The Holiness Today Podcast

Nazarene Archives ep 80: Eugene Stowe preaches on prayer

Eugene Stowe explores why specific prayers often go unanswered and refutes "prosperity" theology. He argues that effective prayer must align with God's sovereign will, which humans cannot fully grasp. By linking Philippians, 1 John, and Romans, Stowe posits that the Holy Spirit acts as both an "Intercessor" and "Interceptor." When believers offer "improper" prayers outside God’s plan, the Spirit intercepts and corrects them, substituting human desires with divine necessities. This process ensures God always supplies a believer’s true needs, allowing them to trust the outcome even when it differs from their original request.
 
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A Conversation with the HT Team: looking back and looking forward

On this episode, Nate, Jordan, and Dani discuss the Holiness Today podcast and where it's been and where it's going. 
Please connect with us on social media or email us at holinesstoday@nazarene.org 
 
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Nazarene Archives ep 79: Chic Shaver preaches on "Love Enough to Keep Them Warm"

Former evangelism professor Chick Shaver compares the local church to a hospital nursery, where new converts are "spiritual infants" requiring specialized care and warmth. He warns that without this intentional care, many converts perish spiritually within weeks. Shaver illustrates this through Dan and Judy, a couple who faced indifference at two churches before finding a welcoming community. The intentional outreach by laypeople and the pastor ultimately led to the couple’s conversion and to their own ministry to others, demonstrating that a warm congregational climate is vital for spiritual growth.
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Stan Reeder and Nate Gilmore have a conversation with Wendell Brown, District Superintendent of North Central Ohio

In this episode, Nate Gilmore and Stan Reeder interview Wendell Brown, District Superintendent of North Central Ohio. Brown shares his journey from military service and addiction to a miraculous call to ministry. He discusses "Tragedy into Triumph," a sixteen-year ministry sharing powerful stories of transformation regarding loss, crime, and addiction. Brown also details significant evangelistic growth in his district, emphasizing intentional accountability and a renewed focus on holiness and entire sanctification to raise up future missional leaders. 
 
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Nazarene Archives ep 78: VH Lewis, former General Superintendent on "Church Growth"

In this January 1981 recording for the Minister's Tape Club, Dr. V.H. Lewis outlines principles for intentional church growth within the Church of the Nazarene. He argues that progress—whether numerical, spiritual, or intellectual—is driven by healthy "personal relations" between pastors, staff, and congregants.
 
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Stephanie Johnson preaches on Love, week four of Advent

This sermon for the fourth Sunday of Advent focuses on love, emphasizing that God enters the "messy" and imperfect realities of life. By examining the genealogy in Matthew 1, the speaker highlights God’s faithfulness through forty-two generations of flawed individuals. The story of Joseph illustrates a "costly commitment" to trust God’s plan over societal expectations or fear. Ultimately, the message of "Emmanuel" assures believers that God is present in their struggles and invites them to surrender their pursuit of perfection to Jesus.
 
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Nate Gilmore has a conversation with Bryan Koopmans - producer for the Everyday Eurasia Podcast

In this episode, we travel to the Netherlands to speak with Brian Koopmans, a validation engineer and media volunteer for the Church of the Nazarene’s Eurasia Region. Brian discusses the launch of the "Everyday Eurasia" podcast and the unique challenges of producing content for a region spanning numerous languages. We also delve into Dutch history, exploring the legacy of theologian Jacobus Arminius and Brian’s upcoming documentary project. Finally, hear Brian’s heart for missions and his desire to serve the church full-time through media.
 
Everyday Eurasia Podcast
 
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David Gilmour preaches on Joy, week three of Advent

This sermon declares that God's people possess an unstoppable joy that flourishes even in life’s most barren "deserts". Rooted in Isaiah 35, the message distinguishes true joy from fleeting happiness, describing it as a "living reality" that does not wait for perfect circumstances. Instead, this joy audaciously erupts amidst brokenness, just as a botanical "superbloom" transforms a wilderness with radiant life. The speaker assures listeners that God is actively turning their sorrow into everlasting gladness, promising that joy will ultimately triumph and drive all sorrow away.
 
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Stan Reeder and Nate Gilmore have a conversation with Steve Estep, Lead Pastor at Marion Naz Church

Nate Gilmore and Stan Reeder interview Steve Estep, pastor of Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Estep recounts his call to ministry and details the church's evangelistic culture, which focuses on the "Big Yes" to Jesus and the "Next Yes" of ongoing discipleship. The church actively revitalizes its inner-city neighborhood through housing initiatives and a "Love Your City" campaign adopted by local officials. They also host a large recovery ministry addressing local addiction. Estep highlights his family's involvement in ministry and the importance of Sabbath rest.
 
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Stephen Willis preaches on Peace, week two of Advent

This Advent sermon focuses on the theme of peace, illustrated as a "two-sided coin". The first side is "peace with God," established through the birth of Jesus and salvation. The second side is the "peace of God," which requires believers to trust God rather than leaning on their own understanding. The speaker emphasizes that biblical peace is not the absence of conflict, but rather the presence of God amidst life's struggles. The message concludes by inviting listeners to find this peace through prayer and faith.
 
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Nazarene Archives ep 77: Jerald Johnson, former General Superintendent on "Dealing with Opposition in Ministry"

General Superintendent Jerald Johnson offers guidance on how pastors can creatively face opposition in their work for Christ. Pastors, like political leaders, must present programs and budgets and convince others. Johnson discusses the right to dissent within the Church of the Nazarene and how opposition allows a pastor to test their ideas. He advises against reacting to opposition and instead suggests letting proposals be tested by time. Ultimately, a pastor must stand tall as a leader, minister to the church, and rely on God's help for every difficult situation.
 
