The District Life Podcast

This week Eli sits down with his wife Amelia to chat about their mutual love of stories! They discuss movies, books, a little bit of Dungeons & Dragons and about how stories and imagination can help us learn empathy!

As followers of Jesus and disciples it can be easy to make our journey with Jesus a purely intellectual one and we can all too easily overlook the stories of the people around us who God has called us to witness to and be in community with. Amelia & Eli muse about how great stories remind us of Jesus and can help us step into the shoes of others.

Eli's Recommendations:

Movie: Christopher Robin

Music: Joy Oladokun - In Defense of My Own Happiness

Book: Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir

Amelia's Recommendations:

Movie: Marcel the Shell with Shoes on & Josee, The Tiger, and The Fish

Music: Noah Kahn

Book: Shark Heart - Emily Habeck

As headlines swirl and tensions escalate following the American attack on Iran, how should followers of Jesus respond? In this episode, we strive for clarity, compassion, and conviction — not to take sides politically, but to anchor our perspective in the way of Christ.

We explore how Scripture shapes our response to war, violence, and national allegiance, asking hard but necessary questions, like: How do we live as people of hope and truth in a world of fear and confusion?

This isn’t about reacting. It’s about becoming — a people of peace, rooted in a kingdom not of this world.

Jesus' declaration 'I am the bread of life' was a profound claim about his identity that caused many followers to turn away. This challenging statement wasn't merely metaphorical but asserted his divine nature and exclusive role in salvation. The passage in John 6 emphasizes our union with Christ as the core of Christian identity—being represented by him before God and united with him in death and resurrection. Jesus challenges our culture's metaphysical pluralism with his exclusive claims, calling us not to orbit around him like Judas did, but to fully surrender to him as Lord in every area of life.

Are you pursuing Jesus because He's precious or because He's useful? We often chase after what Jesus can give us rather than Jesus Himself. But what if the greatest blessing isn't what He provides, but His very presence? Discover how to find true satisfaction in the Bread of Life that never leaves you hungry.

In this solo episode, Travis shares a devotional reflection on John 6 — the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 — and how it speaks directly to the difference between a scarcity mindset and a life shaped by God’s abundance. Whether you feel tired, overwhelmed, or unsure if you have anything to offer, this episode will remind you that God can multiply even the smallest offering. It's not about having enough — it's about trusting the One who is enough.

What happens when God takes your 'not enough' and multiplies it? Jesus turned 5 loaves and 2 fish into a feast for 5,000+ with leftovers! Are you living with a scarcity mindset (focusing on what you lack) or an abundance mindset (recognizing God's provision)? What might happen if you offered your seemingly insufficient resources completely to Him? 

Message on John 6:1-15 from our Gospel of John series.

In this episode of, Travis drops a surprise topic on Eli and Paul—centered on spiritual growth, self-deception, and what it really means to follow Jesus. Fresh off a sermon in John 5:31–47, the team unpacks how we often miss what’s right in front of us and how to become faithful witnesses instead of accidental Pharisees.

Are you missing what's right in front of you? In John 5, religious experts who knew Scripture by heart completely missed its central character. Could you be doing the same? Is your life proof of God or proof of you? When people encounter you, do they sense that Jesus has been there? Discover how to become a true witness to the One who should be the hero of your story.

Text: John 5:31-47

In this special episode of The District Church podcast, we’re introducing two new faces stepping into key roles on our team! You'll get to know Eli Bayless, our new Associate Pastor, and Paul Acosta, our Summer Ministry Intern.

Join us as we talk about their stories, passions for ministry, and what they’re most excited to see God do at The District this season. From Eli’s heart for authentic discipleship and building the local church, to Paul’s desire to reach and disciple the next generation, this episode is full of warmth, vision, and a few laughs along the way.

Whether you're a longtime member or new to our church family, this conversation is a great way to hear how God is forming our team for this next season of ministry.

In a world grasping for power, Jesus reveals a revolutionary truth: true authority isn't seized—it's received. Are you trying to control your life, or surrendering to the One with all authority in heaven and earth? Discover how Jesus' approach to power can transform your leadership, parenting, and every relationship.

Message #15 in our Gospel of John series.

Text: John 5:19-30