The Jim Bradford Podcast
Episodes
246 episodes
Can we trust the scriptures?
Our apologetics series continues this week as we sit down with Pastor Jim to explore the reliability of Scripture. Following last week's discussion on the existence of God, we turn to the question of whether the Bible can be trusted. In upcomin...
Does God really exist?
Pastor Jim has long made apologetics a regular part of his preaching at Central Assembly. In this four-week series, he returns to some familiar questions and takes up a few new ones: Does God exist? Can the Bible be trusted? Why is there suffer...
Perspectives on Israel with Wave Nunnally and Yoav Rotem
Pastor Jim and I reference our trips to Israel all the time. It's a place we both love, and one that's been largely closed to visitors these last few years. We had a rare chance to sit down with Dr. Wave Nunnally, who we've both studied under i...
What are your book recommendations for discipleship?
Today we’re talking about book recommendations for new believers, but the conversation quickly expands into a broader discussion about reading itself. What role should reading play in the life of a Christian? How can books deepen our faith, sha...
Do you ever feel like your sermons repeat themselves?
Anyone who preaches regularly faces the temptation to return to what they already know. Sometimes repetition is unavoidable. Other times, it may be a sign that we need more preparation or need to stretch our own learning.In today’s episo...
How are you using AI in your preaching?
This isn't the first time we've discussed AI on the podcast, but things are changing fast. Nearly everyone, pastors included, has seen the advice and marketing about how AI will transform their work. But while the tools keep getting better and ...
If you had only one sermon left to preach?
We're taking a few weeks to talk about preaching, and this week we have a great question from a listener that takes us into a conversation on preaching themes, voice, and learning to embrace who you are as a preacher. We hope it's a helpful con...
How can we lead more generous lives and churches?
While the scriptures often direct our attention to how we spend money and our motivations for generosity, the topic can be uncomfortable for some people. In today’s episode, Pastor Jim describes why generosity matters and how church leaders can...
How can I stay focused with so many distractions?
We live in an age of distraction. From our phones to twenty-four-hour news cycles, there's always something competing for our attention. It affects us as leaders and also as Christians. Our attention can be hijacked, and our eyes pulled toward ...
What lessons did you learn in helping lead the Assemblies of God?
For more than 9 years, Pastor Jim served as the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God. In today's episode, we look back on that time and discuss lessons he learned from that work and what surprised him most. As the General Secretary, Pasto...
Celebrating America and Praying for its Future
This weekend, as our nation celebrates its 250th year, Pastor Jim explores what it means to be patriotic, why we can be grateful for this nation, and how we can lead in praying for the decades to come.
Is it okay for a Christian to be ambitious?
There are those who see ambition as only a virtue and others who see it as pure vice. Is it good to be ambitious, or is it a dangerous self-obsession? Perhaps most importantly, how should faith impact ambition? In our conversation today, Pastor...
When to Speak and When to Stay Silent
Surrounded by conflicts and controversy, there can be a lot of pressure to speak, whether you're a Christian in a workplace or a pastor speaking to a congregation. The Bible encourages both holding the tongue and the courage to be bold with the...
Are we in a season of spiritual awakening?
Many are reporting on an unexpected spiritual awakening in our culture. More people are exploring the Christian faith than before, and more are open to spiritual conversations. But how can the church steward this moment well? And what does disc...
How can you build trust in an age of skepticism?
We increasingly live in an age of skepticism. People do not trust institutions, and often they do not trust the church or pastors. Moral failures and corrupted leaders have violated the trust of many followers. But trust is one of the foundatio...
How to Set the Right Boundaries in Life and Ministry
Today, we’re talking about boundaries. There can be a lot of expectations in life and ministry. How do you know when to say yes and when to say no? Boundaries are important, but when can they also become boundaries to work God might be calling ...
How To Cultivate and Lead a Multigenerational Church?
For decades, Pastor Jim has led multigenerational churches. Today, serving at Central Assembly, the church is known for its multigenerational approach to ministry and worship. Pastor Jim explores both the challenges and rewards of serving all a...
How can we cultivate better friendships?
Forming a friendship can be difficult. Life and ministry can be full of loneliness. In today's conversation, Pastor Jim and I discuss the value of relationships and how we can be more intentional in forming them. Pastor Jim offers advice from h...
Why does the resurrection matter?
At the center of the Christian message is the claim that Jesus rose from the dead. But the gospel makes an even bigger claim. Because of Jesus's resurrection, we too will be resurrected. In this week's episode, we discuss why the resurrection m...
What are the hardest lessons you've learned in ministry?
Ministry is full of both great joys and often great challenges. Today, we're answering listeners' questions about the most challenging lessons of ministry. We'll look at how challenges often change from the early years of ministry to lessons th...
What are you reading and what should I read next?
It's a common adage that leaders are readers. In this week's episode, Pastor Jim and I discuss some of our favorite books and how we stay disciplined in our reading. We hope our conversation helps you pick up a new book and helps you incorporat...
Keeping Your Faith Through Church Hurt
Too many people are hurt by the church and pastoral abuses. The consequences are real, but the greatest loss is the loss of faith that often follows hurt. In our conversation today, Pastor Jim and I discussed the need for the church to do bette...
What is the value of studying in the Holy Land?
In today's episodes, we are answering a listener's questions about studying in the Holy Land. Though it has not previously come up on the podcast, it's a topic both Pastor Jim and Chase are passionate about. We'll discuss how it can impact your...
Serving in One Church for a Long Time
We never know how long God will keep us in one place. God often calls leaders to new work and new places, but there are both benefits and challenges to staying in one calling for a long time. In this episode, Pastor Jim discusses his own transi...
Why Missions Matters to Every Believer
Most churches participate in giving to support missions and missionaries, but in today's episode, we discuss why missions matter to every believer. We all play a role and bear responsibility for Jesus' great commission. So, how can people parti...