Providence Threads: Weaving Stories of Faith, Transformation, and Community

What is biblical leadership?

In this episode of Providence Threads, Pastor George DeJong joins Pastor Toby Gruppen to unpack leadership through the lens of responsibility:

• Personal responsibility (Adam & Eve)

• Moral responsibility (Cain & Abel)

• Corporate responsibility (Noah)

In a time marked by division and cultural tension, how do we lead faithfully?

This conversation explores servant leadership, spiritual discernment, cultural engagement, and the call to build bridges instead of walls.

Leadership in the Kingdom isn’t about power — it’s about faithful response.

Listen in and join the conversation.

In this episode, we hear the extraordinary story of Kingsway Ministries in Uganda. What began as one woman’s response to devastating loss during wartime has become a thriving school and discipleship ministry serving nearly 100 vulnerable children.

Kingsway provides academic education, spiritual formation, vocational training, and daily prayer. Many of these children are orphans or victims of war-related trauma. Through intentional discipleship and gospel-centered community, they are being prepared for a future of faith and purpose.

Discover how Providence Church partners globally to boldly share Jesus’ love and hope.

Learn more: KingswayUganda.com

In this episode of Providence Threads, host Toby Gruppen is joined by two remarkable voices: biblical scholar Lois Tverberg and Old Testament teacher Milly Erema Maturu.Together, they explore how cultural context shapes the way we read and understand Scripture. Drawing from lived experience in East Africa, biblical scholarship, and shared journeys in Israel and beyond, this conversation invites us to read the Bible not as distant observers, but as insiders—with curiosity, humility, and community.Lois and Milly share powerful stories that bring Old Testament narratives to life: sacrifices, the plagues, gleaning in the book of Ruth, hospitality, and communal life. These insights challenge Western assumptions and deepen our understanding of Scripture as a living story rooted in real people, cultures, and practices.This episode is part of our Season focus on the multiplication of disciples, leaders, ministries, and churches, reminding us that deeper biblical understanding fuels faithful discipleship and shared mission.🎧 Listen in, be curious, and rediscover the Bible as a story meant to be read together.

In this episode of Providence Threads, we sit down with George DeJong for a rich and thought-provoking conversation on what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Drawing from Scripture, Jewish tradition, and decades of pastoral experience, Pastor George reframes discipleship not as having the right answers—but as becoming lifelong learners who ask faithful questions, live provocatively, and grow in community.

Together, we explore:

• The biblical meaning of disciple as learner

• Why asking questions is central to spiritual growth

• The renewal of the mind and the process of sanctification

• How Scripture shapes our spiritual “muscle memory”

• Why discipleship cannot happen in isolation

This episode invites you to slow down, engage God’s Word with curiosity, and rediscover the joy of learning in community.

In this episode of Providence Threads, host Toby Gruppen sits down with therapist Jenna Speek for an honest and deeply meaningful conversation about anxiety, gratitude, shame, and healing.Together, they explore how God has wired our minds and hearts in ways that invite healing rather than isolation. Jenna shares powerful insights from her professional work and personal experiences, helping us understand why anxiety and gratitude cannot coexist, how shame impacts identity, and how grace breaks cycles of fear, addiction, and self-condemnation.In this conversation, they discuss:

• The difference between guilt and shame
• Why anxiety is so pervasive in our culture
• Practical, faith-based tools for responding to anxiety
• The importance of prayer, breath, community, and safe spaces
• How healing often begins when we stop trying to “fix” and start truly listening
• Finding freedom and identity in Christ rather than in our failures

This episode is an invitation—to slow down, to breathe, to trust God in the midst of pain, and to remember that you are not alone. If you or someone you love is wrestling with anxiety, shame, or addiction, this conversation offers hope, compassion, and a pathway toward healing.#ProvidenceThreads #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndMentalHealth #AnxietySupport #HealingJourney #ShameAndGrace #ChristianDiscipleship #EmotionalHealth #hollandmichigan

In this episode of Providence Threads, Toby Gruppen sits down with José Durán for a thoughtful conversation about the current situation in Venezuela.

This episode offers a spiritual perspective on the crisis, reflecting on faith, hope, and the role of the Church in times of uncertainty. Rather than focusing only on political developments, the conversation invites listeners to consider how God is at work amid suffering and how believers are called to respond with prayer, compassion, and trust in God’s sovereignty.

We hope this episode encourages you to pray, reflect, and remain anchored in hope.

New Year, New ResolutionsIn the first episode of Season 2 of Providence Threads, we begin the year with an honest and practical conversation about new beginnings and spiritual resolutions.In this episode, we are joined by José Durán to talk about the importance of reading the Bible as a foundational practice for the Christian life—especially as we set intentions and rhythms for a new year.Together, we explore:

• Why reading Scripture matters for spiritual growth
• Common challenges people face when trying to stay consistent
• Different practical ways to read the Bible with purpose
• The SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer)

• Wayne Cordeiro’s Bible reading system and how it helps build lasting habits.

This conversation is an invitation to move beyond short-lived resolutions and toward a sustainable, life-giving engagement with God’s Word.Whether you are starting fresh or looking to renew your commitment to Scripture, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and practical tools for the year ahead.Watch, reflect, and start the year grounded in the Word.

Available now on YouTube and Spotify.

Introduction Second season

We’re excited to launch Season 2 of Providence Threads, a season focused on Discipleship, Leadership development and Church multiplication.

Whether you are a leader, a disciple, or simply curious about how faith connects to everyday life, this conversation is an invitation to reflect, listen, and grow.

New season. New conversations. One shared calling.Available now on YouTube and Spotify.

Special Guest: Kory Plockmeyer – Executive Director of Movement West Michigan

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kory Plockmeyer to talk about One Community Weekend — a powerful initiative coming to West Michigan from May 14–18, 2025.

We explore how churches across the region are uniting for a shared mission:

- A community-wide day of service
- 31 days of 24/7 prayer for 31 local churches
- A multicultural night of worship

This conversation casts a hopeful vision of what God can do when His people come together as one Church for one community.

Don’t miss this episode that calls us to unity, action, and deeper prayer.

Learn more and get involved: https://www.movementwestmi.org/onecommunityweekend

#ProvidenceThreads #OneCommunityWeekend #MovementWestMichigan #KoryPlockmeyer #ChurchUnity #WestMichiganChurches #Prayer #Worship #CommunityService

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36

In this final episode of our Freedom in Christ series, Pastor Toby Gruppen wraps up with four powerful and practical principles to help you walk in the true freedom Jesus offers.

We all face thoughts, habits, and patterns that try to hold us back—but God’s truth sets us free. From renewing your mind to forgiving deeply, surrendering hidden struggles, and breaking generational chains through prayer, this episode offers a roadmap toward a life of spiritual freedom.

This isn’t theory—it’s real, everyday freedom you can live out.

Don’t miss this encouraging and honest conversation!

#FreedomInChrist #ProvidenceThreads #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualGrowth