Punching Holes in the Darkness

Be the Church!

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, Host Tim Patterson sits down with Pastor Joel Wayne of Chapel Pointe in Hudsonville. They discuss the need to strengthen existing churches, and the Chapel Pointe’s partnership with the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) called “Be the Church.”

Waiting for God

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, Host Tim Patterson sits down with Pastor Randy Brandon in Alma. Pastor Brandon shares about his ministry that stretches nearly 30 years in one Michigan town. He tells how God carried him through two church plants and a period of searching all in the same place.

Caring Together

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, guest host Mike Durbin talks with two members of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan “Caring Together” team. Pastor Art Werry and Dr. Michele White discuss the issues of dealing with sexual abuse in the church, and how the BSCM wants to help churches prevent abuse and deal with it when it happens.

Accelerate the Spread of the Gospel - You and Your Church

This episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness looks at a new path for you and your church to reach unreached people groups around the world. Host Tim Patterson talks with Doug Keesey and Paul Wynn of oneMESSAGE.tv, a new ministry reaching the unreached. They share how God called them to use their vocational talents to launch this new ministry. They also partner with groups like the Baptist State Convention of Michigan to help churches tell their story.

Radical Change

Guest Host Mike Durbin sits down with church replanter and pastor, Rick Bristol. Rick leads True North Community Church in Petoskey. When Rick came to the church there were only six people left. The small group had to face making drastic changes or just close the doors for good.

 

 

 

 

Hand-In-Hand

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, guest host Dr. Tony Lynn spends some time with Church Planting Catalyst, Tim Shrader. Tim’s call is to discover, develop and deploy church planters in the Detroit area. Tim and Tony have a conversation about the great need for cooperation between new and established churches as the Baptist State Convention of Michigan aspires to grow to 500 churches by 2025.

Where Will You Go?

In this episode, of “Punching Holes in the Darkness”, guest host Dr. Tony Lynn talks with church planters Zach Cunningham and Austin Wadlow. They started The Commons Church in East Lansing. Zach and Austin started the church near Michigan State just before the pandemic, and share the unique challenges of the past year.

 

 

 

 

A Comeback Story

When Jimmie Nelson came to First Baptist Church Swartz Creek, it was the force for the gospel in their part of Michigan. A few years later, people started leaving to the point where the church almost couldn’t keep the doors open. At the same time, Jimmie’s personal life was taking off. Larry Gatlin wanted him to come to Nashville and write music for him. That moment is when God called Jimmie to pastor his dying church. In this story, hear how the BSCM helped create a comeback story.

How to Love Your Family

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, we tackle the topic of caring for our families. Guest Host Dr. Tony Lynn sits down with Ken Nether, Pastor of Crossover Church in Southfield about ministering to your family when you are also leading a church.

When Generosity Shows Up

On this episode of “Punching Holes in the Darkness”, BSCM Executive Director Tim Patterson has a conversation with International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood. He shares the unplanned challenges of this past year, and how Southern Baptists have continued to be generous.