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Happy 250th Birthday America!  This week, we pull out all the stops.  We roll out the big guns.  We unfurl the flags.  Pastor Michael and Syd return for this special edition of the Growing Together Podcast!  Pastor Michael and Syd show no signs of rust, their conversation with Nic & Dale is immediate and right to the point.  Well, that's not entirely true.  Loyal fans of the show are well aware of the good humor and tangents that abound when we get the band back together.  It's like old times here in the studio, therefore we can guarantee you will laugh out loud in the process of getting your fill of spiritual enlightenment.

Nic is our history buff, and his excitement for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence guides the conversation this week.  Historian Timothy Snyder and Katie Couric support the idea that Christianity was not a founding principle of the United States.  Snyder claims that history is wrong, and there is nothing to support this misguided notion that the American people have relied on their Christian faith to grow and prosper as a nation.  Well, that will get Nic's dander up real quick.  Couric & Snyder find this idea alarming, but Nic is prepared to ring the bell (the Liberty Bell if you please) of truth to set the record straight.

Pastor Michael proposes an interesting question.  At what point in America's history did we turn from being proud of our Christian values?  Was it the 1950's?  Was it the breakdown of the American family?  Has politics and social ideals become so divided over the issue that we feel like we have to leave God out of the equation in order to get along?  There are many symptoms, but the remedy seems illusive in our present world.  It's true, America was founded with the principle of freedom OF religion, but as Pastor Michael points out, people are becoming more concerned with the freedom FROM religion.   

One final question puts it all in perspective.  Can American society survive without Christianity in place at the center of its guiding principles?  History perhaps provides the necessary answer.  If Abraham Lincoln fails to see the hand of God in the outcome of our great Civil War, does it last more than four years?  Does it ever come to an end?  Does slavery meet its rightful demise?  If FDR does not feel the conviction of God, that there is nothing to fear but fear itself, how much farther would Hitler's systematic means of world wide oppression and terror reach?  Might the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis been different had not President Kennedy considered God's council in making a decision that affected the fate of all humanity?  As a nation, could we have survived and found redemption in the wake of the terrorist attacks on 9/11?

We here at the Growing Together Podcast wish you a Happy Fourth Of July.  Have fun, be safe, and stay cool.  God Bless America!      

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Episode 25 is here!  The Growing Together Podcast has covered a lot of ground this year, but we still have a long way to go in 2026.  Not to worry, Nic & Dale have your back, and will see to it that the rest of your year is filled with plenty of encouragement, guidance, and good laughs.  The America 250 celebrations are in full swing as we head into July, and we hope to have some exciting shows planned to put our own personal stamp on it.  Stay tuned, keep listening, and keep on sharing!

This week, Nic & Dale discuss a topic that all of us can relate to.  If there is anything in life we can all agree on, it's that we do not like to be told we have to wait.  Whether it's on the phone with a sales representative, in line at the grocery store, or waiting for that raise you have been promised, waiting is not something we can find a lot of joy in doing.  Our society continues to grow on the very idea that everything we do must be done faster, information must be received the second it happens, and those that wait are way behind schedule.  We expect God to move when we say go, and like little children, we have a hard time accepting a different circumstance.

To surrender to God's will, and be patient in the waiting, is a crucial part of our spiritual growth.  Surrender sounds like a bad word in our society, but when taken in the context of God's control in our lives, we can find strength and poise in giving it all up to Him.  There is inner peace when we allow God to work out the plan he has for our lives, which is a big deal, but also allowing him to tackle the small things gives us even more clarity to ensure we leave nothing untouched by his hand.  As Tom Petty once said, the waiting is the hardest part, but it doesn't have to be.  Learn to let it go, just this once, and you may be surprised just how much God can do if you get out of the way!

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Okay folks, it's time to get real.  Each and every week Nic & Dale hit the mics and pronounce to anyone who will listen that God is good.  They preach it and they believe it.  They take a personal responsibility to spread the gospel and help others in need, yet this time it's different.  This week, Nic is the one in need of a spiritual boost.  The noise in his head is overwhelming, making it difficult to hear God's voice in a very tumultuous time.

Rather than give up for the day and say he has had enough, Nic is willing to push on through and come to the studio.  His is spiritual enough to realize that if he is struggling, it can be used as a springboard to help others.  Dale came prepared with a perfect topic in perfect timing.  Submission to God's will.  Giving it all up to God in the most trying circumstances is easier said than done, but it is absolutely essential to seeing God's purpose when we fail to see how the pieces of our lives fit into his plans.  

