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The Gathering Church Podcast

290 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★ - 1 rating

The Gathering Church Podcast provides sermons, special audio messages, and all-new conversations with members of the congregation aimed to help you live the Abundant Life Jesus promised.

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Episodes

Interview: Jen Beitel "Biblical Worldview"

March 19, 2024 07:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MB

Join host Peter Varberg as he interviews Jen Beitel, a Gathering member whose journey to ministry leadership is nothing short of inspiring. Jen shares her story of transformation and how she now leads a ministry focused on helping parents and their teenage children establish a biblical worldview. Tune in for insights on faith, growth, and purpose in this engaging episode.

Interview: Scott Wessell "Navigating Faith" Insights into The Gathering's Youth Ministry

March 05, 2024 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

Embark on an insightful journey as Scott Wessell, our IMPACT and Youth Pastor, opens up in an exclusive interview about the exciting developments within our new youth ministry at The Gathering. Immerse yourself in Scott's personal narrative as he unfolds the profound impact of youth ministry on his faith, offering a unique perspective influenced by his role as a father to a son in the same age group. Delve into the ministry's mission of guiding and empowering our youth "adults in training" t...

Interview: Paul Varberg

February 22, 2024 20:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MB

Host Peter Varberg interview his father, Paul Varberg, a lifelong missionary in the Philippines who also grew up as a missionary kid there. Join us as Paul shares insight on what it's like to live a life overseas as a missionary and how to serve God within our own sphere of influence no matter where we are.

Interview: Daniel Rojas "Christ Collective Church"

February 21, 2024 20:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MB

Daniel candidly shares his journey from battling alcoholism to discovering a renewed faith in Jesus. His missionary experiences in Israel and India, meeting his wife Yvette, and establishing a house church all lead to the transformational story behind the new church he's planting, Christ Collective Church.

Testimony: Fritz Doran

December 12, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

Fritz shares his journey from growing up in Alabama, to joining the marines, how he met his wife, to his faith story of shifting his perspective from seeing Christianity as a list of things that he had to do, to a personal relationship with Jesus based on grace.

Interview: Charissa Sutliff "Christ Centered Body Image"

November 21, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MB

Join us as Charissa shares her inspiring journey from being a fitness coach and professional bodybuilder, to discovering Jesus and establishing a ministry centered on a Christ-driven approach to body image. Charissa's story reveals her profound journey of uncovering her true identity anchored in Christ and igniting a compelling call for others to embark on their own transformative journeys.

Interview: Sal Garcia

October 31, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MB

Join us on Sal's incredible journey from a challenging childhood, entrepreneurial middle school days, and single parenthood to finding love, faith, and a spiritual home at The Gathering. It's a story of divine pursuit and unwavering love from a steadfast, unfailing Father.

Testimony: Phil Garcia

October 03, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MB

Get ready to dive into Phil's incredible journey – from growing up in church and just going through the motions, to having his faith ignited by seeing his roommate live out his Christian beliefs, to experiencing God through genuine community, and continuing to live out his faith among friends and neighbors.

Testimony: Deb Nore

September 19, 2023 18:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MB

Join Alanna Sullivan as she interviews her very own mother in law, Deb Nore, as she shares her journey from her early days in the church, stepping away, years of soul-searching, battling an abusive relationship and illnesses, to starting fresh in San Diego during the covid pandemic. 

Book of Philippians Class with Becky Friberg

August 22, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

A conversation on joy, how to study the Bible, and accountability through community.

Spiritual Disciplines Class with Peter Varberg

August 08, 2023 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

Aeron Sullivan interviews Peter Varberg about his “Spiritual Disciplines” class. We hope this episode encourages you to pick a spiritual discipline and see how God transforms your life.

Impact Big Bible Overview Class with Aeron Sullivan

July 25, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

Welcome to the Gathering Podcast. Today we will be continuing our series on the Impact School of Discipleship as I interview one of Impact’s teachers, Aeron Sullivan, about his class “Big Bible Overview.” 

Impact DESIGN Class with Scott Wessell

July 11, 2023 07:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

Welcome to the Gathering Podcast. This podcast is all about you experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised. We do this through stories, teachings, and testimonies about God’s unyielding faithfulness. Today we are introducing a new series focused on the Impact School of Discipleship. We’ll be interviewing different teachers to let you crash their class and also take away some of the nuggets. We hope you’ll be inspired to take your spiritual life to the next level and help you understa...

