So many of us were taught that spiritual growth means trying harder by doing more, striving longer, and feeling guilty when we fall short. But what if that’s not how transformation actually happens?

In this episode of Cultivate, Dr. Richard Kannwischer talks with pastor Rene Schlaepfer about how God grows the fruit of the Spirit in us through grace, not effort. Rene shares his personal journey of losing joy in ministry, preaching “try harder” sermons, and the moment Galatians exposed the false gospel of self-effort that had quietly shaped his faith.

Together, they explore how beginning with the Spirit but living by human effort drains joy, distorts discipleship, and creates pressure-filled faith. You’ll also hear a simple daily practice for grounding your life in love, joy, peace, gentleness, and trust—before the noise of the world takes over.

If your faith feels heavy, exhausting, or forced, this conversation invites you to rediscover a better way: letting the Spirit do the growing.

What if real spiritual growth does not start with trying harder, but with practicing differently? In this opening episode of Season 5 of the Peachtree Church Podcast, Richard Kannwischer sits down with author and lawyer Justin Earley to explore how transformation happens at the pace of a garden, not a machine.

Drawing from Justin’s own journey through anxiety, burnout, and healing, this conversation invites us to rethink habits, the body, and the spiritual life. Together, they explore why we cannot simply think our way into the fruit of the Spirit and how God invites us to partner with him by cultivating daily practices that shape our hearts, minds, and bodies toward love, peace, and joy.

If you have ever felt stuck, exhausted, or frustrated that growth feels elusive, this episode offers a hopeful and practical vision for the year of change to come. Change is possible when we tend the soil of our lives and trust the Master Gardener to bring the fruit.

In this month’s Dwelling conversation, Dr. Richard Kannwischer welcomes pastor and author Rich Villodas for a thoughtful exploration of what it means to practice gratitude in a world filled with constant comparison, competition, and distraction. Drawing from the Psalms, Rich reflects on the deeper work of gratitude—not as a fleeting feeling, but as a spiritual posture shaped by awareness, specificity, and intentional reflection.

Together they unpack the subtle habits that erode gratitude—comparing, coveting, and complaining—and offer practical rhythms that help us return to the goodness of God with clarity and joy. With warmth and humor, Rich shares glimpses of his own family practices, the gift of written prayer, and the slow, steady work of cultivating a grateful heart.

Whether you’re longing for a renewed sense of God’s presence or seeking simple, grounded ways to anchor your soul this season, this conversation invites you to pause, pay attention, and rediscover the transforming power of giving thanks.

This month, Richard and Tom explore what it means to practice gratitude as more than good manners. Looking to Psalms 100, 50, 136, and 107, they uncover how Thanksgiving roots us in the story of God’s goodness—from creation to redemption—and reminds us who we are and whose we are. Together, they reflect on how joy can shake the ground beneath us, how gratitude renews our sense of belonging, and how retelling the story of God’s faithfulness helps us resist the false narratives that shape our world. This conversation invites you to remember, rejoice, and give thanks to the One whose love endures forever.

In this episode, Dr. Richard Kannwischer speaks with Rich Villodas about what it means to live as people of grace in a world that feels deeply fractured. From the Psalms to the story of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, they explore how healing begins with honesty about our own brokenness and how confession opens the door to wholeness. Together, they reflect on what true forgiveness looks like—not the polite kind that denies pain, but the deep, transformative kind that makes room for grace to take root. This episode invites you to slow down, notice where God is mending what’s been shattered, and learn how to share that same healing presence with others 

In this month’s Dwelling in the Psalms conversation, Pastor Richard Kannwischer is joined by theologian and professor N.T. Wright to explore the depth of God’s grace. Together, they look beyond a narrow view of forgiveness to discover grace as God’s ongoing work of renewal—restoring us to our true vocation as image bearers.

Through Psalms of confession, refuge, and praise (Psalms 36, 51, 31, and 103), they reflect on how self-awareness, honesty, and trust open the way for healing and hope. This episode is an invitation to remember God’s goodness, embrace his mercy, and bless the Lord.

In this month’s Dwelling in the Psalms conversation, Dr. Richard Kannwischer and  Rich Villodas explore the urgent call to unity in a time of polarization and mistrust. Reflecting on Psalm 133, they discuss the difference between unity and uniformity, the role of anxiety in our divisions, and how prayer shapes us into people who can listen well, speak truthfully, and trust God’s goodness together. With practical wisdom drawn from Rich’s diverse congregation, including practices like “incarnational listening,” this episode offers hope that the church can embody reconciliation and become a prophetic sign of God’s presence in a fragmented world.

In this episode, Pastor Rich Kannwischer sits down with renowned New Testament scholar N.T. Wright to explore how the Psalms teach us to live with God in unity, trust, and hope—even in a world marked by fragmentation and anxiety. Together they unpack vivid biblical imagery—from oil running down Aaron’s beard to the call to “taste and see that the Lord is good”—and consider what it means for the church to embody unity, honesty, and steadfastness today.

Wright reflects on the challenge of carrying burdens, the discipline of prayer, and the deep joy found in praising God even when circumstances feel uncertain. Along the way, he highlights how Scripture invites us to a firmer foundation, a richer life of faith, and a vision of the church that is rooted in Christ above all.

Whether you are searching for encouragement in prayer, wrestling with disunity in the church, or longing to experience God’s shelter and goodness, this conversation offers timeless wisdom on how to dwell more deeply with God and with one another.

In this month’s Dwelling in the Psalms conversation, Pastor Dr. Richard Kannwischer sits down with author and pastor Rich Villodas to explore what it means to cultivate a teachable heart in a world overflowing with information. Drawing from the Psalms, they unpack how prayer, scripture, and reordering our desires can help us move beyond mere knowledge into a deeper, skillful way of living. With stories about delight, lament, and learning from wise mentors, this episode invites you to slow down, listen for God’s guidance, and let his Word become a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.

In this special episode of the Peachtree Podcast, Senior Pastor Richard Kannwischer sits down with world-renowned theologian N.T. Wright to explore what it means to cultivate a teachable spirit through the lens of the Psalms. Together, they unpack how ancient wisdom literature invites us to grow in curiosity, humility, and holy trust.

From the acrostic depths of Psalm 119 to the soul-centering rest of Psalm 127, this conversation reveals how prayer and Scripture illuminate our path—not just with knowledge, but with transformation. You'll hear reflections on reshaping desire, trusting God in our work and rest, and how glory isn't just about eternity, but about God’s presence here and now.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking direction, or simply longing to dwell more deeply with God, this episode is a guide to becoming more attentive, more human, and more whole.