In this episode of An Ordinary Man, host Jim Wining delivers a concise and impactful message titled “Pea Patch.” Using the “pea patch” as a metaphor for an individual’s safe zone—whether that is a specific church, denomination, or community group—Wining challenges viewers to examine the artificial boundaries and restrictions that can compromise a true spiritual walk.
The Metaphor of the Llama Shute
Wining introduces the concept by referencing a photo he shared on Facebook of one of his llamas placed tightly inside a chute to be sheared. He asks viewers to consider whether they feel similarly trapped, restricted, or physically and spiritually constrained by the structures of their own “pea patch.”
Breaking Down the Three Barriers
The sermon focuses heavily on dismantling three specific obstacles created by human institutions rather than God:
- Human Restraints: These manifest as rigid dress codes requiring specific types of clothing, or the swift judgment of others. Wining highlights how churches frequently make individuals feel like “second-class citizens” over life circumstances like divorce. He also touches upon the blanket condemnation of things like alcohol, arguing that the focus should be on personal Christian responsibility and behavior rather than pointing fingers at a bottle of wine used historically for celebration.
- Man-Made Rules: Wining critiques environments that set rigid terms and conditions on a person’s relationship with God. He explicitly notes that telling someone they are not truly abiding with the Holy Spirit unless they can speak in tongues is a harmful, man-made obstacle.
- Stupid Religious Procedures: The host strongly objects to the practice of teaching people that they must ask another human being for spiritual forgiveness. He emphasizes that true forgiveness is a direct gift from Jesus Christ, making it an exclusive relationship statement between an individual and God.
Core Foundations of Faith
Wining simplifies what a peaceful, authentic relationship with God requires, encouraging viewers to look past denominational doctrine and focus on four questions:
- Have you directly confessed your sins to God?
- Are you truly repentant, working to let those sins vanish from your life?
- Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior?
- Do you accept the Bible as the definitive word of God?
As the president of Axe Ministry, Wining reiterates that their mission is strictly focused on unity in Christ through the Holy Spirit, welcoming anyone to the table who shares those basic foundations, free from rigid institutional rules.
Key Ministry Partners & Features
The broadcast concludes with a recognition of four vital regional partners supporting the ministry’s vision:
With All My Heart Thrift Store: A high-quality thrift storefront located at 205 East South Street in Ozark, Missouri. It is run by Todd and Andrea Carter (a former singer with the historic Blackwood gospel group), with proceeds directly helping individuals going through difficult times.
Dr. Paul Collins: Founder of the ministry with 71 years of service, who speaks every Sunday at the Church of the Harvest in Branson, Missouri.
Changing Times: A weekly news and faith broadcast airing Wednesdays, hosted by Christian County Presiding Commissioner Lynn Morris and state education advisor Dr. Mary Byrne.
Crossroads Community Church: Located in Weslaco, Texas (at the Snow to Sun Resort), led by longtime former missionaries Tom and Sheila Schinler.
