Starting Place with Elizabeth Woodson

In today’s episode, Elizabeth talks about the practice of reconciliation. She will discuss how the gospel calls us to pursue unity, even when it's hard. 
Main Topics Covered

1. Why Do We Pursue Reconciliation
2. Two Characteristics We Need To Embody as Reconcilers
3. Practical Tips for Reconciliation

Reflection Question:
Think of one person you need to reconcile with and take a practical step toward that this week—whether through prayer, a conversation, or seeking counsel from a trusted mentor.

Reconcommend Resources:

1. The Liturgy of Politics- Kaitlyn Schiess
2. The Peacemaker - Ken Sande
3. Peacemaking Women - Tara Klena Barthel and Judy Dabler
4. Be The Bridge - LaTasha Morrison

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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In today’s episode, Elizabeth talks about the practice of worship. She will discuss how worship is more than just the songs we sing and how his habit transforms our relationship with God.
Main Topics Covered:

1. What is Worship?
2. The Four Things That Should Characterize Our Worship
3. An Interview about Worship with Ashley Irons

Key Definition:
Worship is the expression of reverence and adoration of God (Tyndale Bible Dictionary)
Reflection QuestionOther than singing, what is one way you can worship God this week?

Guest Bio:
Ashley Irons is a recording artist, worship leader, speaker, writer, and ministry leader who hails from Atlanta, GA but has called Dallas, TX home since 2013. She is also the founder and CEO of The Ironsharp Agency and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. Her first single “It Is Well”  released in 2023 and is a fresh take on the old hymn, blending genres of traditional gospel and CCM. 
Ashley infuses her philosophy of ministry into all that she does - that we would bloom into all God has called us to be by flourishing together (Hebrews 10:23-25). She is currently living out this passion by curating safe spaces for Black Women to bloom, writing and filming her own bible study, and writing and recording an album, both set to release in 2025. You can connect with her on Instagram @ashleyironsworship.

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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In today’s episode, we talk about the practice of gathering together as believers. We will discuss the historical and scriptural support for this practice, three key elements of the gathering and practical tips for finding a church home.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Historical and Scriptural Support 
2. Three Reasons Why We Gather Together
3. Practical Tips for Finding a Church Home

Key Phrase:
To be a disciple is to belong to a discipleship community, which is also known as the local church. 


Reflection Question:
What is your current relationship with the local church and what is one step you can take to lean in to fellowship, grow, and serve more?

Recommended Resources:

1. Sundays Matter - Paul Tripp
2. Gather - Tony Merida
3. Soul Circles
4. D-Groups

Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast.  Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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In today’s episode, we dive into one of the most foundational spiritual habits: studying the Bible. Instead of focusing on the "what" or "how" of Bible study, today we’ll explore the "why"—the core reasons behind why we should immerse ourselves in God’s Word.
Main Topics Covered:

1. The Bible as a Guide For Life
2. A Framework for Understanding The Story
3. Practical Tips for Studying the Bible

Reflection Questions:
-What is the cost of you not studying God’s word? What other voices will you be influenced by if you’re not influenced by Scripture?

Guest Interview:
This episode also features a conversation with Liv Dooley about how to practically live out the habit of Bible study. She is a Bible teacher and the podcast host of The Best Kept Secret with Liv Dooley, which has featured some of the leading teachers and burgeoning ministry leaders of our day. Liv is passionate about helping people enjoy greater intimacy and authority in Christ Jesus through prayer. She is the author of Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 Samuel and featured as a contributor with She Reads Truth and the YouVersion Bible app. You can connect with at livdooley.com or on Instagram @candidliv. 
Recommended Resources:

1. Check out the series on "How to Study the Bible" at https://www.thewoodsoninstitute.org/how-to-study-the-bible
2. J.I. Packer Knowing God
3. Logos Bible Software
4. Blueletterbible.org
5. Bible in a Year Club

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram@startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of discipleship and how our daily habits play a crucial role in shaping our spiritual journey. We'll explore what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus, the biblical foundations of discipleship, and why it's more than just a label—it's a transformative way of life. Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for years or are just beginning your journey, this episode will challenge and inspire you to reorient your life toward the abundant life Jesus promises.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Who Am I?
• Why This Topic?
• What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple?
• The Role of Habits in Discipleship
• The Challenge of Living as a Disciple

Key Definition/Verses:

• A disciple or apprentice is someone who is learning from a teacher in order to become capable of doing what that person does or to become what that person is (Dallas Willard)
• Matthew 16:24-25 "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."
• 1 Corinthians 5:17 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”

Reflection Question

• Reflect on your current habits. Reflect on your daily habits. Are they drawing you closer to living like Jesus, or are they leading you in a different direction?. 
• Talk about your answer with a friend or family member, because we always learn better in community!

