We all love the idea of church — until people are involved. Because where there are people, there’s mess. But even in that mess, grace still shows up.

Episode Summary: In this honest and heartfelt episode, Cody takes a seat at the messy table of church life — where good intentions sometimes collide, and grace has to do its hardest work.

Through stories from his years in ministry, he explores what happens when the body of Christ hurts, heals, and learns together. You’ll hear about the quiet faithfulness of his late friend Tim Bartlow and Porchlight Grace, the lessons learned from a blunt but steadfast mentor, and the long road of grace through years of discipleship with a young man who didn’t give up — or get given up on.

Grounded in passages like Philippians 1:27, Ephesians 4:2, and Romans 12:18, this episode reminds us that the Church was never meant to be flawless — it was meant to be faithful. Because even in the mess, God is still building His people, one act of grace at a time.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why even healthy churches still get messy
• How God uses imperfect people to show His perfect love
• The difference between hurt and healing in the Church
• Why peacemaking doesn’t mean sweeping things under the rug
• The beauty of staying faithful when it would be easier to walk away

Key Scriptures:

• Philippians 1:27 — “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
• Ephesians 4:2 — “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
• Galatians 6:2 — “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
• Romans 12:18 — “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
• Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
• Colossians 3:13 — “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Reflection: The Church will never be perfect — because we aren’t. But faithfulness, forgiveness, and grace can turn even the messiest moments into testimonies of God’s mercy. Because grace doesn’t walk away when things get hard… it leans in.

So pull up a chair — and remember, God’s still building His Church, one flawed but faithful person at a time.

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