Passionate Podcast

Marriage can be beautiful, difficult, healing, and humbling—sometimes all at once.

In this episode of The Passionate Podcast, Nick and Amy join Sarah and Will for an honest conversation about living out Ephesians 5 in real, imperfect marriages. This is not another sermon or a picture of couples who have everything figured out. It is a conversation about what they have learned through mistakes, difficult seasons, God’s grace, and more than 20 years of marriage.

Together, they explore what biblical leadership, headship, and submission do—and do not—mean. They discuss why spiritual leadership begins with leading yourself, how our families of origin affect our marriages, and why healthy leadership includes humility, listening, shared wisdom, and genuine partnership.

They also talk about building trust, prioritizing marriage while raising children, making difficult decisions together, listening instead of immediately trying to fix things, walking faithfully when a spouse does not follow Jesus, and finding hope when marriage feels difficult.

None of us has a perfect marriage. But there is hope, even in hard seasons. God can use marriage to reveal what needs to change in us, help us become more like Jesus, and show the world a picture of the gospel.

Messages Referenced

For Wives: Understanding Submission in Marriage
https://2riverschurch.subspla.sh/6pvskym

For Husbands: Marriage God’s Way—Sacrificial Love That Lasts
https://2riverschurch.subspla.sh/v2j9p6f

Scripture Discussed

• Ephesians 5:22–33
• Romans 12:2
• James 1:5
• 1 Peter 3:1–4

Marriage Resources

Christian Counseling Connection
Professional Christian counseling for individuals, couples, and families:
https://www.christiancounselingconnection.com

Christian Counseling Connection works with state-licensed counseling professionals and offers both in-person and telehealth services. 

The Six Stages of Marriage
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNyfgEI2jKm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
https://a.co/d/07riIQz8

Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
https://a.co/d/05nJW0Td

Kiss Me Like You Mean It by Dr. David Clarke
https://a.co/d/02syvKhX

Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge
https://a.co/d/09JBHa3l

A Note About Safety
Biblical submission never means participating in abuse, neglect, coercion, manipulation, or anything that contradicts God’s Word. If you or someone in your family is in danger, contact local emergency services and seek help from a qualified counselor, advocate, or trusted ministry leader.

Connect with 2Rivers
Learn more about 2Rivers Church:
https://www.2RiversChurch.com

Find community and explore Home Teams:
https://www.2RiversChurch.com/connect

Have a marriage or relationship question you would like discussed in a future episode? Send it to us through 2riverschurch.com/contactus

In this episode, Pastors Nick and Sarah continue talking about our Made for More series — along with the two-year generosity initiative rooted in Ephesians 3:20. Together they unpack what it means to trust God with our time, talents, and treasures, and how generosity shapes us as passionate followers of Jesus.

This isn’t just about giving — it’s about growing. Whether you’re new to 2Rivers or already part of the journey, this episode will inspire you to live open-handed and see God do immeasurably more.

📖 Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & overview of Made for More
01:00 – The vision behind the initiative
03:00 – “More of Jesus, less of us”
05:00 – Purpose vs. calling
08:00 – Staying focused as individuals & a church
10:00 – Living for others (Philippians 2)
12:00 – The heart of generosity
14:00 – How 2Rivers approaches giving
18:00 – Nick’s personal journey with finances
20:00 – Why money is hard to trust God with
26:00 – Hope for those struggling financially
28:00 – What tithing really means
31:00 – Grace giving & practical next steps
33:00 – Generosity as a lifestyle
37:00 – God’s provision and sustaining grace
42:00 – Sacrificial vs. surplus giving
46:00 – Living open-handed & stories of faith

💬 Takeaway

Generosity isn’t about what God wants from you — it’s about what He wants for you. When we trust Him fully, He multiplies what matters most.

🔗 Resources

Learn more → 2riverschurch.com/madeformore
We love the work of Financial Peace University to help you get a handle on your finances. Ultimately it allows us to live more freely when we learn to steward the resources God has given us & it allows us to live generous lives. 

