Gracepointe Church - Franklin, Tn

What might it look like for us to embrace Sabbath as a time for being, instead of doing? Today, Josh RadarLee, co-pastor at FOREFRONT Church, joins us to talk about Jesus’ perspective on Sabbath. He reminds us that Sabbath was put in place to help us flourish, not to hurt us. He also acknowledges some of the reasons why Sabbath can be difficult, and he shares some possible ways we can reimagine this concept today.  Episode Recap: Today we get to hear from Josh RadarLee of FOREFRONT Church (0:10) Not everyone was happy about Jesus’ message of radical love (4:57) The concept of Sabbath is to help us flourish, not to hurt us (8:58) What might it look like if we took time for being, instead of just doing? (12:35) Spend your Sabbath doing the thing that brings you joy (20:10)  Sabbath is an experiment and a challenge, but it’s also a gift (23:23) Resources: Learn more about GracePointe Check out our schedule of upcoming events Become a sustaining member of the GracePointe community Fol

The good news Jesus proclaimed is that the kingdom of God is here and now! Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines Jesus’ first sermon in the book of Mark. He talks about what the kingdom of God is (and what it isn’t) and reminds us that Jesus’ vision was all about embracing human flourishing. He also reflects on the way that Martin Luther King Jr. believed in Jesus’ vision of the kingdom and worked to bring it about in his own life.   Episode Recap: Mark found good news even at the end of the world (0:10) Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of his mission (2:44) In his first sermon, Jesus told us the good news of the kingdom of God (6:56) The kingdom represents God’s dream for the world (12:27) The kingdom is now (15:37) The kingdom is not a place, it’s a way of being (23:24) Repentance is just about changing the way we see and think (29:10) The kingdom reminds us that there’s enough of God to go around (32:10) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision of the kingdom rooted in justice and nonv

How do we hold on to hope when it seems like the world is ending? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott kicks off a new series on the gospel of Mark by looking at the historical and political context Mark was writing in. He explains how Mark’s world must have felt like it was ending and draws encouragement from the fact that Mark still began his story with good news. He also examines the concept of a gospel and what it can teach us about how people in Mark’s time thought about Jesus.  Episode Recap: Today we’re beginning a new series on the gospel of Mark (0:10) Mark was written in a time when life as people knew it was changing (1:53) Who was Mark, and what was his gospel? (5:36) Gospels are not biographies, they’re proclamations about who Jesus was (9:22) Mark was living in a time of political and religious disaster (15:22) In the midst of the world ending, Mark begins his story with good news (26:56) We may think the world is ending, but there’s still work to do (30:44) Resources: Learn more abo

The good news of Christmas is not that we are bad and in need of saving, but rather that each one of us has divinity within us. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott talks about the things Jesus’ coming revealed to us about who God is and about who we are. He reminds us that being human is a good thing, and that there’s a reason why God chose us to carry out God’s plans in the world.  Episode Recap: We all need people who remind us that more is possible (0:33) Jesus’ coming revealed something big about who God is and who we are (6:35) Jesus reminds us that there is divinity within all of humanity (10:05) To be human is a good thing (14:18) God placed all of God’s bets on us (18:40) The fifth Sunday of Advent reminds us that God is with us (23:37) Resources: Learn more about GracePointe Check out our schedule of upcoming events Become a sustaining member of the GracePointe community Follow GracePointe on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

The Christmas story serves as a powerful reminder that fear and joy can often coexist. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines Matthew’s story of the Magi who visited Jesus. He talks about the different ways that both fear and joy show up in the story and encourages us to find joy in the hope of what could be, even when we’re acknowledging the pain and injustice around us.  Episode Recap: The purpose of Advent is to bring the past into the present (2:49) Who were the Magi, actually? (6:11) In his story of the Magi, Matthew is drawing from a rich scripture tradition (11:00) Herod saw Jesus as a direct threat to his power (15:31) It’s hard to make clear decisions when you’re operating out of fear (19:58) Christmas reminds us how fear and joy can coexist (27:58) Joy celebrates what could be while still acknowledging what is (32:25) The Magi remind us that Jesus has good news for all, not just Christians (38:55) Resources: Learn more about GracePointe Check out our schedule of upcoming event

