2819 Church Podcast Summary

Episode: Westside Finale | Psalm 107:1-9 | Philip Anthony Mitchell
Host: 2819 Church (Philip Anthony Mitchell)
Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction and Transition Announcement

[00:55] Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell opens the episode by emphasizing the importance of relationships, stating, “Some of the greatest blessings that will enter into your life, they will come into your life on two legs.” He honors his friend Matthew Garland, celebrating a 30-year friendship and their journey together.

[03:12] Pastor Mitchell announces a significant transition for the congregation, sharing, “this is the last time we will gather in this room together.” He expresses a sense of obedience to a new direction prompted by divine guidance, indicating a shift from their current location to a new temporary facility.

Understanding Transitions in Life

[07:34] Matthew Garland discusses the inevitability of transitions in life, whether planned or unexpected. He shares, “Sometimes God will engineer transitions in your life, albeit painful sometimes to push you down roads you otherwise would not chosen for yourself.”

[08:39] Pastor Mitchell reflects on the church’s struggles post-COVID, including the loss of their facility and financial burdens. He recounts personal moments of despair, saying, “There is no way we can recover from catastrophic loss like this.”

Faith Through Adversity

[09:08] Matthew Garland and [09:15] Pastor Mitchell narrate their experiences during the COVID pandemic, highlighting the resilience and faith required to overcome losses. Matthew shares, “We lost everything,” while Pastor Mitchell recalls moments of contemplating resignation but finding encouragement through his wife’s support.

[10:35] Matthew Garland describes their first encounter with the new facility, initially perceiving it as too large and impractical: “I said, the room is too big. There's only a hundred of us. There's no way the Lord will fill this room.”

God’s Vision Over Human Doubt

[11:18] Pastor Mitchell emphasizes the importance of vision and faith over limited thinking. He states, “Even when you are ugly and when you are lost in sin, he saw something beautiful in you.”

[13:04] Matthew Garland recalls the early days of their ministry, from small gatherings to a diverse and expansive congregation: “Black and white, young and old, rich and poor, hoodlums and people from the boardroom, former street dudes and people from corporate America.”

Welcoming Digital Disciples and Diverse Congregation

[15:02] Pastor Mitchell engages with digital attendees from various locations, including Orlando, Ohio, St. Martin, and Toronto, highlighting the church’s growing reach beyond its physical location. He shares heartfelt interactions, such as with Holden and Shelby, who made significant sacrifices to join the church.

Celebrating Faith and Provision

[19:44] Matthew Garland and [19:55] Pastor Mitchell lead a moment of blessing for Holden and Shelby, affirming, “We got you, brother.” They announce financial support and employment opportunities, demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting its members.

Reading and Reflecting on Psalm 107:1-9

[26:43] Pastor Mitchell introduces Psalm 107 as a psalm of gratitude, connecting its themes to the congregation’s experiences. He emphasizes honest prayer and recognizing God’s steadfast love, saying, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say, so that they may declare His deeds to him who rises up to give thanks.”

Notable Quote:
[30:37] Matthew Garland: “He is good when things are good. He is good when things are difficult. He is good when you're in valleys.”

[32:28] Matthew Garland: “He loved you even when you were unlovable, making mistakes, and feeling unworthy.”

Pastor Mitchell expands on the concept of redemption, explaining, “It means to buy back like a pawn shop. He saw you through the window in the pawn shop.”

God’s Guidance as Our GPS

[38:58] Matthew Garland compares God’s guidance to a GPS, stating, “The greatest GPS you have is just the voice of the Holy Spirit.” He encourages the congregation to trust in divine direction, even when the path is unclear.

[39:16] Pastor Mitchell reinforces this by sharing personal testimonies of God’s guidance, urging listeners to follow His lead without relying solely on human technology or understanding.

Preparation for the New Facility

[44:37] Pastor Mitchell discusses the upcoming move to the new temporary facility, describing the challenges of renovating an old, abandoned building. He assures the congregation, “We're going to fix it up to make it habitable for our family,” emphasizing teamwork and faith during the transition.

Closing Remarks and Blessings

[46:26] Rhonda, a member of the church, reflects on the community’s growth and the contributions of servant leaders. She expresses awe at God’s ongoing work, stating, “I'm just amazed and in awe of all that God has done, all that he is doing and all that he is going to do.”

[47:43] Pastor Mitchell concludes the episode with a blessing, praying for the congregation’s prosperity and unity as they move to the new facility. He declares, “May you prosper and thrive in the kingdom. May the Lord keep us together as we walk into our next facility.”

[47:43] Pastor Mitchell: “Go in peace. In Jesus' name.”

Key Takeaways

• Faith in Transitions: Embracing life's inevitable changes through faith and recognizing God’s hand in guiding these transitions.
• Community and Relationships: Valuing long-lasting relationships as essential blessings that facilitate God’s work in individuals' lives.
• God’s Steadfast Love: Understanding and appreciating God’s unconditional love, even during challenging times.
• Vision and Obedience: Maintaining vision and obedience to divine direction despite initial doubts or fears.
• Support and Provision: Demonstrating the church’s commitment to supporting its members financially and spiritually.
• Scriptural Reflection: Utilizing Psalm 107 as a foundation for gratitude and recognizing God’s redemption and guidance.

This episode of the 2819 Church podcast encapsulates a heartfelt message of faith, resilience, and community support during a significant transition. Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell and Matthew Garland share personal testimonies and scriptural insights, encouraging listeners to trust in God’s unwavering love and guidance through all seasons of life.