Ministering in the Midst of War in Ukraine

Earlier this month, I, along with Pastor Michael Payne and two other leaders from White Fields Church, travelled to Ukraine to be part of a retreat for Calvary Chapel churches there, sponsored by Calvary Global Network and Cross Culture Missions.

The purpose of the retreat was to give some respite to those who have been ministering to others since the beginning of the war, which began over a year ago now.

At the retreat, Mike and I taught Bible studies in the evening, other pastors led workshops and met with people one-on-one, and we were also joined by a team of Christian counselors who taught and met with people. The goal was to have a retreat that served people spiritually, mentally, and physically.

The location was a beautiful spot in Western Ukraine, at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, in a resort hotel, where people could have good meals, a beautiful and safe location, and fun activities for the whole family to have a break and recharge together and with friends.

Below are some pictures from our time there:

Also, while I was there, I was able to record interviews with some of those in our Calvary Chapel family of churches who have been serving others.

This interview, which I recorded for the Mission & Methods Podcast, is with Zhenya Chekushkin, the leader of Calvary Chapel in Ukraine (something which was made official at the conference). He talks about what the Calvary Chapel churches throughout Ukraine have been doing to serve people and minister in Jesus’ name since the start of the war:

Bonus Episode: How Calvary Chapel Churches are Ministering in the Midst of War in Ukraine The CGN Mission & Methods Podcast

In this bonus episode, Nick Cady speaks with Zhenya Chekushkin, the leader of the Calvary Chapel network of churches in Ukraine. Calvary Chapel has had a presence in Ukraine since the early 1990’s, and currently has around 20 churches in different cities throughout the country. Recently a group of CGN leaders travelled to Western Ukraine to encourage those in the Calvary network who have been ministering to others in their country since the full scale invasion in February 2022. This retreat provided an opportunity to recharge physically and spiritually. In this episode, Zhenya shares about some of the ways Calvary Chapel churches have been serving people, and how God has been working, even in the midst of these difficult circumstances. We’d love to hear feedback from you on these episodes. You can email us at CGN@calvarychapel.com

Also, make sure to check out this video from the Calvary Chapel in Svitlovodsk, Ukraine, which shows how the gospel is moving forward even now in Ukraine, and how God is using these terrible circumstances to bring people to a saving knowledge of Him:

We are also preparing a special podcast featuring four interviews with people, recorded at this conference, telling about their stories of what happened to them in the early days of the war, and what life looks like for them now, as they minister and serve others in Jesus’ name.

Stay tuned for that!

If you’d like to support the ministry in Ukraine, you can do so by giving to the Ukraine Relief Funds of White Fields Church or Calvary Global Network.

Applied Theology: Ministering to Victims of Human Trafficking – the Theological Foundations of “Mercy Ministry”

Earlier this month, I travelled to Hungary and Ukraine with a small team of pastors and leaders to put on a retreat for Ukrainian leaders who have been involved in providing aid over the past year since the full-scale invasion of their country.

On the way, I had the opportunity to visit some friends in Hungary, including my friend László (Laci), who pastors in Budapest.

In addition to pastoring a local church, he leads a ministry which helps those caught in human trafficking to escape prostitution and experience lasting freedom. 

The south side of Budapest, where Laci ministers, is a working class area, known for high levels of crime and prostitution.

While I was in town, I had the opportunity to sit down with Laci to discuss we discuss the theological foundations for “mercy ministries” and how Laci got involved in practical ministry to the poor and oppressed. 

