Made for Mondays

Got a question? Let us know!

Host: Heather
 Guests: Jamey, Chelle, Pastor Lauren

WEEKEND CHITCHAT

Quick catch-up: What did y’all get into this weekend?

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

What stood out to you from this week’s reading?

WHAT THE WHAT????

Listener questions if submitted.

Jamey, this week you continued our Losing Myself series by talking about how constant noise, scrolling, and distraction can slowly disconnect us from God and even ourselves. Through Moses in Exodus 3, we saw that hidden seasons aren’t wasted — and that God often speaks when we finally slow down enough to notice. The invitation was simple, but challenging: Go Silent to Hear God.

Q1 — Loudest Place Ever

Before we get deep…what’s the loudest environment you’ve ever been in? Did you love it or immediately want to escape?

Q2 — The Anxious Generation

You talked about the tension families feel around devices, social media, and screen time, and referenced The Anxious Generation and The Tech-Wise Family.

Can y’all recap some of those ideas and share how you see technology shaping kids, students, and adults right now?

Follow-up:
How does our Next Gen ministry partner with parents in this?

Q3 — When Connectedness Becomes Too Much

Jamey, you talked about how constant information and stimulation can actually short-circuit what God wants to do in us.

Where have you personally seen anxiety, comparison, or FOMO increase when your attention became too consumed by the noise of the world?

Q4 — The Holy Work of Noticing

Moses wasn’t looking for a spiritual moment — he was just tending sheep when he noticed the burning bush and turned aside.

What does it teach us that God spoke after Moses stopped and paid attention?

Follow-up:
Where might we be moving too fast to notice God right now?

Q5 — Noise That Hides God

You said, “The noise keeps God hidden.”

How do we discern the difference between healthy engagement and the kind of noise that dulls our ability to hear God?

Follow-up:
What are some signs we’re becoming spiritually distracted?

Q6 — Go Silent to Hear God

The big idea this week was: Go Silent to Hear God.

Why does silence feel so uncomfortable for many of us?

Follow-up:
What might change in our church and homes if we treated silence as an act of trust instead of emptiness?

Q7 — Starting Small

For someone who wants to practice silence with God but feels awkward or intimidated by it, what’s one simple place to start this week?

Follow-up:
What do we do when God brings a Scripture, person, or quiet nudge to mind?

That’s all the time we have for today! Be sure to share this episode and invite someone to join you this Sunday as we continue our Losing Myself series at 9 and 10:45. If you can’t make it in person, join us on YouTube at 1PM.

Until then, don’t forget — we’re here for good. Go BE LOVE!

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know!

Host (Joe): Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore how to take what we heard on Sunday and live it out during the week. Who’s with me today?

Guests (Heather, Jamey, and Chelle): [Say hello!]

WEEKEND CHITCHAT

Quick catch-up: what did everybody get into this weekend?

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

Host: What stood out to you from this week’s reading?

WHAT THE WHAT????

Host: Keep sending in your questions about faith, life, culture, or the message—we love getting to wrestle through them together.

Host: This Sunday, Heather kicked off our new series, Losing Myself, by talking about the tension of trying to figure out who we are in a life we didn’t exactly plan. Through Moses’ story, the invitation was simple but challenging: stop trying to build identity from the inside out and instead discover who we are by following the great I AM.

Q1 – Behind the Message

Heather, what was it like preparing this message for Mother’s Day weekend?

Q2 – Drawn Out Before He Knows It

Moses’ story begins with chaos, rescue, and uncertainty long before he understands who he is. What does that show us about how God forms identity?

Follow-up:
How might that encourage someone whose story feels messy or out of their control?

Q3 – Freedom vs Formation

You said, “Freedom to choose isn’t the same thing as the power to define yourself.”

How do we navigate that in a culture constantly telling people to invent themselves?

Q4 – Whose Before Who

The big idea was: “I’ll discover who I am when I follow the I AM.”

Why does belonging to God have to come before fully understanding ourselves?