We will have a new FPU class in the beginning of 2026 but there are other classes in our area or virtually you can check out today! Find an FPU class near you: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/financial-peace/class 

Give → 2riverschurch.com/give

In this episode, Sarah and Pastor Nick look back on God’s faithfulness at 2Rivers and unpack what’s ahead: the Made For More initiative, the Venue @ 96 service, and a practical plan to make room for more people to meet Jesus. It’s an honest, hope-filled conversation about vision, stewardship, and inviting our church family into the journey.”

Made for more landing page: https://www.2riverschurch.com/madeformore

[0:00] - Welcome & Introduction Hosts Nick and Sarah welcome listeners, introduce the podcast, and set the stage for a discussion about the church’s journey and vision.
[0:39] - Launching the "Made For More" Series The hosts discuss the new message series, the vision behind it, and the years of prayer and discernment that led to this point.
[1:12] - Two Rivers Church History A look back at the church’s 26-year history, including its founding, early days, and key milestones.
[5:06] - Growth, Buildings, and Facilities Discussion of the church’s moves, building acquisitions, and the challenges and blessings of steady growth.
[9:04] - Navigating Growth Post-COVID How the church adapted and grew after COVID, including the addition of services and working with the Aspen Group to plan for the future.
[13:07] - Land, Expansion, and Setbacks The journey of seeking new land, facing disappointments, and ultimately acquiring 7.8 acres for future expansion.
[19:17] - Bridging the Gap: Current Plans Plans for the immediate future, including launching a fourth service, venue renovations, and refreshing existing spaces to accommodate growth.
[26:14] - Financial Stewardship & Generosity Initiative A transparent look at church finances, the importance of stewardship, and the launch of an $8 million generosity initiative to fund operations, pay off debt, and prepare for future growth.
[38:04] - Commitments & Core Values The leadership’s commitments: keeping Jesus at the center, avoiding pressure or guilt, and walking together in faith through this journey.
[51:35] - Discipleship, Support, and Next Steps Encouragement for listeners to seek financial health, pray about their role, and participate in the journey. Information about resources like Financial Peace University and the Made For More website.
[54:26] - Closing Thoughts & Prayer Final encouragement, a call to unity, and a closing prayer for the church and its mission.

For more information, resources, and to get involved, visit:
https://www.2riverschurch.com/madeformore

In this real and unscripted episode, Pastor Ron Cathcart joins Sarah to reflect on 26 years of 2Rivers Church—how it started, what’s changed, and why the mission still matters. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, how Ephesians 3:20 has shaped our vision, and what it really means to be “passionate followers of Jesus.” Ron shares about leadership transitions, being “Papa” to grandkids, and what semi-retirement looks like for someone who never planned to retire from loving Jesus and His church. It all wraps up with a heartfelt prayer for the future of 2Rivers.

Highlights:

• Why the name “Two Rivers” wasn’t that deep (but still perfect)
• What a hymnal and a cracked door taught Ron about prayer
• How the leadership transition to Nick Tallo happened
• What makes this church unique—and why it’s still all about Jesus
• Grandpa moments, Ron-isms, and big prayers for the future

📍 Want to learn more about 2Rivers Church?
 Visit 2riverschurch.com

📍 Interested in Pastor Ron & Debbie’s full story?
 Check out the 25th Anniversary video interview https://2riverschurch.subspla.sh/pn6wcmz 

📍 Looking for ways to serve, connect, or grow in your faith?
 Explore next steps at:
 2riverschurch.com/serve
2riverschurch.com/connect
2riverschurch.com/give

