Is the United Kingdom a post-Christian nation, or has it come full circle to become a pre-Christian mission field? 🌍 In this episode, we sit down with BJ Stagner of @calvarybaptistchurchesofGB a US pastor who answered the call to plant churches in Wales. We dive deep into the rich history of Welsh revivals, the current landscape of European Christianity, and the internal and external pressures facing Western civilization today. 🏛️ We also explore a crucial but often neglected topic in the modern church: physical stewardship. 💪 BJ shares his unique approach to community outreach as a gym chaplain, bridging the gap between faith and fitness. Finally, we discuss his eye-opening book, The Dark Side of the Prodigal, and how churches can better support prodigals after they finally come home. 📖 What You’ll Discover in This Episode: 🗺️ How a US pastor ended up serving as a missionary in the valleys of Wales. 📉 The spiritual shift in the UK and what America can learn from its trajectory. 🏋️‍♂️ Why bodily exercise and physical stewardship are essential components of the Christian walk. 🤝 Creative approaches to modern ministry, including gym chaplaincy and community integration. ❤️‍🩹 The unseen struggles of the prodigal son and how the church can help heal their scars. Resources Mentioned: 🌐 Visit BJ Stagner’s Website & Books: https://bjstagner.com 📘 The Dark Side of the Prodigal by BJ Stagner 📗 The Renewed Series by BJ Stagner Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this conversation to support the spread of the gospel! 🔔 Timestamped Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Opening Prayer 🙏 03:15 - Welcoming BJ Stagner to the Podcast 🎙️ 04:20 - From the US Pulpit to the Welsh Valleys ✈️ 07:15 - The UK: A Post-Christian or Pre-Christian Nation? 🇬🇧 10:00 - The History of Welsh Revivals & Empty Churches ⛪ 12:15 - The Shift from God to Government in Europe ⚖️ 17:25 - Navigating Immigration and the European Mission Field 🗺️ 24:10 - Does Western Civilization Foster the Gospel? 📖 28:20 - The Christian Mandate for Health and Fitness 🏋️‍♂️ 32:30 - Physical Stewardship & Testimonial Integrity 💪 38:40 - Sleep, Discipline, and Spiritual Vitality 🧠 41:05 - Bridging the Gap: Gym Chaplaincy & Community Outreach 🤝 46:10 - The "Renewed" Book Series & Christian Leadership 📚 48:25 - The Dark Side of the Prodigal: What Happens After They Come Home? ❤️‍🩹 52:00 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find BJ Stagner's Resources 🌐 #ChristianPodcast #MissionaryToWales #ChurchPlanting #BJStagner #PhysicalStewardship #GymChaplain #FaithAndFitness #WelshRevival #TheProdigalSon #ChristianLeadership

In a world obsessed with image, we have traded the power of the living God for the polish of plastic perfection. In this compelling and raw conversation, Pastor Tillis explores the profound truth found in Ecclesiastes 9:4—that "a living dog is better than a dead lion." We’ve built the "pretty" churches, the "pretty" programs, and the "pretty" presentations, but have we lost the fire that only comes from being truly alive in the Spirit? Join us as we pull back the curtain on the "burden of the pulpit" and discuss: The Image Trap: Why the pressure to be perfect is crippling modern pastors and their families. Life Over Legacy: Why an imperfect but living church will always outshine a prestigious but dead institution. The Source of Honey: Why we must stop seeking spiritual "honey" from the carcasses of dead traditions and return to the living Rock. Ugly but Alive: Embracing the grit, struggle, and reality of a true walk with Christ. This isn’t just a message for preachers; it’s a wake-up call for every believer who is tired of "plastic" Christianity and hungry for the authentic, quickening power of the Holy Spirit. "I'd rather be a weed growing through the cracks of the asphalt than a plastic plant in a beautiful lobby." Timestamps: [00:00] - Welcome and Opening Remarks [01:45] - Opening Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:1–4 [05:30] - Understanding the Weight of Leadership and Ministry [12:15] - Historical Context: The 250-Year Legacy of the Church [20:45] - Balancing Spiritual Calling with Material Reality [28:10] - Overcoming Friction and Perseverance in the Modern Era [36:50] - The Core Message: Encouragement for Fellow Preachers [44:15] - Community Reflection and Future Vision [49:30] - Concluding Prayer and Closing Announcements Join us as we reflect on our historical roots, the path of spiritual endurance, and the collective memory that shapes our congregation today. Connect with us: 🔔 Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more sermons and deep-dive scriptural studies. 🌐 Website: https://www.thelittlebigchurch.com/ #Preaching #Christianity #PastorTillis #TheLittleBigChurch #BibleStudy #ChurchLeadership #Faith

Join Pastor Joel Tillis for an in depth study of Biblical Hermeneutics, The art of finding the meaning of an author's words and phrases, and of explaining it to others. https://www.thelittlebigchurch.com/ @sbcpalmetto @TheSoulTrap #biblestudy #podcast #faithdevelopment #religious #

Join Pastor Joel Tillis for an in depth study of Biblical Hermeneutics, The art of finding the meaning of an author's words and phrases, and of explaining it to others. https://www.thelittlebigchurch.com/ @sbcpalmetto @TheSoulTrap #biblestudy #podcast #faithdevelopment #religious #

Join Pastor Joel Tillis for an in depth study of Biblical Hermeneutics, The art of finding the meaning of an author's words and phrases, and of explaining it to others. https://www.thelittlebigchurch.com/ @sbcpalmetto @TheSoulTrap #biblestudy #podcast #faithdevelopment #religious #

Join Pastor Joel Tillis for an in depth study of Biblical Hermeneutics, The art of finding the meaning of an author's words and phrases, and of explaining it to others. https://www.thelittlebigchurch.com/ @sbcpalmetto @TheSoulTrap #biblestudy #podcast #faithdevelopment #religious #

Join Pastor Joel Tillis for an in depth study of Biblical Hermeneutics, The art of finding the meaning of an author's words and phrases, and of explaining it to others. https://www.thelittlebigchurch.com/ @sbcpalmetto @TheSoulTrap #biblestudy #podcast #faithdevelopment #religious #

Join Pastor Joel Tillis for an in depth study of Biblical Hermeneutics, The art of finding the meaning of an author's words and phrases, and of explaining it to others. https://www.thelittlebigchurch.com/ @sbcpalmetto @TheSoulTrap #biblestudy #podcast #faithdevelopment #religious #

Join Pastor Joel Tillis for an in depth study of Biblical Hermeneutics, The art of finding the meaning of an author's words and phrases, and of explaining it to others. https://www.thelittlebigchurch.com/ @sbcpalmetto @TheSoulTrap #biblestudy #podcast #faithdevelopment #religious #