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Madison Church

489 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★ - 11 ratings

We are a growing, untraditional multisite in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded in 2014 by Stephen Feith, we exist to connect people with God and each other both locally and globally by means of growing spiritually, gathering together, and giving back.

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Episodes

Exploring the Holy Spirit's Role in Empowering Believers | The Holy Spirit (Part 4) | Stephen Feith

June 19, 2023 20:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MB

Have you ever wondered about the mysterious nature of the Holy Spirit and his true value in our lives? Today, inspired by the surprising story of George Walton and his 1913 Liberty Head nickel, we uncover the incredible power of the Holy Spirit and explore his potential to transform our lives in ways we never thought possible. Join us as we dive into Jesus' prediction in John 14:12, where he said that believers would perform even greater works than he did. With a closer look at four stories...

Exploring the Mysteries of Your Spiritual Capabilities | The Holy Spirit (Part 3) | Stephen Feith

June 12, 2023 14:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

Are you ready to uncover your unique spiritual gifts and learn how to harness them for the greater good? Join us as we dive into an enlightening discussion on the mysterious world of spiritual gifts, bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit to help God's people and bring glory to his name. Discover how you can transform your life and the lives of others by embracing and utilizing these divine abilities. In this captivating episode, we take a closer look at the wide array of spiritual gift...

Navigating Temptation and Embracing the Holy Spirit's Transformative Power | The Holy Spirit (Part 2) | Sarah Hanson

June 05, 2023 14:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

Sarah and her husband, Chris, recently had the incredible experience of purchasing a new home, and they couldn't believe the many blessings that came their way throughout the process. From finding a wheelchair-accessible house to trusting God in providing the perfect space for their needs, it's been quite the adventure. But life isn't always smooth sailing – temptation often rears its ugly head, and let's face it, we're not always as strong as we think we are. In this episode, Sarah shares h...

Discovering the Life-Changing Power of the Holy Spirit | The Holy Spirit (Part 1) | Stephen Feith

May 30, 2023 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

Do you ever feel like you're missing out on something powerful and transformative in your life? On this special Memorial Day weekend and the day of Pentecost, we're uncovering the incredible role of the Holy Spirit and how you can experience its fullness in your own journey. From the Holy Spirit's presence in creation to its encounters with various individuals throughout the Old Testament, we'll explore the unique experience of Pentecost and share a touching story of a woman named Amanda, wh...

Why Does God Allow Pain & Suffering? | Searching For Answers (Part 6) | Stephen Feith

May 22, 2023 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

We take an introspective look at how suffering and pain can affect our faith through the trials of biblical figures like Naomi, Job, and Habakkuk. Our conversation highlights the importance of embracing our imperfect faith and exploring the complexities of believing in God's goodness even amidst injustice. Ponder the impact these biblical stories have on our own families, communities, and relationships with God. Let's also discuss the power of free will and its role in our lives. We'll unco...

How Do I Deal With Anxiety? | Searching For Answers (Part 5) | Jason Webb

May 17, 2023 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

Does worry and anxiety seem to consume you, even when life is good? Discover how Jesus' wisdom in Luke 12 can help you overcome these feelings and live a more peaceful life. In the first part of this episode, we explore why worry and anxiety grip us so tightly and how Jesus' teachings can provide relief. We discuss how the worries we carry can crush us if we let them, and how reflecting on Jesus' words can help us battle worry in our personal lives. As we continue, we delve into the impact ...

How Do I Read the Bible? | Searching For Answers (Part 4) | Stephen Feith

May 08, 2023 19:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MB

Can you imagine starting a church in one of the most post-Christian cities in the U.S.? That's exactly what Megan and Stephen did when they moved to Madison, Wisconsin, with a mission to create a community that fights loneliness and isolation while connecting people with God and each other. Despite being told that a fast-growing or large church would never work here, they believed Jesus goes to the dark places and wanted to be his hands and feet in the city. One common belief we encounter i...

MC Asks: I Want To Give, But My Spouse Doesn't... What Do I Do?