His plans..Let's face it.  We all have personal ambitions and dreams.  We do our best to make our plans come true.  When our situation is going well, we see the different parts of our plan coming together and we can convince ourselves that it must be His plan because it has taken on the look of destiny.  But what happens when life turns on a dime and we are faced with the possibility of a different outcome that doesn't line up with what we convinced ourselves is God's will?  So, the question has to be asked.  Are we truly submitting to God's purpose, or does he have to shake things up in order to get us to move in His direction?  Nic & Dale's friendship shines through as they discuss the difficulties of answering these and other heavy questions concerning what submission truly means.  

Now, do not despair.  As heavy as this topic is, there is still humor to be found in this friendly yet spiritual conversation.  If you had any doubt, Nic is still capable of throwing out pro wrestling comparisons to Dale's keen insight and advice.  Dale's laughter is the perfect tonic needed to get a smile back on Nic's face and give him renewed faith that the noise will dissipate and be replaced by clear and concise wisdom.  We hope it will do the same for you.  Another week has come and gone, and what better way to start the weekend could there be than listening to the latest episode of the Growing Together Podcast?  

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We all know how easy it can be to accept accolades.  Compliments make us all feel good about ourselves, and love is divine.  We all want what we think we have coming to us, and many times we want it without overcoming hurdles or putting in the work.  Think back to when you were young.  If you experienced love from your parents, there was nothing that could make your day better, nothing to make your little world an amazing place.  But let's be honest, we all had to face justice from a parent's hand as well; and as much as we didn't like it, it was that justice that truly forged us into respectable human beings.  God carries that responsibility for each and everyone of us, and it is his perfect combination of love and justice that keeps us on the road to glory.  

Dale brings this idea to the table on this week's episode of the Growing Together podcast.  It might not be a revelation, but it certainly is an inspired choice.  Many of us look to God as our Father, but sometimes we fail to realize just what that title carries with it when it comes to our relationship with him.  We crave his love, his blessings, and the miracles he can perform in our lives.  We always ask of him, plead with him, and have the expectation that he will be there for us when we fall.  We expect God to listen when we speak, to love us unconditionally.  He most certainly will do all of these things, because he loves us like no human being ever could.  However, just like when we were young, we are not always so willing to listen ourselves when it doesn't fit into our plans, when it might be painful to admit we have some growing left to do.

Dale begs us to consider this crucial part of our relationship.  Owning up to mistakes and shortcomings with an attitude that promotes growth tells God that we are sincere about submitting to God's will and purposes.  Facing God's justice with truth and maturity will assure that we learn something from our shortcomings.  We will continue to give ourselves up to God and allow him to work in each and every one of us.  Honesty is the best policy.  He already knows what you are going to do, what you have done.  He is the only one that can provide the love and justice necessary to elevate us from our troubles and rebuild a broken relationship.

The Growing Together podcast welcomes all.  New Christians, seasoned Christians.  Those that have been sitting on the fence, not sure if they are ready to begin their journey.  Those that may have said they will never give their life to Christ.  No matter what your situation is, we welcome you to give the podcast a listen.  Every episode is a free download.  No subscriptions, no fees, no regrets.  So what are you waiting for?  Listen to the latest episode or choose one from over a hundred episodes in our history.  it just may ignite that spark you've been missing.  Have a great week and we will see you soon!  

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This podcast has wheels and we just keep turning the episodes out!  Speaking of wheels, Nic was blessed to go on a cross country road trip out west to Arizona and back.  Upon returning home, the word gratitude kept playing on his mind as he reflected upon his experiences.  Now, Nic & Dale are back to have a meaningful conversation about gratitude, life on the road, and giving it all to God when good things happen.

Life is full of surprises, sometimes it leads to Surprise, Arizona.  Nic suggests everyone should take the opportunity to drive out west at least once in their life, for the possibilities are endless and the beauty of it all should not be missed.  Whether it leads to a ghost town in New Mexico that happens to be the final resting place of Billy The Kid, or the Indy car style traffic of Dallas, Texas, you can be sure that if your heart and mind are open to giving God praise for the opportunity your heart will be overflowing with gratitude.  

