Beyond-the-Church S3E3 – Dealing with the Elephant in the Room

Hot topic discussion: Should Christians date non-Christians?

What happens when the thing no one wants to talk about… won’t go away?

In this episode of Beyond-the-Church, Pam, Kerry, and Jessica dive into the uncomfortable but necessary conversation of dealing with “the elephant in the room.” From unspoken tension and unresolved conflict to misunderstandings that keep resurfacing, they unpack how avoidance—not the issue itself—is what truly damages relationships.

Grounded in faith and real-life experience, the conversation explores what it really means to pursue peace without sacrificing honesty. Through powerful insights from Matthew 7, they challenge listeners to examine their own “logs” before pointing out someone else’s “speck,” and to approach difficult conversations with humility, love, and intentionality.

The episode also takes a candid turn into a hot topic discussion: Should Christians date non-Christians?—offering balanced perspectives on influence, alignment, and living a life that reflects faith beyond words.

If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation, struggled with conflict, or wondered how to handle relationships God’s way—this episode is for you.

Because real growth begins when we stop ignoring the elephant… and start addressing it in love.

Subscribe to our channel using this link: youtube.com/@Beyond-the-Church

#ConflictResolution

#ChristianDating

#UnequallyYoked

#HardConversations

#RelationshipStruggles

#ChristianPodcast

#BeyondTheChurch

#ChurchWithinYou

#KerryAClark

*All images are used with permission from Unsplash.com.

*Music is licensed and used with permission from Pond5.com.

Speakers:

Kerry A. Clark

Pamela Clark

Jessica Anderson

beyondthechurch.net

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Beyond.the.Church

TWITTER: x.com/church_in_you

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/beyond_the_church

TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@beyond.the.church

YOUTUBE: youtube.com/@Beyond-the-Church

Beyond the Church - S3E2: The Love Session: Love That Isn’t Rooted in Emotion Alone

Hot Topic: How do we feel about putting expectations we see from socials onto our spouse or whoever we may be dating?

In this episode of Beyond the Church, Pam Clark, Kerry Clark, and Jessica Anderson dive into what love really is—and what it isn’t.

With Valentine’s Day setting the tone, we explore how culture often reduces love to flowers, feelings, and fleeting moments. But is that all love is? Or have we misunderstood it?

Using 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, we break down the biblical definition of love and discover that it’s not rooted in emotion alone. Love is patient. Love is kind. It doesn’t keep score. It doesn’t demand its own way. It doesn’t give up. And it endures—even when it costs you.

We also tackle the pressure of comparison, unrealistic expectations fueled by social media, and how thoughtfulness beats performance every time. The conversation is honest, practical, and sometimes humorous—but it leads to one powerful truth: love isn’t something you just feel. It’s something you choose, cultivate, and become.

If you’ve ever struggled with expectations in relationships, emotional highs and lows, or simply want to understand love through God’s nature and truth, this episode is for you.

We’re not trying to be perfect. We’re learning to live like Jesus—beyond the church.

Subscribe to our channel using this link: youtube.com/@Beyond-the-Church.

#BeyondTheChurch #ChurchWithinYou #KerryAClark #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalLove #1Corinthians13 #LoveIsPatient #ChristianRelationships #ValentinesDay #FaithAndRelationships #GodIsLove #SpiritualGrowth

*All images are used with permission from Unsplash.com.

*Music is licensed and used with permission from Pond5.com.

Speakers:

Kerry A. Clark

Pamela Clark

Jessica Anderson

beyondthechurch.net

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Beyond.the.Church

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/beyondthechurch

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_church

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.church

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.beyondthechurch.net

Beyond the Church — S3E1 | New Year, New You (Ask • Seek • Knock)

Welcome back to Beyond the Church with Pam Clark, Kerry Clark, and Jessica Anderson—kicking off 2026 with laughs, real talk, and a word for the new year.