Impact Reflections (Vision Week)

August 17, 2022 17:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

Welcome to the gathering podcast; this podcast is all about helping you experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. We do this through stories, teachings, and testimonies about God’s unyielding faithfulness. As you probably could tell, the podcast team is taking a break for the summer, but we have a special episode we wanted to release leading up to Impact’s upcoming vision week.  Today Peter Varberg interviews several current students and alums from Impact who reflect on their experi...

Testimony: Ivan Ortega with special guest Linda from Miracle 139

June 29, 2022 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MB

Today Peter Varberg interviews Ivan Ortega. You have seen Ivan around on any given Sunday, but if you haven’t had a chance to get to know him, he has a fascinating story and powerful testimony. Today Ivan dives deep into faith, autism, and the redemptive power of Jesus. We also have a special guest join Ivan, Linda Martin, President of a ministry called Miracle 139. Miracle 139 focuses on helping children worldwide with disabilities, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Testimony: Kelsie Kindon

May 26, 2022 02:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

This week your host, Alanna Sullivan, interviews Kelsie Kinden.  Kelsie formerly served in the US Navy and has her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Many of you probably know Kelsie, and if you haven’t met her, I am sure you would recognize her as she has been attending The Gathering from the beginning. Today though, we hear Kelsie’s vulnerable testimony about her journey through mental health.  Alanna explores some heavy topics with Kelsie from abuse as a child throughout her adulthood. M...

Testimony: Scott Bergen

May 17, 2022 18:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MB

You have probably seen him on drums almost every week in worship, and you even see him up front leading worship from time to time. But do you know Scott Bergen’s story? Well today Peter Varberg dives into Scott’s testimony with Scott to discover how he met the Lord, where his love of music comes from, and for the heart and vision God has given Scott to best impact the Kingdom on his behalf. 

Sharing your Testimony with Mary Ann Mariani

April 20, 2022 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

Through the end of this season, we will hear testimonies from our congregation members, young, old, and everywhere in between. At the beginning of this series, Peter Varberg gave a short introduction on how to give your testimony. We aren't just sharing the power of others' testimonies through this series but also trying to help equip you to share the power of yours. Today, we have a follow-on conversation with Mary Ann Mariani.  Mary Ann has 20 years of experience as a Public Speaking Coac...

Testimony: Shelley Alvarado

April 13, 2022 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

Welcome to the gathering podcast. Last week we heard an interview between host Peter Varberg and one of our members David Alvarado. It was a vulnerable conversation around addiction and, most importantly, the victory over sin achieved through Jesus.  This week, we hear from Shelley, whose walk, while coinciding with Dave in over 30 years of marriage, has her own powerful testimony of places of healing and the mighty redemption Jesus brings in areas of forgiveness, relationships, and especia...

Testimony: Dave Alvarado

March 29, 2022 00:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

This week Peter Varberg had the opportunity to interview David and Shelly Alvarado. David and Shelly have been married for over 30 years, so their testimonies are very tied together. However, they both have their unique walks with the Lord, so we’ll be hearing from them individually. This first week, we hear from Dave, whose testimony echoes the many who have had to walk through addiction with the Lord but can thankfully claim victory today with Jesus.

Testimony: Charlotte Gore

March 22, 2022 02:00 - 55 minutes - 37.8 MB

Over the next four months, we will hear testimonies from many of our congregation members, young, old, and everywhere in between. This week we hear from Charlotte Gore. She has a fascinating and challenging growing-up story. Charlotte also has a remarkable testimony around God’s provision throughout her life, which has not been an easy road. We are confident you'll get to know Charlotte better by hearing her story, and as always, see that our God is indeed a faithful God looking out for his...

Testimony Training with Peter Varberg

March 10, 2022 16:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

All testimonies are powerful and God-honoring, but sometimes we can use a little extra help expressing them. Over the last two weeks, we've heard powerful and vulnerable testimonies from Lisa Pigeon and Ted Son. And for the rest of the season, we'll be continuing to feature testimonies from the congregation members of the gathering. Maybe even including yours.  Today, we're doing something a little different. Peter Varberg will walk through a 30-minute training on how to share your testimon...