May 02, 2023 19:00 - 10 minutes - 7.03 MB

MC Asks: I want to give, but my spouse or partner doesn't... What do I do? This is a really great question because of how relevant it is. There are people worldwide who practice Christianity and follow Jesus, but the other person in the relationship doesn't. That can work out for a while, but when it comes to financial generosity, it can become a conflict because our incomes and expenses are often shared in these relationships. Talking about the giving aspect of our faith involves the othe...

Can I Trust the Bible? | Searching For Answers (Part 3) | Stephen Feith

May 01, 2023 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

As someone who once lost faith in the Bible during his time in seminary, Stephen knows firsthand the struggle many face when it comes to trusting this sacred text. Surprisingly, his journey to find faith in Jesus without the Bible led him to a strong confidence in its reliability. With a significant decline in trust amongst Americans, Stephen shares with us how he found answers to his questions and ultimately came to believe in the Bible's reliability. Join us as we explore the epic story o...

Can Faith & Doubt Coexist? | Searching For Answers (Part 2) | Sarah Hanson

April 24, 2023 17:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

Ever found yourself grappling with faith and culture, or facing doubt in your faith journey? Join us as we explore how the church can transform into a sanctuary of acceptance for everyone, instead of acting as a gatekeeper to God's love. We discuss the challenges in navigating the intersection of faith, politics, and culture, and the need for a safe haven to express doubt, ask questions, and engage in genuine conversations about subjects like biblical interpretation, sexuality, and racial re...

What Am I Supposed To Do With My Life? | Searching For Answers (Part 1) | Stephen Feith

April 17, 2023 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

Are you struggling to find your true purpose in life? Do you ever wonder if there's something more out there for you? In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into these pressing questions and embark on an exciting journey to find the answers you seek. We'll explore how a good God could allow pain and suffering, where the Bible came from, how to read the Bible, and how faith and doubt can coexist. As we continue our search for meaning, we ponder why we were created and what our God-given...

Easter Sunday 2023

April 10, 2023 21:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

The day before the first Easter was a day before there were any Christians. It was a day before churches. The Bible didn't exist yet. There was no reason to celebrate that first Easter Sunday, which is worth discussing today. In the afternoon after Jesus's crucifixion, two men go to Pontius Pilate and ask permission to remove his body from the cross. After retrieving Jesus's body, they prepare it for burial according to Jewish custom. Then they placed him in a cave and sealed it with a ston...

Pray Like This... (Part 6) | Amen | Stephen Feith

April 04, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

Let's talk about Jesus' Kingdom. Jesus is a king of a different kind of Kingdom. He is the king of a Kingdom overflowing with goodness and perfect peace. It's the only Kingdom story that will not end in tragedy. Even when we pray for someone, and they're not healed, or when we pray for ourselves and don't get the promotion, or when we worship and don't feel God's presence, whatever it might be, something still happens. We should not forget that prayer is ultimately about connecting with God...

Pray Like This... (Part 5) | Spiritual Warfare | Jason Webb

March 27, 2023 19:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

There are a lot of spaces in our lives where we may think that evil has won. It's not just our world or our city; it's our lives. Our boss criticizes us. The doctor comes in and say says it's cancer. Your dream marriage becomes a nightmare. My kids make decisions that go against everything I've taught them. Our financial security is no longer secure. You think to yourself, evil has won. For those of us who have felt this, or feel this way now, Jesus offers us a lifeline in the form of a fam...

Pray Like This... (Part 4) | Confession | Stephen Feith

March 22, 2023 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

None of us genuinely enjoy admitting when we’ve blown it. There’s a lot of shame when acknowledging that we’re wrong. This stunts our spiritual growth and connection with God. We’re in the fourth week of a series called Pray Like This… We’re taking The Lord’s Prayer and breaking it down line-by-line to learn about different tools and ways to pray. Today, we’re talking about confession. Which means we’ve got to talk about the s-word: “Forgive us of our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin...

Pray Like This... (Part 3) | Petition | Stephen Feith

March 13, 2023 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

Today, we’re studying the line within the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus says, “Give us the food we need today…” This has been more commonly called “our daily bread.” It’s a phrase that doesn’t hold much meaning for most of us. “Giving us our daily bread” seems like the most insignificant part of the prayer. Petitionary prayer is the most commonly associated with prayer. Prayer means many things to many people, but at its most straightforward and apparent, prayer is about asking God for help. Pe...

