Starting Place with Elizabeth Woodson

In this episode of Starting Place, we dive into the spiritual practice of disciplemaking and why it’s central to living as followers of Jesus. Drawing from Matthew 28:19-20, we explore the “discipleship crisis” in today’s Church, discuss key challenges like biblical illiteracy and disembodied discipleship, and offer practical steps for becoming a disciple who makes disciples.

Key Takeaways:

1. Discipleship is meant to happen in the context of relationships, not just through consuming content.
2. Disciplemaking involves content (God’s Word), context (relationships), and consistency (regular, intentional meetings).
3. The Great Commission calls us to multiplication—helping others grow so they can disciple someone else.

Challenge:
Pray and ask God to show you one step you can take toward disciplemaking. Talk about it with a friend or loved one, and consider starting with one person who can grow alongside you in faith.

Recommended Resources

1. The State of Theology Research Study
2. Growing Together by Melissa Kruger
3. Discipleship As Holy Collaboration - Yolanda Solomon
4. Deep Discipleship - JT English

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In today’s episode, we explore why Christians are called to serve and what that looks like in a divided, individualistic culture. We discuss service as an essential discipline that not only glorifies God but seeks the flourishing of humanity. This episode sheds light on how service shapes us, draws us closer to Christ, and reflects God’s love to the world around us


Key Definition:
The spiritual practice of service is a way of life that reflects the helping, caring, and sharing love of God in the world. - Adele Calhoun (Spiritual Disciplines Handbook)

Main Takeaways:

• God designed us to serve to help creation flourish (Genesis 1:26-27) and to point to his glory. (Matthew 5:13-16).
• Service is self-sacrificial and grounded in mercy and compassion, as illustrated by Jesus in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-35).
• Our motivation for serving comes from how God has served us through Christ. (Romans 12:1)

Weekly Challenge:
Think of one person you interact with regularly (friend/family member/coworker) and ask God to show you one way you can serve them this week. 

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In today’s episode of Starting Place, we’re exploring the spiritual practice of rest and Sabbath. We dive into why so many of us struggle to rest, the pressure to stay busy, and how the Bible redefines true rest. Join us as we discuss how living in God’s strength helps us embrace rhythms of rest in today’s fast-paced world.


Main Takeaways:

• Rest is a rhythm meant to help us depend on God, not escape life’s responsibilities.
• True rest involves trusting God’s presence and sovereignty rather than overextending ourselves.
• Sabbath, while not required, helps us order our lives around God and experience His delight in us.

Guest Bio:
Janetta Oni is Creative Arts Director and Worship Leader at The Summit Church in Raleigh/Durham, NC. She holds a master’s in Human Services Counseling with a focus on Christian Ministries, and engages in vital discussions on burnout, racial unity, church leadership, and mental health. Known for blending humor and wisdom, Janetta aims to equip ministers of the Gospel with tools to remain Holy and Healthy.


Weekly Challenge:
Identify one step to begin practicing Sabbath or adding a rhythm of rest to your life. Then, share your goal with someone who can help keep you accountable.


Recommended Resources:

1. Toxic Church
2. Sacred Rhythms

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In today’s episode, we dive into the transformative habit of biblical self-examination. We'll explore how examining our hearts regularly and honestly through the gospel lens helps us live more intentionally as disciples of Jesus. Self-examination is vital in aligning our outward actions with our inner lives, allowing us to be authentic, loving witnesses in our relationships and communities.

Main Takeaways:

• Biblical self-examination helps us align our actions with our inner life, making us more authentic witnesses of Jesus.
• Pride, unforgiveness, and fear of vulnerability are obstacles that hinder our ability to love well in relationships.
• Through regular self-examination, we can identify areas needing healing and extend grace as we’ve received it in Christ.

Weekly Challenge:
Practice intentional self-examination by taking a few minutes in prayer each day to ask God to show you areas needing growth. 

Key Scriptures:

1. Psalm 139:23-24
2. Romans 12:9-13
3. Matthew 7:3-5

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In this episode, we explore the practice of contending for the faith (Jude 1:3) and how to defend the gospel against cultural narratives that pull us away from Jesus. I’m joined by Dr. Sarita Lyons, whose book, Church Girl, focuses on the false narratives in the culture and the church that pull us away from the gospel, especially for Black women. We discuss how to identify these narratives and critique them thoughtfully to strengthen our faith.

Main Takeaways:

• Learn how the culture’s false gospels impact believers and how to address them.
• Gain insight into the unique challenges Black women face in and outside the church.
• Understand how to critique the church in such a way as to build it up. 

Author Bio:
Dr. Sarita Lyons is a wife, mother, speaker, bible teacher, and psychotherapist. She is on staff at Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia as the Director of Discipleship and Women’s Ministry. Prior to full time ministry, she was in private practice for eight years, where she provided counseling for individuals, families, couples, and groups for a variety of psychological needs.. Dr. Sarita speaks, writes, and advocates about the intersections of faith, mental health, and justice, as well as women's issues in and outside of the church. 

Weekly Challenge:
What cultural narratives are tempting you or your community away from the gospel? 

Recommended Resources:

1. Church Girl - Dr. Sarita Lyons
2. How To Tell The Truth, Preston Perry
3. Reason For God, Tim Keller

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In this episode, Elizabeth explores the spiritual practices of prayer and fasting. She will discuss how prayer is about more than just asking God for things—it's about communion and alignment with His heart. We also delve into fasting as an act of self-denial that awakens our spiritual hunger and dependence on God.

Main Takeaways:

• Prayer: It's about listening, abiding in God's presence, and aligning our desires with His. We discuss two types of prayer: listening prayer and intercessory prayer.
• Fasting: More than abstaining from food, fasting helps us create space for God to fill us with His wisdom and guidance.
• Practical Tips: Start small with fasting, integrate Scripture into your prayers, and practice listening prayer.

Weekly Challenge:
This week, set aside intentional time for prayer or start a fast to deepen your connection with God.


Recommended Resources

1. Discerning The Voice of God, Priscilla Shirer
2. A Hunger For God, John Piper

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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Episode Summary:
In this episode, we’re diving into a spiritual habit that often goes overlooked—celebration. We usually focus on habits like Bible study, prayer, or fasting, but celebration is a powerful and biblical practice that draws us closer to God.

Key Scriptures:
Psalm 16:9-11, Psalm 32:11, Psalm 118:24,Nehemiah 8:10

Main Takeaways: 

• Celebration is a biblical command that helps us remember God's provision and faithfulness.
• It lifts our spirits, strengthens our faith, and deepens relationships with God and others.
• Celebrating resists the pressures of busyness and reminds us that God is enough.

Guest Bio:
Aina Carruth is a Bible teacher from Frisco, Texas. She has been a member of the Village Church, now Citizens Church for 15 years where she has helped write curriculum, lead, and teach Bible classes. Aina is passionate about helping others know the God of the Bible through study of his word in the context of the local church. Her background is in education and counseling where she has degrees from Texas A & M University and the University of North Texas. 

Weekly Challenge:
Find something to celebrate this week! Whether it’s big or small, take time to rejoice in God’s goodness—and invite a friend or loved one to join you. 

Recommended Resources:

1. Invitations to Abundance by Alicia Atkins  
2. 7 Feasts by Erin Davis  

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 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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