No matter what “limitations” you may be facing when it comes to serving your city this Christmas - there is ALWAYS a way to spread the love and hope of Jesus. Here to help us find that way - both practically and spiritually is Church of the Highlands Central Outreach Pastor, Chad Sleeper.    From online shopping to magical drive thru experiences, Chad gives us all the tips and insights on how to build an atmosphere for families that is FULL of the hope of Jesus.    “Sweat the details.” “Take your time.” “Say lots of ‘yesses’.” “Break some rules.” “It’s all about presence”   Supplies needed for this episode:  Coffee  Notebook  Box of tissues!!   Notes:  Follow Chad on Instagram @chadsleeper  Chad Recommends:  The Motive by Patrick Lencioni Becoming a Leader Who Anticipates with Craig Groeschel Listen to more about Giving Hope Christmas Outreach Get all of the Giving Hope How To's

After battling addiction throughout his youth, Brendan McDonough found sobriety when he joined his firefighter crew - the Granite Mountain Hotshots. However, Brendan tragically found himself the sole survivor of his crew after the Yarnell Hill Fire swept through Arizona in 2013. This horrific loss left him with unspeakable pain, PTSD, and sent him spiraling back into addiction and he even considering taking his own life.    But God got a hold of Brendan’s heart. Through his family, local church, and community leaders and friends, Brendan found hope, healing, and purpose. Since then Brendan founded Hold Fast Recovery Ministry where he and his team are helping men get free from their addiction. For Brendan it’s not just about a successful program - it’s about being a shepherd, it’s about helping people dig deep, to learn to dream again, and helping them learn to know God’s voice for themselves.    With an 80% success rate, Hold Fast Recovery is a game changer for those who are ready to overcome addiction. And Brendan’s humble and personal leadership style is at the heart of it all.    Whether you’re a church looking to help those with addictions, have a loved one who is in need of help, or an individual who wants to know how to serve and support those in this fight - this episode is for you.    Get your “stale coffee” and some tissues and hit play.    Notes:   www.holdfastrecovery.com 1-800-351-6858 @donut_928

Amanda Martell was 26 years old when she was first told about Jesus and began living for Him. But there has been ZERO time wasted as God has redeemed her past experiences of poverty, abuse, and wandering - and He’s transformed her pain into a compassion unmatched. When she met Jesus, Amanda found her PURPOSE. And now she's helping others find theirs, too, as she oversees outreach at Journey Church all across Palm Beach County, Florida.  Their creativity and enthusiasm is through the roof when it comes to serving others. And it all starts with asking “who can we love?”   Tune in to this episode to hear all about the “Secret Sauce” that these guys have cookin’ up. It will blow your mind!   Notes:  gojourneychurch.com @gojourneyoutreach on social media Amanda Recommends:  1) Old Testament Study Guide: Genesis Through Malachi Verse-By-Verse by Chuck Smith  2) Anonymous: Jesus' Hidden Years...and Yours by Alicia Britt Chole  3) Craig Groeschel's Leadership Podcast    4) Risen Motherhood Podcast   5) Ps. Scott Baugh's Sermons at Journey Church

Having a "Can Do" spirit is at the center of Sherise Holden's powerful testimony and ministry. When she became a single mom in high school, she faced many challenges. But God guided her through it all and now she's using her experience to help young single moms in her own community and all around the country through her non-profit, She Rises Inc. If you have a dream in your heart to change the world, but aren't sure how to do it - take your advice from Sherise because "success leaves clues."     Notes:  https://she-rises.org  Instagram: @sherisesnonprofit / @sheriseholden Facebook: She Rises Inc. Email: [email protected] Sherise Recommends:   Philippians - The Art of Contentment Bible Study A Setback Is a Setup for a Comeback, by Willie Jolley  Additional Resources: Diaper Drive Thru Quick Guide

