We’re kicking things off with a brand-new look, but we’re diving straight into one of the oldest, messiest, and most misunderstood parts of our faith: The Old Testament. For a lot of us, the 'First Volume' of the Bible feels like a confusing collection of hard-to-pronounce names, weird laws about bacon and fabric, and a version of God that feels… well, different. But if we skip the Old Testament, we’re skipping the very foundation of why Jesus had to come in the first place. Today, we’re stripping away the 'VeggieTales' versions of these stories to look at the raw, unfiltered heart of God. We’re talking hermeneutics, the true purpose of all those laws, and why the Old Testament isn't just a history book—it’s a mirror. Grab your coffee and your Bible; it’s time to see how the ancient Word meets our modern world. Let’s dive in.

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Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

In this unfiltered Season 1 finale of the Go Be the Church Podcast, Eric and Stephen tackle the questions you actually wanted answered. From Jesus’ model of ministry to Revelation’s real meaning, from dating advice to Dodgers fandom, nothing is off-limits. Expect hot takes, honest answers, and a few laughs along the way as we wrestle with what it really means to follow Jesus in everyday life.

Whether you’re sorting through faith, leadership, or relationships, this episode offers real talk, biblical wisdom, and a reminder that church isn’t a place—it’s a people.

Keywords: Christian podcast, discipleship, Q&A, church leadership, faith questions, following Jesus, Revelation, Christian dating, spiritual growth, Go Be the Church

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Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Hosts: Eric Friedmann and Stephen Albi, with special guest: Blake Porter 

God doesn’t call us to be perfect messengers—just willing ones. In this episode, we’ll help you find the courage and clarity to share your faith with the people who need it most.

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Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Hosts: Eric Friedmann, Jared Prince, and first-time guest: Michelle Jacob!

We no longer bow to statues, but we still bow to the things we chase for security or identity. What’s the hardest idol for you to let go of? Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram (@gobethechurchpodcast) or email ([email protected]).

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Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Hosts from left to right: Stephen Albi, Jared Prince, Samuel Green, and Eric Friedmann.

If there’s one book that has shaped history, families, and faith more than any other, it’s the Bible. But let’s be honest—most of us struggle to read it consistently, let alone let it sink into our everyday lives. In this episode, we’re discussing why we truly need the Bible, not just as a Sunday accessory, but as God’s living Word for our Monday mornings, our challenging seasons, and our everyday decisions. 

We’ll share how to move beyond obligation and into delight, and provide you with some practical ways to engage with Scripture so it becomes less of a checklist and more of a lifeline. Grab your favorite Bible app, audio version, or physical Bible, and let’s lean in together.”

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Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Featuring: Eric and Diana Friedmann, and Katlyn and Ben Morin.

Voiceover: Lauren Hopper

Marriage is often called the ultimate team sport—but even the best teams face challenges. In this episode, we have an honest and helpful conversation about navigating the ups, downs, and arounds of marriage. Specifically, we aim to debunk common misconceptions about marriage and explore practical tools, discussing order and headship in the home as God’s design—and what that should truly look like from a Christ-centered perspective. Whether you’re hoping for marriage, newly married, or have been together for decades, this conversation will provide you with tools and inspiration to strengthen your bond and deepen your connection to one another.

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Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Stephen Albi, Elaine Stone, and guests Grant and Jackie Risley.

Raising kids today can feel like walking a tightrope—balancing school, screen time, and social pressures—all while trying to raise them in the fear and love of God. In this episode, we’re sitting down with two teachers and parents who are navigating the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons of integrating faith into everyday life. From the dinner table to the classroom to the Sunday School room, we’ll explore practical ways to disciple your kids, have honest conversations about God, and let faith shape every part of family life. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, this conversation will give you fresh insight—and maybe even a few holy disruptions—on what it means to raise kids who love Jesus.

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Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Today, we’re talking about a calling that changes everything — when God invites you to leave the marketplace and step into ministry.

We’re sitting down with two guests and newer staff members at First Christian Church, Katlyn Morin and Jordan Dunahee, who’ve walked that road — trading business plans for kingdom work — and they’re sharing the honest truth about what that transition was really like: the joys, the fears, the surprises, and how God showed up along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to follow God’s call — in any season — this conversation’s for you. Let’s lean in together.

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Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Today, we're diving into a topic that’s as simple as talking — and as deep as the heart of God: prayer.

Samuel Green, Stephen Albi, and a special guest, Mackenzie Green (Samuel's wife) share about their honest journeys with prayer — the highs, the struggles, the breakthroughs — because let's be honest, prayer isn’t always easy.

And we won’t stop at stories. We’ll share practical tools, habits, and biblical wisdom to help you not just pray more, but pray with purpose and confidence.

Whether prayer feels like second nature or a total mystery, this conversation’s for you. Let’s grow together.

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Web: https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod

Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Today's episode is a special one. We're celebrating the release of the official studio recording of All That You Have Grown: a powerful and deeply personal worship song written by First Christian Church's Creative Arts Pastor, Jared Prince. With your host, Eric Friedman, dive into the story behind the song and get a peek into the creative process that brought it to life. 

It's a journey of reflection, surrender, and the quiet, faithful work of God growing beauty out of brokenness.

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

Web: https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod

Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.