Rekindled Faith

Rekindled Faith

Download on the App Store

Rekindled Faith episodes

  • Faith Seeking Understanding: Why Theology Matters with Ben MacDonald

    In this episode, Melanie Beerda sits down with Ben MacDonald from Apologetics Canada to explore theology, the gospel, and what it means to truly know God.

    They discuss what theology is, why Christians should read widely and thoughtfully, how the early church helps us understand Scripture, and how culture, secularism, and AI shape the way we think about God and identity.

    This conversation is an invitation to approach theology with humility, curiosity, and patience—not as a search for all the answers, but as a lifelong journey of faith seeking understanding and knowing Christ more deeply.

    Connect with Ben & AC

    Ben's Insta: @benmacdonald_ac 

    Apologetics Canada Insta: @ApologeticsCanada

    Website: www.apologeticscanada.com

    Connect with Rekindled Faith

    Instagram @RekindledFaith

    Connect with Melanie

    Website: www.melaniebeerda.ca

    Instagram: @Melanie.Beerda 

    1 hr 3 min
  • Faith & Leadership with Trevor Throness

    Join Melanie and Trevor Throness as they discuss Faith & Leadership, especially how to respond to church hurt, difficult leaders, and seasons of uncertainty with humility, forgiveness, self-awareness, and service.

    The core message is that strong Christian leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about serving others, owning your part, and growing through hard experiences.

    Trevor is a veteran coach, speaker and consultant working with growing businesses from 10 million to 1 billion in sales, helping them resolve the challenges that always come with fast growth. Trevor has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, organizations, and business families fix people problems, enhance communication, attract top talent, and build exceptional cultures.

    He is the author of, "The Power of People Skills," and "Figure Out Your Team: Use Behavioural Science to Put Right People in Right Seats, strengthen communication, and fix your chronic people problems."

     

    Connect with Trevor:

    Website: trevorthroness.com

    Connect with Rekindled Faith:

    Instagram @Rekindled.Faith

    Connect with Melanie:

    Website: melaniebeerda.ca 

    Instagram @Melanie.Beerda 

    53 min
  • Lindsey Medenwaldt: What if Jesus is Right?

    Join Melanie and Lindsey Medenwaldt on Rekindled Faith as they discuss Lindsey's latest book, co-authored with Doug Groothuis: What if Jesus is Right? Examining Jesus' claims about himself in a world full of falsehoods.

    Lindsey shares about the writing process, who the book is for, the intention with writing it and the hope of inspiring Christians and skeptics alike to get back to the main thing: the REAL Jesus.

    Book is available on August 18, 2026!

    Resources: Intro to Apologetics episode with Lindsey Medenwaldt 

    Connect with Lindsey:

    Website: lindseymedenwaldt.com

    Instagram: @lmedenwaldt

    Facebook: @LindseyMedenwaldt

    Connect with Rekindled Faith:

    Instagram: @RekindledFaith 

    Connect with Melanie:

    Website: https://www.melaniebeerda.ca/

    Instagram: @Melanie.Beerda

    54 min
  • Navigating Dating in Today's Church with Ryan Hankey

    In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Melanie is joined by guest, Ryan Hankey to discuss dating and the Church. This conversation is a honest deep dive into what it is like for singles in the church and how the Body of Christ can support them. Melanie and Ryan discuss some misconceptions, the challenge of lukewarm faith & dating, hook up culture, expectations, commitment and seeking God’s will in the midst of it all.

    Melanie also brings her own lived experience into the conversation, including the reality of pressure, regret, healing, and what it looks like to build a marriage on faith instead of fantasy. Together, they talk candidly about the damage of hookup culture, pornography, and hidden sin, and why confession, accountability, and godly support can change everything. Ryan also shares how the church can better support singles through resources, discipleship, young adult ministry, and real community, not just advice from a distance.

    If you’ve ever wondered whether God has forgotten your season, this episode will remind you that singleness is not a holding pattern. It’s a place to grow, serve, and become rooted in Christ. Essential listening if you’re a Christian single, dating intentionally, supporting young adults, or trying to build a relationship that lasts beyond chemistry and convenience.

    Resources:

    Fundamentals of Faith https://www.gty.org/fof

    Men in the Arena (Jim Ramos) https://meninthearena.org/

    Kingdon Sexuality https://www.kingdomsexualityministry.com/

    The Union Movement https://www.theunionmovement.com/

    The Liberator Podcast https://liberatorpodcast.com/

    Connect with Rekindled Faith

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith

    Connect with Melanie

    www.melaniebeerda.ca

    Instagram @Melanie.Beerda 

    52 min
  • Protecting Life, Motherhood & Raising World Changers with Autumn Higashi

    In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Melanie sits down with Pro-Life Advocate Autumn Higashi for an honest conversation about abortion, motherhood, building community, and trusting God through life’s unexpected transitions.

