Faith & Practice: Where Theology Meets Everday Life

In this episode of the Faith & Practice Podcast, we compare Islam and Christianity by asking some of the most important questions we can ask: Who is God? Who is Jesus? How has God revealed Himself? What is wrong with humanity, and how can sinners be saved? We explore the differences between Allah and the triune God, Muhammad and Jesus, the Qur’an and Scripture, and the Islamic and Christian understandings of sin, grace, and salvation—all while considering how Christians can speak with Muslim friends and neighbors with clarity, conviction, gentleness, and respect.

In this episode of Faith & Practice, Hunter and Gavin explore the relationship between Judaism and Christianity by asking the central question: Has the Messiah come? They compare the two faiths through Scripture, covenant, the law, the Messiah, Jesus, and salvation, showing how Christianity understands the Old Testament story as finding its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

In the opening episode of Season 3, Hunter and Gavin introduce our new series on World Religions & Worldviews. Why should Christians take the time to understand what others believe? And how can we compare competing belief systems faithfully, fairly, and biblically?

This episode lays the foundation for the season by considering why worldview matters, how every person approaches life with fundamental beliefs about God, humanity, truth, morality, and eternity, and why Christianity makes unique claims that must be carefully examined.

Throughout this season, we will explore major religions and worldviews, seeking to understand them on their own terms while comparing their teachings with the truth of Scripture and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the final episode of this season of Faith & Practice, Hunter and Gavin discuss a practical question every Christian should consider: How do you find a healthy church?

Rather than beginning with preferences like music, programs, location, or atmosphere, they walk through the biblical priorities that should shape our evaluation of a local church. A healthy church is centered on the gospel, governed by Scripture, faithful in practicing baptism and the Lord’s Supper, committed to meaningful membership, gathered faithfully for worship, led by qualified shepherds, and actively making disciples.

They also discuss how to distinguish between an imperfect church and an unfaithful one, how to think about denominational differences, and why convenience and personal preference should never outweigh biblical conviction. Ultimately, the question is not simply, “Do I like this church?” but “Can I faithfully belong to this church?”

This episode centers on the biblical design for leadership in the local church—particularly the roles of elders and deacons. We discuss the responsibilities and qualifications of each office, why elders are called to shepherd and oversee God’s people, the biblical case for male eldership, and how church leaders can exercise genuine authority without becoming controlling or domineering. Ultimately, biblical leadership is about faithfully serving Christ by caring for His people.

In this special episode of the Faith & Practice Podcast, we sit down with four young adults who spent eight weeks serving alongside our church partner, Awaken City Church, in Herriman, Utah. They share stories from their time in the Salt Lake City area, reflect on the challenges and joys of gospel ministry, and discuss how God used the experience to deepen their faith and shape their understanding of the local church and its mission. Join us as we hear what they learned, how they grew, and what God is doing through Awaken City Church in Utah.

Why do Christians gather each Lord’s Day? In this episode, we explore the church’s weekly assembly as more than attending a service. The gathering is where God’s people hear His Word, respond in worship, encourage one another, display the power of the gospel, and anticipate the worship of eternity.

In this episode of the Faith & Practice Podcast, we consider why church membership matters in the life of the Christian. Membership is more than a formality or a name on a roll; it is a meaningful commitment to a local body of believers. Together, we explore how membership expresses belonging, clarifies pastoral care, strengthens accountability, promotes unity, encourages service, and displays the gospel through the shared life of the church.

In this episode of Faith & Practice, we continue our series on The Life of the Church by asking a foundational question: What is the church? Far more than a building, service, or organization, Scripture presents the church as the gathered people of God—redeemed by Christ, united by the Spirit, and sent into the world for His glory. Together, we consider the difference between the universal and local church, what it means to be the people of God, and why gathering with Christ’s body is essential for discipleship, worship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

In this opening episode of Season 2, we begin a new conversation on The Life of the Church by asking a foundational question: Why does the church matter? Together, we consider God’s design for the local church, why gathering with believers is essential to the Christian life, and how the church shapes us as disciples of Jesus.