In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton and Jennie Smith reflect on Ephesians 2:1–10 through Pastor Randy Bare’s sermon, Saved by Grace, Built for Purpose. Paul paints a dramatic picture of our spiritual journey—from being “dead in sin” to being made alive in Christ by God’s grace. But this grace is not only about what we’ve been rescued from; it’s also about what we’ve been created for. As God’s workmanship, we are called to walk in the good works He has prepared for us. Together, Kirk and Jennie unpack what it means for a healthy church never to forget that it was rescued by grace, and they explore the key question: How does God’s amazing grace change the way we serve in the church? Join the conversation and be encouraged to live out your faith as a disciple of Jesus who flourishes in grace and purpose.

In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton and Jennie Smith reflect on Pastor Randy Bare’s sermon from Ephesians 1:15–23. Paul’s prayer for the church is that we would know God better—through the hope of Christ, the riches of our inheritance, and the power of the resurrection at work in us. Join the conversation as we explore how head knowledge moves to heart transformation, and how God’s power shows up in our everyday discipleship.

In today’s episode we begin a new series exploring the book of Ephesians and considering what it means to be a healthy church, grounded in God’s word and aligned with the Holy Spirit. Each week, we'll look at one essential characteristic of a church grounded in Christ and growing in love, unity, and mission. Pastor Kirk Sexton and Caring Ministry Assistant Jennie Smith discuss the weeks sermon text and share personal insights that will delve deeper into the scripture. We begin today, looking at Ephesians 1:1-14. We invite you to listen to the sermon on YouTube and search for Mountain View Presbyterian Church or follow this link: https://youtu.be/Gptd74RlxBE?si=zVXCNzTCxJrzddVL

In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton sits down with Peggy Tazelaar — elder, choir member, and one of the founding members of the Flourishing Disciples movement at Mountain View Presbyterian Church. Peggy shares reflections on those first formative huddles, how discipleship has shaped her leadership as an elder, and why worship and spiritual growth go hand in hand. As a member of the Discipleship Implementation Team, Peggy also offers a hopeful vision for the future of discipleship at MVPC. Whether you’re new to the journey or a seasoned disciple, you’ll be encouraged by Peggy’s steady faith and heartfelt wisdom.

In this solo episode, Pastor Kirk Sexton unpacks the vision, structure, and heart behind the Flourishing Disciples process at Mountain View Presbyterian Church. Learn how Huddles, intentional commitments, and personal discipleship designs are helping everyday people grow in intimacy with Jesus and live out their faith with purpose. Whether you’re exploring next steps or ready to dive deeper, this episode offers a clear and compelling invitation to the journey of flourishing as a disciple.

This week, Pastor Kirk Sexton sits down with Suzanne Black—deacon, leader, and one of our first Flourishing Disciples at MVPC. Suzanne shares how daily rhythms of prayer, scripture, and journaling have transformed her walk with Jesus and led to real fruit in her life and ministry.

In this episode in our series, “Everyday Disciples,” host Kirk Sexton sits down with Jennie Smith, a pastoral intern at Mountain View Presbyterian Church and a candidate for ordination in the ECO Presbyterian denomination. Jennie shares her journey into ministry and how leading a Flourishing Disciples huddle has shaped her spiritual life and leadership. Together, they explore the challenges, joys, and growth that come from walking closely with Jesus and guiding others to do the same. Whether you’re a seasoned disciple or just starting out, this conversation will inspire you to take your next flourishing step.

In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton welcomes a deeply influential voice in his own spiritual and pastoral journey—Pastor Tom Parker. A gifted teacher, preacher, and scholar, Tom has served as Director of Fuller Seminary Southwest, adjunct teacher at the Flourishing Institute of Theology and works full time coaching and mentoring pastors, leaders, and their churches. Together, Kirk and Tom dive into the heart of discipleship in the American church today. They explore how cultural pressures have shaped our understanding of following Jesus, why theological depth matters in everyday faith, and what best practices are helping believers grow into mature, flourishing disciples. Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or someone simply seeking a deeper walk with Christ, this episode offers timeless wisdom and practical encouragement.