Follow-up:
How can the church become a place where people feel safe figuring that out?

Q5 – Midian Seasons

For someone in a season that feels disappointing or off-course, what’s one small way they can follow Jesus this week instead of trying to “find themselves”?

JOIN US SUNDAY!

We’d love to see you this Sunday as we continue our Losing Myself series at 9 and 10:45—or online at 1PM on YouTube.

Until then, don’t forget—we’re here for good.
 Go be love!

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know!

Host (Heather): Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore how to take what we heard on Sunday and actually live it out during the week. Who’s with me today?

Guests (Tyler, Jamey, and RaChelle): [Say hello!]

Host: Also…this is a big one—our last Made for Mondays with Tyler. So we’re soaking it in today.

WEEKEND CHITCHAT

Quick catch-up—what did everyone get into this weekend?
 Maybe highlight anything from the Free Market.

Host Transition: Alright, now that we’ve established we’re real people…

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

Host: How’s Jesus been speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week?

(2 Samuel & Luke)
Anything standing out?

Host Transition: That’s good—let’s jump into Sunday.

SUNDAY DISH

Host: This week in Turbulence, Jamey, this one felt a little too relatable.

We’re constantly checking our phones—battery, signal, staying charged—but we’re not nearly as aware of what’s going on in our souls. And when you tied that to what Jesus says about staying connected, it made it really practical.

And…you kicked things off with phobias, so let’s start there.

Q1 – Fear Factor (Icebreaker)

Do y’all have any real phobias—like legit fears?

Q2 – Why We Miss the Signs

We don’t really have a “soul gauge” the way we do for our phones.

Why do you think we’re so much less aware of our spiritual condition?

Follow-ups:

•  Are there signs we tend to ignore? 
•  Why is it easier to notice physical or emotional depletion than spiritual? 

Q3 – Recognizing Low Battery

You mentioned things like being reactive, anxious, or drained as signs of disconnection.

Which of those tends to show up first for you?

Host: And you said, “Low battery isn’t a failure; it’s an invitation to reconnect.”

Why is that distinction so important?

Follow-up:
How can we hold onto that as grace without making drift feel harmless?

Q4 – The Drift Problem

Most of us aren’t intentionally disconnecting—we just drift.

What does that drift actually look like in everyday life?

Follow-ups:

•  What are the biggest culprits—distraction, busyness, stress? 
•  When do you tend to notice it most? 

Q5 – Practicing Connection

You introduced breath prayers—simple ways to reconnect in the moment.

For someone who’s never tried that, what does that actually look like?

Follow-ups:

•  When has that been most helpful for you? 
•  Why is something so simple actually powerful? 

Q6 – Family + Everyday Rhythms

For families, life is already full and chaotic.

What could this look like in that environment?

Follow-ups:

•  How do you model this without it feeling forced? 
•  What are simple, everyday ways this shows up? 

Q7 – Removing What Disconnects

You also talked about removing things that consistently disconnect us…which sounds great until we actually try to do it.

How do we begin to identify—and be honest about—those things?

Follow-ups:

•  What’s usually hardest to let go of? 
•  How do we do that without becoming extreme or legalistic? 

Q8 – Habit Stacking (Real-Life Practice)

Tying this to something we already do—like checking our phones—is so practical.

What could actually change if people started using those moments to reconnect with Jesus throughout the day?

WRAP-UP

Host: Maybe the goal isn’t to never feel “low battery”—it’s to notice it so

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know!

Host (Heather): Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore how to take what we heard on Sunday and actually live it out during the week. Who’s with me today?

Guests (Jamey, and RaChelle): [Say hello!]

Host: This week we’re diving into Step 8 from our Steps series—but before we get there, let’s catch up.

WEEKEND CHITCHAT

Quick catch-up—what did everyone get into this weekend?
 (Keep it light, human, and fun.)

Host Transition: Alright, now that we’ve established we’re real people…

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

Host: How’s Jesus been speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week?