    Autumn shares how a calling at just 16 led her into pro-life activism, and how becoming a wife, mom, and adoptive parent reshaped her perspective on purpose, sacrifice, and faith.

    Why listen? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by big decisions, the pressure of culture, or the tension between calling and family life, this episode will encourage you to lean on the Lord, value the season you’re in, and find hope in His faithfulness.

    Connect with Autumn:

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/autumnhigashi

    Connect with Melanie:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanie.beerda?utm_source=qr

    Wesbite: www.melaniebeerda.ca

    Connect with Rekindled Faith:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith

    Connect with Students for Life:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studentsforlife

    1 hr
  • Repent and Believe: Returning to the Heart of the Gospel

    In this episode, Melanie Beerda shares what she has been learning about the importance of being rooted in the Gospel in a time of overwhelming information. She reflects on the core message of the Gospel, Repentance, Conviction and Christian Living that transforms.

    Main topics — Key insights:

    • The challenge of navigating the vast amount of religious information available today
    • The significance of the gospel message and its foundation in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection
    • The biblical concept of repentance as a proactive, transformative action
    • Jesus' declaration in Mark 1:15 about the arrival of God's kingdom, emphasizing a spiritual rather than political kingdom
    • The importance of cultivating a rooted faith, built on Scripture and the Holy Spirit
    • The distinction between conforming to the world versus being transformed by renewal of the mind
    • The role of Scripture as God's living, breathed-out Word, and its power to expose sin and sanctify believers
    • The significance of believing fully in the gospel for spiritual adoption and assurance of salvation
    • Encouragement to spend intentional quality time in the Word and in prayer, nurturing a personal relationship with Jesus
    • The reassurance that God's timing is perfect and that His presence is enough
    • Resources:

      • Guzik, David. Study Guide from blueletterbible.org
      • She Reads Truth Bible, Christian Standard Version
      • The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur
      • Reading NT as Christian Scripture, Constantine R. Campbell & Jonathan T. Pennington
      • Verses:

        • Mark 1:15
        • Ephesians 6:12
        • Galatians 4:4
        • Romans 8:15
        • Ephesians 1:7
        • Romans 12:2
        • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
        • Galatians 3:25-26
        • Galatians 4:4
        • Ephesians 1:7
        • Galatians 5:24
        • Connect with Melanie Beerda:

          Website www.melaniebeerda.ca

          Insta: @melanie.beerda

          Facebook: @melanie.beerda

          Final encouragement: In the chaos of life's distractions and the flood of information, returning to the heart of the gospel — Jesus' love, sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life — is the anchor that sustains us. Dive deep into Scripture, trust in God's perfect timing, and foster a personal relationship with Christ.

          #repent #believe #gospel #biblestudy

          34 min
        • Suffering in The Wilderness with Chris Price

          Meeting Christ in the Wilderness of Suffering: A Conversation on Faith, Hope, and Presence

          Explore how suffering is not a sign of God's absence but a profound space for encounter, growth, and dependence on Him. Melanie Beerda hosts Chris Price to discuss biblical perspectives on suffering, endurance, and community support, offering hope and practical insights rooted in Scripture and personal experience.

          This episode emphasizes the significance of community, biblical truths, and acknowledging the depth of human experience. It encourages believers to see suffering as a space where God's love and power are revealed and to walk alongside others with patience, presence, and prayer, trusting that hope and resurrection follow even the darkest valleys.

          In this episode:

          • The significance of Christ's shared suffering and how through Him, we are not alone in our pain.
          • Understanding suffering as an opportunity for deeper dependence on God's power and love.
          • The importance of community, presence, patience, and perseverance in supporting those through hardship.
          • Differentiating between healthy compassion and enabling harmful cycles of ongoing suffering.
          • Lessons from Jesus' wilderness experience and its implications for our own trials. How including scripture, prayer, and community restores perspective during difficult times.
          • Personal stories of grief, loss, and the joy that can coexist with sorrow.
          • Practical ways to walk in biblical companionship, offering steadfast presence without imposing solutions.
          • The significance of embracing valleys as spaces of deepening and spiritual growth.
          • Resources & Links:

            Everyday Apologetics by multiple authors, including Chris Price

             Man's Search for Meaning  Victor Frankel

            Lament for a Son - Nicholas Woltersdorf 

             

            Connect with Chris:

            The Way Church Vancouver 

             

            Connect with Melanie

            Website: melaniebeerda.ca

            Instagram: @melanie.beerda

            Facebook: @melanie.beerda

            58 min
          • Meeting Jesus in the Wilderness: Claire Thornton's Story of Addiction, Surrender and Redemption

            Can God redeem even our darkest seasons?

            In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Claire Thornton shares her powerful testimony of addiction, recovery, and discovering the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ. From growing up in a Christian home to battling substance abuse, Claire opens up about how God met her in her brokenness and transformed her life through surrender. Whether you're struggling with addiction, walking alongside someone who is, or wondering if healing is possible, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that no one is beyond God's redemption.

