Some of you may remember Unka Glen from the Tumblr days.
Long before Instagram, thousands of people followed along as Glen shared stories, practical wisdom, honest faith, and plenty of humor. Those conversations encouraged people around the world.
Today, we're excited to share something that's been years in the making.
📖 More Church Than Church by "Unka" Glen Fitzjerrell is officially available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle!
Drawing from decades of ministry alongside people rebuilding their lives after incarceration, addiction, gang involvement, and homelessness, this book offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be the Church—not just attend one.
If you've ever been encouraged by Glen's blog, this book is a chance to dive even deeper into the stories, lessons, and hope that have shaped his life and ministry.
Every purchase also helps supports the ongoing work of Mission:USA.
❤️ If you were part of the Tumblr community years ago, we'd love for you to celebrate this milestone with us.
Grab your copy today using the link below, and if the book encourages you, leaving a quick Amazon review is one of the best ways you can help others discover it.
Amazon Link to order yours: a.co/d/0dhS0AEU
Thank you for being part of the journey.
instagram.com/missionusachicago
www.glenfitzjerrell.com
"Go Read Matthew 25. It's a story about how Jesus said he would judge the world. There is no mention of Harry Potter, secular music, R-rated movies, premarital sex, homosexuality, etc. There aren't any of the things you've heard your parents rail on about. It talks a lot about feeding hungry people, and how if we fail to do that, Jesus will take it personally. It talks a lot about looking after people who are sick, or in prison. Those are the criteria by which God will judge the universe.
I don't think you know what sin is.
I think that you have been presented with a catalog of things that your parents didn't like, and have attached the word 'sin' to all of those things. And they taught you that your job is to go forth, and make sure that people aren't into the things on this list.
God doesn't agree. Kids going hungry isn't on that list. In your town, there are children going hungry tonight. That is a fact. That is offensive to God. He will judge the world based on that fact.
We don't have an emotional response on that. We don't feel afraid or concerned about that.
You were taught that whatever makes you feel uptight or uncomfortable is sinful. You have been given the wrong barometer to judge sin, and to judge people."
Hello everyone! As you may or may not know, I am a HUGE fan of MissionUSA, and ALL the people who work with.for them to put out such amazing content.
Below is a summary of the different podcasts, music, and services that MissionUSA puts out (Spoiler, there is a LOT of cool stuff). So if you want some killer worship music, good podcasts, interesting sermons, great answers to questions, or church-on-the-go, check this stuff out below!
First, the main cast! (I know that there are MANY other people involved in missionUSA, but these are the characters that I see the most often, and hear from)
Glen Fitzgerald - A crusty, old-school prison minister. This guy was saving souls before you were born, and he is VERY popular. Filled with wisdom and questionable humor, Glen is the uncle everyone should have.
Jed Brewer - The biggest nerd in the group (arguably), and definitely the most rowdy. He writes worship music for the prisoners, and helps make a lot of the digital media that MissionUSA puts out. If you needed a wingman in Borderlands, he's your man.
Matt King - The youngest bearded scottsman in the group (He's single and ready to mingle!....ladies). He offers a fresher perspective, and has spearheaded some of the digital content that MissionUSA puts out.
Lee Younger - Worship leader, pastor, and the only one whom God saw fit to entrust with children (I think of him as the responsible one). He also writes music, sings, and has a new album out!
Everyone else - I'm sorry that I don't know who you are, but thank you for all that you do to make MissionUSA the lifechanger that it has been for me.
Okay! Let's get started with the stuff!
Say That - Weekly Question and Answer Podcast
How should you act when interacting with other religions and cultures? How do you relate to and love gay people?Does oral sex count as premarital sex?What is the difference between serving and people pleasing? Is there an optimal amount of time to date before getting engaged? How do you lovingly handle that one friend who is driving everyone nuts? and many more!
I really like the laid-back format, and how genuine the humor and interaction is between these dudes. The podcast has the following format:
Each podcast is about an hour long
The first 15 mins is usually hangout/humor/casual conversation
Three questions are tossed around the room, with all four guys giving their input and advice
Matt wraps it up with info on where to submit questions or get more info.