(1 Samuel & Luke)
Anything standing out?

Host Transition: Love that. Let’s lean into some of the questions coming in.

WHAT THE WHAT (Listener Questions)

Host: After Easter, we got some really thoughtful questions—so we’re starting to dig into those now and will keep it going in the weeks ahead.

Question 1 (Faith rhythms):
For someone who’s struggled to stay consistent reading the Bible or praying—especially if they don’t love reading—where would you encourage them to start?

Follow-ups:

•  Is Bible reading about knowledge, relationship, or both? 
•  How do we build rhythms of prayer in both hard seasons and good ones? 
•  What’s realistic—set times, spontaneous prayer, or a mix? 

Question 2 (Original sin):
Why were Adam and Eve held accountable if they didn’t yet understand good and evil before eating the fruit?

Follow-up:

•  How should we understand responsibility, trust, and disobedience in that story without oversimplifying it? 

Host Transition: Those are big, honest questions—and they actually connect really well to where we’re headed today.

SUNDAY DISH

Host: This week in Turbulence, Jamey, you helped us shift from chasing peace through control to receiving peace through presence.

Jesus didn’t leave His disciples empty-handed—He promised the Holy Spirit as God’s active presence with us. The invitation?
 Let go of control. Stay present. Learn to listen.

Q1 – Icebreaker (Real Life Response)

When life feels turbulent, what’s your default—control, withdraw, fix, or reflect?

Q2 – Personal Connection

We all come from different church backgrounds.

What was your understanding of the Holy Spirit early on—and how has that changed over time?

Q3 – Digging Deeper (Not a Backup Plan)

Jesus promises “another Advocate”—another of the same kind.

What would that have meant to the disciples, and why does it matter that the Spirit isn’t a substitute for Jesus—but His ongoing presence?

Follow-up:
How does that reshape the way we depend on the Holy Spirit in everyday life?

Q4 – From Quote to Life

“Control is an illusion.”

How do we tell the difference between healthy responsibility and the kind of control that quietly steals our peace?

Follow-up:
What are some signs we’ve slipped from trust into control?

Q5 – Big Idea (Someone, Not Something)

“The Holy Spirit isn’t just something to understand—He’s someone to experience.”

What does a healthy, grounded, everyday experience of the Spirit actually look like?

Follow-up:
How would our church feel different if we truly expected the Spirit to lead us daily?

Q6 – Practice (Hands Open)

We were invited to pause, open our hands, and ask, “Holy Spirit, what do You want to say to me?”

For someone who tries that and feels… nothing—what would you say?

Follow-up:
What simple rhythm could help us move from reactive living to Spirit-le

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know!

Host (Heather):
Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore ways to bring Sunday’s message into our everyday lives. Who’s joining me today?

Guests (Tyler, Jamey, and Chelle):
Hey everyone!

WEEKEND CHITCHAT

Host:
Alright—quick catch-up. What did everyone get into this weekend?

Host Transition:
Okay, now that we’ve established we’re real people with real lives…

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

Host:
How’s Jesus speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week?

(Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, Luke)

WHAT THE WHAT????

Host:
After Easter, we got some great questions sent in—so we’re going to start digging into a few of those today, and we’ll keep that going in the weeks ahead.

We’re also gearing up for a summer series called Campfire Stories, where we’ll tackle real questions about faith, life, and culture—so this is a bit of a preview.

Question 1 – Relationships & Timing

We heard from someone wrestling with timing, trust, and relationships—feeling behind, feeling pressure, and wondering how much is on them versus trusting God.

Discussion prompts:

•  How do you balance intentionality in relationships with trusting God’s timing? 
•  What does healthy discernment look like vs. being overly critical or judgmental? 
•  How do you deal with the fear of being “behind” in life? 

Question 2 – Trinity & Focus on Jesus

Another question asked why Christians focus so much on Jesus instead of speaking more broadly about God as a whole.