In this episode, we start with Matthew 7:7–8 (NLT) and unpack what Jesus meant by asking, seeking, and knocking—not as one-time moments, but as a lifestyle. We talk about why so many believers pray but never actually ask, how seeking means pursuing what you’re believing for, and what “knocking” looks like when God feels quiet.

Then we shift into the conversation everyone has in January: New Year’s resolutions. Are they helpful? Are they hype? What happens when you set goals but don’t clear space, build discipline, or stay consistent? We keep it honest—and practical.

Key takeaways from the conversation:

• Asking keeps you humble
• Seeking keeps you close
• Knocking keeps you faithful
• Reset doesn’t mean “add more”… it often means clear out first
• Resolutions without discipline can turn into disappointment—but you can learn and try again

Action Step:

Drop your word, focus statement, or theme for the year in the comments—we want to hear what you’re carrying into 2026.

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube | youtube.com/c/KerryAClark

👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode.

#BeyondTheChurch #NewYearNewYou #FaithInRealLife #Matthew7 #ChurchWithinYou #KerryAClark #AskSeekKnock #ChristianPodcast #Goals #Discipline #Stewardship #2026

*All images are used with permission from Unsplash.com.

*Music is licensed and used with permission from Pond5.com.

Speakers:

Kerry A. Clark

Pamela Clark

Jessica Anderson

beyondthechurch.net

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Beyond.the.Church

TWITTER: twitter.com/beyondthechurch

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/beyond_the_church

TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@beyond.the.church

YOUTUBE: youtube.beyondthechurch.net

Beyond the Church - S2 Bonus: Christmas 2025

Why Christmas Traditions Still Matter (and How to Take Christmas Beyond the Church)

This special Christmas episode of Beyond-the-Church is full of laughter, memories, and meaning as Pamela Clark, Kerry A. Clark, and Jessica Anderson talk about Christmas traditions—not just what we do, but why it still matters.

From childhood memories to present-day family routines, we explore how traditions shape identity, build connection, and create moments that last far beyond gifts and decorations.

More importantly, we ask a deeper question:

👉 What happens when Christmas moves beyond church buildings and becomes part of everyday life at home?

🎄 What We Talk About in This Episode

• Favorite Christmas traditions from past and present
• Why traditions matter more than gifts
• How traditions create belonging across generations
• Celebrating Christmas as a season, not just a day
• Moving Christmas to a different date to protect family time
• Creating sacred, uncommon moments at home
• Why tradition without truth is just a habit
• How meaning turns tradition into something sacred
• Experiencing Christmas beyond-the-church walls

From pajamas and sleepovers to reading the Christmas story, communion, candlelight, and even neighborhood Santa sightings—this episode is a reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful.

✨ A Beyond-the-Church ChallengeCreate at least one intentional Christmas moment this season:

• Read the Christmas story
• Light a candle
• Say a prayer
• Share communion
• Express gratitude together

It doesn’t have to be perfect—just intentional.

💬 Join the ConversationWhat’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

Which ones would you like to start or bring back?

Let us know in the comments—we might borrow a few ideas. 😉

👍 Like

💬 Comment

🔔 Subscribe

📺 Share with someone who wants a Christmas that goes deeper than gifts.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Beyond-the-Church.

Let’s make it meaningful. 🎄✨

Subscribe to our channel using this link: youtube.com/c/KerryAClark.

*All images are used with permission from Unsplash.com.

*Music is licensed and used with permission from Pond5.com.

Speakers:

Kerry A. Clark

Pamela Clark

Jessica Anderson

beyondthechurch.net

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Beyond.the.Church

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/beyondthechurch

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_church

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.church

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.beyondthechurch.net

#BeyondTheChurch #ChristmasTraditions #FaithAtHome #ChristmasEpisode #ChristianPodcast #FamilyFaith #ChristmasSeason #ChurchWithinYou #KerryAClark

Beyond the Church – S2E8: Christ-like Conflict Resolution

Hot Topic: What is missing when a child in a Christian home goes down a bad path?

