Change the Conversation

There are countless opportunities for distraction in the modern world, which can make it hard to live intentionally. This week we talk about our own struggles with technology addiction, the realization that we can't "do it all", and what it means to live with intention.

Robby White, Jordan Lawson, Sam Hawkins

This week we talk about what makes a bad sermon, what bad preaching can do to a congregation, and what we can do to make it better. We also share a few of the worst things we've heard from the pulpit.

Robby White, Jordan Lawson, Melinda Sparks, Sam Hawkins

John 20:24-29 (NRSV)

24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." 26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

If we remember one thing about the apostle Thomas, it's that he doubted. What should we make of Thomas's doubts? What about Jesus's response to him? What does this mean for us, for our lives and for those moments when we have those doubts?

Robby White, Jordan Lawson, Melinda Sparks, Sam Hawkins

We close our Holy Week series with a discussion of the empty tomb and the risen Christ. What does it mean that none of the disciples recognized him at first? Why does Jesus' risen body still have scars? If the Resurrection occurred, should it inform every part of our lives? Does it?

Robby White, Jordan Lawson, Melinda Sparks, Sam Hawkins

In the modern world, it's easy to see the cross and forget the violence it represents. How did Jesus take a symbol of oppression and turn it into a symbol of God's love for the world? This week we talk about the cross: what it represented then and what it means to us now.

Robby White, Sam Hawkins, Melinda Sparks, Jordan Lawson

We discuss the entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Why that time and place? Why that method? What would the people present on that day have thought was coming?

Robby White, Sam Hawkins, Melinda Sparks, Jordan Lawson

Families gather at the table, where connection is found and we see each other's humanity. When the prodigal son returned home, his father gathered everyone around the table to celebrate, but the older son would rather wait outside. This week we talk about finding yourself and finding your place at the table.

Robby White, Melinda Sparks, Jordan Lawson

#changetheconversation

We explore the idea of life's journey being defined by points of "orientation" and "disorientation," and discuss those moments in our life where we felt that shift. We also talk about the importance of being open to change, new information, and opposing views.

Robby White, Melinda Sparks, Katie Haggard, Jordan Lawson

What are the books that have changed your life, rocked your world, or generally had a big impact on your outlook? This week we're talking about the books that have influenced us.

Robby White, Melinda Sparks, Jordan Lawson, Katie Haggard

This week we're talking about Defining Moments--those places in our life where one event or one decision became crucial in making us who we are today.

Robby White, Jordan Lawson, Melinda Sparks, Katie Haggard, Sam Hawkins