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In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we explore the history and ongoing mission of IFCA International. From its beginnings to its present work, IFCA has existed to serve the local church by proclaiming the authority of Scripture, equipping pastors and congregations for faithful ministry, and defending biblical truth in an increasingly confused cultural moment. We discuss why doctrinal clarity matters, how conviction must be matched with action, and why the church must continue to speak God’s Word with courage, humility, and confidence in our day.

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In this episode of Advancing the Cause, Executive Director Richard Bargas takes a practical and pastoral look at one of the ongoing challenges of ministry life—balancing people, projects, paperwork, and the pulpit. Using Scripture, real-life ministry experience, and even a chili cook-off gone wrong, Richard talks candidly about knowing your strengths and weaknesses, working hard without becoming a workaholic, stewarding your time well, and setting healthy boundaries. He also reminds us why prayer, people, and the faithful preaching of God’s Word must always remain at the center of our calling.

This episode is especially for pastors and ministry leaders who feel the constant pull of competing demands and want encouragement to stay focused on what truly matters. Ministry requires balance, but more than that, it calls for faithfulness—and resting in Christ’s strength rather than our own.

If this conversation encourages you, be sure to subscribe to Advancing the Cause so you don’t miss future episodes. We’d also be grateful if you’d share this episode with a fellow pastor or ministry leader who could benefit from the encouragement.

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Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org

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In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we explore one of the most urgent issues facing Bible-centered churches today: the shrinking pipeline of men preparing for pastoral ministry. How can faithful churches and trusted seminaries work together to identify, train, and launch the next generation of shepherds?

Joining host Richard Bargas are two leaders deeply invested in this mission: Dr. Corey Marsh of Southern California Seminary and Dr. Tom Pittman of Shepherds Theological Seminary. Both are members of IFCA International and serve on the front lines of theological education.

Together, they discuss the biblical pattern for raising up leaders, the unique roles of both church and seminary, where the process often breaks down, and how intentional partnership can strengthen the future of pastoral ministry. If you are a pastor, elder, seminary student, or church member burdened for the next generation, this conversation will challenge and equip you to take practical steps in your own church.

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Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org

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What does it look like for the local church to truly care for marriages—not just in crisis, but in everyday life and discipleship?

In this episode of Advancing the Cause, Richard Bargas sits down with Pastor Jesse and Jenna Randolph of Indian Hills Community Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, to discuss how strong marriages contribute to a strong and healthy church.

Together, they discuss:

• Why marriage ministry matters in a Bible-teaching church

• The most common struggles couples are facing today—inside and outside the church

• How pastors and leaders can cultivate a culture where couples seek help before they fall apart

• How the church can respond with both truth and compassion when marriages are in crisis

Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, husband, wife, or someone preparing for marriage, this conversation will remind you that marriage is a ministry… and the church must shepherd it well.

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Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org

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Pastoral transitions are never simple—but what happens when the outgoing pastor is a father, and the incoming pastor is his son? In this episode of Advancing the Cause, host Dr. Richard Bargas sits down with Dr. Gary Gilley and Brian Gilley of Southern View Chapel in Springfield, Illinois, to discuss their ongoing journey through this uncommon and deeply personal transition of leadership.

With honesty, humility, and biblical conviction, Gary and Brian share how the Lord led them toward this process, the scriptural principles guiding their decisions, and the safeguards they’ve put in place to ensure the church—not the family—remains at the center. They talk candidly about the emotional challenges of letting go and stepping in, the impact on the congregation, and how they’ve navigated expectations, communication, and accountability.

Listeners will hear not only about the difficulties and potential pitfalls of a family pastoral succession, but also about the unexpected blessings—stronger relationships, spiritual growth, and renewed vision for the future of Southern View Chapel.

Whether you are a pastor, elder, or church member, this conversation offers wisdom, cautions, and encouragement for anyone facing or preparing for pastoral transition.

Learn more about Southern View Chapel here: https://svchapel.org

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Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org

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In a world obsessed with influence, image, and control, how can God’s servants wield authority without becoming authoritarian? Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:1–6, Dr. Richard Bargas explores how Paul’s example teaches church leaders to exercise divine authority with humility, dependence, confidence, biblical conviction, and an eternal perspective. This episode challenges pastors and ministry leaders to reject the fleshly tactics of our age and instead lead like Christ—strong yet gentle, bold yet meek, confident yet completely dependent on the power of God.

Whether you’re a pastor facing criticism, a ministry leader under pressure, or a believer navigating today’s spiritual battles, this episode will equip you to stand firm and lead faithfully—with the authority of Christ and the heart of a servant.

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Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org

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Chaplains and military families often serve quietly on the frontlines—whether in the military, healthcare, or other high-pressure settings. But who ministers to them? In this episode, we share 5 practical and impactful ways your church can come alongside chaplains and military families with encouragement, support, and gospel-centered care.

Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or church member who wants to make a difference, you’ll come away with simple steps your congregation can take to strengthen those who sacrifice so much for others.

✦ Learn how to connect with local chaplains

✦ Discover ways to support military spouses and children

✦ Find out how to meet unique needs with gospel hope

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on equipping the church for faithful ministry!

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Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org

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False teachers aren’t always easy to spot. They may smile, quote the Bible, and fill stadiums—but Jesus warned they’re “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matt. 7:15). In this episode, we uncover how to recognize spiritual deception, test every teaching against God’s Word, and protect the church from dangerous influences—whether they come from outside or within.

You’ll learn:

• The biblical tests for identifying false prophets (Deut. 13, Deut. 18, 1 John 4)
• Why popularity, charisma, and “outward success” can be misleading
• Six practical ways to grow in discernment and guard your church
• How to select godly leaders and spot those seeking power instead of service

This is a call to sharpen your spiritual discernment and keep the flock safe. Don’t let the wolves roam free.

📖 Scriptures Covered: Matthew 7:15 | 1 John 4:1 | 1 Thess. 5:21 | Acts 20:28–30 | 2 Peter 2:1–3 | and more.

#FalseTeachers #Discernment #ChristianPodcast #BibleTeaching #ChurchLeadership #SpiritualWarfare

Support the show

Advancing the Cause is a proud member and partner with Foundations Media: foundationsmedia.org

Learn more about IFCA at www.IFCA.org