Say That is free on iTunes, or can be downloaded/listening to for free here: http://saythat.podbean.com/
Bridgebox - Monthly Digital Service and Study Materials
Bridgebox is a subscription service that has tons of original worship music, study guide materials, several 20-30 minute sermons, and verses all focusing around a central question or theme. Past themes include:
What is wrong with wanting to be liked?
How do I make real changes in my life?
What do I do when I feel lonely?
And many more...
Bridgebox is $8 a month, and the money goes directly to ministry (in every issue of Bridgebox, you can see where your money went). It is TOTALLY worth it, and useful for running a small group, expanding your music library, or just getting some rad sermons.
On a personal note, I go straight for all the music and throw it on my ipod. One cool thing is that Jed makes 2-3 versions of different songs (heavy metal version, acoustic, live, electronic, country, etc.) so I get to pick the ones I like.
The Bridge Podcast - Bridgebox Lite
If you want to see what Bridgebox is like, or you just want everything neatly wrapped into a portable church service, then the Bridge Podcast is for you. It takes pieces and material from a bridgebox, and streamlines them into an 30 minute service with 2-3 worship songs, a message, and benediction. It is free on iTunes, or can be found here: http://thebridgepodcast.podbean.com/
Ancient and New - Lee's Bible Study
Sometimes the bible is really obtuse and hard to understand.In Ancient and New, Lee does his best to break it down and help us discover what we can learn from God's word. AaN also includes some cool interviews, and a more one-on-one study time between the guys.
Ancient and New is free on iTunes or can be found here: http://ancientandnew.podbean.com/
The Watertower - A Digital Worship Service
My only complaint about the Watertower is that there isn't more of it! It's a very relaxing, encouraging worship time. I listen to it when I'm stressed or life is overloading me. The episodes are very well produced, with a lot of love and effort in every one. Here is the description from Lee:
You need some mid-week encouragement to help get you through. You need some songs to sing along to so that you can stay focused on what really matters. You need someone to remind you what is true and tell you again who you really are. Go to the iTunes store and download The Watertower. It’s a free podcast - a worship service designed for you to listen to when you’re on your own. Take it on a run, plug it in during a long drive or listen between classes. This show was made for you - to help you meet with Jesus.
It can be found for free on iTunes, or downloaded here: http://watertowerpodcast.podbean.com/
Well, that's all I've got! I know that there are a LOT more materials out there, but these are the ones that I listen to and benefit from. Hope this helped you get some cool messages and music.
If you've got something that really gives you a boost, or a particular speaker that you enjoy, shoot me a message! I love to discover new materials!
Me: Self! You've been slackin' on your bible readin' and worshipin'
Self: Well, maybe it'd be a little easier if you had some decent music! I can only take so many chiptunes from video games. Find something with redeeming value and class. Also, your bible is huge, and hard to carry around for reading purposes.
Me: VERY WELL! I accept your challenge. And not only will I succeed, but I will do so without succumbing to the itunes monster.
And so it began. My first step: Bible for Kindle. Oh boy. The only versions I could find for cheap was:
NOPE! No thanks. I've heard that the Message is fantastic for viewing the Bible as a story, or narrative. But it is a little tough for study, or referencing specific verses. Another version I've heard about is called The Voice, recommended to me by one of my mentors. He's not normally wrong, so let's check it out.
Ooh! It has excessive amounts of commentary on historical context, alternate translations, and possible meanings. The more information, the better, ESPECIALLY with Christianity (and religion in general). Also, the voice was made with collaboration between writers, poets, musicians, and biblical scholars. I'm not well-read, or cultured, but I do think that the Bible should not merely be a scholastic endeavor.
Kindle version for $20, worth a shot! (And don't worry Self, at least I didn't use itunes!)
Next step, music!
I knew I had some music around here som-aHA! Let's take a look at all those old bridge-boxes I've been saving up. Now, there's about 2-3 songs per month, and I've got about 10 months saved. Mission accomplished. And, as a bonus, none of it is mainstream christian music, so I can wear my beret while I listen.
I've got everything I need....now I just need to start studying. NO VIDEO GAMES! for now.....but I'll be back!
