Dwell On These Things

Abbey Merker interviews Katie and Kim, who left Columbus four and a half years ago to help plant a church in a new city. They share their decision-making process—navigating prayer, counsel, fears, and flip-flopping convictions—and discuss the surprising realities of homesickness, team dynamics, and ministry changes they didn't expect. Both reflect on how being stretched in uncomfortable circumstances deepened their dependence on God and changed their character in ways that wouldn't have happened if they'd stayed, while also acknowledging the importance of holding expectations loosely and staying rooted in prayer rather than emotions. Speaker: Abbey Merker, Kate McAtee, Kim Cooper

Abbey Merker interviews Morgan Zahler, new principal at Akili High School, about her journey from intervention specialist to school leadership and her vision for educating students in Columbus. Zahler explains how academic struggles often stem from learning disabilities, environmental barriers, or learned helplessness—and how these struggles directly impact students' spiritual development and sense of identity. She discusses Akili's unique model combining academics with career counseling, life coaching, and spiritual formation, and shares a powerful success story of a student with dysgraphia who went from writing two sentences to drafting a book. Speaker: Morgan Zahler, Abbey Merker

Dave Glover interviews Steve Bauer, who has overseen operations at Dwell Community Church for over three decades, about his transition from business to ministry and the surprising lessons learned along the way. Bauer reflects on major building projects from the Cleveland Avenue campus to Fourth Street and Oakland Park, sharing stories of God's providential timing and closed doors that led to better opportunities. He discusses how ministry refined his character—especially learning patience and understanding that "if God wants something done, it'll be done" Speaker: Steve Bauer, Dave Glover

Abby Merker interviews Nicole Williamson about navigating finances as a Christian, drawing from Nicole's journey of paying off over $100,000 in debt on a modest income. Nicole shares ten principles for simple living—from examining your heart's orientation toward money to practical strategies like meal planning and no-spend days—emphasizing that biblical stewardship is about more than extreme frugality. They discuss resisting cultural currents that normalize debt, the importance of boundaries and budgets for creating freedom, and how Nicole's family maintained generosity even while aggressively paying down loans. Speaker: Niccole Williamson, Abbey Merker

John Ross interviews Mike Sullivan, a long-standing member and sphere leader up for eldership at Dwell Community Church, tracing his journey from a 1982 house party to nearly 30 years of adult ministry leadership. Sullivan shares stories from leading home churches through revival seasons, pioneering urban ministry with low-income youth, and navigating the challenge of helping adult groups recapture a vision for planting and multiplication. He reflects on weathering the loss of his wife Edith last year, his approach to starting new ministries in uncharted territory, and why he believes some of Dwell's best days in adult ministry are still ahead. Speaker: Mike Sullivan, John Ross

Pat Reeder interviews Brian Adams about his 2016 workshop on staying spiritually grounded when life gets busy, exploring how to prioritize time with God and loving others amid competing demands. Adams reflects on how his approach has evolved over a decade—especially as a parent of three young kids—while maintaining core biblical principles like the greatest commandments and trusting God through life transitions. They discuss practical strategies for managing attention, the importance of spiritual rest versus mere relaxation, and why loving others (what Adams calls "love therapy") remains the antidote to anxiety and stress. Speaker: Brian Adams, Pat Reeder

Are women really losing interest in Christianity, or is something else going on? In this honest conversation, Keira Williamson, Kalyssa Deken and Abbey Merker discuss the cultural trends, false narratives, and real struggles affecting women's spiritual commitment—from "main character energy" to the tradwife stereotype. They share both the devastating losses and surprising breakthroughs they've experienced, plus practical ideas for how the church can better reach and empower women today. Speaker: Abbey Merker, Kalyssa Deken, Keira Williamson

Pat Reeder interviews Kathryn Akers and Doug O'Malley about their eight-plus years serving Generation Z at Dwell Community Church, examining both research data and firsthand ministry experience with high school and college students. They discuss Gen Z's strengths (love of prayer, thirst for justice, desire for authentic community), challenges (mental health struggles, social media effects, risk aversion), and surprising shifts like increased spiritual receptivity and declining attachment to political correctness. The conversation explores practical ministry implications—from the appeal of gospel simplicity to Gen Z's potential as future church planters and cross-cultural missionaries. Speaker: Pat Reeder, Doug O'Malley, Kathryn Akers

In this episode of Dwell on These Things, we explore how God is building a powerful house church movement in Ivory Coast and across West Africa. Jim Leffel shares firsthand stories of how a small, struggling network of churches grew into a thriving, disciple-making movement reaching tens of thousands through biblical, grassroots ministry. Speaker: Jim Leffel, David Pease

Brian Adams sits down with Shane Coulter to unpack the major shift in how Dwell Community Church fundraises for its life-changing student camps—Epic and Blowout. Speaker: Brian Adams, Shane Coulter