Advancing the Cause
Advancing the Cause is the podcast of IFCA International (www.ifca.org). Hosted by Executive Director Richard Bargas, Advancing the Cause features discussions with pastors, theologians, and ministry leaders. This podcast is a platform for exploring and deepening the understanding of the historic Christian faith. Each episode presents enriching biblical insights, testimonies, and relevant discussions on Christian living, ministry, and doctrine.
Covering a wide array of topics, Advancing the Cause offers guidance on practical challenges Christians face and engaging with the world through a Christ-centered lens. The podcast also explores the significance of community involvement, missions, apologetics, ecclesiology, practical pastoral ministry, and service. It aims to equip listeners to be faithful proclaimers of God’s Word in their churches and beyond.
Episodes
66 episodes
Wielding Divine Authority: Leading Like Christ in a Culture of Power Struggles
In a world obsessed with influence, image, and control, how can God’s servants wield authority without becoming authoritarian? Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:1–6, Dr. Richard Bargas explores how Paul’s example teaches church leaders to exercise ...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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1:05:52
5 Powerful Ways Your Church Can Support Chaplains & Military Families
Chaplains and military families often serve quietly on the frontlines—whether in the military, healthcare, or other high-pressure settings. But who ministers to them? In this episode, we share 5 practical and impactful ways your church can come...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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32:11
Beware the Wolves: How to Spot and Stop False Teachers in the Church
False teachers aren’t always easy to spot. They may smile, quote the Bible, and fill stadiums—but Jesus warned they’re “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matt. 7:15). In this episode, we uncover how to recognize spiritual deception, test ev...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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1:05:32
The Church Boiler Room: Powering the Mission Through Prayer
In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we uncover the true powerhouse behind gospel ministry—not programs, not strategies, but prayer. Drawing from the powerful example of Charles Spurgeon’s “boiler room” and the weighty testimony of Scripture...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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51:33
"Say It Plainly: The Power of Clarity in Preaching"
In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we explore the vital role of clarity in preaching, specifically through the use of propositional statements. Clarity in a sermon isn't just helpful—it's essential. Without it, even the most passi...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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24:16
Steeplejacking: When Churches Face Hostile Takeovers
In this episode of Advancing the Cause, host Richard Bargas shines a light on the unsettling trend of “steeplejacking”—when struggling churches are targeted and taken over by more aggressive ministries. Richard unpacks how this strateg...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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1:03:31
Can I Be a Professional at Work and a Faithful Christian?
Join John-Michael Wong, an elder at Evangel Bible Church in Berkeley, CA, and an engineer, as he and Richard Bargas explore integrating faith with work. This discussion delves into the importance of aligning Christian beliefs with professional ...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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1:00:04
The Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 2
In this part 2 of a thought-provoking episode, "The Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 2," we continue to delve deep into the enduring relevance and authority of Scripture in the modern Christian life. Based on Richard Bargas' lecture, this ...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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51:31
The Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 1
In this thought-provoking episode, "The Bible Is Still Sufficient, Part 1," we delve deep into the enduring relevance and authority of Scripture in the modern Christian life. Based on Richard Bargas' lecture, this discussion explores the ...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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54:11
Legacy of Faith: A Father & Son’s Journey Through Generations
In this powerful episode, we welcome Pastor Rick Gregory and his son, Pastor Rich Gregory, for an inspiring conversation on continuing a lasting legacy of faith through multiple generations. As leaders in their respective ministries and part of...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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1:01:28
Is Your Ministry Adrift or On Target?
In this insightful episode tailored for pastors and church leaders, we delve into the essential task of realigning your ministry with its foundational mission and purpose. Discover practical strategies to revitalize your church's vision, set cl...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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45:13
Church SOS, part 4: How to Get and Keep Visitors
Richard Bargas concludes this four-part series on assisting struggling churches in regaining their footing. This episode offers guidance on capitalizing on chances to invite people to your church services and programs, as well as strategies for...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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56:14
Church SOS, Part 3: The Benefits of Examining Your Church's Facilities and Programs Through the Eyes of a First-Time Visitors
In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we dive into the vital practice of evaluating your church's facilities and programs from the perspective of a first-time visitor. Often, church leaders and members are so familiar with their surroundings ...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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43:03
Church SOS, Part 2: How to Steer Your Church Back on Course
In Part 2 of Church SOS, we explore how churches can use the concept of a funnel to assess and refine their programs for greater impact. Just like a doctor’s diagnosis of a sick patient, statistical analysis can reveal strengths and highl...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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48:05
Church SOS: How to Steer Your Church Back on Course
In “Church SOS,” Richard Bargas delves into the narratives of churches that have drifted from their foundational purposes, exploring how this shift has led to dwindling congregations and diminished impact. This episode uncovers the subtle signs...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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51:08
What Fuels the Fires of Antisemitism?
Dive into a compelling and eye-opening conversation as Dr. Richard Bargas and Paul Scharf, Church Ministries Representative for Friends of Israel, confront the alarming surge of antisemitism that is casting a shadow across the globe. In this th...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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49:09
How Can I Make My Bible Teaching More Interesting? - Dr. Richard Bargas
Welcome to Season 3 of Advancing the Cause! In this episode, Richard Bargas shares several reasons why you might think that you don’t need to use illustrations to make your sermons and Bible studies more interesting—and how properly used illust...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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1:00:01
Preaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist- Bonus episode
In this final installment of the series, Richard Bargas wraps up his mini-series on Preaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist, with the last points on improving your preparation of Old Testament sermons and Bible lessons. Dealing pra...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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26:45
Preaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist, part 2
In this second installment of this series, Richard Bargas moves from reasons to preach the Old Testament to sharing helpful hints to help you feel more comfortable and improve your preparation of Old Testament sermons and Bible lessons. D...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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42:57
Preaching the Old Testament like a Dispensationalist, part 1
Richard Bargas discusses 8 reasons why many pastors don’t preach from the Old Testament and 7 reasons why all pastors need to make the Old Testament a regular part of the diet of teaching for the church. Some of these reasons are particul...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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53:33
IFCA: It’s Not Just for Men! -Wendy Bargas
IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas talks with his wife Wendy about the IFCA Women’s Fellowship and how IFCA exists not just for men, but to help our sisters in Christ as well. How does IFCA bless the women of the church? Through our annual ...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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51:32
Common Ground in the Good Fight -Dr. Joel Tetreau
Executive Director Richard Bargas explores the topic of Dr. Joel Tetreau’s latest book, Three Lines in the Evangelical Sand, which seeks to not only define the differences between fundamentalists and conservative evangelicals ...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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1:01:03
Serving the Lord Together as a Couple- Dr. Richard Bargas
Drawing from the New Testament, IFCA Executive Director Richard Bargas explores the lives and example of married couple Aquila and Priscilla as a template for how a husband and wife can serve the Lord together in their local church and communit...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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38:12
Guiding Our Adult Children Through Difficult Times - Dr. Richard Bargas
There are a lot of questions when it comes to our adult children and our responsibility toward them. Are we responsible for them at all once they are out of our home? Is the “age of accountability” a biblical idea? How should we handle their re...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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1:05:27
Guiding Our Children While In Pastoral Ministry- Dr. Richard Bargas
Richard Bargas shares about the dangers of disqualification that can arise from the threats inherent in pastoral ministry. Addressing the need for being a faithful father and how our ministries are connected to our duties as parents of children...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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1:05:11
