Rich Villodas

1 month ago | christianitytoday.com | Russell Moore |Rich Villodas

On a recent episode of The Russell Moore Show, pastor and author Rich Villodas discussed anger, forgiveness, and faithful family members who make it possible to rise to the challenge of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. This interview has been edited for clarity. Russell Moore: Can you tell us about the influence your grandfather had on your life? Rich Villodas: I became a follower of Jesus at 19. At that time, about 15 family members came to faith in Christ in one night in a small church in Brooklyn.

Aug 5, 2024 | relevantmagazine.com | Rich Villodas

The images we have of God in our heads determine the degree of worry we feel in our souls. No tool or set of steps—no matter how catchy or innovative—can pry us away from worry if we don’t live in this truth: God is with us and for us. Please read that again. It is one of the most important aspects of Jesus’s life and teachings. Jesus wants us to think of God as Abba, the compassionate and fully present One who cares for his children.

Jul 8, 2024 | outreachmagazine.com | Rich Villodas

Before the church can properly engage the world in mission, we must have a clear and comprehensive exploration of formation. There is a great need—and opportunity—to reimagine discipleship in a way that truly shapes people into the image of Jesus for the sake of the world. In the words of the late author Robert Mulholland, the call is to be “in God for the world” rather than “to be in the world for God.” What is the church meant to be for Christ today? Very simply, people formed into his image.

Mar 12, 2024 | outreachmagazine.com | Rich Villodas

As a pastor of color who leads a very multiethnic and multicultural church, I often get asked by other pastors and leaders around the country how white, homogeneous churches can embody the gospel’s claim that a new communal identity is possible in a setting not given to reconciliation. I want to suggest that while not every church is going to reflect multiethnicity, predominantly white churches in predominantly white neighborhoods can still do their part in connecting the gospel to race.