern world?

May 11, 2019 • 34:24

7 Big Questions: Is Jesus Really God?

7 Big Questions: Is Jesus Really God?

Exploring the question, is Jesus really God, and how can we know?

Apr 21, 2019 • 42:01

7 Big Questions: Is the Bible Reliable?

7 Big Questions: Is the Bible Reliable?

Here we explore the question, "Is the Bible Reliable?"

Mar 24, 2019 • 51:36

7 Big Questions: Does Life Have a Purpose?

7 Big Questions: Does Life Have a Purpose?

Here we explore the question does life have a purpose and take a look at what the Bible has to say about it.

Mar 3, 2019 • 44:15

Postmoderism: Douglas Jacoby Interview

Postmoderism: Douglas Jacoby Interview

An interview with Dr. Douglas Jacoby about Postmodernism and its effects on Christians.

Jan 20, 2019 • 20:14

Disciple Making: Jason Henderson Interview

Disciple Making: Jason Henderson Interview

An interview with Jason Henderson, COO of Renew.org. Renew is a network seeking to help fuel disciple making within the Restoration family of churches.

Jan 7, 2019 • 12:32

Train Yourself: Mutual Affection

Train Yourself: Mutual Affection

Continuing our sermon series Train Yourself from 2 Pet 1, we talk about mutual affection and brotherly love.

Jan 6, 2019 • 32:16

Train Yourself: Self-Control

Train Yourself: Self-Control

From our Train Yourself series based on 2 Pet 1:3-11 here we discuss the aspect of self-control.

Dec 16, 2018 • 34:03

Homosexuality and Christianity: Guy Hammond Interview 2018

Homosexuality and Christianity: Guy Hammond Interview 2018

In this interview with Guy Hammond, executive director of Strength In Weakness ministries (www.strengthinweakness.org) we discuss the intersection of the LGBTQ and Christian communities as well as Guy's recent loss of his wife to cancer.

Dec 12, 2018 • 19:43

Imitation of Christ: Feet

Imitation of Christ: Feet

The last installment of the Imitation of Christ series, here we discuss Jesus "feet" and the kingdom gospel message he preached, and how this coincides with his "hands" and his ministry with people.

Dec 2, 2018 • 33:12

Class: God & Race

Class: God & Race

Jeff Hickman (minster at North River Church of Christ) and I teach at the Columbia School of Ministry on the topic of God & Race.

Dec 2, 2018 • 55:59

Sermons: Imitation of Christ - Hands 2

Sermons: Imitation of Christ - Hands 2

Continuing in our Imitation of Christ series we continue the discussion about what it means to imitate Christ and is work in the world, here we specifically dive into the idea of biblical justice.

Nov 17, 2018 • 30:53

Sermon: Imitation of Christ - Hands

Sermon: Imitation of Christ - Hands

The Imitation of Christ series where we take a look at the public pronouncement of Jesus' ministry in Luke 4.

Nov 6, 2018 • 34:51

Sermon: Imitation of Christ - Mouth

Sermon: Imitation of Christ - Mouth

From the Imitation of Christ sermon series where we discuss the speech of Jesus.

Nov 3, 2018 • 40:54

Sermon: Imitation of Christ - Mind

Sermon: Imitation of Christ - Mind

The Imitation of Christ sermon series where we discuss the mind of Christ and imitating Him.

Oct 27, 2018 • 36:29

Sermon: One Baptism

Sermon: One Baptism

A part of the One Series from Ephesians 4:4-6 we discuss the "one baptism".

Oct 13, 2018 • 50:04

Interview: Tim Mackie - The Bible Project

Interview: Tim Mackie - The Bible Project

In this interview with Tim Mackie one of the founders of The Bible Project (www.thebibleproject.com), we discuss the origins of The Bible Project and how two friends threw some videos up on Youtube that have now become a full blown Christian animation studio that is impacting how people understand, read, and engage the bible all over the world.

Dec 20, 2017 • 26:05

Interview: Andy Crouch - Faith & Technology

Interview: Andy Crouch - Faith & Technology

In this interview with Andy Crouch (author of Tech Wise Family and former executive director of Christianity Today), we discuss how technology is shaping our world, and our lives, for good and for ill. In particular, what this means for us as a community of faith and for you as a believer.  Andy has been gracious enough to allow me this interview with him about this issue. Quite frankly this isn't being talked about much by believers. Beware of the cultural tsunami.  Referenced resources in inte

Jul 12, 2017 • 18:03

Interview: Bobby Harrington - Discipleship First Tribe

Interview: Bobby Harrington - Discipleship First Tribe

In this interview with Bobby Harrington (pastor of Harpeth Christian Church, founder of Discipleship.org, keynote at UNBOXED 2017, and leader of discipleship track at Exponential) we explore what it means to be a part of a "disciple making first" movement, how the Holy Spirit is at work in North America along with specific implications upon the International Churches of Christ.

May 12, 2017 • 27:27

Interview: Brandon Redler - Transgender Issues

Interview: Brandon Redler - Transgender Issues

Meet Brandon Redler from SIW ministries (www.strengthinweakness.org), who lived as a woman named Desiree, then found Jesus Christ.  A powerful testimony, and much needed insight and education about the intersection of the Christian community and the "T" in LGBT.

Jan 10, 2017 • 31:47

Interview: Guy Hammond - Christianity & Homosexuality

Interview: Guy Hammond - Christianity & Homosexuality

An interview with Guy Hammond, leader of Strength In Weakness Ministries (www.strengthinweakness.org), we discuss the intersection of the Christian and LGBTQ Communities.

Jun 3, 2016 • 21:02

Sermon: LGBT & Christians - A Message of Reconciliation

Sermon: LGBT & Christians - A Message of Reconciliation

How can Christians be faithful with Jesus' message of reconciliation with the LGBT community? Jon Sherwood shares along with the Reynold's personal story of dealing with same sex attractions and its intersection with the Christian faith.

Jul 1, 2015 • 1:00:39

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