Dear Church

By Ripple of LightReligion & Spirituality Christianity Education

Dear Church episodes

October 30, 2025Ep. #336 "Spiritual Warfare"
In this episode, Chris McCurley sits down with Dr. Kerry Williams, pulpit minister at West Main Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. Together, they dive into the reality of spiritual warfare — what it is, how it impacts our daily lives, and how Christians can stand firm in faith against the enemy's attacks. Kerry also shares insights from his years of ministry and academic study, drawing from his Ph.D. from Arkansas State University to help believers better understand the unseen battle between good and evil.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

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Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].

#DearChurchPodcast #SpiritualWarfare #FaithInAction #ChristianLiving #RippleOfLight #ChurchOfChrist #ChristianPodcast #ArmorOfGod #FaithOverFear #SpiritualBattle
35 min
October 23, 2025Ep. #335 "Faith & Adoption"
In this episode, Chris McCurley talks with Lindsy Bailey, a loving mother and coach in the Lebanon School District (MO), about the powerful journey of adoption. Lindsy shares her personal story of faith, family, and how God's love is beautifully reflected in the adoption process. Together, they discuss the challenges, blessings, and deep spiritual lessons that come from opening your heart and home to a child in need.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight

ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight

ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight

Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].

#DearChurchPodcast #Adoption #FaithAndFamily #ChristianParenting #RippleOfLight
26 min
October 16, 2025Ep. #334 "Faith & Education"
In this episode, Chris McCurley sits down with Dr. Christie Southerland, Director of Schools for the Dickson County School District, to discuss the powerful intersection of faith and education. Dr. Southerland shares insights from her years in public education, exploring how faith shapes leadership, decision-making, and the way we influence the next generation. Together, they discuss the challenges and blessings of serving in education while holding firm to Christian values.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight

ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight

ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight

Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].

#DearChurchPodcast #FaithAndEducation #ChristianLeadership #PublicSchools #RippleOfLight
31 min
October 11, 2025Ep. #333 "Faith & The Fairway"
In this episode, Chris McCurley sits down with Hunter Walcott, a professional golfer whose journey combines talent, perseverance, and a deep faith in God. Hunter shares how his time as a student-athlete at the University of Tennessee shaped his discipline, accountability, and spiritual growth — and how he continues to rely on his faith while pursuing a career in professional golf. Together, they discuss what it looks like to honor God in a competitive world and keep faith at the center of life's pursuits.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight

ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight

ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight

Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].

#DearChurchPodcast #FaithAndSports #ChristianLiving #GolfAndFaith #RippleOfLight #golflife
28 min
October 02, 2025Ep. #332 "Christian Higher Education"
In this episode of Dear Church, Chris talks with Blair Schroeder, Chief Strategy Officer at Abilene Christian University, about the future of Christian higher education. They explore why students should consider a Christian university, what makes ACU unique, and the role faith plays in shaping academic and personal growth. Blair brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, strategy, and community engagement, offering valuable insights into how Christian colleges can prepare the next generation of leaders while staying true to their mission and values.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight

ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight

ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight

Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].
27 min
September 25, 2025Ep. #331 "The Story of Scripture"
In this episode of Dear Church, Chris sits down with Will Norrid to explore the beautiful, unified story of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible weaves together one powerful narrative that points us to God's plan for humanity. Will, who has served in full-time ministry for over twenty years with the Lebanon Church of Christ in Dresden, TN, brings a deep love for storytelling, teaching, and helping others see how the entire Bible connects as one. His background in ministry, writing, and teaching has shaped his passion for showing how God's Word continues to transform lives today.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight

ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight

ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight

Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].
40 min
September 18, 2025Ep. #330 "Faith & Country Music"
In this episode of Dear Church, Chris talks with Landon Talley, an up-and-coming country singer and songwriter who is chasing his passion for music. Together, they explore the intersection of faith and country music, the challenges of pursuing a dream, and the importance of holding onto God while navigating the music industry. Landon shares how faith shapes his journey, inspires his songs, and gives meaning to his pursuit of success.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight

ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight

ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight

Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].
32 min
September 11, 2025Ep. #329 "Shepherding the Sheep"
In this episode of Dear Church, Chris sits down with Jeremy Weekley, preaching minister at the West End Church of Christ in Knoxville, TN, and co-host of the Not Just Sundays podcast. Together, they dive into the biblical role of shepherds (elders) in the church and what it truly means to shepherd God's people. They discuss the heart of leadership, the responsibilities of elders, and how shepherding strengthens the church family.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight

ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight

ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight

Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].

#DearChurchPodcast #ShepherdingTheSheep #ChurchLeadership #EldersInTheChurch #SpiritualLeadership #ChristianPodcast #ChurchMinistry #FaithAndLeadership #BiblicalTeaching #Discipleship #ChurchOfChrist #ChristianLiving #PastoralCare #FaithPodcast #ChristianCommunity
34 min
September 04, 2025Ep. #328 "How to Know When Someone Is Ready for Baptism"
In this episode of Dear Church, Chris talks with JD Schwartz, youth minister at Graymere Church of Christ, about one of the most important questions parents and ministers face: When is a young person ready for baptism? Together they discuss how to discern spiritual readiness, the role of parents in guiding their children, and why rushing or delaying baptism can both bring challenges. Drawing from JD's decades of experience working with teens and families, this conversation offers wisdom and encouragement for anyone navigating this crucial step of faith.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight

ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight

ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight

Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].

#DearChurchPodcast #JDSchwartz #YouthMinistry #Baptism #FaithDecisions #ChristianPodcast #ParentingAndFaith #RaisingFaithfulKids #ChurchOfChrist #ChristianLiving #YouthFaith #FaithJourney #ChristianParents #Discipleship #TeenFaith
38 min
August 28, 2025Ep. #327 "Living in Harmony"
In this episode of Dear Church, Chris sits down with Zane Perkins, longtime minister, missionary, and counselor, to talk about Living in Harmony. Zane shares how a Christ-centered perspective and healthy communication can strengthen your home, workplace, and relationships. Drawing from years of ministry experience in Chile and his work with Sunset International Bible Institute, Zane unpacks practical tools for navigating conflict, embracing different perspectives, and building deeper connections that reflect the love of Christ.

Connect with Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch

Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/

ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight

ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight

ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight

ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight

Have a question? Email Chris at [email protected].
36 min