📍 Listen to more episodes of the Passionate Podcast
 2riverschurch.com/podcast 

00:00 – Welcome to the Passionate Podcast
00:32 – Meet Ron: Unscripted, Unfiltered, and Always Himself
01:49 – Celebrating 26 Years of God's Faithfulness
03:29 – Family First: Meet the Cathcarts (And All the Grandkids)
05:13 – When Ron First Felt the Call to Ministry
09:49 – The Messy, Beautiful Beginning of 2Rivers Church
16:03 – Why We’re Called “Two Rivers Church” (The Real Story)
19:44 – Our Mission: Helping People Become Passionate Followers of Jesus
23:44 – Moments That Marked Us: Stories of God at Work
32:51 – What It’s Like to Look Back on 26 Years
33:16 – Ron-isms, Staff Laughs, and Leadership Lessons
34:51 – How the Transition to Nick Tallo Happened (And Why It Worked)
37:09 – Why Ron Didn’t Retire—And What “Semi-Retired” Means for Him
40:00 – Being Papa: Grandkids, Hawaii, and a Slower Pace That Still Moves
47:31 – Prayers from Grandpa: A Legacy That Started Before Day One
52:46 – Ephesians 3:20 and Our Vision for What’s Still to Come
01:01:07 – Ron’s Final Prayer: For Our Church, Our Future, and God's Glory

 In this episode, Nick and Sarah reflect on the heart behind our Jesus Reexamined series, exploring what it means to return to the Gospels with fresh eyes and humble hearts. They discuss the balance of grace and truth, what it practically looks like to build your life on Jesus, and why forgiveness is one of the most powerful (and difficult) ways we live out Christ’s example. With personal stories, deep theology, and honest encouragement, this episode invites you to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome + Podcast Purpose
 01:06 - Why "Jesus Reexamined"?
 03:00 - Reading the Gospels Chronologically
 06:28 - Grace & Truth — A Tension Worth Holding
 10:01 - Why Jesus as Foundation Still Matters
 16:02 - Putting Words into Practice
 24:17 - Questions for Reflection & Community
 27:13 - Forgiveness — The Hard but Holy Road
 33:10 - Counseling, Community, & Grace
 35:04 - Releasing the Cup
 41:06 - The Power of Forgiveness in Real Life
 42:16 - Be With Jesus, Become Like Him
 43:02 - Staying Rooted in the Real Jesus
 47:08 - Prayer & Wrap-Up

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Jesus Reexamined series link https://www.2riverschurch.com/JesusReexamined

Jesus Reexamined Reading plan - https://www.2riverschurch.com/JesusReadingplan

Forgiveness Message - https://2riverschurch.subspla.sh/hs8ffqp 

Welcome to The Passionate Podcast, where we dive into real stories of faith in action and what it means to follow Jesus passionately.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Tibor and Noami from the Bartimaeus Foundation, our long-time friends and mission partners from Hungary. Their journey is a beautiful reminder of how God’s light breaks through the darkness and how a life fully surrendered to Jesus can change lives forever.

Tibor shares his incredible testimony of overcoming blindness, wrestling with suffering, discovering faith, and dedicating his life to sharing the gospel. His passion for serving others led to the formation of the Bartimaeus Foundation, a ministry focused on four key areas:

• Serving the Blind through camps and providing accessible Bibles.
  
  
• Reaching Illiterate Gypsies with the gospel, including ministry to their children through VBS programs.
  
  
• Caring for Orphans by building relationships, sharing love, and inviting them to youth camps where lives are being transformed.
  
  
• Supporting Ukrainian Refugees through humanitarian aid, English language camps, and providing audio Bibles for the blind in Ukraine.
  
  

Noami also shares her journey of wrestling with faith, embracing God’s call to ministry, and her passion for making Jesus known to others. Her words remind us of the importance of surrendering our pride and fears to truly live out what we believe.

