Reaching For Real Life

After reminiscing on 33 years of leading in ministry, Pastor Sean says it's time to celebrate some good news! Good news in the church with people meeting again in corporate worship, good news with the State of Texas as COVID cases are coming down, our hospitals are not overrun, and of course the Good News that comes from our Savior. This is a fun one...enjoy!

Attention Parents! A podcast just for you, especially when you may be spending more time with your kids in this season. Sean reminds you of the awesome job you have shaping the future...through your children. A landscaper asked him "when is the perfect time to plant a tree?" - The answer is not "in the fall." It's "20 years ago". Some great advice in here on taking care of your young sprouts. Enjoy!

Pastor Sean recently shared a powerful video that has been viewed over 47 million times. It's Pastor Alex Bryant (a Black Man) with his wife Angela (a White Woman) who says "I have no words but I will not be silent" - as they silently share a message using words on pages he holds up as each of their five children join them. The final call is to Let's Start Again. Another great session of dialog and a day closer to unity through the love of Jesus.

Sean confesses as a young man in ministry he was frustrated by the idea of "being Holy" on his own compared to Jesus because...well...he was Jesus...but Peter summed it up with “...do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’.” This conversation will encourage you to listen for His voice, and to live the Spirit-filled life.

More #RealTalk with Pastor Sean Azzaro as he welcomes San Antonio Police Department's Public Information Officer Doug Greene who sees his position as a ministry while putting on a bullet proof vest. He knows his protection and heavenly chief is Jesus Christ. All topics are on the table: The Protests and Prayer Rallies, Black Lives Matter, Police Reform, the heavy stuff that officers deal with everyday where compassion fatigue is a real thing...and the hope of investing more in our children. San Antonio is blessed to have Officer Doug Greene serving our city. Please listen...

Sean Azzaro literally phones this one in as he dials in remotely from Camp Ya-Ya and Pops where he's the Camp Director. (Sorry, the season is sold out.) But anticipating his full plate, Sean shares a conversation he recorded the week before with his friend Seth Barnes whom he met through AIM (Adventures in Missions). Seth has a heart for young adults who especially today are trying to figure out life. Do I go to college? Do I take a gap year? Seth and Sean suggest we need to pay attention to what Jesus is saying.

Pastor Sean Azzaro has a special conversation with National Radio Host Michael Medved - bestselling author of the book God's Hand On America: Divine Providence In The Modern Era. Michael points out the pattern of happy accidents that have happened in our nation's history is still a pattern...God shed His Grace on thee. It's Podcast #232, as America turns 244 on July 4th - celebrate with gratitude.

Sean Azzaro invites Texas and San Antonio Radio Hall of Famer Trey Ware to continue the conversation on a call for media reform. Trey Ware broadcasts daily on 550 KTSA where his mission is to share the news of the day discerning truth from the fake news, and many times reminding folks who the Author of The Truth is. Listen for Trey's personal and powerful testimony.

After Sean shares some good news happening in the world and on the campus of River City Community Church, Sean noticed some media outlets conveniently cherry picking quotes to use for their agenda thereby rewriting history. With all the talk of race relations, police reform, and pandemic panic - has anyone thought to hold the press responsible? How about some Good News?

Pastor Sean digs a little deeper into understanding the current culture crisis with a reminder of Galatians 6 where it says to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." When you listen, stand with your brother and sister, and show the love of Christ - watch what happens. Sean also recognizes the works of Author/Pastor Tim Keller and other heroes of the faith.

Pastors and Leaders from all four corners of San Antonio met in The Real Life Amphitheater on Saturday - May 30th - for "A Cry For Justice For All" after the killing of George Floyd. Pastor Sean welcomed Trey Ware (KTSA) as the emcee and the panel also included Pastors Charles Flowers, Donte Banks, Ed Newton, Joe Morales, Ronson Hall, Mel Keys, Nico LaHood, and other leaders. Listen to Sean share the major takeaways and the hope for the church.

It made national news...lead singer of CCM band Hawk Nelson declares he no longer believes in God. Sean opens the discussion with John Thompson - the Dean of Trevecca School of Music and Worship Arts (Nashville), and founder of TrueTunes.com. "Churched" and "Un-churched" have added "De-Churched" to the label list...but let's get real. Reaching for Real Life calls for community. You'll enjoy this conversation.

Probably one of the most candid and important conversations between two Pastors regarding Ahmaud Arbery's murder. Pastor Charles Flowers of Faith Outreach Center joins Pastor Sean at the Real Life Amphitheater in the hope and opportunity to find unity around the cross. Please listen and share...it's powerful.

After another glorious Sunday in the Real Life Amphitheater on Mother's Day as Sean honors 2 women: his late mom Ginger Azzaro, and a mom, Wanda Cooper-Jones, who lost her son Ahmaud Aubery who was murdered on February 23rd. It's another tragedy in America, an even more horrific video to watch. What's the response and opportunity for the church? How should we pray? Sean reminds us it's a sin issue...there is an answer. This is Part 1 of 2.

The gathering was not forsaken! Pastor Sean reflects on the first service in the Real Life Amphitheater (Sunday's at 10am) after 7 weeks of preaching where 2 or more cameras are gathered together. And then Sean invites your Bible Questions at pastorsean@reallife.org where in this program takes on some toughies like "How do I know the will of God vs my will?" and "What happened to those who lived before Jesus was born? Were they forgiven?" Please listen, share, review, and repeat.

Here's the Headline - Texas Governor Abbott says Church is BACK ON! Some rejoice and some say "too soon" - why? Sean Azzaro talks about what it means to River City, and the rules that apply. And to ease back in per the Governor, we must participate. Sean shares his vision for the future and also digs into a little church history...1st century stuff. Hallelujah!

The Reaching For Real Life Podcast hits the road starting and ending in Sean's backyard. We start with the floating release date of The Spirit Filled Life (available now at reachingforreallife.org) and listen for a special contest on how you can win your own copy. Then Sean rides shotgun with Pastor Willy Mayfield who oversees the Real Life Christian Assistance Ministry on their way to the Food Bank. River City Community Church is a major hub for not just giving away food, but hope. Pastor Sean then brings it home with an encouraging word on optimism and backs it up with some scriptures reminding us where our hope comes from.

After a quick update on the new release date of A Pilgrims Guide To The Spirit Filled Life (May 19th), Sean reflects on a historic Easter Sunday - lowest attendance but the highest streaming numbers ever! In fact there's a 170% increase in people clicking on faith/evangelistic content and Sean shares some ideas why. The fear of death is one, and that sting seems to go away when you experience the power of His resurrection. "The stone wasn't moved for Jesus to get out, it was moved for the witnesses to get in."

Pastor Sean (podcasting from the Azzaro home) reminds us that this faith of ours is transcendent, despite any earthly issues (diseases) - it is the "underlying reality of the Universe" - Holy Week is here...the resurrection is the most powerful thing to proclaim. Easter Sunday is coming. Let's do this! Sean also shares what he's learning as more ministry is happening in this season...serving the poor, and making disciples.

Small business owners are facing major disruption because of the national response to COVID-19. It’s putting significant pressure on owners to find new ways of doing business or face major layoffs or even bankruptcy. You'll hear from some business leaders talk about how our faith can inform us during this time. And there's good news and hope in all this too. Panel: Sean Azzaro Maggie Titterington (President, Chamber of Commerce for Schertz-Cibolo-Selma) Bill Cox, (Owner of Cox Manufacturing) Roger Harris, (Owner of Smokey Mo's Franchise) Mike McGuire (River City Community Church Associate Pastor) Baron Wiley (Believers Business League)