“It was like a splash of color in our black and white world…” Izabella McMillon’s life was forever changed when she received a shoebox from Operation Christmas Child. In this episode, she shares her powerful story of how God broke through every boundary to reach her heart as a child growing up in Romania and then set her on a path to knowing and serving him for the rest of her life.  Then she along with the brilliant Andy Hein, Manager of National Church Relations, share with us how WE can be part of writing stories just like Izabella’s in MILLIONS of children’s lives all around the world. Whether you’re a church, small group, or individual - this opportunity is perfect for you. It’s meaningful, it’s personal, it’s simple, it’s social distance friendly, and it has the potential to change eternity for countless children, families, and entire communities.  So hit play on this episode then head to samaritanspurse.org/occ to get started.  Notes:  samaritanspurse.org/occ  @samaritanspurse  @operationschristmaschild  Izabella Recommends: Exodus 14:14, “On the Ground” Podcast by Samaritan’s Purse Andy Recommends: “Run with the Horses” by Eugene Peterson 

On this SERVE Brew, Tori Townley pops in to share some special thoughts as we gear up for the holiday season. What do we need to be considering in light of social distancing? What do we need to be focusing on? WHO do we need to be thinking about? Whether it’s pumpkin drops, turkey giveaways, or Christmas shopping malls… there are common themes to be woven throughout our holiday serves and we’re excited to share a few of them. So get your pumpkin spice latte ready and hit play.  Notes:  -SERVE Quick Guide: Christmas Shopping Mall  -Holiday Outreach Resources

Are your SERVE efforts growing? Are you navigating how to help your outreach grow and expand well? Well Bayside Community Church has been at it for over 18 years (like they were serving their city even before their first church service!) and they've mastered what healthy, sustainable, growing, and FUN outreach can look like. In this episode, Ps. Matt Moore (Executive Director over Missions and Outreach) and Beth Loveless (Central Outreach Coordinator) sit down for coffee (and espresso:) with us and share about the vast outreaches they're doing across their state and how they're both supporting and empowering their campuses and leaders to make a difference through three outreach buckets. Andddd be sure to stay tuned to the end to hear a break down of their latest outreach - the "Hurricane Prep Kits" and get all of the "how to's" Notes: Follow them on social media, @mybaysidechurch, @psmattmoore, @bethloveless Find them online at https://mybayside.church Download the "SERVE Quick Guide: Hurricane Prep Kits" here Beth Recommends: The Relational Leader Podcast hosted by Ps. Randy Bezet, Talk it Out Podcast hosted by Joyce Meyer, and reading through the Psalms Ps. Matt Recommends: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

What inspired COOL Church to throw a “Homies Birthday Celebration” for people living on the streets in Miramar, FL? Well, first you have to hear their WHY. This church is all about loving and cherishing people, giving their team space to dream, and trying out creative ideas. Their whole culture is a celebration of life! So get your coffee and jump in to hear from Ps. Johanne Wilson and Mitsy Nieves about the why and then the how. Notes: Be sure to follow @wearecoolchurch in Instagram or check them out online at thecoolchurch.com And download the SERVE “Quick Guide” - “How to Host a Homies Birthday Celebration” here.

LA Dream Center's Short Term Missions Director, Taylor Wilson, transports us straight into the City of Angels. He shares a bit of his own journey and how he found himself serving at the Dream Center. He then paints a beautiful picture of what short term missions at the DC is all about - and gives us a glimpse into the sort of impact we can expect through being part of this experience. Not only do we get the chance to help impact peoples' lives, but we'll also find opportunities to gain fresh inspiration, strengthen our teams, and leave with new insight to bring home to our own cities.    Notes: For more info on Short Term Missions at the LADC visit dreamcenter.org or email Taylor and his team at [email protected]   Follow @ladreamcenter and @the.taylor.wilson on Instagram   Taylor Recommends:   Reading 1 Proverb a day  The book "Driven by Eternity" by John Bevere

Ps. Shawn McGill of Lifepoint Church in Louisville, KY and Ps. Kevin Lucas of Trove Heights Church in Nashville TN are both in the pre-launch phase of their church's journeys. But they haven't waited a second to jump fully in and start serving the people in their cities. Check out this episode to hear all about how they're laying a foundation serving and building a culture of kindness in their community from (even before) Day 1. They talk team building, finances, strategy, vision, and their own personal keys to leading during such a time as this.    Notes: Ps. Kevin Recommends: The Practice of the Presence of God by Bro. Lawrence Troveheights.com @troveheights @kevinlucasjr lifepointlou.org @lifepointlou