We also discuss how you can join us on mission in Hungary and make an impact through prayer, giving, and even going.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 — Welcome to The Passionate Podcast
 00:38 — Living on Mission: What It Means to Follow Jesus Passionately at 2Rivers Church
 01:54 — Meet Our Mission Partners: Tibor and Naomi from Hungary
 03:10 — Tibor's Testimony: From Darkness to Light
 09:45 — Noami's Journey: Faith, Family, and Finding Mentors
 14:47 — Encouragement and Living Out Faith
 20:20 — The Bartimaeus Foundation: Serving the Blind, Gypsies, Orphans, and Refugees
 24:20 — The Couch Donation Story & Ministry to Orphans
 24:55 — Building Relationships with the Group Home
 25:46 — Reaching Teenagers & Growing Faith
 25:57 — Church Involvement & Special Events
 26:23 — Youth Group Camp & Faith Journeys
 27:18 — Ministry Among the Gypsies
 28:43 — Ministry Among the Blind
 30:22 — Reaching Ukrainian Refugees & English Camp
 33:23 — Preparing for the Summer Mission Trip
 37:48 — Prayer Requests & Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 📌 Learn more about 2Rivers Church’s mission to live on mission: 2Rivers Mission Page
• 📌 Get details about the upcoming mission trip to Hungary: Hungary Trip Info
• 📌 Learn more about the Bartimaeus Foundation: Bartimaeus Foundation Website
• 📌 Support Tibor & Naomi’s ministry: Give Toward Bartimaeus Foundation

In this episode of The Passionate Podcast, hosts Nick and Sarah embark on a discussion about becoming more passionate followers of Jesus Christ. They dive deep into their recent sermon series about Soul Realigned, addressing the importance of Sabbath, rest, and slowing down in our fast-paced lives. They explore practical steps for decluttering both physical spaces and mental bandwidth. They emphasize the importance of abiding in Christ, aligning our lives to produce spiritual fruit, and the necessity of self-assessment and setting intentional rhythms. Various practical tips are shared, including reducing social media, memorizing scriptures, and setting up 'Do Not Disturb' modes on phones, alongside resource recommendations like books and reading plans to help listeners transform their spiritual lives.

00:00 Introduction to The Passionate Podcast 

00:39 The Heart Behind the Podcast

01:49 Diving into the Sermon Series: Soul Realigned

02:13 The Journey of Sabbath and Ministry

04:51 Understanding Simple Church Philosophy

06:59 The Importance of Intentional Living

11:23 Exploring the Concept of the Soul

18:39 The Battle for Our Souls: Recognizing the Enemy

23:17 The Power of Transformation and Renewing the Mind

34:54 Practical Steps for Soul Care

39:39 Dreams of Minimalist Travel

40:18 The Impact of Clutter on Mental Health

41:20 Creating Margin in Life

42:40 The Importance of Rest and Sabbath

44:12 Practical Steps for Intentional Living

45:19 The Role of Nature in Well-being

46:11 The Concept of Sabbath Beyond a Day

53:51 Combating the Hurry Sickness

57:55 Practical Tips for Digital Detox

01:06:27 Final Thoughts on Soul Realignment

Resources that were mentioned:

Carey Neiouf podcast with Ruth Haley Barton Reclaiming Sabbath - https://careynieuwhof.com/episode260/ 

Listen back to the soul Realigned message series -https://www.2riverschurch.com/watch.html?sapurl=LytkazNmL2xiL21zLys2NnlkM2p4P2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZSZyZWNlbnRSb3V0ZT1hcHAud2ViLWFwcC5saWJyYXJ5Lmxpc3QmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQmo2cndjOWs= 

Emotionally healthy individuals book - https://www.amazon.com/Emotionally-Healthy-Spirituality-Impossible-Spiritually/dp/0310348498 

Soul care reading plan signup email - https://mailchi.mp/2riverschurch/soul-realigned-reading-plan

Soul assessment link https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=HyDO3VbwJl 

Joshua Becker - The More of Less https://www.amazon.com/More-Less-Finding-Under-Everything/dp/1601427964 

John Mark Comer - Rule of Life concept - https://www.practicingtheway.org/ruleoflifebuilder

Redeeming your time - Jordan Reiner - https://a.co/d/43agnfF

Ephesians 2:1-3 - Enemies of the soul - the World, the Enemy, the flesh