City Church Manchester elder Sam Hyde takes us through 1 Samuel 28, where King Saul who is in complete spiritual decline, continues to fall further from God, seeking advice from spiritual mediums to consult the "ghost" of the prophet Samuel, rather than turning to God. What does this rather odd biblical chapter have to with us as followers of God today? Find out by listening.

Ralph walks us through 1 Samuel 26 and 27.

Joshua takes us through 1 Samuel 24.

Our guest preacher Daniel Grimwade, who is the Yorkshire director for FIEC, continues our sermon series, taking us through 1 Samuel 25.

In his last week at City Church, Eric takes a break from our 1 Samuel series to take us through Genesis 50 and how Joseph responds to hardship and betrayal.

How do you respond to the hardest moments in your life? When things don’t work out the way you planned or hoped? Do you panic? Hide from it as though you’re burying your head in the sand? Or grit your teeth, pull your socks up and endure/push through? What’s your response when hard times come? Do you question God? Where is God in the middle of this? Listen to Find out what the Biblical way to respond to hardship is.

This conversation explores the impact of anxiety on relationships, particularly within church settings. It discusses how anxiety can be contagious in groups, affecting decision-making and resistance to change. The speakers emphasize the importance of self-awareness, differentiation, and playfulness in managing group anxiety, and highlight the potential for growth through challenging experiences. Ultimately, they offer hope by reminding listeners of the strength found in faith amidst anxiety.

Discussion Questions

1. What signs or signals have you seen or experienced that might indicate a particular group is gripped by anxiety?
2. How does anxiety spread in a group context?
3. In what ways might individuals help lower the anxiety of a group?
4. What might be some areas of church life that you or your church would moralize as an anxious response to suggested change?
5. What are some ways we might help keep the anxiety flowing in our organizations so we don't become stagnant and prevent tribalism within the group?
6. What might be some ways we can address our anxious blind spots as a group or as an individuals?
7. How can we be differentiated in a group while also being kind and compassionate?
8. Where can we find hope in an anxious season?

Chapters

00:00 - Understanding Anxiety in Relationships

02:48 - The Contagion of Anxiety in Groups

05:57 - The Impact of Anxiety on Decision-Making

09:06 - Resistance to Change in Anxious Groups

11:55 - Moralizing and Group Dynamics

15:08 - Navigating Change and Anxiety

17:48 - Curiosity and Self-Awareness in Groups

21:08 - Differentiation and Non-Anxious Presence

24:05 - Playfulness as a Tool for Managing Anxiety

26:49 - Growth Through Anxiety

30:08 - Finding Hope in Anxiety

32:55 - Conclusion and Reflections on Anxiety

In this episode of Equip Tracks, Rachel Pontier, Matt Waldock, and Boaz Williams discuss the multifaceted nature of anxiety and its impact on faith, relationships, and church dynamics. They share personal experiences with anxiety, define its nature, and explore how it can serve as a tool for spiritual growth and worship. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and seeking help when needed, while also addressing the guilt and shame often associated with anxiety in Christian circles. Ultimately, the discussion encourages listeners to view anxiety as an opportunity for deeper connection with God and others.

• Discussion Questions
  1. How do you see anxiety show up in your life and relationships?
  2. In your experience, what has been the Christian response to anxiety? Has it been helpful or unhelpful?
  3. How might curiosity and kindness towards anxiety reframe the way you engage it in yourself or in others?
  4. How might respond to anxiety in a friend differ from responding to your own anxiety?
  5. Boaz talks about how the goal of the Christian life is worship. Do you agree or disagree?
  6. How can we combat a guilt and shame around experiencing anxiety?
  7. What might it look like to become a less anxious presence?

Podcast Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Anxiety and Faith

02:51 - Personal Experiences with Anxiety

05:47 - Defining Anxiety: Understanding Its Nature

11:36 - The Relationship Between Anxiety and Worship

17:45 - Tools for Managing Anxiety

23:40 - Seeking Help: When to Talk to Others

29:32 - Navigating Guilt and Shame Around Anxiety

35:52 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Do you feel lonely and unseen, tired and alone? This talk tells the story of someone who gave everything, yet was betrayed, rejected, and left to suffer alone. But it’s not just his story. It’s ours too. What if your loneliness is a clue that you were made for something more? This is about the kind of love that stays when everyone else walks away, the kind that sees you at your worst and still doesn’t leave.

Why do we strive so hard for the world’s honour? It is something we deeply crave and pursue. In this sermon, we see that chasing worldly honour can lead to shame, as it did for Saul. But we are also shown where true honour is found, an honour that shame cannot take away, but can only bring to completion.

Eric takes us through 1 Samuel 21-22:5.