Testimony: Ted Son

March 02, 2022 17:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

Last week we kicked off with Lisa Pigeon, a must-listen if you haven’t heard. It’s a story of betrayal and healing. Today we hear from Ted Son, who has found himself on the other side of a betrayal, but the Lord’s faithfulness is no less present and no less powerful. Our host Peter Varberg explores the topic of personal addiction with Ted, an issue that we often keep quiet on, but one that almost every person has experienced or has a closed loved one that has wrestled through it.  This is o...

Testimony: Lisa Pigeon

February 22, 2022 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

Over the next four months, The Gathering Church Podcast will be exploring testimonies from a number of our congregation members, young, old, and everywhere in between. We are kicking off what will become our most extended series yet, with Lisa Pigeon.  Lisa is someone you have definitely interacted with at Church, whether it's a Serve Sunday or at our welcome table on a worship Sunday. If you have ever interacted with Lisa, you probably experienced her as friendly, inviting, and warm. While...

Single with Peter Varberg

February 15, 2022 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MB

This February, we are exploring an often forgotten people group within churches, especially smaller churches, and that's singles. Over the last two weeks, one of our Hosts (and eligible bachelor, Peter Varberg) interviewed other singles on what it's like to be single and advice and wisdom on navigating it. In today's episode, I had an opportunity to interview Peter on his journey through singlehood and what lessons God has taught him along the way. This is a rich and vulnerable conversation...

A Life of Singlehood with Janet Baker

February 09, 2022 01:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

Welcome to this week's episode of the Gathering podcast. This podcast is all about helping you experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. This February, we are exploring an often forgotten people group within churches, especially smaller churches, and that's singles. Last week we heard Peter Varberg interview author and host of the Heart of Dating Podcast, a podcast focused on helping empower Christian singles navigating dating in today's world. We shift gears this week and hear a po...

The Heart of Dating with Best-Selling Author Kait Warman

February 01, 2022 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

It is February, and Valentine's day is just around the corner. We wanted to focus on relationships this month, but we are doing something a little different in 2022. We are talking about singlehood and the various joys and challenges of being single.  Today, Peter Varberg interviews Best Selling Author, Coach, Speaker, and fellow single Kait Warman, the Heart of Dating Podcast host. Kait and Peter dive into Kait's story a little bit and get some practical advice for those who are single and...

Cultivating A Serve First Community with "The Lisas"

January 25, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MB

This week we hear from Lisa Thompson and Lisa Pigeon, who lead our serve first Sundays. In this conversation, Alanna Sullivan covers a lot of ground with Lisa and Lisa. They talk about the history and genesis of serving first at the gathering and why service is important to cultivate in a church. They also beautifully recap the serve-first projects from 2021, some of the behind-the-scenes fruit from those projects. Lastly, they give us a preview of what to expect in 2022 and a call to all ...

Discipling The Next Generation with Becky and Danielle

January 18, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB

This week we join Host Alanna Sullivan in a conversation with Becky Friberg and Danielle Bergen around Kids and Youth Ministry. They share about their love for children and kids' discipleship but don't shy away from their tasting and struggles through the ups and downs of ministry and life.  They share their heart for the ministry and what we are trying to achieve through kids and youth at the gathering, and they talk a bit about how you can get involved.  You don't want to miss this super...

A Heart of Worship with Jared Nepute

January 10, 2022 20:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MB

The Gathering Podcast will be focusing on ministry leaders from the church this month. The first is Jared Nepute, The Gathering's Worship Leader. Jared shares a little about his testimony, how he got into music, and by extension worship. He also shares some plans he has this year to help develop a Heart of Worship within the congregation. 

Impact Launches Now with George Clerie

December 28, 2021 23:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

In the 1980s, the founder of Horizon Christian Fellowship here in San Diego decided to expand the mission of the fellowship and start a discipleship school focused on making missionaries to help reach the world lost. That man was Mike Macintosh, and he invited our very now Pastor, George, into the program in the late 80's.  That program was called HSE, and it was influential in George becoming a missionary. After a decade plus of missions work, George was then invited to take oner the progr...

Christmas Announcement from The Gathering

December 21, 2021 02:00 - 1 minute - 1.39 MB

We hope to see you this Friday for our Christmas Eve Service starting at 4PM at The Gathering Church at Grace Chapel. We will finish our our 100 days to Impact Series with George Clerie next Tuesday. 

