The Pioneer Assembly

FIELD NOTES vol. 2 - Day 3: Choosing to Reject Rejection

If you want to heal from the wounds of rejection, this episode is for you. In in, Bethany explores the pervasive fear of rejection, drawing on the biblical story of Bartimaeus to illustrate how individuals can confront and overcome this fear. Society or mistakes don't dictate you or your purpose. Reject rejection by faith and trust that God will help you overcome.   
Takeaways
Fear of rejection can create walls that isolate us.
Faith can empower us to overcome feelings of rejection.
Rejection does not define our worth or potential.

FIELD NOTES vol. 2 - Day 2: The Doubt Division

Field Notes vol. 2, Day 2 focuses on the fear of doubt. Bethany shares personal experiences growing up in an environment where doubt was stigmatized, and she discusses the disciple Thomas to relate to those who grapple with belief. Bethany reminds us that one can only overcome doubt through faith and a relationship with God. Takeaways: - Doubt is a common struggle for many Christians. - Doubt can disguise itself as fear, leading to paralysis of faith. - Social media and self-help undermine faith and underline doubt. - Doubts will divide you from God's truth.
 
Takeaways
Doubt is a common struggle for many Christians.
Doubt can disguise itself as fear, leading to paralysis of faith.
Social media and self-help undermine faith and underline doubt. 
Doubts will divide you from God's truth.
 

FIELD NOTES vol.2 - Day 1: Facing Your Fears, Expectation

In vol.2 of Field Notes, Bethany Barr Phillips introduces the theme of 'Facing Your Fears' and discusses the significant impact of expectations on our lives. She shares a personal experience and insight on how unmet expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and fear. The conversation emphasizes the importance of rooting our expectations in faith and God's promises, encouraging listeners to shift their perspectives and focus on their spiritual journey.
 
Takeaways
Facing Your Fears is essential for growth.
Our expectations must be rooted in the Word.
Shift your expectations to the Lord.
We often place expectations on ourselves that end in disappointment.
Remember who He is and what He said and place your faith in Him.

Are You In or Out? - Bethany & Andy's Story (featuring Andy Phillips)

In this heartfelt conversation, Bethany introduces her husband, Andy, and together they share about their first years of marriage which featured much adversity and a committed choice. They recount the challenges they faced early on, particularly the unexpected cancer diagnosis that tested their faith and solidified their relationship. Through emotional turmoil, isolation, and the struggle to maintain their composure, they share on how they found strength in the familiar and unseen places. Their story highlights the importance of being all in with faith, even in the face of uncertainty, and reflects on God's faithfulness throughout their trials. They finish with the question every pioneer must ask themselves: "Are you in or out?"
 
Takeaways
Isolation can complicate the struggle during tough times.
Surrendering to God's will will bring peace amidst uncertainty.
Reflecting on God's orchestration provides hope.
Choosing to trust God is essential in difficult times.
Am I willing to truly live for God in the middle of literal uncertainty?

Heal Our Land... But first...

In this episode, Bethany discusses the crucial need for faith-filled conversations in a polarized society. She emphasizes that healing begins within the church and that believers must first address their own hearts before asking the Lord to heal the land. Highlighting the need for love, truth, and unity among believers and urging them to remember the Gospel and to turn from their sins, Bethany concludes with a challenge to ask the right questions when navigating polarizing conversations or convictions. 
 
Takeaways
Faith-filled conversations are vital in today's society.
Healing begins first with the Church.
Recognizing our own sins is crucial for healing.
Unity among believers is essential in a polarized world.
We must turn our hearts back to God for true healing if we want Him to heal our land.