Conflict is inevitable. Being Christ-like in it is optional.

In this episode of Beyond-the-Church, Pam Clark, Kerry A. Clark, and Jessica Anderson get real about what conflict actually is, how it shows up in everyday relationships (marriage, family, work, friendships), and what it looks like to handle it in a way that reflects Christ—not just our feelings.

From text messages read "with the argument voice," to silent treatment, to unspoken tension in close relationships, we explore how communication, emotion, and maturity shape our conflicts—and how Scripture gives us a better way.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. What is conflict, really? Why it's more than just yelling—and how it can be unspoken, emotional, or even just a tone.

2. Christ-like conflict resolution: Using Matthew 18:15–17 as a step-by-step guide to handle offenses privately, humbly, and with restoration in mind.

3. When emotions take over: How acting from emotion alone can become selfish and un-Christ-like, and how Jesus modeled selfless responses even in tense moments.

4. The 4 cycles of relationships: Infatuation → Realization → Conflict → Resolution, and why the goal of resolution is to return to love, not just to "win."

5. Why some people avoid conflict altogether: What happens when we refuse to address it—and how it quietly steals peace, closeness, and health from relationships.

Hot Topic: What is missing when a child in a Christian home goes down a bad path?We wrestle with a tough but honest question:

If a child was raised in a "Christian home," how do they still end up on what looks like a bad path?

We talk about:

1. Why "bad" is often relative and part of a bigger growth journey

2. The difference between church-going and truly following Christ at home

3. How consistency, discipleship, open conversations, and real-life faith matter more than labels

4. Why we must bring Jesus into everything (friends, choices, dating, parties, even "taboo" topics), not keep Him in a Sunday box

BTC Action – This Week's ChallengeChoose one relationship where you feel tension or unspoken conflict. Take Step 1: Go to that person privately, with humility and love, and begin an honest conversation with the goal of restoration—not to be right.

Scripture References

1. Matthew 18:15–17 – Go privately, then with others, then widen the circle if needed
2. 1 Corinthians 1:10 – Live in harmony; let there be no divisions
3. (Referenced conceptually) Romans 8 – Nothing can separate us from the love of God

👍 Like

💬 Comment – How do you handle conflict as a believer?

🔔 Subscribe

🔗 Share this with someone navigating conflict or parenting questions right now.

Go with us as we think higher, live deeper, and go Beyond-the-Church.

Subscribe to our channel using this link: youtube.com/c/KerryAClark.

#BeyondTheChurch #ConflictResolution #ChristLike #ChristianPodcast #FaithInRealLife #ChristianParenting #ChurchLife #BeyondTheChurch #ChurchWithinYou #KerryAClark

*All images are used with permission from Unsplash.com. 

*Music is licensed and used with permission from Pond5.com. 

Speakers:

Kerry A. Clark

Pamela "Pam" Clark

Jessica Anderson

beyondthechurch.net

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Beyond.the.Church

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/beyondthechurch

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_church

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.church

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.beyondthechurch.net

Beyond the Church – S2E7: What’s the Role of Church Leaders?

Hot Topic: How do we deal with church transition and change?

Church leaders shape culture, discipleship, and day-to-day faith—but what exactly is their role? In this episode, Pam Clark, Kerry A. Clark, and Jessica Anderson dig into Scripture and real life to unpack what healthy leadership looks like, why we sometimes put pastors on pedestals, and how to recognize leaders as gifts designed to equip us—not replace God in our lives.

Then we shift to the Hot Topic: church transition. From pastoral changes to shifting models (multi-site, campus pastors, online), how do you process big changes without losing heart—or your footing? We talk maturity, unity, love over gossip, and practical ways to move forward when things feel uncertain.