Marijuana to Ministry with Alanna & Aeron Sullivan - Part II

December 14, 2021 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

This week on the Gathering Church Podcast we continue our journey of 100 days to impact by exploring stories and testimonies from those who attended and who served at HSE and Impact195.  Today our host Peter Varberg interviews Co-Host, Alanna Sullivan, and The Gathering's Podcast Editor, Aeron Sullivan. In 2016 Alanna and Aeron's world was rocked when they came to faith, found God, and were led to Impact. The title of this Podcast says it all. We hope you enjoy part II of II.

Marijuana to Ministry with Alanna & Aeron Sullivan - Part I

December 08, 2021 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

This week on the Gathering Church Podcast we continue our journey of 100 days to impact by exploring stories and testimonies from those who attended and who served at HSE and Impact195.  Today our host Peter Varberg interviews Co-Host, Alanna Sullivan, and The Gathering's Podcast Editor, Aeron Sullivan. In 2016 Alanna and Aeron's world was rocked when they came to faith, found God, and were led to Impact. The title of this Podcast says it all. We hope you enjoy part I of II.

From Marijuana to Ministry with Alanna & Aeron Sullivan - Part I

December 08, 2021 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

This week on the Gathering Church Podcast we continue our journey of 100 days to impact by exploring stories and testimonies from those who attended and who served at HSE and Impact195.  Today our host Peter Varberg interviews Co-Host, Alanna Sullivan, and The Gathering's Podcast Editor, Aeron Sullivan. In 2016 Alanna and Aeron's world was rocked when they came to faith, found God, and were led to Impact. The title of this Podcast says it all. We hope you enjoy part I of II.

Minister, Missionary, Marketplace with Nick Yates

November 30, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

Today our host Peter Varberg interviews Nick Yates. Nick has an amazing energy I think you’ll enjoy, and an even more amazing journey and testimony, being part of the one and only class to participate in Horizon School of Evangelism and Impact 195. You’ll hear about Nick serving in many capacities from missionary to college pastor, as well as the high’s and lows that have come with his walk with Jesus. Ultimately, Nick offers some insight from the vantage point of someone who is now in mark...

Impacting Haiti Through Hope, with Jen Law

November 16, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

Jen Law helped found a non-profit called Hopestart with Frederick Clerie. If you have been around Impact or The Gathering, you have probably heard about Hopestart. Today, our host Alanna Sullivan interviews Jen Law about how the Lord used Impact to lead her to Hopestart, its impact on the children and families of Haiti, and finally, how you can partner with Hopestart. It is also a wonderful testimony to how the network of relationships created at Impact has helped build Hopestart.

A Lasting Impact with Renee Keven

November 09, 2021 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

Today our host Alanna Sullivan interviews Renee Keven on her experience with Impact over 10 years ago. No journey with the Lord is direct, and Renee vulnerably shares her very real story that shows us that Impact continues to make an impression on the lives of graduates well after they graduate. Special Announcement: The Gathering Church is hiring two full-time positions. The first is for a Communications Manager who will be responsible for all outgoing and internal communications at The ...

Love & Impact with Greg & Janet Baker

November 02, 2021 03:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MB

We are on the journey of 100 days to impact by exploring stories and testimonies from those who attended and who served HSE and Impact195. Today, our Host Peter Varberg dives into Greg & Janet Baker’s story of how they ended up at Impact, the impact it had on them, and how it even helped lead to their love story. Special Announcement: The Gathering Church is hiring two full-time positions. The first is for a Communications Manager who will be responsible for all outgoing and internal com...

The Story of Impact with Scott & Dina Wessell (Re-Release)

October 26, 2021 03:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

Scott and Dina were both catapulted into their life with Jesus through Horizon School of Evangelism (HSE), and then were brought into the ministry that came out of HSE, Impact 195. Hear the story of Impact, and more about what Impact offered its students. The Gathering is looking to launch a discipleship school, like Impact, later this year, and this gives you a foretaste of what may be to come!

