Faith First Podcast

Welcome to the Faith First Podcast. I’m Jonathan Gouthier, a pastor here at First Church in Torrington, CT. Let me ask you, how do you find encouragement to walk out your faith in this world? If you shrugged your shoulders, you are in great company because most of us probably don’t know if we can continue to find hope and encouragement in this world. I’m glad you’re here today to hear my discussion with our Lead Pastor Steve Darr on the topic of being a generator of hope. Welcome Steve.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why does knowing that God doesn’t get tired give us encouragement and strength?
• How can we help and support others through encouragement?
• You mentioned that we all should in some way be a Barnabas. Why is that?
• What do we need to embody in order to be an encourager?

All you have to do is look to the words of Jesus and be encouraged. Reflecting on Christ’s words often brings a fresh perspective to our situation and we are reminded that all things are possible with God. And that we can find our encouragement by keeping our eyes fixed on Him.

We try to provide some very practical ways to step out in your faith and we pray it is beneficial to you who are listening. If you are new to the Faith First Podcast, I ask you to hit the subscribe button to be notified when our next episode will launch. And until then, look around and see how you can encourage another faith first.

Hello and welcome to the Faith First Podcast! I’m Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut. Did you know that you, yes, you can be an encouragement to someone else? In today’s episode, we’ll find out just how, when you and I listen to a message given by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr entitled, Be A Generator of Hope. Let’s listen in…

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why do we all need encouragement
• What the Bible says about encouraging others
• The ways we can be encouragers
• Why Barnabas is a good guide for encouragement

In the book of Romans, Paul calls for mutual encouragement among believers. He emphasizes the importance of supporting one another in faith. We are called to bear with the failings of one another rather than please ourselves. This attitude promotes a spirit of compassion and support that uplifts and encourages one another. If you found this message meaningful, be sure to hit that subscribe button so you’ll be notified when the next episode is ready. Until then, lift someone up today faith first.

Hello and welcome, you’ve reached the Faith First Podcast and I’m Jonathan Gouthier, a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, CT, and today, wait a minute, I think I forgot my coffee. OK that’s better, now let’s see what’s next? Oh yeah, today’s episode is all about not allowing yourself to get distracted. I’m here in the studio today with our Lead Pastor Steven Darr to chat about this topic. Hello Steve, I don’t know about you I often get distracted because my mind is going 100 miles a minute and we find it weird to slow down and focus, thoughts?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What makes distraction the condition in our lives
• How does attention become the ruler of what’s important to us
• Why do we get distracted? When is distraction good for us?
• How can we fight distraction and keep our focus on godly things? 

We all get distracted, but the reality is as we cannot serve God while serving 1 million other things in life. We can’t be all over the place and focus at the same time so whatever God has assigned us to do we can do it no matter what our flaws are, and imperfections are no matter how hard or seemingly impossible they might be by simply focusing on what God said and believe until we see it!

If this is your first time tuning in to the Faith First Podcast, we’re so glad you’re here! Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button below so you’ll be notified when our next episode is available. And until then, let go of distraction and focus faith first!

Welcome to the Faith First Podcast, I’m Jonathan Gouthier, a pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut. Let me start by asking if you have an issue with paying attention? I know I do sometimes and usually it’s when something important is about to happen. I get distracted very easily. So, if you are like me, this is a good message for you to tune in and hear today. So, let’s both listen in on the message by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr on Don’t get distracted.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why we are being conditioned to distraction
• The forms distraction come upon us
• How to deter distractions from our lives
• Whish distractions are good for us

Our attention often runs to what’s important to us. So distraction can reveal what lies within our hearts. At the deepest level, we are distracted because we are fallen people who battle with the flesh, our sinful natures. In seeking to remain focused on what is important, we can run to God’s word that tells us to walk by the Spirit.

We’re so glad you listen in today and hope that the distractions you face will subside when you get into God’s word. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button below to stay updated on our latest conversations. Until next time, remain focused on the plans God has for you faith first.

Welcome to the Faith First Podcast! I’m Jonathan Gouthier, a pastor here at First Church in Torrington, CT. If you’ve found it difficult to choose someone to follow, then this episode is for you. In it you’ll discover through my conversation with our Lead Pastor Steve Darr who makes a good Christian leader today. Welcome Steve, glad you’re in the studio today, we’re going to start with this question; How do you define leadership?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• You mentioned that when we choose to follow someone we are to welcome them into our lives, what do you mean by this?
• What qualities do you think scripturally a leader ought to possess?
• How is leading others to Christ being a leader?
• Why is servant leadership crucial in the Christian’s life?

Godly leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about having a heart that seeks after Him. The leaders God chooses are those who trust Him wholeheartedly, stand strong in the face of challenges, walk humbly with a repentant spirit when they stumble, and serve others with genuine love.

These are the qualities that inspire others to follow. Do you see them in yourself? Maybe this episode sparked something in you or encouraged you to grow as a leader in your home or community. If so, be sure to hit the subscribe button below so you won’t miss the next episode! Until then, seek after God’s own heart faith first.

