The landscape and soundscape for corporate worship has changed over the decades...with challenges for those who feel left behind. Pastor Sean explores the challenges and opportunities that arise as churches shift from traditional choirs to contemporary worship styles. Sean shares insightful observations from Kelsey McGinnis, a reporter for Christianity Today, about aging out of music ministry and the broader implications for church musicians.
Follow Kelsey McGinnis on Instagram @kelseymmcginnis
Follow Sean Azzaro @sean_azzaro
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
01:06 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life
01:25 Chicago Bears: A Lesson in Leadership
05:29 Debating Music Ministry in Modern Churches
12:44 Classical vs Contemporary Vocal Training
13:14 Challenges of Transitioning to Contemporary Worship
14:41 The Purpose of Music in Church
15:54 The Role of the Church in Music Education
17:48 Adapting to Musical Changes in Church
20:26 Balancing Tradition and Contemporary Worship
25:03 Upcoming Church Events and Services
Is there a "Revival"/"A Great Awakening" happening now? Charlie Kirk and Influencers like Russell Brand and now Joe Rogan have pushed faith to the front of the conversation.
Pastor Sean Azzaro says slow down...just becuase you're a celebrity and you get saved only means you're a new believer. Encourage them in their journey, pray for them, let's not teach on Sunday just yet.
Discover insights on community, discipleship, and living a faith-filled life.
00:00 Introduction to the Greatest Story Ever
00:41 Invitation to River City Community Church
01:08 A Day in the Life of Pastor Sean
01:54 Teaching the Kids: Jesus Calms the Storm
03:57 The Importance of Biblical Teaching for Children
04:50 Joe Rogan's Spiritual Journey
08:00 The Cultural Caricature of Jesus
12:47 The Real Jesus: Death and Resurrection
16:06 Encouraging New Believers
18:23 The Role of Church Community
24:42 Halloween Outreach and Final Thoughts
Pastor Sean Azzaro gets firsthand info from our friend Reuven Doron, sharing firsthand experiences from the ground during the recent peace agreement and the return of hostages in Israel.
Plus Sean shares insights into multi-generational ministry at River City Community Church and the importance of bold, authentic prayer.
To support Reuven Doron's ministry, the direct giving link is here: https://pushpay.com/g/reuven
00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
00:48 Worship Team and Family Ministry
03:39 The Power of Bold Prayer
08:17 Upcoming Sermon and Service Times
08:39 Interview with Reuven Doron on Israel's Peace Deal
26:07 Supporting Reuven's Ministry
27:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Subscribe for more episodes and visit reallife.org to connect with our community!
#Israel #PeaceDeal #Faith #Prayer #Ministry #ReachingForRealLife #RiverCityCommunityChurch
The Worldwide Headline this week is the U.S. Middle East peace deals, and the importance of strong leadership. Sean emphasizes the transformational power of the Gospel and the importance of praying for global peace and spiritual renewal. Hear in insights on faith, politics, and the role of the church in today's world...plus a small sample up front of Sean's devotion to his Chicago Bears. Hope abounds.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Good Story
00:14 Invitation to the Jesus Story
00:40 Service Details and Community Engagement
01:08 Reaching for Real Life: A New Groove
01:39 Balancing Ministry and Personal Interests
03:21 The Importance of Leadership
04:35 Global Politics and Peace Deals
07:47 Spiritual Reflections on Peace and Leadership
16:41 The Gospel and Eternal Life
21:38 Conclusion and Invitation to Church Services
We celebrate the new Monday Night Service at River City Community Church! Join us on the ground floor of the new series called The Jesus Story! After Sean answers a quick Bible question, the conversation focuses on misconceptions about Christian Nationalism and emphasizes living as a true follower of Jesus.
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
00:40 Invitation to River City Community Church
01:08 Reaching for Real Life Podcast Begins
01:43 Monday Night Service Recap
02:43 Deep Dive into the Gospel of John
04:43 Teaching the Word at River City
09:49 Discussion on Christian Nationalism
12:12 The Role of the 10 Commandments in Society
12:45 Christian Nationalism: A Dog Whistle?