Nic is grateful to God for giving him the opportunity , and for placing people in his his life that value his worth.  He is also grateful that he was able to take his wife along for the ride, making him realize perhaps more than he ever had, that God has placed the right partner in his life to share all the experiences this world has to offer.  Gratitude for travel mercy and the beautiful country to which he is blessed to live in are just a couple more reasons why Nic recognizes just how good God can be to us.  Dale adds his own unique perspectives, as he always does, offering deep insight into how gratitude can change our lives and keep our mind and body centered on God and his goodness.

Nic & Dale are truly on a roll, and you are always welcome to come along for the ride.  Heart to heart conversation about God is one of the best ways to draw your spirit out and let the gratitude flow.  It provides insight, comfort, laughter, and peace of mind.  When something good is happening in your life, you have to share it with others.  In sharing gratitude, we are sharing God's goodness, and what better way is there to spread the gospel and bring others to the table?  Perhaps a road trip?  Get out there this summer and see what you can find.  God's beauty is everywhere, and he is waiting for you to discover it.  Let's go trippin' on gratitude!  

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Hey everybody!  Nic and Dale are back this week with a brand new topic that we are sure you are going to enjoy.  Have you ever been encountered by somebody that just refuses to see the benefit in what we do as Christians?  Has anyone ever accused you of believing in something that just isn't real?  Have you ever been asked to provide physical truth of the presence of God?  Sure, we all have experienced this a time or two in our Christian walk, and we think it's worth a discussion to put this foolishness to bed once and for all.

People put faith in automobiles and the people who drive them.  People put faith in airplanes and the pilots who navigate them.  People put faith in their own hopes and dreams and declare that they will all come true with just a little hard work and perseverance.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  Yet, so many Christians face criticism for putting their faith in a God no one can see.  

Do Christians have blind faith?  Certainly not.  The written word of God provides us with all the knowledge and wisdom necessary for making the right decisions at the right time, while also teaching us patience and obedience.  The written word guides us in our daily lives, whether we are rejoicing over success or grieving over loss and disappointment.  Our faith is rooted in the promises our Lord makes; and his promises are the only ones not meant to be broken!

Sure, everyone would like to win the lottery, but let's face it, that's just playing the odds.  Faith is not rooted in good luck.  It's not built on wishes and dreams.  Faith is built on trust, and that trust is the product of a relationship like no other.  Faith means you can hand over your troubles to a greater power and come out wiser on the other end.  Most importantly, faith promotes gratitude, which is essential for any one looking to better their daily lives and those around them.  Have a great week and please share with your family and friends!      

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We made it!  The location has been chosen, the soil has been prepared.  The seed has been planted and we have made the commitment to nurture and protect our investment.  There's only one thing left to do!  Enjoy the fruits of our labor!  God delights in our joy when we plant our garden in honor of our faithfulness to his kingdom.  That joy is returned to us abundantly as a reward for our hard work and dedication.  This week, Nic & Dale can pat themselves on the back for a job well done as they present the final episode of the Spring Into Spiritual Growth series.

There's not much to add here, and we wouldn't dare brag about our accomplishments.  You just have to listen to this podcast.  If you have been putting off your own quest for spiritual fulfillment, do not despair.  There's always tomorrow.  But why wait?  Let Nic & Dale give you the jump start you need right now with some wise counsel and a few laughs to brighten your horizons.  There's no need to request a refund or speak to customer service, it's all free and it's all right here at the click of a button.  So what risk are you really taking?  

The Growing Together Podcast has only one mission, and that is to bring people closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Are you tired of listening to other podcasts with endless commercial interruption?  Are you discouraged that you usually have to pay extra to get all the goods?  Could you use a little more conversation and a little less of a sales pitch for merchandise?  Well, you wont find any of those distractions here.  If it says the episode is an hour plus long, the episode is just that;  all show and no filler.  We can't wait to have you along for the conversation.  Thank you for listening and have a blessed week!    

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Well folks, we have hit the home stretch, but don't go away just yet.  Our quest for spiritual growth continues this week as Nic & Dale provide more insight into what it takes to make sure all your hard work doesn't go for naught.  This week's episode is an essential part of the growing process.  Maintaining your spiritual growth can be a daunting task in the world we live in, therefore, it is important that your efforts to nurture and protect are supported by wisdom and fortitude.