Hello and welcome to the Faith First Podcast! I’m Jonathan Gouthier, a pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut, and I’m so glad you’re tuning in today.

Have you ever found yourself wondering how to choose the right leader—or even more, how to grow into a leader yourself? You’re not alone! Leadership is a big deal, and today, we’re diving into what Scripture says about leadership and how we can wisely choose those we follow.

So, let’s jump in and hear from our Lead Pastor, Steve Darr, as he shares insight on this important topic!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Where we ought to get our definition of leadership
• What leaders should look like that Christians can follow
• How do you become a leader in your home
• Why God desires you to mature and lead

Our first priority should be asking if the leaders we follow align with the kind of leaders God would choose. If they do, then follow them! But leadership isn’t just about charisma or popularity—the Bible lays out clear qualities of a godly leader, and those should guide both our choices and our own growth as leaders. A heart that truly seeks God will always pursue what He desires.

Here at the Faith First Podcast, we’re all about encouraging your faith, and we don’t want you to miss a single episode! Just hit the subscribe button below to stay updated on our latest conversations. Until next time, remember—God has set the standard for leadership, and it always starts with faith first.

Hello and welcome to the Faith First Podcast! I’m Jonathan Gouthier, your host and Associate Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, CT. Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by our Lead Pastor, Steven Darr, as we dive into an important topic: giving God our undivided attention. In a world full of distractions that can pull us away from what truly matters, we’ll explore how to keep our focus on Him. So grab a seat, settle in, and join us for this meaningful conversation! Hello Steve…

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why is it so hard to pay attention in today’s world?
• How was Jesus present in the moment throughout His ministry?
• We’re commanded to pray continually and yet we tend to wander, why is that?
• How can we give God our full attention?

We can commit to loving God and others wholeheartedly, trusting in His grace and love to guide us as we sharpen our ability to give Him our full attention. Did your mind wander during this episode of the Faith First Podcast? If so, don’t worry—you can listen again anytime! And while you’re here, be sure to hit the subscribe button below so you don’t miss our next episode, coming soon. Until then, remember to keep your focus on God, faith first.

Hey, you’ve reach the Faith first Podcast. I’m Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut. In this episode we’ll be listening to a message given by our Lead Pastor Steven Darr, so if we have your undivided attention, let’s listen in…

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why distraction is an issue for each of us
• How to give ourselves fully to each moment
• Learn how Jesus was present in every moment
• Why God deserves our undivided attention

One of the reasons why it is hard to pay attention is because it often requires us to turn away from what we’re naturally conditioned to do. It’s hard to keep our thoughts at bay and it requires us to have a firm commitment to stay focused. We have this same attention deficit when we come to God, our mind wanders, our thoughts take over. The antidote is the Word of God that calls us to be more attentive to what God desires for us. We hope you enjoyed this episode. Make sure you hit the subscribe button below to be alerted to when the next episode will launch. Until then, commit to give your full attention to God faith first.

Welcome to the Faith First Podcast! I’m Jonathan Gouthier, a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, CT, and today we’re diving into an important topic with our Lead Pastor—staying hydrated. But don’t worry, this isn’t about drinking more water! It’s about staying spiritually refreshed and renewed in God. We’re so glad you’ve joined us for this conversation. Well, hello, Steve! It’s great to have you here today!

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The definition of spiritual hydration
• Why we get spiritually dehydrated
• How following “spirituality” can actually cause us to become thirsty
• What quenches our spiritual thirst

What does Jesus ask of those who long to be filled with His living water and stay spiritually hydrated? First, He calls us to acknowledge our thirst—to admit we’re spiritually dehydrated. Then, He invites us to build a deeper relationship with Him by spending time in His presence, following His ways, and living as He lived so His living water can flow through us and refresh our souls.

If this is your first time tuning in to the Faith First Podcast, we’re so glad you’re here! Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button below so you’ll be notified when our next episode is available. And until then, let God’s living water quench your thirst faith first.

Hello and welcome to the Faith First Podcast! I’m Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut. Today, we’ve got a refreshing message for you—literally and spiritually! We’ll be tuning in to hear from our Lead Pastor, Steven Darr, as he shares a thought-provoking sermon titled Stay Hydrated. And trust me, it’s not what you might think. Let’s dive in together!

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The importance of physical hydration in comparison to spiritual hydration
• What it takes to realize that refreshing comes from God alone
• What happens when we don't hydrate in God's presence
• Why hydration is necessary to live a life close to God

When we don’t take time to hydrate ourselves in God’s presence, it’s like neglecting water for our bodies—we need Him to truly thrive. Just as desperation for water comes when it’s almost too late, neglecting time with God leaves us feeling spiritually parched, as though we’re in a drought. If today’s episode spoke to you, know you’re not alone—we’ve all been there. If you found this message meaningful, be sure to hit that subscribe button so you’ll be notified when the next episode is ready. Until then, remember to drink deeply from the Living Water. Faith first!