Pray Like This (Part 2) | Intercession | Jacob Musselman

March 07, 2023 14:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

Prayer is, at its most basic, straightforward simply talking to God. And just like any other conversation or relationship, it has different aspects. We’re in part two of this series called Pray Like This… The disciples notice that prayer is a regular part of Jesus’ life. They saw prayer as a foundational practice to Jesus, so they came to him with a straightforward request: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Today we’re going to learn about a form of prayer called intercessory prayer. Intercession ...

Pray Like This... (Part 2) | Intercession | Jacob Musselman

March 07, 2023 14:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

Prayer is, at its most basic, straightforward simply talking to God. And just like any other conversation or relationship, it has different aspects. We’re in part two of this series called Pray Like This… The disciples notice that prayer is a regular part of Jesus’ life. They saw prayer as a foundational practice to Jesus, so they came to him with a straightforward request: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Today we’re going to learn about a form of prayer called intercessory prayer. Intercession ...

Pray Like This... (Part 1) | Adoration | Stephen Feith

February 28, 2023 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

All of us have skills or abilities we wish we had. This includes the disciples of Jesus. We see all over the Gospels the disciples coming to Jesus and asking specifically for him to teach them something. The one we will talk about for the next month and a half throughout this Lent season is when they asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1) The disciples wanted to pray better. They’ve seen Jesus go away to pray often and have witnessed many signs, wonders, and miracles. This has pr...

Pray Like This (Part 1) | Adoration | Stephen Feith

February 28, 2023 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

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Becoming More Generous | Finding Financial Freedom (Part 3) | Stephen Feith

February 20, 2023 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

Jesus is known for his profound wisdom and paradigm-breaking teaching. Even 2,000 years after Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, his followers are challenged to live in the ways he has called us. One of those countercultural teachings is found in Acts when he is quoted as saying: “It is more blessed to give than it is to receive" (Acts 20:35). Jesus says we’re robbing ourselves of something better and settling for something less when we don’t give. Giving is good. We know that. Still, m...

Cultivating a Spirit of Abundance in a Scarcity-Focused World

February 20, 2023 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

Unlock the secret to a life of financial freedom and the heartfelt joy that comes with intentional generosity. Our latest episode invites you into a candid conversation about how the teachings of Jesus can illuminate the path to a deeper sense of fulfillment through giving. We share inspiring tales from our recent holiday gift drive, reflecting on the happiness that blooms from generosity and pondering how we can extend this spirit beyond the festive season. Tackling the discomfort that oft...

Debt, Stress, & the Bible | Finding Financial Freedom (Part 2) | Stephen Feith

February 14, 2023 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

In 1988, a man named William Bud only had $5 in his checking account when he bought some lottery tickets. As fate would have it, Bud won the $16,000,000 jackpot.  Bud spent and mismanaged his winnings to the point that he had to auction off the remaining annual payoffs to pay off his debt in less than 10 years. Once again, he had only $5 in his bank account. In an interview with the Washington Post, he said, “Everybody dreams of winning money, but nobody realizes the nightmares that come ou...

The Spiritual and Emotional Price of Debt

February 14, 2023 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

Can money truly buy happiness, or does it just complicate life with more zeros in your bank account? William Budd's story, a man whose lottery win was supposed to be a dream come true yet turned into a fiscal nightmare, reminds us that financial freedom isn't about wealth—it's about wisdom. This week's heartfelt episode peels back the layers of debt's effect on our lives, from straining relationships to diminishing our mental well-being. It's a journey through the pitfalls of poor money mana...

The Path to Financial Peace | Finding Financial Freedom (Part 1) | Stephen Feith

February 06, 2023 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

We started a new three-part series called "Finding Financial Freedom." What the Bible says about money and possessions is one of the most challenging topics we cover every other year at Madison Church. They're also the most talked about subjects in the Old and New Testaments. God knew finances would be a source of anxiety, fear, and stress for people. It is possible to experience financial freedom without being a millionaire. Our series aims to teach you some of what the Bible says about mo...

