The Deep Dish

Courtney Doctor talks with Colleen Chao about how her faith has grown and flourished through living with a terminal cancer diagnosis. They discuss the difficulty of knowing she may not live to see her son grow up, what keeps her clinging to Jesus, and what excites her about the life to come. Colleen expounds a rich theology of suffering accompanied by contagious joy in the Lord.

Resources Mentioned:

• She Laughs at the Days to Come (Colleen’s story)

Related Resources:

• The Secret to Living Hope in the Face of Death
• How to Help When Cancer Strikes Your Church
• Experiencing God in Your Affliction
• Review: "Out of the Shadow World" by Colleen Chao

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How do you practice “setting your mind on things above” amid ordinary life or in seasons of suffering?

2. What circumstances or experiences have made you more aware of your limitations?

3. How have you experienced the closeness of your Shepherd in dark or fearful seasons? In what specific ways has his nearness been your good?

4. What does it mean to think of suffering as something you’re “entrusted with”? How does that perspective shape the way you steward hard experiences?

5. As you think about eternity with God, what excites or comforts you most about the life to come?

6. What does it look like to entrust those we love most to God when the future feels uncertain?

7. What truths from God’s Word have most strengthened or steadied you in seasons of suffering?

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Courtney and Melissa talk with Christine Hoover about why we need friends and how to make them. They discuss how to get over the awkwardness of walking into a room where you don’t know anyone, why our friendships may shift in different life stages, how our friends shape us, and how an idealized view of friendship (where your friends never disappoint you) runs counter to the gospel.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• The Hard Work of Lifelong Friendships

RELATED RESOURCES:

• Want to Grow in Wisdom? You Need Gospel Friends.
• Why Ministry Partners Are Better than Instagram Friends
• How to Be the Friend You’ve Always Wanted
• Messy Beautiful Friendship by Christine K. Hoover

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How has your experience of making friends changed in different seasons of your life? Which seasons have been most challenging, and why?

2. In what ways are your current friendships gospel-centered? Where do you sense room for growth?

3. Where has God placed you—at church, at work, at home, or in your community—to notice and include those who may feel overlooked or alone?

4. What qualities of a faithful, Christlike friend are you asking God to grow in you right now?

5. How does the gospel speak to the fears or expectations that hinder our friendships?

6. How are you intentionally prioritizing fellowship with Christ? How does your relationship with him shape what you offer in your friendships?

7. What next step is God calling you to take in your pursuit of gospel-centered friendship?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Courtney and Melissa talk with Jen Wilkin about how they each related to their siblings while growing up, how those relationships have changed over the years, and how to foster a healthy relationship with adult siblings.

In this laughter-filled conversation, they talk about how they dealt with conflict among their own children, words of wisdom they wished they’d heard sooner, and how to encourage kindness and love between siblings throughout their lives.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• I Am the Light of the World (Jen’s message at TGCW24)
• Being Mortal  by Atul Gawande

RELATED RESOURCES:

• Help! My Kids Won’t Stop Fighting
• Raising an Alien Child
• How to Handle Family Conflict This Holiday Season

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What was your relationship with your siblings like as you were growing up? How has it developed over the years?

2. What patterns of dealing with conflict do you see in your family (past or present)?

3. What has God taught you about conflict resolution through your sibling relationships?

4. How do you see your children (or children you’re close to) developing friendships in their sibling relationships? What’s challenging about this? How would you like to encourage this more?

5. As you interact with your adult siblings, in what ways might you be reverting to childhood roles? How can you guard against this?

6. How are your siblings navigating (or planning to navigate) care for aging parents? What advice from this episode was helpful as you consider how to do this well?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Melissa and Courtney talk with Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams about how they learned to love the Bible. They discuss both the challenges and rewards of studying Scripture, memorizing it, and learning to interpret it in community. They explain the difference in thinking the Bible is written to you and understanding that it was written for you.

Resources Mentioned: 

• She Reads Truth
• The Bible Is for You: A Devotional Journey Through Every Book of the Bible Edited by Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams
• Daily Light

Related Content:

• How to Study the Bible 
• Keep Reading Your Bible, Even If You Don’t Understand It
• TGC Course: Mining God’s Word

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In a few words, describe your current attitude toward and practice of engaging with God’s Word.