The idea that Jesus had a miraculous conception entered the early Christian Tradition with Matthew’s Gospel. Why did he tell the story that way? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott continues our Advent series by examining the historical and cultural context around Matthew’s version of Jesus’ birth story. He also reminds us that the Christmas story is ultimately a story of peace and encourages us to spend this season acting courageously to bring about the kind of world we long for. Episode Recap: Advent is a season of longing and anticipation (0:10) Matthew was the first to give us a birth story for Jesus (2:38) Matthew uses midrash to interpret Jesus’ story (8:48) Matthew invites us to reimagine the way we engage with stories (15:41) Why was it important that Jesus was born of a virgin? (21:58) Many of us want a conquering king, but Jesus came for peace (25:46) Peacemaking is an act of courage and strength (28:47) Sometimes peacemaking is about reminding each other that we are beloved (33:16) Resou

We often talk about Advent as a season where we’re waiting on God to act. But what if God is also waiting on us to take an active role in the work of human flourishing? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott begins our Advent series with a look at the story of John the Baptist, the voice in the wilderness calling people to remember that God was still at work. He also reminds us that even in the darkest days, something new is just around the corner.  Episode Recap: Advent reminds us that growth and newness are right around the corner (0:10) The entire Bible is not about Jesus (7:05) Is it naive to have hope in this world? (11:01) John the Baptist reminded people that God was not finished with God’s people (17:06) What if Advent isn’t about us waiting on God, but God waiting on us? (29:27) Our job is to play an active role in creating justice and peace (31:49) Christmas is committing here and now to bringing about human flourishing (33:22) Resources: Learn more about GracePointe Check out our schedu

Suffering is a part of being human, but maybe we can find ways to suffer less and hold onto hope in the process. Today, Colby Martin reflects on the three practices that have helped him learn to suffer better and suffer less: The hourglass, the bar, and the seed. He offers words of encouragement for anyone who’s struggling to find hope and reminds us that nothing lasts, not even the worst suffering.  Episode Recap: Nothing lasts, and suffering is a part of life (0:30) We can’t avoid suffering, so what do we do instead? (6:32) When we learn to suffer better, we suffer less (10:08) The Hourglass: If nothing lasts, then suffering doesn’t last either (12:57) The Bar: We need less than we think to make us happy (15:35) Hope is the antithesis to suffering, but you can’t have one without the other (21:07) The Seed: Death is a part of becoming (27:56) When we learn to suffer better, we’ll suffer less (31:57) You are OK, and you’ve always been OK (38:11) Resources: Learn more about Grac

What does it mean to practice progressive Christianity, and how can we thoughtfully engage with the people around us who don’t share our views? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott wraps up our series on progressive Christianity by leading a question and response time with the GracePointe community. Topics covered include deconstruction, what it means to be a Christian, the purpose of prayer, and much more.  Episode Recap: What does it mean to have a personal relationship with the divine? (4:29) Does praying for others actually change things? (8:39) Does calling yourself a Christian make you a Christian? (12:09) How do we care for ourselves while recovering from spiritual trauma? (15:41) What do we mean when we talk about God? (17:26) Where can we start with our deconstruction journeys? (24:41) When should we move toward people we disagree with, and when should we back away? (27:44) How do you believe in God when you haven’t seen God answer prayers? (34:41) How can we distinguish ourselves from har

Many of us are tempted to either view our faith as the only right answer or to water down our beliefs in deference to others. But it’s possible to have a strong, hospitable faith that acknowledges the beauty of other beliefs without denying our own. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines this idea and encourages us to hold fast to our own identities while also being willing to appreciate and learn from other traditions. He also reminds us that we don’t have to choose between celebrating the good parts of Christianity and acknowledging the harm that has been done in Jesus’ name.  Episode Recap: Honoring our great cloud of witnesses (1:59) We have always been and always will be connected to the divine (4:28) How do we hold onto our identity in a multi-faith world? (6:43) Our language is not the only language, and that’s beautiful (9:15) We can celebrate other faiths without watering down our own (12:09) Our goal should be teach and share and learn from one another (19:40) The closer we get to each

