Storm The Gates

Storm The Gates is the official podcast of the Mid-Texas Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Join us as we provide timely updates on events within the conference and shine a spotlight on the impactful work of God throughout the Global Methodist Church. Stay tuned for insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and deeper dives exploring why following Jesus changes everything. Subscribe now to stay connected and become part of this community that is growing in the heart of Texas to make disciples of Jesus who spread scriptural holiness to all people.

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Latest episodes

12 May 2025

I Hear The Word Breakthrough with Dr. Luther Oconer

This is one of those times where words fail and the goodness of God is all we can muster to say. Dr. Luther Oconer is a gift from on high. He is the Associate Professor of Global Wesleyan Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary in addition to being the Conference Superintendent for the Mega Manila Conference in the Global Methodist Church. He is a man full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Please pray for the work of the GMC in the Philippines as well as the Middle East. With leaders like Dr. Oconer, there is much to be hopeful about as revival is at the heart of his ministry and academic pursuits. Please give God glory, honor, and praise for blessing us with teachers like Dr. Oconer.

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05 May 2025

The Mosaic of Atonement with Dr. Joshua McNall

This is a special Holy Week episode of STG. While it's being published after Lent, we recorded this on the Tuesday of Holy Week. Dr. Joshua McNall of Oklahoma Wesleyan University joins is our special guest. He directs the Honors College and is an Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology. Josh has taught at OKWU since 2009. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Manchester (UK), an MA in theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a BA in Pastoral Ministry from OKWU. Josh is also a Teaching Pastor at Grace Community Church in Bartlesville, OK and preaches regularly around the country as the Ambassador of Church Relations for OKWU. He blogs regularly at www.joshuamcnall.com and hosts the Outpost Theology podcast, sponsored by OKWU. You can find links and summaries to Josh's work referenced in this episode by going to his website. Josh and his wife Brianna are both graduates of OKWU, and they have four children: Lucy, Penelope, Ewan, and Teddy.

For more information about Oklahoma Wesleyan: okwu.edu

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28 April 2025

One Church, One Child with John Scott and James Kawadza

Local challenges need local solutions. Ministry moves at the speed of relationship. If the church is to mirror culture, we would be competitive instead of cooperative. Values of transparency, accountability, and sustainability. All of this and more are part of the wisdom imparted to us all on this episode of STG. Brothers John Scott and James Kawadza join to STG to discuss the mission of One Child and how it fits beautifully with the mission of the Global Methodist Church. John works for One Child and James is his partner on the ground in Zimbabwe helping One Child meet the local needs of the children of Zimbabwe. James also serves the Global Methodist Church by helping the congregations of Zimbabwe grow and connect to one another. Please consider sponsoring a child through the links below. For those who listen to the very end of the episode, breaking news awaits.

To engage with this GMC Zimbabwe project or to explore OneChild partnering in like manner in other countries, please contact John through their website: www.hopeforzimbabwe.co.

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21 April 2025

Atacar El Porton with Rev. Ray Zirkel

One of the many God-ordained partnerships of the MidTexas Conference of the GMC is with the Evangelical Methodist Church of Costa Rica. One of the main instruments God used to establish this partnership and continues to use to sustain it is Ray Zirkel. Rev. Ray Zirkel has given over three decades of his life to being a pastor and missionary in Costa Rica. You will hear his testimony and discover ways you can get involved is assisting churches in Costa Rica share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ray, and his wife Lidia, also provide leadership for a school, seminary, and children's home in Costa Rica. Please consider how God may be leading you to serve this partnership. Below are links for more information on mission trips and the specific work of the Zirkel family. We've also included the email address for Lindy Thomas who can help answer any questions related to the MidTexas-Costa Rican partnership.

http://www.zirkelministrycostarica.com

https://midtexasgmc.org/costa-rica-partnership

lindythomas@midtexasgmc.org

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14 April 2025

Eat The Scroll with Dr. Todd Still and Dr. Rusty Freeman

Green and gold are flung afar on this episode of STG. The motto of Baylor University is Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, Pro Mundo (For Church, For Texas, For the World). Dr. Still and Dr. Freeman highlight how Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University is preparing present and future generations for ministry. Dr. Todd Still has been the Dean of Truett Theological Seminary for 10 years now. Dr. Rusty Freeman is the Director of the Wesley House of Studies at Truett in a addition to serving as the Executive Director for Revive (revivetexas.org). Truett is located at the heart of MidTexas in Waco, TX, with extension sites in Houston and San Antonio. Anyone discerning a call to ministry will be given strong reasons why they should consider attending Truett Theological Seminary. www.baylor.edu/truett

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07 April 2025

Church Under A Mango Tree with Ryan Barnett, Matt Pennington, and Tynna Dixon

Don't miss the story about what happens underneath a mango tree. Friends of the podcast will recall Rev. Ryan Barnett. He's the Conference Operations Officer of the MidTexas Conference of the GMC. He is joined by friends Matt Pennington and Tynna Dixon, both of which are pastors in the MidTexas Conference of the GMC. Rev. Dr. Matt Pennington pastors the good people of First Methodist Church in Gonzales, TX, whereas Rev. Tynna Dixon pastors the good people of First Methodist Church in Waco, TX. This team recently went to Rwanda to minister, be ministered to, and support the newly established ministry partnership between both the MidTexas and Rwandan Conferences of the GMC. Stay tuned for for more information about the upcoming trip in the summer of 2025 to Rwanda!

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