Discussion prompts:

•  How does Jesus reveal the fullness of God rather than compete with it? 
•  Why is focusing on Jesus central to Christian faith? 

Follow-up:
How should we understand gendered language for God—what’s cultural, and what’s theological?

SUNDAY DISH

Host:
Tyler, this week you continued our Turbulence series, looking at John 14–15—where the disciples wanted clarity, direction, and answers… and Jesus offered them something deeper: Himself.

Q1 – Icebreaker

Have y’all ever been completely lost—like truly had no idea where you were going?

Q2 – Personal Connection

Tyler, you shared about your journey—especially this being your last season on staff here.

Can you give us a glimpse into that earlier season when you first came here—and how that’s shaping how you’re navigating what’s ahead?

Follow-up:
Jamey and Chelle, can you relate to that tension of uncertainty and transition?

Q3 – Seeing the Father in the Son

In John 14, Jesus says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

How would you help someone understand that without oversimplifying the mystery?

Follow-up:
Why does this matter for someone whose view of a “father” has been shaped by pain?

Q4 – Trusting Without the Whole Map

We often want full clarity before we trust.

What does it actually look like to obey with partial light?

Follow-up:
How can we tell the difference between faithful waiting and fear disguised as wisdom?

Q5 – Big Idea: Trusting the Pilot

The big idea: Peace comes from trusting the Pilot, not our perspective.

What tends to pull us back into trusting ourselves instead?

Follow-up:
What would it look like for a group, family, or friendship to practice that kind of trust this week?

Q6 – Peace That Still Moves

Trusting Jesus isn’t just about surviving turbulence—it’s about joining God in what He’s doing in it.

How does that shift the way we see difficult seasons?

Follow-up:
For someone

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know!

Host (Heather):
Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore ways to bring Sunday’s message into our everyday lives. Who’s joining me today?

Guests (Jamey, Joe, and RaChelle):
Hey everyone!

Host:
This week is a big one—we’re wrapping up our Steps series, all 12 steps, and it lands on Palm Sunday…which feels pretty fitting.

But before we jump in—how was everyone’s weekend? Anybody get outside and enjoy the weather?

WEEKEND CHITCHAT

(Let it breathe—keep it human and light.)

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

Host:
How’s Jesus speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week?

(Joshua & Luke)

SUNDAY DISH

Host:
So today we’re holding two things together—Palm Sunday and the close of our Steps journey.

We see a crowd celebrating Jesus for who they think He is…while He’s actually moving toward the cross. And at the same time, we’re talking about what it looks like to not just experience change—but actually live it out.

Q1 – Wrapping the Journey

Jamey, as you closed out this series—what felt most important for you to leave with people?

Q2 – Step 12: Outward Movement

Step 12 shifts from internal transformation to outward impact.

Why is helping others such a critical part of the process?

Follow-up:
What happens if someone stops at personal healing but never moves outward?
Why is helping others actually part of staying healthy?

Q3 – Palm Sunday Tension

On Palm Sunday, the crowd had expectations of Jesus that didn’t match reality.

Where do you see that same tension in our lives today?

Follow-up:
Where do we want a “different version” of Jesus?
How does that impact our willingness to follow Him fully?

Q4 – “Give It Away to Keep It”

If this is our Year of Practice, Step 12 feels less like an ending and more like a beginning.

Jamey, you said, you have to give it away to keep it.

Where have you seen that play out in real life—especially when someone feels like they have nothing left to give?

Q5 – Self-Improvement vs Surrender

What are some red flags that following Jesus has quietly turned into a self-improvement plan?

Follow-up:
What would it look like for a church to measure maturity less by what it consumes—and more by who it’s serving?

Q6 – The Power of Remembering

One of the most powerful moments this week was communion.

How does remembering what Jesus has done shape how we live?

Follow-up:
Why is remembering essential to spiritual formation?
What happens when we drift from it?

Q7 – Practicing Through Holy Week

This week we step into Holy Week—24-hour prayer and Good Friday.