2. How has your approach to reading and studying Scripture changed over time? What habits or rhythms are helping you prioritize it in your current season?

3. How did this conversation deepen your understanding of the unique nature and power of God’s Word?

4. How has your understanding of God grown as you’ve spent time in his Word?

5. How has Scripture ministered to you in difficult circumstances? How is his Word ministering to you currently?

6. In what ways has studying the Bible alongside others encouraged or shaped you?

7. What’s one thing you want to start, stop, or change in your practice of engaging with Scripture?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Courtney and Melissa talk about the gap between our high expectations for the holidays and the disappointment we often feel in others or in ourselves. They discuss how to be pro-active in preparing our hearts to hope in the Lord rather than in perfection, how to bear the fruit of the Spirit while also meeting the practical needs of those around us, and how inviting nonfamily into family holidays can bring great blessing. Whether you are excited about Thanksgiving and Christmas or tired just thinking about them, listen to this conversation and be encouraged!

Resources Mentioned: 

• 6 Ways to Prepare for a Holiday That Will Disappoint (printable pdf) https://media.thegospelcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/10111351/6-Ways-to-Prepare-for-a-Holiday-That-Will-Disappoint-Printable.pdf
• The Gift of All Gifts by Melissa Kruger
• Unto Us: 25 Advent Devotions about the Messiah
• The Weary World Rejoices: Daily Devotions for Advent

Related Content:

• This Thanksgiving, Come to the Table
• How Not to Gossip During the Holidays
• Preparing for Advent Season

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How have your expectations for the holidays changed over time?

2. In what ways can unrealistic expectations set us up for disappointment? What helps you hold your expectations in a healthy way?

3. What’s one thing you’re especially looking forward to and one thing you anticipate may be challenging this holiday season?

4. What rhythms or practices help you cultivate gratitude—both during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year?

5. What conversations or interactions do you want to intentionally prioritize this holiday season, and what might that look like in practice?

6. How can your church, small group, or family support those who are experiencing grief, loneliness, or unmet expectations this season?

7. Which fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23) do you most want God to grow in you this holiday season, and why?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Melissa talks with Ann Wilson about the power of words in marriage and the importance of speaking life to one's spouse.

Ann recounts a memorable turning point in her 45-year marriage when she realized her many attempts to help or “tweak” her husband were having the opposite effect than intended. They talk about recognizing that every marriage has peaks and valleys and give practical advice for getting through the hard seasons.

Recommended Resources:

• How to Speak Life to Your Husband: When All You Want to Do Is Yell at Him by Ann Wilson
• The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller

Related Content:

• The Deep Dish: Married for Good
• Tim and Kathy Keller on Marriage in Gospel Focus
• A Biblical View of Marriage

Discussion Questions:

1. Share a bit of your story—if you’re married, how did you and your husband meet? If you’re single, what relationships or experiences have shaped your view of marriage?

2. How have you seen yourself and your husband grow or change over the years?

3. How has God used marriage (or relationships) as a tool to shape your character and deepen your walk with Christ?

4. In what ways would you like to use your words more wisely, especially in prayer and in communication with your husband (or with others in your life)?

5. How do you discern when to extend grace and overlook an offense versus when to gently address it? How can you communicate truth in love in those moments?

6. What are some intentional ways you can encourage your husband, honor him, or “fill his tank” (or the “tanks” of others in your life) this week?

7. How can your discussion partners pray for you and your marriage?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Melissa and Courtney talk with Becky Pippert about how to develop godly confidence to engage in evangelistic conversations with love. Becky tells stories about sharing her faith with her own parents and talks about how to go from a natural conversation to a spiritual one. She emphasizes the need to pray for opportunities, to rely on the Holy Spirit, and to be a good listener. 

Recommended Resources:

• Behold and Believe
• Stay Salt
• Seeker Bible studies: Uncovering the Life of Jesus and Discovering the Real Jesus

Related Content:

• Inadequacy Is Compulsory in Evangelism
• Let’s Talk: Sharing Your Faith
• Talking About Jesus Without Sounding Religious

Discussion Questions:

1. How comfortable do you feel talking about your faith with others? How has your comfort (or discomfort) changed over time?

2. What fears, hesitations,  or uncertainties hold you back from sharing your faith with others?

3. What examples of blessing others, participating in sustainable outreach, or engaging in evangelism can you think of? Which of these comes most naturally to you?

