In this message, Mark explores how pride can quietly shape our attitudes, decisions, and dependence on ourselves rather than on God. Through personal stories from his childhood, his journey into ministry, and biblical teaching from James 4:6, he explains how pride often appears as self sufficiency, self righteousness, and self protection. He challenges listeners to honestly identify areas of pride, repent, renounce the spirit of mammon, and intentionally practice dependence on God, reminding us that God gives grace to the humble and that true freedom begins with surrendering every area of our lives to Christ. To learn more about City Church Charlotte, visit citychurchcharlotte.org.

In this message from City Church's Freedom Conference, Ken Grenfell teaches that lasting transformation and a fruitful Christian life are only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from John 14 through 20 and Acts 2, he explains who the Holy Spirit is, the difference between receiving the Holy Spirit at new birth and being empowered by the Holy Spirit for service, and how the Spirit leads, teaches, strengthens, and equips every believer to fulfill God's purpose. Through biblical examples and personal testimony, he emphasizes that spiritual growth, effective ministry, and lasting change all flow from intimacy with the Holy Spirit rather than human effort. Join us at City Church Charlotte in person or online, and learn more at citychurchcharlotte.org.

In this episode from the Freedom Conference, Ken Grenfell explores the different kinds of fear found in Scripture, distinguishing between the fear of the Lord, the fear of man, and what he describes as satanic fear. Through Isaiah 43 and Romans 8, he explains how fear can become a pattern that robs us of faith and identity, while emphasizing that our identity in Christ is the key to overcoming fear. Ken also shares a powerful testimony of a woman who lived with debilitating fear for 18 years after surviving a church attack, only to experience freedom through the love of Jesus and prayer. This message offers biblical encouragement for anyone longing to break free from fear and walk confidently in the freedom Christ provides. Learn more about City Church Charlotte and join us for an upcoming service at citychurchcharlotte.org.

In this message, we explore the victory Jesus secured through His death and resurrection and what it means to live from our new identity in Christ. Through passages from Ephesians, 2 Timothy, Hebrews, Romans, and 1 Peter, this teaching explains how believers have been set free from the penalty and power of sin, the curse of the law, and the dominion of darkness. It also unpacks the relationship between the spirit, soul, and body, showing how spiritual growth and sanctification happen as we walk with Jesus, renew our minds through God's Word, listen to His voice, and respond in obedience. With practical illustrations and personal testimony, this message encourages every believer to reject condemnation, embrace God's grace, and experience the freedom and transformation that Christ has already made available. To learn more about City Church Charlotte, visit citychurchcharlotte.org.

What does it really mean to be a disciple of Jesus? In this episode, Mark and Steve begin a new series on individual discipleship by exploring how Jesus formed people through relationship rather than simply through programs or information. They unpack the rabbi culture behind Jesus' invitation to "follow me," showing how discipleship is a personal journey of walking with Christ, being transformed into His likeness, and learning to bring His kingdom into everyday life. Together they discuss how God calls ordinary people, equips those He calls, and invites every believer to invest in others just as Christ has invested in them. Learn more about City Church Charlotte and join us at citychurchcharlotte.org.

What if one of the greatest keys to growth is learning when to step aside and create space for someone else? In this special message, we explore the surprising leadership lesson found in the Great Commission when Jesus entrusted His disciples with a monumental mission and then left, empowering them to carry it forward. Through the challenge to "use the left," this episode encourages believers to embrace multiplication over control, see potential in others, develop new leaders, and view serving as an opportunity rather than a burden. Discover practical principles for raising up disciples, making room for others to step into their calling, and helping the church grow through intentional empowerment. City Church Charlotte exists to help people encounter God and become the light of Christ. Learn more at citychurchcharlotte.org.

In this episode, Mark and Steve discuss why a teachable heart is one of the most important qualities of effective leadership and discipleship. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, they explore how wise leaders remain humble, eager to learn, quick to listen, and willing to receive correction throughout every season of life. The conversation highlights the connection between humility and growth, the importance of asking good questions, learning from mentors, peers, younger leaders, and even critics, and how a lifelong commitment to learning keeps leaders fruitful and effective. They also reflect on the example of Jesus, the value of maintaining a soft heart before God, and the role of accountability, self-evaluation, and continual growth in becoming a faithful disciple maker. At City Church, we want to see people encounter God and become the light of Christ. To learn more about City Church Charlotte, visit citychurchcharlotte.org.

In this episode, the conversation explores why consistent character is one of the most important foundations of effective leadership and discipleship. Drawing from biblical principles, the discussion highlights how faithfulness in small, unseen moments shapes a leader's credibility, influence, and ability to serve others well. Mark and Steve examine the importance of keeping commitments, following through on promises, remaining steady during challenges, and living with integrity both publicly and privately. They also discuss how consistency creates trust, security, and stability for those we lead, why leaders should aim to under promise and over deliver, and how a life of prayer and daily faithfulness strengthens character over time. Ultimately, this episode encourages listeners to pursue a lifestyle of dependability, integrity, and steadfast devotion to God, recognizing that private faithfulness precedes public fruitfulness. City Church Charlotte exists to help people encounter God and become the light of Christ. Learn more at citychurchcharlotte.org.

In this episode of the City Church podcast, the conversation centers on the importance of remaining teachable as a leader and disciple maker. Drawing from Proverbs, James, and the example of Jesus, the discussion highlights how wise leaders stay humble, listen well, ask good questions, and remain eager to grow throughout every season of life. The episode explores how teachability is connected to humility, accountability, spiritual growth, and a soft heart before God. Through personal stories and biblical insight, listeners are encouraged to learn from mentors, peers, younger generations, critics, and daily time in God’s Word. The conversation also emphasizes that leaders who stop growing eventually lose effectiveness, while leaders who remain teachable continue to grow in wisdom, fruitfulness, and influence. Thanks for listening to the City Church podcast. To learn more about City Church Charlotte, visit citychurchcharlotte.org.

In this episode of the City Church podcast, the conversation focuses on the importance of accountability and transparency in leadership and discipleship. Drawing from scripture and personal experience, the discussion highlights how accountability is not about control but empowerment, helping leaders grow through humility, wise counsel, and authentic relationships. The episode explores the value of confession, openness, and inviting trusted voices into our lives to bring healing, protection, and spiritual strength. Listeners are encouraged to embrace humility, reject performance-driven leadership, and pursue authenticity in their walk with Christ so they can lead their families, churches, and communities with integrity and credibility. The conversation also emphasizes that transparent leadership creates healthy environments where others feel safe to grow, heal, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Thanks for listening to the City Church podcast. To learn more about City Church Charlotte, visit citychurchcharlotte.org.