How do these moments help us practice instead of just move on?

Follow-up:
What would you say to someone who’s never done something like the 24-hour prayer experience?
Why does intentional space with God matter?
What have you experienced there that’s different from a typical Sunday?

Q8 – Staying the Course

After a season like this, it’s easy to drift.

Where do people tend to slip back into old patterns?

Follow-up:
What helps catch it early?
What role does community play in staying grounded?

Q9 – Personal Reflection

As you reflect on this whole Steps journey—what’s been the most challenging or meaningful part for you?

JOIN US SUNDAY!

Host:
That’s all we’ve got for today!

Jamey, give us a quick preview—what’s coming this Easter Sunday?

(Let him share)

We’ll see you and your guests all throughout Holy Week! You can find all the

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know!

Host (Heather):
Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore ways to bring Sunday’s message into our everyday lives. Who’s joining me today?

Guests (Jamey and Tyler):
Hey everyone!

WEEKEND CHITCHAT

Host:
Alright, before we jump in—what did y’all get into this weekend?

Host Transition:
Okay, now that we’ve established we’re real people with real lives…

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

Host:
How’s Jesus speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week?

(Deuteronomy, Joshua, Mark, Luke)

SUNDAY DISH

Host:
Tyler, this week you walked us into Step 11 by reminding us that connection with God grows through practice, not pressure. From Philippians 4, you showed us that prayer, meditation, gratitude, and steadying our thoughts aren’t ways to earn closeness with God—they’re ways to live with Him.

Q1 – Personal Entry Point

When you think about your current connection with God, what word or phrase comes to mind—and why?

Follow-up:
Has that felt consistent lately, or has it been shifting?

Q2 – Joy Before the Change

Paul talks about rejoicing—even while under house arrest.

How does that challenge the way we tie joy to circumstances instead of closeness with Jesus?

Follow-up:
What might change in our prayer life if we focused on being with God before asking Him to fix things?

Q3 – Practice, Not Pressure

Our big idea is: connection with God grows through practice, not pressure.

The Jewish people built their lives around rhythms with God, while we often try to “fit Him in.”

What does that difference reveal about how we view our relationship with Him?

Follow-up:
How might even a few intentional rhythms reshape that connection?

Q4 – When Noise Wins

We talked about both external and internal noise.

What tends to drown out God most in our lives right now?

Follow-up:
How can community help us notice when life feels full—but our souls are running dry?

Q5 – The Next Right Thing

Tyler, you tied connection with God to simple obedience—doing the next right thing.

For someone who feels stuck, what’s one small step they could take this week?

Follow-up:
Why does God so often meet us in ordinary obedience instead of big breakthrough moments?

JOIN US SUNDAY!

Host:
That’s all we’ve got for today! We’ll see you and your guests this Sunday at 9 and 10:45 as we take the final (yet ongoing) step together.

If you can’t make it in person, join us on YouTube at 1PM.

We know these Steps have been challenging—but we hope they’ve also been deeply rewarding.

Remember—it works if you work it.

Until next time… go BE LOVE!

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know!

Step Ten: Ongoing Inventory

This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Tyler, and RaChelle to talk about Step 10 — continuing to take personal inventory and promptly admitting when we’re wrong. Before diving into the conversation, the group catches up about the weekend and reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, continuing through Deuteronomy and Mark.

Then the conversation turns to Sunday’s message.

SUNDAY DISH

The reaction to “taking inventory”
When people hear the phrase take inventory, reactions vary. For some it sounds freeing and clarifying. For others it feels exhausting or intimidating. The group reflects on why honest self-examination can feel uncomfortable—even though it’s meant to lead to freedom.

The illusion of “arriving”
Jamey pointed out that following Jesus doesn’t make us sinless—it makes us forgiven. Yet many Christians quietly assume maturity means we should eventually stop struggling. That expectation can create pressure to hide our struggles instead of bringing them honestly before God and trusted community.