4. What opportunities do you have to connect with people outside Christian circles? What would it look like to engage with people on “their turf” instead of making them come to yours?

5. What common ground have you found with people who don’t yet know Jesus? How might your shared interests or experiences become a bridge to spiritual conversations?

6. What role does prayer play in our evangelism? How could prayer become a more intentional part of sharing your faith?

7. What next step would you like to take in sharing your faith with others? How can your discussion partners pray for you?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Melissa and Courtney talk with Megan Hill about how God’s Word helps us understand the deep hurts that can come from God’s own people. They discuss why church hurt is so painful as well as why we shouldn’t run from church when we’ve been hurt. They talk about how to know when it might be right to leave a church and how to find comfort in God’s word. Listen to this episode if you’ve ever experienced church hurt or want to care for those who have.

Recommended Resources:

Sighing on Sunday: 40 Meditations for When Church Hurts by Megan Hill

Related Content:

• Let’s Talk: Overcoming Church Hurt
• Understand Church Hurt’s Source
• We’re Hurt, and Healed, in Community

Discussion Questions:

1. When you hear the phrase “church hurt,” what comes to mind? How would you define it in your own words?

2. What makes church hurt different from conflicts in other areas of life, such as work or friendships?

3. How did the biblical examples of church hurt that were shared encourage or convict you?

4. How can you come alongside those in your church who are healing from past hurt? In what specific ways can you pray for them?

5. How would you discern whether it’s time to leave a church community? Who could you turn to for wise, godly counsel in that process?

6. How does understanding God’s perfect justice equip you to encourage and reassure those struggling in the wake of church hurt?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Melissa and Courtney talk with Jackie Hill Perry about the sin of covetousness and why it’s so hard to recognize and admit. They discuss signposts that tip them off that they are coveting, the relationship between covetousness and other sins, and why we desire for others to covet what we have. Listen in if you want to get serious about putting to death the sin of covetousness in your own life.

Recommended Resources:

• The Envy of Eve by Melissa Kruger
• How to Deal With Dark Times by Tim Keller on Psalm 88

Related Content:

• Cultivating Contentment in a Covetous World
• Let’s Talk: Battling Discontentment
• Is My Desire Sour? 4 Questions To Consider

Discussion Questions:

1. Where in your life are you most tempted to feel discontentment?

2. Describe a time when something you pursued or received left you unsatisfied? What did you learn from that experience?

3. How did this discussion help you better understand the connection between covetousness and idolatry?

4. What warning signs alert you that idolatry or discontentment may be creeping into your heart?

5. In what ways have you seen God set “boundary lines in pleasant places” (Ps. 16:6) in your own life? What does this reveal about His sovereignty and love?

6. What daily practices or rhythms could help you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment in Christ?

7. How can your discussion partners pray for God to reshape your heart and desires as you grow in contentment?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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Melissa and Courtney talk with Lisa Whittle about how a whole body theology can keep us from obsessing or neglecting our bodies. They discuss the need for a foundational view of our bodies drawn from the whole of Scripture rather than isolated verses. Whether we struggle with accepting imperfections in the way we look or we get frustrated because our bodies don’t function the way we wish they did, recognizing that our bodies exist for the glory of God can lift the weight of worrying about what others think of us.

Recommended Resources:

Body and Soul: A 6-Session Study of the Whole Person God Created You to Be by Lisa Whittle

Related Content:

• The Deep Dish: Aging Is a Discipleship Issue
• As You Start that Diet: 3 Truths About Body Image
• Five Lies About Your Body
• Let’s Talk: How to Spot and Let Go of Shame

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways are you tempted to measure your worth (or the worth of others) by physical appearance or ability?

2. Describe one way you would like to have a healthier relationship with your body? What might need to change for that to happen?

3. Share a time when you felt physically limited. How can experiences of frailty or weakness give us opportunities to glorify God?

4. In what ways does Jesus’ own experience of physical weakness (hunger, fatigue, suffering, death) comfort or challenge you in your view of the body?

5. How do you discern whether pursuing improved form and function is healthy or problematic?

6. What would it look like for you to pursue health and strength with a “glory mentality” rather than a self-focused one?

7. How does the reality of spending eternity in a glorified version of your body influence the way you view and care for your body now?

Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academy

Check out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective

Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!

Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26!

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