Can you ever be one hundred percent certain that your faith will never be tested once you proclaim yourself Christian?  Is there ever a time in your life when you can let your guard down and assume that the enemy will never cross your path in the attempt to shake up your roots?  The answer is positively, no.  As the old saying goes, this is not a race, but a marathon.  Our journey through life as an active Christian means challenges will always test our best laid plans, and we must have the proper response to all things at all times.

The Book of Ephesians tells us that we must always put on the full armor of God, everyday.  We must put it on.  Just as we wake up everyday and clothe ourselves in our favorite sweatshirt or pair of shoes, so we must also make the effort to dress our mind and body in the armor God provides for us.  The written word, read daily, is a one size fits all application that guarantees our protection against the forces of darkness at work all around us.  Can you see it?

Sounds pretty serious doesn't it?  Maybe so, but don't worry.  There will still be plenty of laughs to be shared.  You can count on Nic & Dale to keep the conversation light.  You just never know what you might hear on this show.  There's only one way to find out.  Become a listener, and help spread the word to all corners of God's kingdom.  Have a great week everybody!

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The Growing Together podcast continues to roll.   This week we celebrate our 150th episode as we expand our series on spiritual growth!  Join Nic & Dale as they discuss what is perhaps the most important step in the process.  You have found the right location and have prepared the soil well, now it's time to plant your seed.

Dale is convinced his seed represents positive affirmation and self-worth; the realization that how you value yourself is rooted in God's wisdom and guidance, not on the superficial things we value in our early years.  Only the love of God can supply the growth necessary to transform the young self into a mature, productive adult capable of being an example for God's kingdom.  When others can see your light shine, it's because you have planted your seed well and have produced something pure and inspiring.  There's no shame that Dale cannot dunk a basketball, he's an all-star in God's kingdom.

Nic believes his seed is that abiding faith one must possess that passes all other understanding in this topsy-turvy world we feel trapped in.  Fellowship is key, the word is truly essential, but faith is absolute.  Submitting to God's will is a by-product of understanding his word and applying it to our lives even in those times when we don't understand.  Faith is what makes that relationship a two-way street and lets God know you are truly invested in what he is trying to convey.  Faith holds strong when the storm is doing its worst to uproot everything you have worked so hard to create.

This week's episode just might provoke some second-guessing; it may challenge you to look within yourself.  Is your relationship with God just a casual exchange when you need something to happen?  Do you only consider God when other people talk about him?  Are you satisfied to admire other people's work while your  garden lives only in your own mind?  Do other people see Jesus in your smile?  So many questions deserve appropriate answers.  God is waiting for you to plant that seed, for he is the vine and we are the branches! 

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The apostle Paul understood that, sometimes, you just have to get out there on your own and see what you can accomplish with only the Word to guide you.  On this edition of Growing Together, host Nicholas Affolter,  finds himself in a similar situation.  With no co-pilot available, he will have to rely on what has been stored up inside the spirit and go for it.  Fortunately, he knew right where to look for inspiration.  The Book of Romans is a great place to find solace in solitude and the result is a deep dive into the everlasting truth that Jesus Christ can free us all from our sin and the obstacles that hold us back.

Have you been on a hopeless pursuit of happiness, finding yourself lost in the self-help section of your favorite bookstore?  Do you have a favorite chair or recliner that calls your name and suckers you in for a wasted night of death-scrolling or channel surfing?  Do you find that all the goals you set in your mind are sabotaged by the draw of more comfortable, yet pointless pursuits?  Paul covers this fatal flaw of mankind and explains to us that although we share these same weaknesses, they do not have to define us.  Christ is our one true solution to everlasting purpose and salvation.  

The nature of sin that lives within us all is a powerful mixture of loathing, self-doubt, and overwhelming guilt that can control our body and mind to the point of a breakdown.  We can tell ourselves that we are unworthy of God's grace, so why bother?  It can reduce the self to mental and physical apathy, making even the most ordinary tasks seem insurmountable.  Have you ever been there?  Paul has.

The Book of Romans reminds us that it is our spirit that decides our fate, not the sin forced upon us by a cruel and unfair world.  If our spirit is for the Lord then sin must retreat and die a slow death of its own.  Our natural bodies can never survive the harsh realities of this world, but our spirit will live on and on if it lives for the Lord.  It's time to tell sin to hit the road.  It has no place here.  It all starts with one simple statement: I choose to live for the Lord.  Paul was so confident in this belief that he was willing to travel thousands of miles to share it.  All it takes is one step for your journey to begin.  Let's go!