FIELD NOTES vol. 1 - Day 5: Home of Heaven

Summary
In this episode, Bethany Barr Phillips discusses the concept of living with the understanding that heaven is our true home. She emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and the assurance that our citizenship is in heaven, which shapes our actions and attitudes on earth. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural references, she encourages listeners to embrace their identity as citizens of heaven and to live in a way that reflects this belief, fostering hope and generosity in their lives.
Takeaways
Our citizenship is in heaven, not on earth; therefore, we should live like it.
Desires for worldly things can lead us away from God.
We can experience heaven on earth by following Jesus.
The Home of Heaven gives us strength during trials.
Bc my citizenship is in heaven, my hope is not in the world. 
 
 

FIELD NOTES vol. 1 - Day 4: Real vs Fake Fruit

Summary
In this episode, host Bethany Barr Phillips explores the concept of bearing fruit in the Christian life by contrasting real fruit, which reflects a genuine relationship with God, with fake fruit, which is a superficial attempt to appear fruitful without true spiritual growth. She emphasizes the importance of living in truth and freedom, serving others, and the dangers of pursuing worldly gains. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the authenticity of their faith.
Takeaways
Real fruit is a demonstration of living for God.
Fake fruit is anything cultivated apart from God.
Truth is meant for freedom, not simply encouragement.
Real fruit comes naturally to someone spending time with God.
Fake fruit leads to burnout and spiritual emptiness.
Identifying fake fruit in our lives is crucial for growth.
Real fruit is found in a life that longs to please God.

FIELD NOTES vol. 1 - Day 3: Disciple Demystification

Summary
In this conversation, Bethany discusses the concept of being a disciple of Jesus. She demystifies the modern definition of a disciple and emphasizes that being a disciple is about following the ways of Jesus, not just doing something for Jesus. By explaining that being a disciple is about inwardly and outwardly reflecting Jesus, Bethany highlights the simplicity and the importance of spending time with Jesus in His Word, prayer, and worship. Lastly, she points to the significance of love as proof of being a disciple and encourages loving others as Christ loves them.
 
Takeaways
Being a disciple is about following the ways of Jesus.
Being a disciple is not simply attending classes or events, but it is inwardly and outwardly reflecting Jesus.
Simplicity is a key aspect of being a disciple.
Love is a proof of being a disciple and should be shown to others as Christ loves them. (Jn 13:35)
Recommended books on discipleship: 
Practicing the Way - John Mark Comer 
Discipleship - A.W. Tozer
Emotionally Healthy Discipleship - Pete Scazzero

FIELD NOTES vol.1 - Day 2: The Onion of the Pioneer's Journey

Summary
Day two in this set of Field Notes continues with the topic: "How do I live what I believe?" In this episode, Bethany discusses: While I wait... the "onion" in the pioneer's journey. She emphasizes that waiting is an essential part of the Christian journey and can reveal our lack of faith.
Bethany encourages listeners to embrace waiting as an act of worship and an opportunity for growth. Remembering biblical examples of waiting will remind us that God is not in a hurry because all His works are done in love. Bethany concludes by offering scriptures and words of encouragement for those in a season of waiting.
 
Takeaways
Waiting is an essential part of the Christian journey and can reveal our lack of faith.
Waiting is not a waste of time; it is an opportunity for worship and growth.
God is not in a hurry because all His works are done in love.
Scriptures of encouragement for those in a season of waiting: Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31, Lamentations 3:25, Psalm 130:5-6.
 

FIELD NOTES vol.1 - Day 1: How Do I Live What I Believe?

Summary
Welcome to the first set of Field Notes. In this first episode, Bethany explores: "How to live what you believe?" This statement that summarizes the concept: "You live what you believe by faith while you wait as a disciple bearing fruit as if heaven is your home."
She then talks about living by faith and not just with it, emphasizing the need to actively believe and practice what reflects the character of God. The episode concludes with a call to step out in faith and live what you believe.
 
Takeaways
Living what you believe requires actively believing and practicing what reflects the character of God.
Faith is not passive; it is an action word that requires using and living by it.
Thoughts on one strengthens his or her faith.
Step out in faith and take action to live what you believe.