What you’ll hear

• Defining the role: Shepherds who equip, oversee, and model—not lords over people. (1 Peter 5:2 NKJV)
• The gift list: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—given to build maturity and unity. (Ephesians 4:11–16)
• Avoiding unhealthy esteem: Honoring leaders without idolizing them or demanding flawlessness.
• Growing up in faith: Becoming stable, discerning, and loving—even when teaching trends shift.
• Hot Topic—Change & transition: Seeing change through God’s “new thing” lens, loving the “change agents,” and deciding when to stay, serve, or move.

Key moments (no spoilers)

• Welcome & setup: why this conversation matters for everyday believers
• Scriptures that shape healthy expectations for leaders
• Real-life stories: reverends, campus pastors, and being “equipped”
• Unhealthy vs. healthy honor
• Hot Topic: navigating church transition without losing your joy
• Action step for the week

Scripture references

• 1 Peter 5:2-3 NKJV — Shepherd the flock… willingly, eagerly, by example.
• Ephesians 4:11–16 NLT — Gifts to equip the church into unity and maturity.
• Isaiah 43:19 ESV — “Behold, I am doing a new thing…” (applied to navigating change).

This week’s action step

Find and help someone who’s “lost”—not salvation-lost, but discouraged, off-track, or low on motivation. Lend your strength and help them get back to being who God made them to be.

Join the conversation

Do you think your church’s leaders are equipping you for your God-given work? How have you handled a big transition at church? Drop your thoughts below—let’s learn from each other.

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe | 🔗 Share with a friend who’s processing church change.

About the show

Beyond-the-Church helps you live your faith in real life—at home, at work, and yes, at church—by thinking higher and going deeper.

#BeyondTheChurch #ChurchLeadership #Ephesians4 #FaithInRealLife #ChurchTransition #HotTopic #ChristianPodcast

Beyond the Church – S2E6: Bible Study Reengagement

Hot Topic: Keeping the Momentum for Your Own Personal Bible Study

In this episode, we're discussing Bible Study Re-engagement—because let’s be real, a little bit of Bible just once on Sunday is not enough! The Bible holds wisdom for everything—there’s nothing under the sun that isn’t addressed in its pages.

We’ll talk about the value of reading and studying God’s Word with others, why finding a “hot” discovery in Scripture can reignite your passion, and how to keep that fire burning in your personal study time.

Hot Topic Highlight: Keeping the Momentum for Your Own Personal Bible Study – practical ways to stay engaged and inspired day after day.

BTC Action: This week, find a passage or statement from your reading that inspires you—then share it with someone without revealing its source. Let the conversation spark curiosity and connection.

Subscribe to our channel using this link: youtube.com/c/KerryAClark.

#BeyondTheChurch #ChristianPodcast #FaithTalk #SpiritualGrowth #BlessingsAndCurses #WhenBlessingsHurt #BaptismDebate #AdultBaptism #BaptismQuestions #ChurchBeyondSunday #FaithJourney #ChurchWithinYou #KerryAClark

*All images are used with permission from Unsplash.com.

*Music is licensed and used with permission from Pond5.com.

Speakers:

Kerry A. Clark

Pamela Clark

Jessica Anderson

beyondthechurch.net

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Beyond.the.Church

TWITTER: twitter.com/beyondthechurch

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/beyond_the_church

TikTok: tiktok.com/@beyond.the.church

Beyond the Church – S2E5: When Your Blessing Becomes a Curse

Hot Topic: Should You Get Baptized as a Kid? Is It Okay to Do It Again as an Adult?

In this episode, we explore the surprising flip side of favor—when your blessing becomes a curse. We ask the tough but necessary questions:

* What exactly is a blessing?

* How does something God gives for good end up weighing us down?

* And how do we recognize when the very thing we prayed for is now keeping us from growth?

Then in our Hot Topic, we wade into deeper waters—literally:

Should you get baptized as a kid?

And if you did, is it okay to get baptized again as an adult?