Simplifying Life for Authentic Financial Serenity

February 06, 2023 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

Ever wondered what happens when a die-hard member of the Crappy Car Club gets the keys to a shiny new ride? I, Stephen Feith, take you on a comedic yet thought-provoking journey through my own transition to new car ownership and the surprising anxieties that come with it. From the fear of parking lot dings to the quest for financial peace, we'll explore how the state of our bank accounts affects not just our wallets, but our wellbeing and faith.  As we confront the American millionaire's ha...

The Path to Financial Freedom | Finding Financial Freedom (Part 1) | Stephen Feith

February 06, 2023 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

We started a new three-part series called "Finding Financial Freedom." What the Bible says about money and possessions is one of the most challenging topics we cover every other year at Madison Church. They're also the most talked about subjects in the Old and New Testaments. God knew finances would be a source of anxiety, fear, and stress for people. It is possible to experience financial freedom without being a millionaire. Our series aims to teach you some of what the Bible says about mo...

Circles (Part 4) | Spread Out | Stephen Feith

February 01, 2023 15:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

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Life-Changing Relationships | Circles (Part 4) | Stephen Feith

February 01, 2023 15:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

Have you ever seen the Disney movie "Finding Nemo?" "Finding Nemo" came out 20 years ago. For those who haven't seen the film in 20 years, it's about an overprotective dad clownfish whose son gets taken from him. The dad goes on the adventure of a lifetime across the ocean, looking for a son. Meanwhile, the lost son finds himself at a dentist's office in Sydney, Australia. The other fish freak out when Nemo, the little fish, is thrown into the fish tank at the dentist's office for the first...

Circles (Part 3) | Step Up | Stephen Feith

January 26, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

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Inclusive "Circles" | Circles (Part 3) | Stephen Feith

January 26, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

"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 sm...

Circles (Part 2) | Show Up | Stephen Feith

January 19, 2023 06:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

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When You Have No One To Talk With | Circles (Part 2) | Stephen Feith

January 19, 2023 06:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

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 weird...

Circles (Part 1) | Sign Up | Sarah Hanson

January 12, 2023 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

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Community Is Self-Care | Circles (Part 1) | Sarah Hanson

January 12, 2023 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

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 ...

Illuminating Dark Days with Everlasting Biblical Promises

December 24, 2022 06:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

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...

The World Turned Upside Down (Part 4) | Christmas Eve Special | Stephen Feith

December 24, 2022 06:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

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The World Turned Upside Down (Part 3) | The Lonely Found Belonging | Sarah Hanson

December 14, 2022 19:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

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Cultivating Community through Intentional Inclusion

December 14, 2022 19:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

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 s...

Holiday Reflections on Finding Purpose and Connection

December 07, 2022 06:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

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 redisc...

The World Turned Upside Down (Part 2) | The Lost Were Found | Stephen Feith

December 07, 2022 06:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

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The World Turned Upside Down (Part 1) | The Least Were Loved | Stephen Feith

November 30, 2022 06:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

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Unwrapping the Profound Love of Christ This Festive Season

November 30, 2022 06:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

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 intima...

Embracing Diversity, Politics, and Jesus in the Modern World | Talking Points (Part 3) | Jason Webb

November 19, 2022 19:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

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 sta...

Talking Points (Part 3) | Going Forward | Jason Webb

November 19, 2022 19:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

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Choosing Unity and Love in a Divided World | Talking Points (Part 2) | Stephen Feith

November 10, 2022 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

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 t...

Talking Points (Part 2) | Love | Stephen Feith

November 10, 2022 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

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Talking Points (Part 1) | Unity | Stephen Feith

November 03, 2022 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

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Faith, Politics, and Pursuing Unity | Talking Points (Part 1) | Stephen Feith

November 03, 2022 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

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 wa...

Biblical Holiness in Money, Marriage, and Hospitality | Living Like Never Before (Part 6) | Stephen Feith

October 27, 2022 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

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 t...

Books

In the Beginning
3 Episodes