“When,” not “if”
Step 10 uses the phrase when we were wrong, not if. That small word reminds us that spiritual growth doesn’t eliminate mistakes—it teaches us how to respond when they happen. Honest acknowledgment of failure doesn’t lower the bar for holiness; it keeps us grounded in humility and grace.

Living one day at a time
Jamey shared the illustration of eating a lifetime’s worth of food one day at a time. In the same way, spiritual growth becomes overwhelming when we try to think about the entire journey at once. Focusing on today helps us stay connected to Jesus in the present instead of discouraged by the past or anxious about the future.

Honest community
The group reflects on a story shared Sunday about an older man who openly admitted his ongoing struggles. Moments like that show the power of honesty in community. When people feel safe enough to tell the truth about their lives, it creates space for real growth without pretending we’ve already arrived.

Practicing Step 10
Jamey described three ways to practice this step:

• Spot-check inventory — pausing in the moment when something feels off
• Daily inventory — reflecting on the day with God
• Periodic inventory — stepping back occasionally for deeper reflection

For someone feeling overwhelmed, the best place to start may simply be a daily moment of reflection with God—asking where things went well, where we missed the mark, and where grace is needed.

Final Reflection

Regularly admitting when we’re wrong doesn’t push us farther from Jesus—it keeps us close to Him. Honest reflection reminds us that growth isn’t about perfection, but about continually returning to grace.

Join Us Sunday

That’s all we have time for today, friends! Join us THIS Sunday at 9 and 10:45 AM as we continue taking the next step toward healing and freedom together. If you can’t make it in person, watch on YouTube at 1 PM.

These Steps may be challenging, but they’re shaping something good.

Remember: it works if you work it.
Go be love, everybody—we’ll see you next week!

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know!

Step Nine: Making Amends

This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Doug, Tyler, and Jamey to talk about Step 9 — making direct amends whenever possible. Before diving into the conversation, the group catches up about the weekend and reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, currently in Deuteronomy and Mark.

WHAT THE WHAT???

Listener Sarah Beth wrote in with a thoughtful question after reading the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25). She shared how the passage seems to highlight the difference between outward association with faith and genuine readiness for Christ’s return.

Her question connects this parable with other passages like Matthew 7:21–23 and James 2:19, asking how we understand the tension between believing in God and actually having a relationship with Jesus.

More personally, she shares the heavy burden many Christians feel for loved ones who claim faith but don’t seem to pursue a relationship with Christ. The group acknowledges that tension—we can’t see anyone’s heart, but love naturally makes us care deeply about the spiritual lives of the people around us.

SUNDAY DISH

The conversation then turns to Step 9: making amends.

Why apologizing feels so hard
Doug shares a vulnerable moment about scrolling through old text messages and realizing how many apologies existed in his conversations. It sparked reflection on why apologizing can feel so difficult—even when we know we were wrong. Often the biggest hurdle is moving from feeling bad to actually taking responsibility.

The deeper weight of the Prodigal Son story
Looking at the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, Doug explains that asking for an inheritance early in that culture wasn’t just reckless—it was deeply offensive and relationally damaging. Understanding that helps us see why honest acknowledgment of harm matters before we try to repair relationships.

Real repair vs surface apologies
Doug shares a quote from John Ortberg:
“It’s one thing to make repairs on the outside, it’s another thing to be repaired on the inside.”

Surface apologies often focus on restoring peace quickly, but real repentance allows God to address the deeper patterns that caused the hurt in the first place.

A practical framework for making amends
Doug introduces the CRAFT framework for approaching difficult conversations:

• Conversation
• Recalling the harm honestly
• Apologizing clearly
• Forgiveness (asking, not demanding)
• Taking responsibility through follow-up

The group also highlights an important caution from Step 9: sometimes direct contact could cause further harm, so wisdom and discernment matter.

When amends don’t lead to reconciliation
Even in the Prodigal Son story, the older brother remains angry. That reminds us that sincere apologies don’t always bring immediate reconciliation. Healing can take time, and a healthy community makes room for both repentance and wounded people processing their pain.