For more information, visit: Servants Anonymous Foundation

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Applied Theology: Ministering to Victims of Human Trafficking in Budapest, Hungary – The Theological Foundations of "Mercy Ministry" Theology for the People

László (Laci) is a pastor in Budapest, Hungary. In addition to pastoring a local church, he leads a ministry which helps those caught in human trafficking to escape prostitution and experience lasting freedom.  The south side of Budapest, where Laci ministers, is a working class area, known for high levels of crime and prostitution. In this episode, we discuss the theological foundations for "mercy ministries" and how Laci got involved in practical ministry to the poor and oppressed.  For more information, visit: Servants Anonymous Foundation

Wealthy & Whole – with Jeff Gipe

In this episode of the Theology for the People podcast I speak with Jeff Gipe about what the Bible says about wealth, why it is that so many wealthy people are not “whole,” and what the solution is to this problem.

Jeff Gipe is a pastor in Franklin, Tennessee. Previously, he was a successful businessman in Southern California, who left the business world to plant a church in the area where he lived, which happens to be one of the most affluent communities in the world. 

Jeff is a graduate of Western Seminary, and has put in a lot of work theologically and practically into thinking biblically about the topic of money and how it relates to God’s vision for human flourishing.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Wealthy & Whole – with Jeff Gipe Theology for the People

What does the Bible say about wealth? Why is it that so many wealthy people are not "whole" – and what is the solution? Jeff Gipe is a pastor in Franklin, Tennessee. He was a successful businessman in Southern California, who left the business world to plant a church in the area where he lived, which happened to be one of the most affluent communities in the world.  He is a graduate of Western Seminary, and has put in a lot of work theologically and practically into thinking biblically about the topic of money and how it relates to God's vision for human flourishing. Visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org, where you can read articles and suggest topics for future episodes.

Business as Mission – with Steven and Teresa Yeats: Missionaries in Moldova

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Chisinau, Moldova, to visit Steven and Teresa Yeats, friends of mine who have been missionaries in Eastern Europe for many years.

Steven is a pastor and a church planter, but a few years ago he started a business in Moldova, and in this episode of the Theology for the People podcast, he talks about the spirituality of money and the reasons for considering doing business as a form of mission.

We talk about sustainable church planting and unique needs that exist in the developing (majority) world for jobs to be created so that Christian people who want to be part of what God is doing in their home countries can stay without feeling the need to emigrate.

Additionally, Steven and Teresa share about how the war in Ukraine has affected their lives and their ministry, and how we can be praying for them and for the church in Moldova.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Business as Mission – with Steven and Teresa Yeats, Missionaries in Moldova Theology for the People

Steven and Teresa Yeats have been missionaries in Eastern Europe for many years. They currently live in Chisinau, Moldova. Steven is a pastor and a church planter, but a few years ago he started a business in Moldova, and in this episode he talks about the spirituality of money and the reasons for considering doing business as a form of mission. We talk about sustainable church planting and unique needs that exist in the developing (majority) world. Additionally, Steven and Teresa share about how the war in Ukraine has affected their lives and their ministry in Moldova. Finally, they share how we can be praying for their ministry and the church in Moldova. Make sure to check out the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org

The Subversive Power of the Lord’s Prayer

Dan Marotta is the founding Rector of Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, Virginia, and the author of Liturgy in the Wilderness: How the Lord’s Prayer Shapes the Imagination of the Church in a Secular Age.

In this episode, we discuss the topic of prayer and the Lord’s Prayer specifically. 

The Lord’s Prayer is a beautiful, subversive prayer given to the church by Jesus. It forms our imaginations and—given time—transforms us. Dan explains how what you pray shapes what you believe, which in turn shapes how you live.

What was Jesus’ intention in giving us this prayer? Was it to give us a model of how to pray, or was it intended to be given to us as what to pray? Dan and I discuss the historical usage of the Lord’s Prayer, as well as the value and dangers of both praying written prayers and praying extemporaneously.

Dan is a graduate of Denver Seminary, and we discuss some of the cultural uniquenesses of different parts of the United States, and how those affect the way we minister to others.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Subversive Power of the Lord's Prayer Theology for the People

Dan Marotta is the founding Rector of Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, Virginia, and the author of Liturgy in the Wilderness: How the Lord's Prayer Shapes the Imagination of the Church in a Secular Age. In this episode, we discuss the topic of prayer and the Lord's Prayer specifically.  The Lord’s Prayer is a beautiful, subversive passage of words given to the church by Jesus. It forms our imaginations and—given time—transforms us. Dan explains how what you pray shapes what you believe, which in turn shapes how you live. Visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org, where you can read articles and suggest topics for future episodes.