In this episode of the Flourishing Disciples Podcast, Pastor Kirk Sexton sits down with Madeleine Jeffrey, a deeply committed member of Mountain View Presbyterian Church. Madeleine serves on the Discipleship Implementation Team, as a Deacon, in the nursery, and as a volunteer in the church office. She brings a rich background of church ministry experience and a deep love for Scripture. Together, they reflect on Madeleine’s journey of following Jesus, her role in shaping the Flourishing Disciples process at MVPC, and her leadership at the recent discipleship retreat—where she taught the Discovery Bible Study method. Madeleine shares practical insights on serving faithfully in everyday roles and offers encouragement to anyone seeking to grow as a disciple of Jesus. This conversation is full of wisdom, warmth, and the quiet strength of a life lived in steady pursuit of Christ.

In this episode of Flourishing Disciples, Pastor Kirk Sexton sits down with a special guest Debby DeBernardi—an expert in spiritual formation and discipleship. With years of experience guiding others into deeper intimacy with Christ, she shares how the practice of the Saint Ignatius Examen has shaped her own life and the lives of those she disciples. As a featured teacher at our Prayer School, she also brings fresh insight into how we can pray the scriptures and open ourselves more fully to God’s transforming work. Whether you’re a new disciple or a seasoned leader, this conversation will deepen your understanding of spiritual formation as a Spirit-led, journey with Jesus.

Today on Flourishing Disciples, we sit down with Pam Bryan—a longtime teacher, faithful Huddle Leader, and one of the foundational voices in the Flourishing Disciples movement at Mountain View. Pam recently completed two years as Moderator of the Deacons, and her story is one of steady leadership, deep faith, and a heart for discipleship. Join us as she shares how God has worked in and through her to shape a legacy of growth and service.

As we conclude our Lenten journey, Pastor Kirk and Dr. Tim reflect on the power and glory of God. They discuss how living with a kingdom perspective can shape our prayers, our worship, and our daily lives.

We all face struggles, but God is our protector and guide. This week’s episode explores spiritual warfare, temptation, and the strength we find in Christ to resist and overcome.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest—and most freeing—practices of faith. This week, Pastor Kirk and Dr. Tim discuss the transformative power of God’s grace, the challenge of forgiving others, and how forgiveness leads to healing.

Jesus teaches us to rely on God for our daily needs, but what does that look like in our lives? This week’s conversation dives into trust, contentment, and the ways God faithfully provides for us each day.

How do we align our hearts with God’s kingdom? In this episode, Pastor Kirk and Dr. Tim unpack what it means to pray for God’s will on earth and how we can actively participate in His kingdom work today.

What does it mean to call God “Father”? This week, Pastor Kirk and Dr. Tim explore the power of those opening words, the intimacy and reverence they invite, and how they transform our relationship with God.

In this first episode, Pastor Kirk and Rev. Dr. Tim Smith set the stage for our Lenten journey through the Lord’s Prayer. They discuss why Jesus gave us this prayer, how it shapes our faith, and what we can expect in the weeks ahead.

Today, we conclude our series on the promises from the Upper Room. “The Promise of Sorrow Turned to Joy.” We will be discussing the sermon from Palm Sunday. Join Pastors Kirk Sexton and Bruce Johnson as we discuss what it means when Jesus tells the disciples that they will see him again. Also, we will discuss the idea of the future joy that awaits those who trust in Jesus and his redeeming love.

Welcome to the full dig podcast. Today, we discuss John 15 and why it is so important for disciples of Jesus to stay connected to Jesus. To explain this abiding relationship, Jesus uses the analogy of a vine. This powerful imagery shows the intimacy and closeness Jesus desires of us. He says that without this abiding relationship we can do nothing. Join pastors Kirk Sexton and Bruce Johnson as we discuss this devotional classic and what it means for disciples who wish to be fruit bearers for the Kingdom.