Where to begin
For anyone who already knows the name on their Step 9 list but feels anxious or unsure, the first step might simply be preparation—prayer, reflection, humility, and pacing the process wisely.

Final Reflection

How does understanding God’s grace toward us give us the courage to pursue restoration with others?

Join Us Sunday

That’s all for today, friends! Join us THIS Sunday at 9 and 10:45 AM as we continue taking the next step toward healing and freedom together. If you can’t make it in person, watch on YouTube at 1 PM.

These Steps may be challenging, but they’re worth it.

Remember: it works if you work it.
Go be love everybody—we’ll see you next week!

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know!

Made for Mondays | STEPS

Step Eight: The Damage: Name Those We've Harmed

This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Tyler, Jamey, and RaChelle for a conversation around one of the most stretching steps yet: Step 8 — making a list of people we’ve harmed and becoming willing to make amends.

After some light weekend catch-up (including dinner at Lofay’s 👏), the group reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, walking through Numbers and Mark, and noticing themes of new life in Jesus—especially how Paul and other Jews wrestled with what transformation actually meant.

Then they step into Sunday’s message.

And let’s be honest—Step 8 hits differently.

Because it’s one thing to talk about personal growth.
 It’s another thing to start naming the people impacted by our brokenness.

Here’s where the conversation goes:

• The first reaction
When you hear, “Make a list of people you’ve harmed,” what rises up first? Resistance? Fear? Defensiveness? Maybe even relief? The group unpacks why that reaction is so common. Naming harm confronts the image we prefer to manage—the version of ourselves we’re most comfortable believing.

• Why we remember our hurt more clearly than our harm
Drawing from Tyler’s “two lists” tension, the conversation explores why it’s easier to recall who hurt us than where we’ve hurt others—even unintentionally. It reveals something deeply human: we instinctively experience life from the center of our own story. Step 8 gently invites us to shift perspective.

• Zacchaeus and dignified shame (Luke 19)
Luke includes the detail that Zacchaeus climbs a tree—an undignified act for a grown man in that culture. Why does that matter? The group reflects on how shame isolates, but Jesus moves toward him anyway. Even more powerful: Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name before repentance or repair happens.

Being seen with grace makes honesty possible.
 Grace doesn’t excuse harm—it creates the safety to face it.

• Grace and responsibility belong together
Heather repeats a key line: “Grace doesn’t make responsibility unnecessary—it makes it possible.”
The group discusses why grace is often misunderstood as the removal of accountability instead of the empowerment to embrace it. What would change if a church truly believed conviction and compassion could coexist?

They also name the important distinction between conviction (which invites growth) and condemnation (which attacks identity).

• Cleaning up our side of the street
Step 8 asks us to own our part—even when we’ve also been hurt. That’s a hard tension. The conversation makes space for the reality that acknowledging harm we’ve caused doesn’t minimize wounds we’ve experienced. Both can be true. The key is resisting comparison and scorekeeping, which only delay freedom.

• Beginning, not finishing (Year of Practice)
In alignment with The Year of Practice, the focus shifts from completing Step 8 to simply beginning it well.

A healthy first attempt might look like:

• Choosing posture before productivity
• Pacing the process instead of rushing it
• Exercising safety and wisdom
• Distinguishing willingness from full readiness

Because Step 8 isn’t about speed. It’s about sincerity.

The episode closes with a powerful question:

What kind of freedom becomes possible when we stop managing our image and start naming the truth?

When we stop curating how we’re perceived and begin embracing honesty, something shifts. Not instantly. Not perfectly. But meaningfully.

And yes—shout out to Renee. 🙌

Join Us This Sunday

We’ll see you and your guests THIS Sunday at 9 and 10:45 AM as we continue taking the next step toward healing and freedom together.

If you ca

Stay Connected 
Website: https://believerschurch.org/ 

Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/

Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ 
Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f