13:59 The Importance of the First Amendment
15:03 Balancing Patriotism and Faith
17:46 Immigration and Lawfulness
20:16 The Sanctity of Human Life
21:47 Call to Action for Christians
25:01 The Jesus Story: An Invitation
Pastor Sean Azzaro dedicates a special segment to the memory of the influential pastor, author, and educator, Voddie Baucham, who passed away recently. Pastor Sean revisits an insightful interview with Voddie Baucham discussing his impactful book, 'Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe.' They delve into the controversial subject of Critical Race Theory, the social justice movement, and its implications for the church and broader society. Sean also announces the launching of a new Monday night service at 6:30pm at River City Community Church, focusing on a series called 'The Jesus Story' through the Book of John.
00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Events
01:22 Tribute to Bodde Bachman
02:26 Interview with Bodde Bachman: Fault Lines
03:52 Critical Race Theory and Social Justice
14:51 Biblical Perspective on Race and Ethnicity
18:11 Final Thoughts and Farewell
After the predictable gloating of the Bears beating the Cowboys, Sean says we're seeing the Gospel go out with more boldness than ever in unexpected places by unexpected people...and speaks to the importance of understanding and living the gospel, the beauty of diverse community worship, and the powerful impact of faith in today's world.
Now you go and share the Good News.
Service times at River City Community Church are Sundays at 9 AM and 11 AM, with a new Monday night service starting at 6:30 PM on October 6th.
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
01:02 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life
01:35 Sunday Highlights and Football Talk
03:33 A Day of Worship and Baptism
07:12 The Gospel and Evangelism
08:05 Charlie Kirk Memorial and the Gospel
12:06 The Promise of a New Heaven and Earth
12:23 Reflections on Charlie Kirk's Legacy
12:55 The Role of Faith in Politics
13:27 The Impact of Media and Universities
21:14 The Jesus Movement and Modern Revival
23:06 Call to Action: Sharing the Gospel
24:15 Upcoming Church Events and Services
Pastor Sean Azzaro introduces an upcoming series called 'The Jesus Story,' exploring the life of Jesus through the Gospel of John. Sean emphasizes the transformative journey this series promises. The conversation also reflects on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, discussing his influence, legacy, and the reactions to his death. Sean calls for a focus on spreading the Gospel, understanding the spiritual battle at hand, and responding to hate with the love and teachings of Jesus.
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
00:36 Service Times and New Monday Night Service
01:44 The Jesus Story Series Overview
02:25 Companion Study and Small Groups
03:45 The Tragic News of Charlie Kirk
06:01 Charlie Kirk's Influence and Legacy
10:04 Public Reaction and Social Media Response
13:04 Employer Rights and Social Media Policies
13:56 Spiritual Warfare and Cultural Blindness
16:09 The Role of Christians in Society
17:12 Reflecting Jesus in a Divisive World
18:50 Charlie's Legacy and the Gospel's Influence
23:43 Final Thoughts and Prayer
While it's still hitting 100 in South Texas, Sean is ready for Fall Football and of course, the holidays. Sean then addresses the tragic shooting event in Minneapolis, exploring the mental health issues and societal impacts. Pastor Sean emphasizes the importance of Biblical principles, mental health support, and community prayer. The conversation then turns to a recent study on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions by the US Department of Energy, questioning the validity of 'settled science' and advocating for a balanced, inquiry-based approach.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:44 Fall Season and NFL Excitement
01:23 Chicago Bears and NFL Updates
03:08 Tragic School Shooting Discussion
04:45 Mental Health and Community Support
08:51 Climate Change and Government Studies
12:33 The Nature of Scientific Inquiry
12:52 Climate Change Study Insights
13:43 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Their Effects
15:52 Challenging Climate Models
17:07 Extreme Weather Events Analysis
18:03 Human Activity and Climate Change
18:42 Economic Implications of Climate Policies
19:50 Faith and Science: A Balanced Perspective
21:01 Encouragement for Christians
22:14 Final Thoughts and Community Invitation
Pastor Sean discusses the importance of community, shares personal stories, and tackles challenging family dynamics, including forgiveness and restoration. Tune in for practical insights, heartfelt reflections, and an invitation to experience real life in Christ.
