Rocky Unscripted

Today we’re talking about Humility and serving within the church. Some of us have previous experiences serving in the church; both good and bad.  In today’s conversation, Nic asks our campus pastors some direct questions about serving, and why people should take the time to do it. . Sometimes it can feel like churches are always asking for money and for people to volunteer; maybe this is why you’ve had a negative experience in the past…however, when we humble ourselves and focus on contributing rather than consuming, something changes in us.

Matt and Amanda talk about practical ways we can share our faith without making people feel like projects.  We don't have to know everything about the Bible in order to share "something" about our faith.  We often feel pressured to evangelize our beliefs; and if we don't, we carry shame.  But if we are motivated by a genuine love and care for other people, Jesus will be the one responsible to bring about life change.  The pressure is off and we can live with purpose and peace.  Also, Matt sings a Tina Turner cover.  

We welcome two new guests to the show: Mitch Comstedt and Susan Broerman.  Both Mitch and Susan have been in small groups for decades and have a wealth of experience.  They bring that to their professional lives and help connect people into meaningful small groups.  Small groups are risky, they are difficult, AND they are also opportunities for incredible breakthrough.  In this episode, we discuss very real concerns as we step in community.  However, we also share practical ways in which we can find the kind of relationships we truly need to live like Jesus.  

Link for connecting in groups at Rocky:  https://rocky.church/groups/

Matt Cote, Nic Carver, and Luke Hall sit down to discuss the value of pursuing God.  The question is raised, "Do we need to pursue God when God is pursuing us?"  Additionally, they talk about how we can seek God when we are struggling with mental illness.   There are many moments that we struggle with our self worth and our identity because as we all know, life is incredibly challenging.  However, there are practical things that we can employ to help us in the darkest moments of life.  They discuss how it is possible to develop a relationship with God that is fulfilling and life-giving; but it takes the kind of work that all relationships require.  Are we willing to do the work?  

When you watch how Jesus lived, he broke lots of rules; mostly around the issues of societal norms and what categories people fit into.  He broke them by spending time with people he wasn't "supposed" to be spending time with.  In essence, he was declaring that social outcasts were his equals and that there was a new category of love that transformed outsiders into insiders. Today, we take an in depth look at our own behaviors through the example of Jesus meeting with a man named Zacchaeus.  We need to ask ourselves, "Who do we welcome to our tables, and how did they get there?"  It is possible we need to rethink our decisions and add some chairs.  

Rocky Unscripted welcomes Alan Ahlgrim to the podcast and they discuss practical concepts from his upcoming book.  Alan has 50+ years of experience in ministry and in counseling relationships.  He shares incredibly practical tips that can help you get "unstuck" in your personal growth through vulnerability and community.  Matt Cote joins Alan and Nic Carver as they discuss how to avoid (or climb out of) the many pitfalls that come with friendships.  

Today we meet Shelby Voorhees, Rocky's Impact Director, and talk about our projects around the world; especially in Kenya.  She brings clarity to difficult questions regarding serving in seemingly impossible circumstances. What difference can we truly make?  We also hear stories of miracles, life change, and creating a future of possibilities for children in a desperate situation.  

Dane Voorhees and Luke Hall are Worship Pastor's at Rocky.  Even though they are on staff at a church, they can  identify with seasons in life when worshiping God is the last thing they want to do.  There are many reasons we feel this way from time to time.  Anger and disappointment can make it hard to offer gratitude to God, and sometimes it can lead to a long season of apathy.  Dane and Luke offer encouragement to make it through these times.  

We are often motivated by the need for other people's approval.  It's where we get our sense of success, the belief that we "have what it takes" and that we can finally find fulfillment.  However, we all know that this is a never-ending cycle that leaves us wanting more.  We can never achieve enough.  We can never be liked enough.  We can never find what we're looking for.  

But Jesus offers another way.  We take a look at a message Jesus gave thousands of years ago that still rings true today.  In fact, it may be more helpful now than ever.  

Matt and Shan talk about their own experiences with friendship, isolation, and the need for meaningful encounters with God when life gets difficult.  This episode is based on our new series called "Summer Mixtape".  Each week, we will take a look at a song we all know and how it relates to our spiritual lives.  This week, the band performed "Brother" by Need to Breath.  You can listen to the original here.  And If you weren't able to catch  the service, you can find it here!