Every single person who reads the Bible brings their own perspective and interpretation to it. And yet so many people have weaponized this text based on their one specific lens. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott reflects on what it might look like for progressive Christians to take the Bible seriously. He breaks down the three key areas of disagreement between progressive and conservative Christians about the Bible — its origin, its authority, and its interpretation — and encourages us to view the Bible through the lens of human flourishing. Episode Recap: Progressive Christianity can take many different forms and flavors (3:35) So many people have weaponized the Bible in harmful ways (5:57) Origin: The Bible was written by different authors in different times with different perspectives (11:04) The books of the Bible are in dialogue with each other (20:00) Authority: The Bible’s authority comes from the meaning we give it (21:50) Interpretation: Everyone interprets the Bible (32:32) How we read the

Every single person who reads the Bible brings their own perspective and interpretation to it. And yet so many people have weaponized this text based on their one specific lens. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott reflects on what it might look like for progressive Christians to take the Bible seriously. He breaks down the three key areas of disagreement between progressive and conservative Christians about the Bible — its origin, its authority, and its interpretation — and encourages us to view the Bible through the lens of human flourishing. Episode Recap: Progressive Christianity can take many different forms and flavors (3:35) So many people have weaponized the Bible in harmful ways (5:57) Origin: The Bible was written by different authors in different times with different perspectives (11:04) The books of the Bible are in dialogue with each other (20:00) Authority: The Bible’s authority comes from the meaning we give it (21:50) Interpretation: Everyone interprets the Bible (32:32) How we read the

If we want to practice radical inclusivity, we need to start by facing and accepting ourselves. Today, Mike Maeshiro shares his experience of serving in the church as a gay Christian. He explains how his experience of God forced him to re-evaluate the theology he believed in, and he encourages us to move beyond performative inclusion into radical, authentic inclusivity of all people. Episode Recap: Today we’re talking about radical inclusivity (0:10) In 2023, so many Christians still are not affirming (1:33) Mike’s own experience as a queer person in the church (4:40) When our experience of God doesn’t match our theology, then what? (19:56) The kingdom of God is a mirror (25:51) We shouldn’t need to be convinced to love and accept people (30:56) If we want to be radically inclusive, we have to start by facing ourselves (34:24) Resources: Learn more about GracePointe Check out our schedule of upcoming events Become a sustaining member of the GracePointe community Follow GraceP

What does it mean to be Jesus centered when you separate him from all the harmful things people have said and done in his name? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott talks about some of the key things he does and does not believe about Jesus, reminding us that believing in a specific doctrine matters far less than believing what Jesus said. He then takes time to answer questions from our community about how our views of Jesus and faith may change throughout our deconstruction journeys. Whoever you are and whatever you believe about Jesus, there’s space for you here!  Episode Recap: If we’re born united with God, what is the point of Jesus? (0:10) Jesus is not a means to an end (4:10) We don’t see Jesus as the only path to the divine (7:05) You can be Jesus-centered without believing any one specific thing (12:14) Believing in Jesus matters less than believing Jesus (13:44) Jesus died because of human wrath, not divine wrath (18:06) When you strip away the doctrine and dogma, there’s something else there

Progressive Christianity starts from the belief that humans are not born disconnected from God, and that nothing can separate us from God. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott begins a new series where we’ll unpack some of the key factors that set progressive Christianity apart from more conservative theologies. He explains where the doctrine of original sin came from and why it falls short, and then spends time talking with our community about what it looks like to approach sin and the Bible from a progressive lens. Episode Recap: Many of us know what we don’t believe, but what are the things we do embrace? (0:10) Progressive Christianity begins with the idea that we’re born united with God (2:48) The original sin doctrine didn’t exist until 400 years into the Jesus movement (8:38) Adam and Eve weren’t separated from God, but shame made them think they were (11:52) Christianity should be an antidote to shame, not the cause of it (20:57) Sin does not have the power to separate us from God (27:09) The s