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Scott Sherwood preaches on Hope, week one of Advent

In this Advent episode, Dr. Scott Sherwood of Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene explores the theme of Hope. Describing the season as an "adventure," he invites listeners to look back at the Incarnation and forward to the Second Coming. Sherwood contrasts wishful thinking with biblical hope, which Romans 5 describes as the product of suffering, perseverance, and character. Ultimately, he challenges us to realize that hope isn't just something we find, but something we become through the presence of Christ.
 
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REMASTERED: Nazarene Archives Ep 24: Talmadge Johnson on "How to Increase Your Gratitude"

On this episode, listen to Talmadge Johnson preach a short sermon on gratitude.
Dr. Johnson served as the 33rd General Superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene. Prior to becoming GS, he was an evangelist, pastor, district superintendent, and global director of Sunday School ministries (now Nazarene Discipleship International).
This recording was featured on the Layman’s Tape Club in November of 1982.
 
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Stan Reeder and Nate Gilmore have a conversation with Andy Albright, Wisconsin District Superintendent

Andy Albright discusses his call to ministry, starting as a part-time junior high youth pastor at Westminster. He highlights the Wisconsin District's growth through the power of prayer, relational connections, and community service in churches like Baraboo and Janesville.
He shares his vision for planting new Nazarene churches in major metro areas and emphasizes the importance of loving, listening to, and learning from pastors.
 
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Nazarene Archives ep 70: Samuel Young, former General Superintendent on stewardship, tithing, and commitment

This episode features Dr. Samuel Young, former General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, on the fundamental issues of stewardship and faithful giving.
Dr. Young asserts that the prime motivation for stewardship is Calvary, arguing that because of God's sacrifice in Jesus Christ, anything He asks is reasonable. He clarifies that the tithe is a method to be given, not a legalism to be taught.
The discussion emphasizes that stewardship must have its roots in spiritual commitment and a pure heart.
Dr. Young advises that pastors should speak definitely on giving once a year and encourages a generous spirit. Ultimately, faithful stewardship rests on recognizing that God is our Creator and the true owner.
 
To purchase Hope of All the Earth by David Gilmour, click here.
 
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Jim Diehl, General Superintendent Emeritus, preaches on "pulling stumps" October 30, 2025

We honor the life and ministry of Dr. Jim Diehl (1937-2025), a beloved pastor, district superintendent, and General Superintendent Emeritus of the Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Diehl passed away on November 2, 2025.
Just days before his passing, on October 30, he traveled to Nampa, Idaho, to preach at Bethel Church of the Nazarene for the Holiness Partnership event. This episode features that powerful message.
Dr. Diehl preaches on the Christian life as a journey that goes far beyond a single moment of decision. He outlines three key prayers that define this lifelong walk: "Lord, forgive me" (repentance), "Lord, take me" (consecration), and "Lord, make me" (the ongoing work of sanctification). Using his trademark warmth and personal stories, Dr. Diehl explains how God continually works to "pull the stumps" of things like prejudice, impatience, and fear from our lives, shaping us into more Christ-like individuals.
To watch this sermon, click here
 

Stan Reeder and Nate Gilmore have a conversation with Jonathan Hall on ministry to rural communities

Pastor Jonathan Hall joins Stan Reeder and Nate Gilmore to discuss his ministry in rural, small-town churches. He shares insights from following long pastorates and introduces the "Dirt Roads Network." They explore its core values—missionary mindset, discernment, and being "rivers, not lakes"—and the vital role of small congregations.
 
https://www.dirtroadsnetwork.com/ 
 
To reach out to Jonathan, email him at dirtroadsnaz@gmail.com

Nazarene Archives ep 69: Eugene Stowe, former General Superintendent on the indefinite call

In this February 1981 Minister's Tape Club resource for the Nazarene ministry, General Superintendent Eugene Stowe shares his firm opinion that new manual changes, especially the "indefinite call," are a "very valuable innovation" crucial for achieving "longer pastorates" and building "stronger churches" by eliminating the "division and disruption" and "trauma" of periodic congregational votes.*This appeared on the Ministers' Tape Club in February of 1981 as the "state of the church" segment given by the General Superintendents.
 
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Nate Gilmore has a conversation with Gabriel Benjiman, District Academy Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene

In this conversation, Gabriel and Nate explore his article, "Gathering for Worship and Temple Building: A Unifying Grace," focusing on how worship is fundamentally about gathering and establishing a common identity, rather than just ritual or liturgy. They discuss the distinction between true and false religion, noting that genuine worship centers on the holy and loving God, fostering humility and shared purpose under His reign.
To read his article and other articles in the November/December 2025 issue, click here
 
To purchase Hope of All the Earth by David Gilmour, click here.
 
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Nazarene Archives ep 68: Orville Jenkins, former General Superintendent on The Inward Man Renewed

In this March 1981 address, General Superintendent Orville Jenkins discusses the spiritual requirements for effective preaching for holiness ministers. He states that a minister's life must be one of unreservedly giving oneself to the indwelling Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill them with joy and victory so they can preach with power and anointing.
Jenkins uses the Apostle Paul as the ultimate example, noting that Paul's "outward man" was "perishing" from his intense suffering and physical struggles as a "vessel of clay". However, Paul’s "inward man" was being renewed day by day through the "supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ". This daily spiritual renewal, Jenkins concludes, is God's plan for every spirit-filled minister.
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