Episode Description
A pastor in West Georgia is getting real and raw about a number of topics and how they relate to our Christian faith: helping others in need without seeking rewards or credit, bridging racial divides and unity, how to share Jesus with people.
(2:22) Pastor Chuck Odum, the Pastor of The Verge Church in Columbus GA, is a former juvenile corrections counselor and is also the Muscogee County Clergy Association President. He addresses "come as you are" vs. perceptions of the church.
(9:13) We also dig deep into how to have a unified body of Christ, across racial lines and other differences, which he was motivated to do even more after George Floyd's death. Pastor Chuck says it comes down to relationships - and Jesus. How does he motivate or help others get out of their comfort zone?
(19:44) Having worked with teenagers in juvenile lockup, he liked how they weren't fake about church. (22:57) Chuck also ran for almost a decade from his call to preach the Gospel. He eventually landed as an employee at Teen Challenge.
(25:45) Most Christians are intimidated about sharing Jesus with people. Chuck says remember, Jesus and the Holy Spirit save people, not us...so the pressure is off, just tell your story! His advice: "Love on Jesus in front of people, and let Him do the rest."
How about this question: (29:10) Do churches have a responsibility to respond to and help fight crime? Pastor Chuck says we can't fix it, but we are better together and can start with powerful prayer (he says not a cop out). (34:01) We talk about his blended family after a 2nd marriage and how a grandfather's funeral helped him become a now 4th generation Pastor.
There are also specific things you can get involved in or help with. (39:25) The Verge Church leads the 28 & Below homeless ministry in Columbus GA, when it gets that cold. And there's a special event starting tonight (when this podcast comes out) called "Tent The City" with 48 hours of continuous prayer and worship from October 14-16, a way to unify and lift up God and stay connected to the Father. (52:04) Pastor Chuck closes us out in prayer too.
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