Story: Impacto with Cisco Villasenor

October 19, 2021 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.2 MB

Impact school of ministry relaunches in less than 100 days. And we're doing 100 days of testimonies and stories around impact leading up to its launch at the end of January.  Today we hear from one of the original impact team members, Cisco. Cisco talks to Peter Varberg about joining Horizon School of Evangelism, and then going on to help found Impact, and then later Impacto, a discipleship school modeled after Impact, but planted as a mission down in Oaxaca, Mexico.  This is an inspiring ...

Impacto with Cisco

October 19, 2021 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.2 MB

Impact school of ministry relaunches in less than 100 days. And we're doing 100 days of testimonies and stories around impact leading up to its launch at the end of January.  Today we hear from one of the original impact team members, Cisco. Cisco talks to Peter Varberg about joining Horizon School of Evangelism, and then going on to help found Impact, and then later Impacto, a discipleship school modeled after Impact, but planted as a mission down in Oaxaca, Mexico.  This is an inspiring ...

Story: Impact, Marriage, & Prison Guards Part 2 (Feat. Becky & Peter Friberg)

October 12, 2021 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

In this episode, Alanna Sullivan completes her interview with Becky & Peter Friberg. we hear the happy ending to the epic story of Becky & Peter's wild ride through the season around Impact. They also share a little about Impact who it might be valuable for, and what kind of fruit you can expect from attending.

Impact, Marriage, & Prison Guards Part 2

October 12, 2021 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

In this episode, Alanna Sullivan completes her interview with Becky & Peter Friberg. we hear the happy ending to the epic story of Becky & Peter's wild ride through the season around Impact. They also share a little about Impact who it might be valuable for, and what kind of fruit you can expect from attending.

Impact, Marriage, & Prison Guards Part 1

October 05, 2021 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

Over the next 100 days we will be exploring amazing testimonies from graduates of Impact as we prepare for Impact to launch in January, 2022.  The first testimony we explore is a powerful one. Alanna Sullivan interviews Becky and Peter Friberg on their individual experiences in Impact, and how it worked in their lives together. Becky attended first, followed by Peter, but Impact was intertwined in their collective story of redemption and restoration. 

Story: Impact, Marriage, & Prison Guards Part 1 (Feat. Becky & Peter Friberg)

October 05, 2021 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

Over the next 100 days we will be exploring amazing testimonies from graduates of Impact as we prepare for Impact to launch in January, 2022.  The first testimony we explore is a powerful one. Alanna Sullivan interviews Becky and Peter Friberg on their individual experiences in Impact, and how it worked in their lives together. Becky attended first, followed by Peter, but Impact was intertwined in their collective story of redemption and restoration. 

Hope Leadership Academy

September 28, 2021 02:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

Peter Varberg interviews Willie Briscoe, Founder and Director of Hope Leadership Academy. Willie Briscoe had first-hand experience of growing up without a father in the home and desired to fill that gap in homes across San Diego County. HLA is a year-round comprehensive youth ministry that seeks to ensure that youth from fatherless homes in underserved communities receive support, guidance, and a plan to break the cycles of divorce, poverty, and hopelessness. HLA will be the focus of the O...

Conversation: Hope Leadership Academy

September 28, 2021 02:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

Peter Varberg interviews Willie Briscoe, Founder and Director of Hope Leadership Academy. Willie Briscoe had first-hand experience of growing up without a father in the home and desired to fill that gap in homes across San Diego County. HLA is a year-round comprehensive youth ministry that seeks to ensure that youth from fatherless homes in underserved communities receive support, guidance, and a plan to break the cycles of divorce, poverty, and hopelessness. HLA will be the focus of the O...

Conversation: Hope Leadership Academy with Willie Briscoe

September 28, 2021 02:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

Peter Varberg interviews Willie Briscoe, Founder and Director of Hope Leadership Academy. Willie Briscoe had first-hand experience of growing up without a father in the home and desired to fill that gap in homes across San Diego County. HLA is a year-round comprehensive youth ministry that seeks to ensure that youth from fatherless homes in underserved communities receive support, guidance, and a plan to break the cycles of divorce, poverty, and hopelessness. HLA will be the focus of the O...

Conversation: Rest vs The Illusion of Control

September 19, 2021 23:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MB

What's up with rest and sabbath?  Is this just about Netflix and chill, or is there something more?  Why did God place keeping the Sabbath holy next akin to not murdering people in the Ten Commandments?  In this episode of The gathering Podcast we explore the discipline of Sabbath and will help you discover why rest is such a big deal to God.

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