            In this episode, we discuss:

            • Claire's journey into addiction and recovery
            • Meeting Jesus in the midst of brokenness
            • The power of surrender and God's grace
            • Finding hope through grief and loss
            • How to support a loved one battling addiction
            • Why no one is beyond the reach of God's love
            • If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe to Rekindled Faith, like this video, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

               

              Connect with Rekindled Faith:

              YouTube: @RekindledFaith

              Instagram: @RekindledFaith 

              Connect with Melanie:

              Website: www.melaniebeerda.ca

              Instagram: @Melanie.Beerda

              Facebook: @Melanie.Beerda 

               

              51 min
            • Searching for Truth: Wes Huff on the History and Authenticity of the Bible

              The Bible: History & Authenticity

              In this episode, Melanie welcomes Wes Huff, the Vice President of Apologetics Canada who shares his journey of faith, studies, and apologetics. Wes provides insightful answers to common questions about the reliability of the Bible and how Christians can navigate a skeptical world with love and truth. Whether you’re doubting, curious, or wanting to deepen your understanding of scripture, this conversation offers encouragement and practical guidance rooted in biblical conviction.

              *This interview is from 2024 on Rekindled Faith -- previously only available in audio but it is now with video on YouTube!!

              Main Topics:

              - Wes’s personal journey from sociology and detective aspirations to biblical apologetics

              - The historical reliability of the Bible and translation accuracy

              - Handling objections around the morality of Old Testament events

              - The importance of biblical translations and how verses were added historically

              - Navigating hostility and persecution with humility and love

              - How faith, even in imperfect humans, reflects Christ’s example of servant leadership

               

              Connect with Apologetics Canada

              Apologetics Canada Website

              Instagram: @ApologeticsCanada

              YouTube: @ApologeticsCanada

               

              Connect with Wesley Huff

              Website: wesleyhuff.com

              Instagram: @Wesley_Huff

              Youtube: Wes Huff

              Can I trust the Bible Series 

               

              Connect with Rekindled Faith

              Instagram: @RekindledFaith

              YouTube: @RekindledFaith

               

              Connect with Melanie

              Website melaniebeerda.ca  

              Instagram: @MelanieBeerda

               

              52 min
            • Embracing Disability in the Church with Greg Harris

              Embracing Disability in the Church | Presuming Competence, Belonging & the Body of Christ with Pastor Greg Harris 

               

              How can the Church become a place where people with disabilities are not just welcomed, but fully included, valued, and equipped to participate in the life of the body of Christ? 

               

              In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Melanie Beerda sits down with Pastor Greg Harris to discuss disability, discipleship, and what biblical inclusion looks like in the local church. Drawing from his experience as a father, pastor, and doctoral researcher, Greg shares how his understanding of disability has been shaped through raising a son with disabilities and studying the intersection of disability and discipleship. 

               

              Together, they explore the assumptions many of us make about cognitive ability, why we should presume competence when interacting with people with disabilities, and how churches can create spaces where every person is treated with dignity as an image-bearer of God. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink what it means to be the body of Christ and offers practical encouragement for building communities that reflect the heart of Jesus. 

               

              In This Episode:

              • Greg's journey as a father of a child with disabilities 
              • Presuming competence and respecting a person's internal life 
              • How to engage meaningfully with people with disabilities 
              • Why age-appropriate communication matters 
              • Common misconceptions surrounding disability 
              • What Scripture teaches about serving vulnerable people 
              • The significance of 1 Corinthians 12 and the body of Christ 
              • Creating churches where everyone can participate and belong 
              • Embracing interruptions and diversity within worship gatherings 
              • The work of the Lazarus Center and disability theology in Canada 
              •  

                About Greg Harris: 

                Greg joined the team at SouthRidge Fellowship Baptist Church in 2022 and became Lead Pastor in 2025. He has been married to Sarah since 2011, and together they have three children: Benjamin, Emily, and Oliver. Greg holds a Diploma in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts from Columbia Bible College, a Master of Divinity from Northwest Baptist College and Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College. His research focuses on the intersection of disability and discipleship in the local church. 

                 

                Resource mentioned: The Lazarus Centre 

                Website: https://www.thelazaruscentre.org

                Instagram: @thelazaruscentre 

                 

                Connect with Greg: 

                Instagram @gregharris7 

                 

                Connect with Rekindled Faith: 

                Instagram: @rekindledfaith 

                 

                Connect with Melanie: 

                Website: melaniebeerda.ca

                Instagram @melanie.beerda 

                 

                1 hr 1 min

              About Rekindled Faith

              From the publisher's feed

              Whether you’ve been wrestling with questions, facing doubt or simply uninspired -- Let’s dive into what it means to be authentic followers of Christ.

              This podcast is for those who know what it…