Resources Mentioned:

• The Great Omission by Dallas Willard
• Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast.  Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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Season 4 of Starting place begins on August 28! In this episode, Elizabeth Woodson gives you a preview of what is to come in Season 4 as she covers the Life of a Disciple! 

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• What is Season 4 going to cover?
• What is the goal of this podcast

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Elizabeth's Recommended Resources

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Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Natalie Abbott to have a conversation about how we can put remember and put into practice what we learned about the character of God.Questions Covered in This Episode:

• Why did you start Dwell Differently? 
• Do you have a favorite verse you've memorized over the years?
• In our current culture, what are things that are consuming our minds?
• What would you say to encourage someone who needs help memorizing scripture? What would your response be if someone said they were too busy or had poor memory?
• Can you tell us more about your book?
• How does Scripture memory point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:Natalie Abbott is the co-founder of Dwell Differently, a vibrant online community committed to memorizing one million Bible verses together. Along with her sister, Vera Schmitz, she co-hosts the popular Dwell Differently podcast, also authored the forthcoming book, Dwell Differently: Overcome Negative Thinking with the Simple Practice of Memorizing God’s Truth.Dwell Differently creates beautiful, easy-to-use Bible memory tools and resources to help people of all ages memorize, meditate on, and apply God’s truth to their everyday lives, so they can not only know God’s Word, but know Him.Reflection Question:Find a verse that describes an aspect of God’s character and memorize it. Continue Learning:

• Dwell Differently - Natalie Abbot & Vera Schmitz

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Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Jen Wilkin to wrap up this season spent studying and reflecting on the Character of God.Questions Covered in This Episode:

• What motivated you to want to write on the character of God?
• What attribute has impacted you most during your walk with the Lord?
• How do you think writing these two books has changed you, both as an author/bible teacher and a believer?
• What is harder curriculum writing or book writing?

Guest Bio:Jen Wilkin is an author and Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. She has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. An advocate for Bible literacy, her passion is to see others become articulate and committed followers of Christ, with a clear understanding of why they believe what they believe, grounded in the Word of God.Continue Learning:

• None like Him - Jen Wilkin
• In His Image - Jen Wilkin

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church. Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:
Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Yana Conner to discuss the holiness of God and how we are called to pursue holiness.Questions Covered in This Episode:

• When you think about the holiness of God, what comes to mind for you?
• Where in Scripture do we see this part of his character displayed?
• How should this aspect of God’s character impact the way we view and interact with Him?
• Can you share a story about when God used something to help you grow in holiness? 
• What does it look like to live a life consecrated to God? What are some things you’ve opted out of in order to pursue holiness?
• How does the truth of God’s holiness point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:Yana Jenay Conner is a writer and Bible teacher who seeks to help others think well about faith and culture. By God’s grace, she has served in full-time ministry for the past fifteen years in both the church and parachurch context and earned a Master in Divinity in Christian Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She currently serves at Vertical Church as the Discipleship Director and hosts a podcast called Living Single. You can find more of her writing and teaching at yanajenay.com. Reflection Question:How should the truth of God’s holiness change the way you live?

Continue Learning:

• Email: [email protected]
• Holier Than Thou- Jackie Hill Perry
• Rediscovering Holiness - J.I. Packer
• The Power of Consecration - Jon Tyson

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church. Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:
Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Nate Elgin to discuss what it means that God is good. Questions Covered in This Episode:

• When you think about the goodness of God, what comes to mind for you?
• Where in Scripture do we see this part of his character displayed?
• How has contentment shaped your journey with the Lord over the years?
• What does it look like for us as image-bearers to embody goodness?
• How does this help us be set apart or distinctive from the culture?
• How does the truth of God’s goodness point us to the gospel?

Guest Bio:Nate Elgin has a Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is a Pastor at Christ Freedom Church in North Dallas. Reflection Question:How should the truth of God’s goodness change the way you live?
Continue Learning:

• Email: [email protected]
• The Magnificent Story: Uncovering a Gospel of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth - James Bryan Smith
• Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again - Ruth Haley Barton
• Spirituality of Gratitude: The Unexpected Blessings of Thankfulness- by Joshua Choonmin Kang

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church. Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:
Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.