Digging Deeper Podcast - Perimeter Church

By Jeff NorrisSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Relationships

Digging Deeper Podcast - Perimeter Church episodes

March 07, 2025 Prayer - The Mission of the Church
In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura talk with Paul Miller—author and director of See Jesus Ministry—about the vital role of prayer in the church’s mission.
Paul shares practical insights on overcoming prayer struggles, embracing honesty with God, and understanding His promises, especially in disappointment. He also reflects on his family’s journey with disability, the fight against cynicism, and the power of love, faith, and hope. Together, they explore the J-curve—how suffering leads to resurrection—and offer practical ways to overcome prayer fatigue and foster radical dependence on God.
Additional Resources:
Learn more about Paul’s ministry at seejesus.net
Read (or gift) Paul’s book, A Praying Life
39 min
February 28, 2025 An Outward-Focused Mission
In today’s conversation on Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura talk with J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church, about the mission of the church and church planting. They discuss the need for churches to equip members for mission rather than catering to consumerism. J.D. discusses the importance of recognizing the call to mission. It’s not about if you’re called, but where and how God leads you to be on mission for Him.
Together, the three discuss the challenges of sustaining passion for their mission in the face of personal struggles and sufferings. They emphasize the significance of the Christian community in providing support and guidance during these times. We hope this episode encourages you to seek opportunities for evangelism in everyday life, being confident that even in times of personal struggle, God can use you to impact others.
35 min
February 21, 2025 The Mission of Spiritual Formation
What does it mean to be spiritually formed? In this episode of Digging Deeper, hosts Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington are joined by Dr. Jim Wilhoit, author and retired Wheaton College professor, to explore how spiritual formation is central to the mission of the church. Together, they unpack how transformation happens not just through personal devotion but within the context of community.
From Jesus’ own formation to the role of suffering in shaping our faith, this conversation challenges the modern tendency toward isolated spirituality. Whether you're a new believer or have walked with Jesus for years, this episode will encourage you to engage more deeply with the church and embrace the lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ.
39 min
February 14, 2025 What Is the Mission of the Church?
In this episode, Jeff and Laura reconnect with Dr. Michael Reeves to explore the mission of the church, its biblical foundation, and its connection to union with Christ. Michael emphasizes that mission isn’t an optional add-on but an essential part of the Christian life, rooted in a deep relationship with God. They discuss how delighting in God naturally fuels a life on mission, making gospel-sharing a joyful overflow rather than a duty. Tune in for a rich conversation on how true mission stems from a heart that enjoys God.
38 min
November 08, 2024 Kingdom People Grieve With Hope
In this episode of the Digging Deeper podcast, Jeff and Laura wrap up our series on ‘Kingdom People’ with a look at how the Christian grieves with hope.

Today’s guest is Sandra McCracken, a singer/songwriter and worship leader. She shares her experience with grief, resilience, and maintaining hope as a follower of Christ. The conversation digs into what lament looks like and how lament allows believers to acknowledge pain while still holding on to hope in Christ. Sandra shares her personal experience of what a gift communal lament is and how faith communities can support each other through structured services of lament.

This episode offers comforting insights and practical encouragement for anyone seeking to understand how faith sustains us in times of grief.

Additional Resources:
- Check out Sandra’s new book, Send Out Your Light (sandramccracken.com/sendoutyourlight)
- Be encouraged by Laura Story’s book, When God Doesn’t Fix It (perimeter.org/WhenGodDoesntFixIt)
- Listen to the hymn Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul by Anne Steele
- Check out the recent Digging Deeper episode: The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts (perimeter.org/podcast/the-holy-spirit-and-spiritual-gifts/)
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.
36 min
November 08, 2024 Kingdom People Episode 6
In this episode of the Digging Deeper podcast, Jeff and Laura wrap up our series on ‘Kingdom People’ with a look at how the Christian grieves with hope.
Today’s guest is Sandra McCracken, a singer/songwriter and worship leader. She shares her experience with grief, resilience, and maintaining hope as a follower of Christ. The conversation digs into what lament looks like and how lament allows believers to acknowledge pain while still holding on to hope in Christ. Sandra shares her personal experience of what a gift communal lament is and how faith communities can support each other through structured services of lament.
This episode offers comforting insights and practical encouragement for anyone seeking to understand how faith sustains us in times of grief.
36 min
November 01, 2024 Kingdom People Episode 5
Prayer is a vital characteristic of Kingdom People, and the Holy Spirit instills a desire to pray in believers. In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura engage with Dr. Don Whitney, professor at Midwestern Theological Seminary, to explore the significance of prayer in the life of a believer.
The three discuss common struggles Christians face in prayer and the transformative practice of praying through Scripture, particularly the Psalms. The conversation also touches on how to hear God through His Word and the importance of praying in alignment with God's will, especially in the context of cultural moments like elections.
Learn more about Dr. Whitney’s work and ministry at mbts.edu/whitney.
32 min
November 01, 2024 Kingdom People Pray
Prayer is a vital characteristic of Kingdom People, and the Holy Spirit instills a desire to pray in believers. In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura engage with Dr. Don Whitney, professor at Midwestern Theological Seminary, to explore the significance of prayer in the life of a believer.
The three discuss common struggles Christians face in prayer and the transformative practice of praying through Scripture, particularly the Psalms. The conversation also touches on how to hear God through His Word and the importance of praying in alignment with God’s will, especially in the context of cultural moments like elections.
Learn more about Dr. Whitney’s work and ministry at mbts.edu/whitney.
Related resources:
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.
32 min
October 25, 2024 Kingdom People Episode 4
Friendship is a deep, felt need for everyone and requires work and commitment, which is hard to maintain in the busyness of life. Jeff Norris and Laura Elvington sit down with Pastor Bryan Loritts to explore the theme of enduring friendships within the context of faith and community.
In this conversation, Dr. Loritts walks through major themes of friendship, emphasizing the importance of deep, meaningful relationships in a world that often prioritizes superficial connections. Listen as they delve into the challenges of maintaining long-term friendships, the lessons learned from the book of Philemon, and the distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. You’ll learn how investing in relationships reflects the heart of the gospel and God's desire for community among His people.
Learn more about Dr. Loritts’ work on his website, bryanloritts.com. You can purchase his new book, Enduring Friendships, from the Perimeter Bookstore or other retailers.
32 min
October 25, 2024 Kingdom People Build Enduring Friendships
Friendship is a deep, felt need for everyone and requires work and commitment, which is hard to maintain in the busyness of life. Jeff Norris and Laura Elvington sit down with Pastor Bryan Loritts to explore the theme of enduring friendships within the context of faith and community.

In this conversation, Dr. Loritts walks through major themes of friendship, emphasizing the importance of deep, meaningful relationships in a world that often prioritizes superficial connections. Listen as they delve into the challenges of maintaining long-term friendships, the lessons learned from the book of Philemon, and the distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. You’ll learn how investing in relationships reflects the heart of the gospel and God's desire for community among His people.

Learn more about Dr. Loritts’ work on his website, bryanloritts.com. You can purchase his new book, Enduring Friendships, from the Perimeter Bookstore or other retailers.
Related resources:
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.
32 min

About Digging Deeper Podcast - Perimeter Church

From the publisher's feed

Digging Deeper explores present-day topics with a biblical perspective, hosted by senior pastor Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington, featuring special guests.