S4 Ep38 - Mark 8

In a world where community can feel hard to find and sustain, this latest episode offers a fresh perspective on what it means to gather and grow together in faith. As they discuss the transition from crowd to community, Jonny and Sarah talk about the importance of engaging in authentic conversations.

It’s a wide ranging exploration of Mark chapter 8; a pivotal moment that shifts the narrative and invites us to rethink our understanding of Jesus and our role in His mission.

They discuss what Jesus means, when he encourages his followers: “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

These conversations are not just about understanding the narrative of Mark; but about applying it to our lives today.

How can we build community centred on Jesus? Let’s find out together.

Jonny is Lead Pastor at ELC and Sarah is Head of Prayer & Leadership Development + Elim Prayer Director.

You can listen to Sunday talks that track the Around The Fire Podcasts here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gsFbNeUkTaHBAac0_znNk59u_sN-lEM&si=fzmj-JdSvczuLzgv

Got questions? Drop us a line on podcast@birmingham.church or DM us on socials.

Connection + Hope ➡️ https://linktr.ee/elimlifechurch

GATHER + GROW

We believe the Kingdom of God brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the oppressed, provision to those in need, welcomes the stranger and invites us to share the good news of Jesus. Perhaps these things have felt like a dream and not a reality all of the time?

In 2026, as we follow Jesus, we want to be an inspired community responding to this Holy invitation.

How do we Gather & Grow?

• Gathering - building community. From crowd to community. Our mission is always on. Our whole lives are worship. What is Holy Spirit inviting us into?

• Growing - becoming more like Jesus; contributing to community formation, centred on Jesus in contemporary culture.We want more people loving Jesus and part of community.

The map is the mission. We are co-missioned to join what God is doing by His Spirit.

Where are you on the map? Where do you live or work? Where do you spend your time? Who do you connect with? How are we encouraging one another and choosing Jesus in all of our places and spaces?

Being on mission together is on purpose and with awareness of how we share Jesus. What is Holy Spirit inviting you into Soul, Home, Near and Far?

Resource Recommendations

Paradoxolgy by Krish Kandiah

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/paradoxology-book-krish-kandiah-9781444745368?sku=GOR007551444&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24034537664&gbraid=0AAAAADZzAICAbLw7fb9Kemv-9sKmJwne1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_eLVBhBEEiwAeaYZfHoKPthGu5QYdT_H6i3_nlciBQ6Wia5YtQ14kKcNoJLh2nLiBcJrFhoCsTgQAvD_BwE