Join me for an intimate conversation about building authentic Christian community on Substack, exploring the incredible richness and depth of church history, and creating space for the hard conversations that many traditional churches avoid.
This is a gathering of brothers and sisters in Christ who are seeking genuine fellowship, asking challenging questions, and diving deep into the beautiful tradition of our faith.
We’ll discuss the disappointments many have experienced with modern church, the fascinating history of early Christianity from Rome to Alexandria to Ethiopia, and how we can gather together as the body of Christ to sharpen one another and grow in our faith.
Whether you’ve felt pushed out by traditional church structures or you’re hungry to explore the depth of Christian history, this conversation is for you.
Thank you to
for joining the conversation!Timestamps
[00:04:48] - Welcome & Format Changes
Opening greetings and announcing shift to pre-recorded conversations that premiere live - first conversation with Pavel Ivanchik releases tomorrow
[00:06:48] - Connecting with Feather-Rufflers
People who are pushing back, stirring things up, and challenging the status quo - many have been pushed out by traditional church structures
[00:08:00] - Born Again Like a Baby
Walking with Christ means being humble, authentic, and learning His ways - we’re new and have to grow in faith
[00:09:04] - We Are His Church
Believing God is building something special through this small gathering - exploring early churches in Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, and the Ethiopian church
[00:11:09] - Getting Back to Early Church Practices
Returning to gathering as followers of Christ - having elders without unhealthy hierarchy, being honest about struggles like porn addiction
[00:12:25] - Opening Up for Q&A
Making these Friday streams about community building - inviting people to share, ask questions, and even pray together
[00:13:47] - Daily Bible Reading Changes Everything
Finishing the Bible and getting back into it - this daily practice has done more than anything else in life
[00:16:12] - Church Should Address Real Struggles
The church is for the sick - we must talk openly about challenges like porn use, lust, and alcohol to truly help each other
[00:22:30] - The Intellectual Richness of Christianity
Never anticipated how intellectually stimulating and challenging reading the Bible would be - God slow drips wisdom to us
[00:30:17] - Archaeological Evidence for Scripture
Discussing discoveries that affirm biblical history - Sodom and Gomorrah site with sulfur balls, and other archaeological findings
[00:35:00] - Faith That’s Not Blind
God doesn’t ask for blind faith - there’s evidence and reason built into Christianity alongside the emotional and spiritual elements
[00:37:04] - Rebuilding the Body of Christ
This is about reestablishing authentic Christian community - the modern church has pushed many away from God
[00:43:01] -
Joins the ConversationDiscussion about discipleship vs consumer Christianity, the importance of fellowship, and not throwing the baby out with the bathwater - training scars from religious tradition
[01:07:46] - Building Fellowship & Daily Habits
Keeping momentum beyond Sunday - opening the Bible daily, finding brotherhood where you can have hard conversations in this fallen world
[01:09:25] - Closing Prayer & Building a Library
Prayer for gathering as brothers and sisters - building a library of content to go deeper into the incredible Christian tradition
Key Themes Explored
Building Authentic Christian Community
Creating space for believers who’ve been pushed out or marginalized by traditional church structures. This is about gathering as the body of Christ, sharpening one another, and having the hard conversations many churches avoid.
The Rich Depth of Christian History
Discovering that Christianity is incredibly deep and wide - from the early churches in Rome, Constantinople, and Alexandria to the Ethiopian church and books not in the Protestant Bible. There’s a lifetime of beautiful tradition to explore.
Modern Church Disappointment
Honest discussion about why many are dejected by modern church - the passivity, lack of biblical literacy, and avoidance of challenging topics. We’re saddened by how the gospel is (or isn’t) taught today.
Getting Back to Early Church Practices
Returning to the model of gathering as followers of Christ, learning together, sharing together, having elders and experienced voices without unhealthy hierarchy.
Daily Bible Reading and Personal Relationship
The importance of opening the Bible daily and maintaining personal relationship with God beyond Sunday services. Creating momentum throughout the week.
Active vs. Passive Faith
Moving from comfortable, passive Christianity to proactive engagement with Scripture, Christ, and living out our faith in the world.
Fellowship Beyond Church Walls
If your church is missing certain elements, finding ways to build authentic fellowship and discipleship through other means - like this community.
Connect With Order Within
Listen to the Podcast
Solo episodes (18-25 minutes) and longer conversations (1 hour) exploring faith, history, and spiritual growth
Available on all major podcast platforms
Join the Conversation
Interested in sharing your story or discussing a topic on the show? Reach out!
Email: orderwithin@substack.com
Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee
For Reflection
What’s missing from your current church experience?
If certain elements are absent, how can you layer in what’s needed - whether through suggestions to leadership or finding additional fellowship?
How can you move from passive to active faith?
What would it look like to proactively engage with Bible, Scripture, and Christ beyond Sunday attendance?
Where is God calling you to use your unique gifts?
How can your talents and abilities be used to bring forth the kingdom of heaven and serve as an instrument of His will?
Are you reading the Bible daily?
Whether morning, afternoon, or evening - how can you build this habit to maintain spiritual momentum throughout the week?
Community Invitation
This is a small but growing community of believers who love and celebrate Christ, His teachings, and His way. We’re here to:
Share our stories and journeys with Christ
Have challenging conversations that many churches avoid
Explore the incredible depth of Christian history and tradition
Sharpen one another through discussion and debate
Build authentic fellowship as brothers and sisters in Christ
Want to join the conversation? Reach out to be a guest on the show, share your story, or discuss a topic that’s on your heart.
“Two or more joined together and Christ is there” - Thank you for gathering with us in this small body of believers as we learn, grow, and go deeper into the incredible, rich tradition and history that is the Christian faith.