We unpack the meaning, purpose, and timing of baptism and whether doing it more than once is a spiritual reset or religious overkill.

Whether you’ve been wrestling with spiritual identity or just wondering how your childhood faith decisions hold up today—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation that goes Beyond the Church.

Subscribe to our channel using this link: youtube.com/c/KerryAClark.

#BeyondTheChurch #ChristianPodcast #FaithTalk #SpiritualGrowth #BlessingsAndCurses #WhenBlessingsHurt #BaptismDebate #AdultBaptism #BaptismQuestions #ChurchBeyondSunday #FaithJourney #ChurchWithinYou #KerryAClark

*All images are used with permission from Unsplash.com.

*Music is licensed and used with permission from Pond5.com.

Speakers:

Kerry A. Clark

Pamela Clark

Jessica Anderson

beyondthechurch.net

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Beyond.the.Church

TWITTER: twitter.com/beyondthechurch

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/beyond_the_church

TikTok: tiktok.com/@beyond.the.church

YOUTUBE: youtube.beyondthechurch.net

Beyond the Church - S2E4: Forgiveness

Hot Topic: Christians Going to Therapy

"In order to go beyond the church, you must have the church within you."

Forgiveness is one of the most challenging yet essential aspects of the Christian journey. In this episode of Beyond the Church, we explore what forgiveness truly means, the challenges we face in the process, and how our faith influences our ability to let go of past hurts.

Key Questions Explored:  

- How do I forgive those who have hurt me?  

- Does the level of hurt impact how we forgive?  

- What does true forgiveness look like in action?  

Pamela shares a touching personal story about her father’s act of forgiveness toward a family member, illustrating the power of grace in even the hardest situations.  

🔥 Hot Topic: Should Christians Go to Therapy?  

There is often debate within the church about whether seeking therapy aligns with faith. Some believe it's unnecessary, while others see therapy as a valuable tool that God can use for healing. In this discussion, we will explore how faith and professional help can coexist.  

Join us for this powerful conversation as we explore the journey of forgiveness and the role of mental health in our spiritual growth.  

📢 Listen now and be part of the conversation!

Subscribe to our channel using this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/KerryAClark.

#Forgiveness #Grace #Help #Therapy #Unforgiveable #BeyondTheChurch #Faith #Hurts #Pain #Emotional #ChurchWithinYou #KerryAClark

*All images are used with permission from Unsplash.com.

*Music is licensed and used with permission from Pond5.com.

Speakers:

Kerry A. Clark

Pamela Clark

Jessica Anderson

beyondthechurch.net

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Beyond.the.Church

TWITTER: twitter.com/beyondthechurch

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/beyond_the_church

YOUTUBE: youtube.beyondthechurch.net

TikTok: tiktok.com/@beyond.the.church

Beyond the Church | S2E3: Finding a Church

In this episode of Beyond the Church, we tackle the important question: How do you find the right church? From navigating the search process to understanding what it truly means to be part of the body of Christ, we break down key considerations, including:

• The challenge of "church hopping"—is it helping or hurting your faith?
• What should you look for when selecting a church?
• Why having a church home is serious business.
• What does being in the "body" or, better yet, the organization mean?
• Where can you make the biggest impact?

Hot Topic: Should we go back to bringing our physical Bibles to church?

Are you a digital Bible reader, or do you prefer flipping through the pages of a physical one? We discuss whether it’s time to unplug and go back to the old-school way.

Tune in for an insightful conversation that challenges how we approach church and community and that takes you "beyond the church."

Subscribe to our channel using this link: youtube.com/c/KerryAClark.

#BeyondTheChurch #ChurchWithinYou #KerryAClark

*All images are used with permission from Unsplash.com.

*Music is licensed and used with permission from Pond5.com.

Speakers:

Kerry A. Clark

Pamela Clark

Jessica Anderson

beyondthechurch.net

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Beyond.the.Church

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/beyondthechurch

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_church

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.beyondthechurch.net