00:00 Introduction: Discovering Real Life
00:18 Invitation to River City Community Church
01:06 Reaching for Real Life: Air Guitar and Drums
01:36 Celebrating 38 Years of Marriage
02:34 Pastor's Masters Golf Tournament
03:46 Remembering John MacArthur and James Dobson
05:55 Family Matters: Honoring and Forgiving
13:26 Understanding Forgiveness and Releasing Debt
14:30 The Power of Redemption and Forgiveness
14:45 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
15:23 Self-Righteousness and Unforgiveness
16:21 The Role of Social Media in Seeking Validation
17:34 Seeking Godly Counsel and Restoration
19:11 Family Dynamics and Christian Community
21:46 Praying for Reconciliation and Letting Go
23:41 River City Community Church Services and Invitation
Pastor Sean Azzaro shares his early morning routine, which includes a deep spiritual discipline of reading the Bible, praying, and seeking the Lord's guidance. The conversation also touches on church governance, the importance of elders, and maintaining spiritual accountability and integrity within church leadership.
And it's also the first utterance of #GoBears.
00:00 Introduction and NFL Season Excitement
01:01 Morning Routine and Spiritual Practices
02:14 The Importance of Daily Bible Reading
04:57 Discussing Church Governance
14:23 Qualifications and Selection of Elders
23:15 Upcoming Church Events and Services
25:02 Closing Prayer and Ref
Pastor Sean Azzaro welcomes Dr. Alex McFarland, an expert on youth, religion, and culture plus the author of 20 books and heard on nearly 200 radio stations across America. The discussion covers topics like the balance between liberty and law, natural rights, and the problems of lawlessness in society. They also touch on issues relating to Israel's right to exist and the societal impacts of liberal and conservative viewpoints.
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:33 Family and Community Life
01:26 School and Community Programs
03:11 Special Guest: Dr. Alex McFarland
03:40 Liberty, Law, and Society
07:30 Natural Law and American Exceptionalism
09:38 Current Cultural and Political Issues
18:10 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Events
Pastor Sean Azzaro of River City Community Church shares his journey and the mission behind the church and its affiliated Christian school, River City Believers Academy. Explore the concept of living an abundant, real life through faith, community, and education. Pastor Sean discusses the importance of biblical teachings, the impact of a supportive Christian community, and the role of RCBA in discipling students.
00:00 Introduction: Made for Something More?
00:18 Invitation to River City Community Church
01:03 Reaching for Real Life: Back in the Pulpit
01:36 Landmark Church and San Marcos Visit
02:24 Revival and Greg Lori's Crusades
05:43 The Gospel's Fair Hearing in Modern Times
07:54 Preparing the Next Generation for College
09:28 River City Believers Academy: A Christian School's Journey
13:32 Introduction to River City Believers Academy
14:10 School Leadership and Faculty
15:09 Unique Christian Community
16:48 Student Involvement in Worship
17:57 Pastor Sean's Role and Influence
19:19 Sports and Life Lessons
22:24 Enrollment and Scholarships
24:06 Service Times and Final Thoughts
In light of the national scandal of two people caught in infidelity on a public platform, Pastor Sean Azzaro speaks to the importance of investing and safeguarding your marriage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Jesus, and to be in community.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:30 Shoutout to New Members
01:05 Radio Show and Podcast Stations
01:35 Pastor Sean's Ministry Journey
02:44 Reflections on Influential Leaders
03:46 Transition Plans and Future Vision
06:46 The Importance of Marriage Counseling
06:59 The Coldplay Concert Scandal
09:05 Christian Leaders and Moral Failures
12:47 Avoiding Compromising Situations
13:34 The Billy Graham Rule Explained
14:47 Controversy and Criticism of the Rule
15:48 Practical Applications and Personal Experiences
18:44 Protecting Your Marriage
19:04 Counseling and Community Support
21:17 Maintaining a Healthy Marriage
24:47 Final Thoughts and Prayer
25:31 Upcoming Church Events
This episode features a special conversation between two Pastors, as Sean interviews Jason Flentye, Pastor of Church on the Beach in Redondo Beach, California, discussing his journey to ministry and the unique aspects of his beachfront congregation. You'll hear his inspiring personal stories of redemption and transformation through community and faith.
00:00 Introduction: Made for Something More
00:19 Invitation to River City Community Church
01:06 Reaching for Real Life: New Service Times
02:09 Interview with Pastor Jason Flentye
02:50 Jason's Journey to Ministry
04:05 Serving at Church on the Beach
11:40 Unique Opportunities and Challenges
14:30 Impactful Stories of Transformation
21:33 Challenges and Prayer Requests
23:12 Conclusion and Contact Information
Pastor Sean Azzaro discusses the devastating flooding in Kerrville, Texas, emphasizing empathy, prayer, and community support. He tackles the difficult questions of where God is in tragedy, the importance of faith, and how God can provide hope and comfort.
