Culture Matters

In this episode, we’re joined by Jenna Hernandez from Citizens Church, who shares how her work in college ministry and prison discipleship is all about meeting people right where they are. Whether she’s leading a Bible study with students at UT Dallas or walking with women behind bars, Jenna brings a grounded, relational approach to spiritual formation—one that’s shaped by presence, patience, and hope.

We talk about the unique challenges young adults are facing today—performance pressure, identity confusion, and constant noise—and how the Church can step in not with quick fixes, but with faithful presence. Jenna’s stories remind us that real transformation often begins in the quiet, overlooked places.

• What are college students really up against right now?
• How do we meet students where they are and invite them into something deeper?
• What prison ministry is teaching us about dignity, identity, and hope.

• Jenna's work at UTD is made possible by support from people like you. Please consider supporting her!
• Follow: Citizens College Life

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

In this episode, Caroline Smiley joins us to explore God’s vision for friendship and community. How do relationships shift across seasons of life? What does it mean to pursue Christlike friendships in a culture shaped by individualism?

We dive into the biblical foundation of community, from Genesis to today, and how Scripture challenges our approach to relationships. We unpack how deep friendships reveal both our strengths and blind spots, refining us in the process.

Through the lens of a Christ-centered life, we explore how to cultivate friendships that reflect Jesus—embracing diverse perspectives, fostering intentional love, and reimagining non-sexual relationships as spaces for spiritual growth. Join us as we reorient our hearts toward God’s vision for community and imagine friendships that reflect the depth and beauty of His Kingdom.

• What Does God Say About Friendship?
• Why We’re Made for Community
• How Knowing God Changes How We Do Life Together
• Why Different Friendships Make Us Better
• The Messy, Beautiful Work of Relationships
• Rethinking Friendship Through a Gospel Lens
• How Understanding Others Helps Us Love Better
• Bringing Jesus Into Everyday Relationships

• Delighting In The Trinity by Michael Reeves

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

Why do spiritual disciplines matter if we’re saved by grace through faith? If salvation isn’t based on works, why do prayer, fasting, and Scripture reading still hold weight? Today, we’re diving into what Paul says in Romans about how salvation isn’t just about avoiding hell—it’s about transformation. Spiritual disciplines aren’t about earning God’s favor; they’re about stepping into the fullness of life He’s called us to.

• The Value of Spiritual Disciplines
• The Power and Practice of Prayer
• Training for Eternity With God
• The Journey of Spiritual Growth

• Check out Liz's newest book
• Check out her other Podcast: Starting Place
• Check out The Woodson Institute
• Follow Liz

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

We are kicking off this special mini-series on Spiritual Formation by sitting down with Robyn, a longtime friend and valued member of our church community. At 58, Robyn embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner, embracing the highs and lows of life with faith and humility. She shares her story through the lens of seasons—how adoption, loss, and her relationship with the church have all shaped her walk with Christ.

We also talk about the hard stuff—letting go, trusting God, and the illusion of control. What it looks like to release our fears, trust God with the people we love, and find peace even when life feels uncertain?

And then there’s joy—the kind that only comes from God. We unpack how deep grief and divine joy can coexist, how scripture can speak into our hardest moments, and why nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from God’s love.

So, join us for this conversation. It’s honest, it’s hopeful, and most of all, it’s a reminder that no matter what season you’re in, God is present.

• Navigating Life's Seasons
• Learning to Let Go and Trust
• Finding Strength in God's Joy
• Wisdom and Growth in Faith

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

We’re kicking off a fresh season of Culture Matters with a new approach—less reaction, more intentional conversation. Inspired by Andy Crouch’s vision of Christians as curators, we’re breaking up the season into six to eight-week mini-series that dig deep into faith, culture, and creativity. Along the way, we’ll explore key cultural moments, theological insights, and the stories shaping our world.

This episode, we’re diving into TV and film like Silo season two, The Diplomat, and Apple TV’s Shrinking. We’re also discussing Conclave, a Vatican-set thriller, plus Disney’s X-Men ‘97 and a new Spider-Man series.

Beyond consuming culture, we’re called to create. We talk about indie artists, the challenge of making authentic Christian art, and our own projects on anxiety and mental health. Creativity isn’t just an outlet—it’s a way to reflect God’s image. So grab a cup of coffee, hit play, and join the conversation.

• Biblical Theology by Andreas Kostenberger
• Union with Christ by G.K. Beale
• Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
• Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson
• Gift of the Grotesque - Book of Judges Companion
• One with Christ by Sam Alberry
• Union with Chris by Kyle Worley
• Wolf Hall series by Hilary Mantel

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

Amidst the holiday hustle, have you ever considered the impact of pausing to reflect? Advent offers us this sacred pause, inviting us to step away from commercial chaos and embrace the profound of Advent and Christmas. This episode guides you through the themes of Advent—hope, love, joy, and peace—showing how they anchor us during this season. Scripture from Isaiah, Luke, Matthew and James illuminates our path as we enter into the anticipation of Jesus’ birth and His promised return.

We hope this episode blesses you. We will see you next year! Merry Christmas.

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

Advent reminds us of the hope in a light in the darkness. In this episode, our friends Bobby and Taryn share their story of how God upheld them through joys and suffering and through seasons of lament surrounding the holidays. 

• Encountering God in Suffering
• The Power of Christian Lament
• Trusting God in Community
• Embracing Joy and Sorrow in Advent
• Finding Grace in Suffering

• Spurgeon - "Man of Sorrows"

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

In this episode we discuss some of the bigger headlines in the news lately as well as take a look back at the year to review some of our favorite, books, music and movies.

Our previous episodes on Christian Nationalism:

• Part 1
• Part 2

Books:

• Flood and Fury
• Hip-Hop Is History
• Do Fathers Matter?
• Nuclear War on Audible
• The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever
• We Shall All Be Changed
• The Mary We Forgot
• Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God's Lovingkindness

Music:

• Ty Rashad
• Paper Horses
• The Brilliance - Advent Collection
• Natalie Bergman - Mercy
• Nourished by Time
• Adrianne Lenker
• Indie Tribe
• DJ Mykel - Bodega

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

Join us on Culture Matters as we explore the epistle of Galatians with Elizabeth, who shares insights from her new study, Live Free. Elizabeth delves into her admiration for Paul's engagement with culture, highlighting his skillful interaction with Greek philosophers and his adept handling of false teachings by the Judaizers. We discuss how Paul's message remains relevant today, addressing the timeless challenges of being right with God and experiencing true freedom from sin.

• Buy the book: Live Free: A Study of Galatians
• Follow Elizabeth
• Listen to her Podcast: Starting Place
• Check out The Woodson Institute

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

Join us on Culture Matters as we explore the role of gratitude and its significance. We discuss how the human experience is often a mixture of gratitude and sorrow, how gratitude can offer contentment in the present moment and how it can shift our perspective to appreciate even small blessings.

•  Choosing Gratitude for Joyful Living
• Navigating Gratitude and Sorrow in Life
• Finding Grace in Times of Loss
• Seeking Joy Through Gratitude
• Life's Journey With the Lord

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]