Faith & Mission Podcast

Episode 1 | The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Rediscovering Scripture's Power to Transform Release Date — May 22, 2026 Hosted by: Pastor Steve Hannett Featuring: Frank Viola, Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Church Leadership Expert

EPISODE SUMMARY

Pastor Steve Hannett welcomes Frank Viola to explore his newly revised masterpiece, The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. They unpack how most Western believers read Scripture out of context, missing the historical details and relational backdrop that bring God's Word to life. Frank reveals how understanding the story of the New Testament reshapes discipleship, church leadership, and our experience of Christ's indwelling life.

IN THIS EPISODE

• [00:00] Introduction & Welcome
• [00:47] Frank Viola's Ministry Assignment & Current Work
• [05:31] The Indwelling Life of Christ: Living by His Life, Not Performance
• [11:02] The Untold Story Book: What It Is & Why It Matters
• [18:28] From Fragmentation to Clarity: How Context Transforms Understanding
• [28:25] Why Paul's Letters Matter as Much as Jesus' Red Words
• [36:06] The Early Church Definition of Discipleship & Community
• [46:26] Church as Family: Recovering God's Design for Gathered Believers
• [59:22] Leadership Takeaways: Co-Working, Calling, Training, and Sending
• [01:12:53] How to Connect with Frank Viola & Access His Resources
• [01:24:19] A Word to the Charismatic Movement: Testing Experience Against Scripture

KEY SCRIPTURES

• Galatians 2:20
• Romans 8
• Matthew 28:19-20
• Ephesians 2:14-16 ; 3:8-10
• Acts 2:42-47
• John 14:15-16

ABOUT FRANK VIOLA

Frank Viola is a best-selling author and speaker whose work has been described as provocative and iconoclastic. His mission is to help serious followers of Jesus know Christ more deeply and experience lasting transformation. His blog, frankviola.org, is ranked in the top five of all Christian blogs. His podcast, Christ is All, ranked number one in Canada and number two in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts. Frank has written over twenty books published by Thomas Nelson, Tyndale, Baker, and David C. Cook.

Connect with Frank Viola:

• Website: https://frankviola.org
• The Untold Story of the New Testament Church (Revised & Expanded 2025)
• Visual Podcast Series: https://theuntoldstory.me
• Christ is All Podcast: All major platforms
• The Insurgents Experience Mastermind: https://frankviola.org

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

• https://rss.com/podcasts/faith-and-mission-podcast
• 🌐 Gospel Mission Network: https://www.gospelmissionnetwork.org
• 📱 GMN App: https://gospelmissionnetwork.churchcenter.com/setup
• 📞 (855) 725-7928