00:00 Introduction: Made for Something More
01:07 Casual Conversation: Catching Up
03:02 Reflecting on the Kerrville Flooding
06:18 Theological Reflections on Suffering
11:01 Stories of Hope and God's Grace
15:04 How to Help and Support
20:20 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer
Pastors Sean and Lauri Azzaro of River City Community Church share the importance of taking time off, avoiding burnout in ministry, and maintaining a healthy family and marriage. They share personal stories, insights on dealing with hurt and resentment, and advice for new pastoral couples. Discover more about their ministry, 'Real Life,' and how they navigate life's challenges together.
00:00 Introduction: Made for Something More?
00:19 Welcome to River City Community Church
01:08 Reaching for Real Life: A Conversation
01:33 Experiencing Real Life in Southern California
02:17 Invitation to the Pastors Masters Golf Tournament
03:04 Meet Lauri Azzaro: Co-Founder and Ministry Partner
03:53 Journey Through 38 Years of Ministry
05:36 Starting Real Life Ministries
09:12 Balancing Ministry and Family Life
11:23 Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining Health
16:22 The Importance of Rest and Recharging
18:40 Advice for Young Pastoral Couples
21:22 Finding Joy in Ministry and Marriage
23:07 Conclusion and Invitation to River City Community Church
Pastor Sean talks with Jonathan Shepherd, a pastor and gifted artist at River City Community Church. Jonathan's journey with Shep's Studio and his unique blend of contemporary and western art has opened doors to minister within the art community.
00:00 Introduction to Reaching for Real Life Podcast
00:29 River City Believers Academy Enrollment
01:09 Meet Pastor Jonathan Shepherd
01:54 The Journey of Shep's Studio
03:13 Artistic Achievements and Recognition
06:19 Art as Ministry
10:54 Unique Artistic Style and Techniques
13:24 Integrating Ministry and Art
13:52 Building Bridges Through Art
14:37 Transformative Relationships
16:15 Sharing Faith in Everyday Interactions
19:25 Encouragement to Step Out in Faith
20:00 Finding and Following Your Calling
21:50 Connecting Through Social Media
22:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
24:09 Outro and Contact Information
Pastor Sean Azzaro comes to the Boerne Radio 103.9FM Studio on Main Street! Pastor Sean and Baron reflect on Father's Day, Networking, and the No Kings rally and its implications for immigration law, plus the ongoing conflict in Israel and Iran with the reminder that we have the greatest weapon of all...prayer.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:40 Boerne Radio Studio Tour
01:17 Vacation and Study Break
02:02 Father's Day Reflections
02:37 Summer in the Psalms
06:33 The Importance of Networking
08:20 Networking Tips and Personal Stories
11:05 Discussing the No Kings Rally
11:25 Debating Immigration Law Enforcement
12:06 The Role of Law in Society
12:12 Critique of Left-Wing Movements
16:08 Israel's Actions Against Iran
16:39 The Complexity of Middle Eastern Politics
20:24 The Significance of Israel
23:19 Prayers for Peace and Leadership
It's the season of summer camps, vacations, and in Sean's case a time where he unplugs, prays, and listens to the Lord's direction for the next season. But if you're not out of town, then we'll see you on Sunday! But wait...do I have to go to church? Why is it important to physically attend? How does online church fit into modern worship, and what is the significance of spiritual community? Why go to church? "For the Bible tells me so."
00:00 Invitation to River City Community Church
01:07 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life
01:34 Summer Sabbatical and Youth Camp
02:24 Purpose of Sabbatical
04:12 Summer in the Psalms Series
04:41 Leading Worship and Coaching
06:19 Importance of Church Attendance
08:25 Defining Church and Community
10:50 The Importance of Being Part of a Church Community
12:10 New Testament Teachings on Church Attendance
12:57 The Early Church: A Model of Commitment and Community
16:21 Modern Challenges: Online Church and Community
21:10 Encouragement to Engage in Church Life
22:58 Invitation to River City Community Church
24:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement