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
77 episodes
Ministering in a Porn-Soaked World: Shepherding Hearts Toward Purity
In this timely episode of Advancing the Cause, Richard Bargas is joined by Pastor Bobby Scott (Pastor of Discipleship at Community of Faith Bible Church, South Gate, CA) and Peter Goeman (Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languag...
When Gifted Leaders Fall: Why Character Matters More Than Competence
In recent years, a sobering pattern has emerged across the evangelical landscape: highly gifted, influential leaders whose ministries appeared successful—until character failures brought devastating consequences. In this solo episode of Advanci...
Not Every Change Is Progress: Shepherding the Church with Discernment
In a ministry climate that constantly pressures pastors to adapt, innovate, and keep pace, how can church leaders discern when change is necessary—and when it’s a mistake? In this episode, Richard Bargas sits down with seasoned pastor
Starting Strong Is Easy—Finishing Well Takes Wisdom
Ministry is often entered with zeal, vision, and a deep sense of calling—but longevity in ministry is shaped just as much by wisdom, patience, and humility as it is by passion. Many of the lessons that sustain a pastor over decades are rarely l...
Who Has Your Back? Associations in a Fragmented Church World
The modern church world is more fragmented than ever. Independent churches value autonomy and conviction—but many pastors quietly carry the weight of ministry alone, without trusted relationships or shared counsel. In this episode of Advanc...
When Faithfulness Feels Invisible
Many pastors and ministry leaders labor faithfully week after week with little visible fruit to show for it. Attendance fluctuates, progress feels slow, and encouragement can be scarce. In those seasons, it’s easy to wonder whether the work is ...
Proclaiming, Equipping, and Defending the Truth
In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we explore the history and ongoing mission of IFCA International. From its beginnings to its present work, IFCA has existed to serve the local church by proclaiming the authority of Scripture, eq...
Balance in Ministry: People, Projects, Paperwork, and the Pulpit
In this episode of Advancing the Cause, Executive Director Richard Bargas takes a practical and pastoral look at one of the ongoing challenges of ministry life—balancing people, projects, paperwork, and the pulpit. Using Scripture,...
Filling the Pipeline: How Churches and Seminaries Raise the Next Generation of Pastors
In this episode of Advancing the Cause, we explore one of the most urgent issues facing Bible-centered churches today: the shrinking pipeline of men preparing for pastoral ministry. How can faithful churches and trusted seminaries work...
Shepherding Marriage: Building Strong Homes in the Local Church
What does it look like for the local church to truly care for marriages—not just in crisis, but in everyday life and discipleship? In this episode of Advancing the Cause, Richard Bargas sits down with Pastor Jesse a...
Passing the Baton: A Father-Son Pastoral Transition
Pastoral transitions are never simple—but what happens when the outgoing pastor is a father, and the incoming pastor is his son? In this episode of Advancing the Cause, host Dr. Richard Bargas sits down with Dr. Gary Gilley and Brian G...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
"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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