Between the crucifixion and the resurrection, there was a silent Saturday of uncertainty and fear. And many of us experience that same kind of season when we begin to deconstruct our theologies. Today, GracePointe’s founding pastor Stan Mitchell reminds us that it’s OK to miss what we’ve left behind and to still feel the effects of the wounds we’ve received in the past. He also encourages us to not become so callused that we leave acceptance and hope behind, and he reminds us to think about the things we stand for, not just what we’re against.  Episode Recap: Communities like GracePointe are a powerful space for deconstruction (0:10) Have we replaced one form of narrowness for another? (4:05) Between crucifixion and resurrection, there’s a silent Saturday (10:26) Even after walking on water, Peter had a crisis of faith (19:57) Jesus met Peter where he was and accepted him there (23:14) It’s OK to miss part of what you left behind (27:15) Our wounds will stay with us, but we don’t have to become

The GracePointe of 20 years ago may look radically different than GracePointe today, but this community has always existed to create space for growth and deconstruction. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott and founding pastor Stan Mitchell celebrate GracePointe’s 20th anniversary by reflecting about the past, present, and future of GracePointe. Stan also explains how GracePointe fits into a larger history of progressivism that’s built into the fabric of Christianity.  Episode Recap: Today we’re celebrating 20 years of GracePointe with founding pastor Stan Mitchell (0:10) The tradition of Christianity is inherently progressive (6:02) GracePointe is a space designed for deconstruction (12:22) GracePointe exists as a fully affirming space for the LGBTQ+ community (16:49) People need to know that communities like GracePointe are possible (26:21) If Christianity does not mature, it needs to die (32:02) Resources: Learn more about GracePointe Check out our schedule of upcoming events Become a sustain

We tend to idealize the early church, but were things actually as good as we might think? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott leads us through Paul’s letters to examine some of the conflicts and complexities that defined the early Jesus movement. He reminds us that mess is a part of being human, but that we can create a space where that mess doesn’t turn into harm.  Episode Recap: The early church was simply a community of people coming together (1:03) What was the early church actually like? (5:37) We tend to idealize the early church, but that may not be the full story (9:10) The early church was a diverse community (12:41) The early church was complex and full of disagreements (17:47) Paul’s letters show us that even the early church was full of challenges (30:11) The church has always been messy, and that’s how it should be (33:30) There’s a big difference between mess and harm (38:36) GracePointe is here to create an alternative to the conservative Christian narrative (39:34) Resources:

Most of our lives are lived in the ordinary, but how often do we take the time to notice the beautiful moments all around us? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott wraps up our series on spiritual practices for progressive Christians with a conversation about awareness. He explains how the story of Jacob reminds us to pay attention to God’s presence all around us, and he encourages us to practice “here-ness.” Episode Recap: Spiritual practices open and enlarge the heart (0:10) Life happens in the ordinary (3:14) God meets us in ordinary places (5:00) God is always present; we just aren’t always aware of it (11:54) How can we practice here-ness? (13:46) Take time to mark the moments that matter (19:32) Resources: Learn more about GracePointe Check out our schedule of upcoming events Become a sustaining member of the GracePointe community Follow GracePointe on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Curiosity can be a powerful spiritual practice, but only when it’s rooted in empathy. Today, GracePointe’s founding pastor Stan Mitchell explains how empathic curiosity can help us deepen our connection with other humans and have more grace for ourselves and others. He describes Jesus’ radical empathy for Judas and for the people who crucified him, and he reminds us that loving others is ultimately about seeking to understand them.   Episode Recap: Curiosity is a powerful spiritual practice (2:51) Curiosity reminds us that there’s always more to learn and discover (9:27) Empathic curiosity is a desire to understand the feelings of others (13:21) Love seeks to understand before seeking to be understood (20:08) Even during his crucifixion, Jesus had empathy (27:42) Empathic curiosity understands that each of us contains potential for good or evil (34:20) Empathic curiosity makes us better people (46:35) Resources: “Curious: A Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends On It” “Seven Habits o