Ministering in Ukraine During the War: How God is Working and How to Pray – with Benjamin Morrison

Benjamin Morrison is a missionary in Ukraine and the pastor of Calvary Chapel Svitlovodsk in Central Ukraine. He is also a leader with City to City in Europe and Ukraine.

Ben and I got to know each other when I was I pastoring in Hungary, and we have kept in touch over the years. I have had the opportunity to serve with him in Ukraine, and he has visited our church in Colorado many times as well.

When the war began in Ukraine last February, Ben and his family decided to stay in order and try to meet the needs of the many displaced people who were coming to the region where he lives seeking refuge and safety.

This safety is somewhat relative, as Ben’s city has also come under attack from Russia.

In this episode of the Theology for the People podcast, I speak with Ben about the significant humanitarian aid his church has been providing, as well as how the war has affected people’s view of God.

We also discuss other ethical and theological questions related to the war, including the conundrum faced by Christians in Russia regarding how to respond.

You can support Ben and the ministry he is doing by visiting bit.ly/give2ukraine

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Ministering in Ukraine During the War: How God is Working & How to Pray Theology for the People

Benjamin Morrison is a missionary in Ukraine and the pastor of Calvary Chapel Svitlovodsk in Central Ukraine. Ben is also a leader with City to City in Europe and Ukraine. To support Ben and the ministry he is doing, visit bit.ly/give2ukraine Visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org to read articles, suggest topics, or ask questions.

Big Announcement! – Audiobook Now Available on Audible (and more!)

My book, The God I Won’t Believe In: Facing Nine Common Barriers to Embracing Christianity, is now available in audiobook! (Click here to view it on Audible)

This is something that I and my colleague, Curt Fuller, have been working on for many months, and it just went live today.

Additionally, Curt and I sat down recently to record a short podcast episode to talk about the other projects we have in the works, as well as to describe the process of writing and recording these books.

Curt Fuller is the Technical Director at White Fields Community Church. He was the editor of my first book, and he is the voice which reads the audiobook.

Prior to coming to work at White Fields, Curt was already in the audiobook publishing world and was involved doing voiceovers, so he was the right man for the job!

In addition to this audiobook, we have two other projects in the works: a group study guide for The God I Won’t Believe In, which is designed to be used in small groups, youth groups, or by families or individuals at home, and a new book tentatively titled, So That You May Believe, based on evidences for believing in Jesus found in the Gospel of John.

Stay tuned for those, and go pick up a copy of the audiobook version of The God I Won’t Believe In on Audible!

Click here to listen to the podcast episode, or listen I n the embedded player below.

Writing Update & Announcement: Audiobook Preview & Upcoming Book Releases Theology for the People

Curt Fuller is the Technical Director at White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado. Additionally, Curt is Nick's writing partner; he was the editor of Nick's first book: The God I Won't Believe In: Facing Nine Common Barriers to Embracing Christianity The audiobook version of that book was published on February 1, 2023. In this episode, you can hear a preview of that book, and we discuss other projects currently in the works. To read the Theology for the People blog, or to suggest a topic or ask a question, visit: nickcady.org

How Long, O Lord? – The Biblical Genre of Lament & Its Role In Our Lives Today

In this first episode of Season 3 of the Theology for the People podcast, I speak with Michael Payne about the biblical genre of lament and its role in the life of a believer today.

Michael Payne is the Worship Pastor at White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado. Previously he served as a missionary and worship pastor in Hungary at Golgota Budapest. Prior to that, he served in the US Marine Corps.

Listen to Mike’s original music on Spotify here, or see him in action on the White Fields Church YouTube page.

The books Mike recommends in this episode on the topic of the biblical genre of lament are:

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

How Long, O Lord? – The Biblical Genre of Lament and Its Role in Our Lives Today Theology for the People

Welcome to Season 3 of Theology for the People! Michael Payne is the Worship Pastor at White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado. Previously he served as a missionary and worship pastor in Hungary at Golgota Budapest. Prior to that, he served in the US Marine Corps. Listen to Mike's original music on Spotify here, or see him in action on the White Fields Church YouTube page. The books Mike recommends in this episode on the topic of the biblical genre of lament are: Michael Card, A Sacred Sorrow: Reaching Out to God in the Lost Language of Lament Mark Vroegop – Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy Walter Brueggemann – The Message of the Psalms For the Theology for the People blog, or to submit a question or suggest a topic, visit nickcady.org

Theology for the People Podcast – Season 3 Starts Tomorrow

Season 3 of the Theology for the People Podcast begins tomorrow!

This spring I plan to release episodes every week on Thursdays, so make sure to subscribe on your preferred podcast app, or subscribe to email updates to this blog in order to receive updates and get new episodes when they are posted.

The first episode is a discussion about the biblical genre of Lament and its function in the life of believers today.

I also have a big announcement coming about some book publishing projects I’ve been working on.

As we approach the one year mark of war in Ukraine, I have an interview with a missionary who has been on the ground throughout the past year during the war, updating us on how the church has been ministering throughout the crisis, and how to pray for them.

There will also be other episodes on various theological topics.

If you would like to ask a question or suggest a topic for me to cover on the podcast, you can do that here.

Most Popular Articles & Podcast Episodes of 2022

On this last day of 2022, it’s nice to stop and reflect on the past year. Sadly, this year saw the Russian invasion of Ukraine, resulting in the suffering of many innocent people. On a personal note, in 2022 I released my first book, which has sold many more copies than I ever imagined. In reflecting on this past year, there is much to mourn and grieve, as well as much to celebrate. Such is life on this beautiful but broken planet. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Here are some highlights from this past year as regards this blog and podcast:

Increased Readership

Readership of this site grew this year by 68% to over 150,000 visits.

Top 10 Articles from 2022

  1. Will We Really See Our Loved Ones in Heaven?
  2. Can You Fast from Things Other than Food?
  3. Book Review: Jesus and John Wayne
  4. Do Miracles Create Faith?
  5. The Fairytale Twist, and Why Karma is Not Your Friend
  6. Palm Sunday Points Us to the Heart of the Gospel
  7. What is Gospel Culture and How is it Developed?
  8. Ukraine Relief Update: What We Did in Hungary and Ukraine
  9. How is the Mission of God Progressing in the Midst of the War in Ukraine?
  10. The Message in Your Misfortunes

Top 5 Podcast episodes from 2022

For this first season of the Theology for the People podcast, I published 22 episodes. Here are the top 5:

  1. How is the Mission of God Progressing in the Midst of the War in Ukraine?
  2. Liturgy: Going Through the (Right) Motions
  3. How is Gluttony a Danger to Your Soul?
  4. Was it Necessary for Our Salvation that Jesus be God?
  5. Are Christian Sexual Ethics Harmful or Helpful? Was Purity Culture a Mistake?

What to look forward to in 2023

  • In January 2023, I will be publishing the audiobook of The God I Won’t Believe In: Facing Nine Common Objections to Embracing Christianity.
  • In early 2023, we will be releasing a study guide companion to The God I Won’t Believe In. This was developed in our youth group, and we hope it can serve as a helpful curriculum for youth groups and small groups.
  • By the end of 2023, I hope to release another book based on the Gospel of John, tentatively titled: So That You May Believe

I will also be continuing the Theology for the People podcast, with new episodes scheduled to come out in February 2023.

Happy New Year, and stay tuned for good things to come!