This week on The Journey, we explored practical approaches to Bible study and discipleship, focusing on how we can help everyone—from preteens to adults—develop consistent, life-giving habits in Scripture. Many believers want to read their Bible but don't know where to start, so we discussed how to remove barriers while calling people to deeper growth. The conversation highlighted that the most important Bible study is the one you actually do, and that God desires our time with Him more than perfect methodology.Takeaways:1. Start with a Plan, Place, and Prayer… Consistency in Bible reading requires three elements: a reading plan that gives you direction, a designated place that minimizes distractions, and prayer that invites the Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture. Don't overcomplicate it—just start where you are, not where you want to be.2. Your Bible Study Method is Personal… Whether you use the HEAR method, SOAP method, or simply read devotionally, what matters most is that you're in God's Word. Don't compare your approach to others or feel guilty about not studying "the right way." God meets us where we are, and different seasons may call for different approaches.3. Discipleship Happens at Different Depths... Connection groups, in-depth studies like Man Church and Kingdom Women, and personal devotional time all serve different purposes in our spiritual growth. Don't feel overwhelmed by trying to do everything—choose what fits your season of life, but remain open to God calling you deeper.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

This week on The Journey, we've actually got an action packed episode. Chase eats an ant, we get the first look at Journey on the Road, and we discuss a quote from a fellow believer named Zach. Zach described his spiritual journey through different portions of Scripture—from inhaling the epistles for theological foundation, to meditating on wisdom literature to learn how to pray, to now gravitating toward biblical narratives for examples in a confusing world. This sparked an honest conversation about the pressure we put on ourselves to read "the right thing," and the reality that our relationship with God's Word is a lifelong journey, not a daily checklist to perfect.Takeaways:God's Word doesn't return void—even when we feel scattered. We often want immediate, groundbreaking insights from our Bible reading, but transformation happens over time. A passage you read today might speak to you weeks or months down the road in ways you never expected.Your Bible reading plan doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Whether you're systematically reading through Scripture, jumping between Old and New Testament, or spending extended time in one book, what matters most is that you're spending time in the Word. Don't let the enemy use your good desire for growth against you by making you feel like you're always missing something.The goal is intimacy with Jesus, not just information. When Scripture says "the Word of God is alive and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12) and that "all Scripture is inspired by God and useful" (2 Timothy 3:16-17), it's pointing us toward a Person, not just principles. We read to be close to Christ, allowing Him to speak to us however He chooses.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

What happens when God pulls you out of education and drops you into kid's ministry? How do you go from teaching kids to leading senior adults and women? This week on The Journey, Amy and Andrea share their stories as we explore how God uses creativity, storytelling, and even fiction to deepen our faith and draw us closer to Him. We examined the tension between spiritual consolation and desolation, the importance of sharing our testimonies, and how different seasons of faith require different approaches to staying connected with Christ.

WATCH AND SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

This week on The Journey, we explored what it truly means to "take the next step of obedience" in our walk with Christ—a phrase we often hear in church but don't always understand practically. We discussed how obedience isn't just about big, life-altering decisions like moving overseas for missions, but rather about the countless small, daily choices we make that reflect Christ's character. We challenged each other to move beyond church lingo and consider how the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) serves as the thermometer for measuring our faithfulness, and how letting the Holy Spirit guide our lives looks different in every season and circumstance.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

This week on The Journey, we explored the diverse ways God called each of us into ministry and service, reminding us that every believer has a calling—whether that's in full-time church work or in their everyday workplace. Through personal testimonies, we were reminded that God's calling often comes through unexpected moments, confirmation from trusted believers, and a persistent pull toward serving God's kingdom. The discussion also emphasized that we need faithful Christians in every sphere of life, not just within church walls, and that God orchestrates our paths even when we can't see the full picture.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

This week on The Journey, we were joined by Willy Rice, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, FL. Our discussion explored the nature and purpose of the Southern Baptist Convention, emphasizing that we are a voluntary cooperation of autonomous churches united primarily around global missions and theological education. We addressed the tension between institutional life and missional integrity, the dangers of prioritizing size over substance, and the critical importance of convictional clarity in our current moment. Most importantly, we were reminded that following Jesus is simply about taking the next step of obedience and maintaining proximity to Him.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

This week on The Journey, our very own Angel Hall joined us to share a powerful testimony about navigating life's deepest valleys with unwavering faith. Angel shares her journey through multiple cancer diagnoses, revealing how a shift in perspective—from earthly circumstances to eternal truth—transforms suffering into an opportunity to witness God's faithfulness. Her story explores the truth that for believers, it's always a "win-win" scenario: either God heals us here on earth (miracle) or calls us home to perfect healing (mercy). Throughout her trials, Angel has discovered that valleys aren't just places of hardship—they're where we grow most and feel God's presence closest.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

This week on The Journey, we explored the delicate balance between requiring church attendance and allowing children to develop ownership of their faith. We examined how families can instill the value of church without making it feel like a burden, recognizing that while we can influence our children's spiritual development, ultimately their relationship with Christ requires the work of the Holy Spirit and their own choices. Church should be viewed as something we GET to do rather than something we HAVE to do, and our proximity to Jesus—not just physical presence at church—is what truly matters.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

This week on The Journey, we explored the importance of complete honesty in our spiritual lives and accountability relationships. Drawing from a recent podcast episode about a pastor's moral failure and journey of restoration, we examined how "truth omission" - being open but not fully honest - can lead us down dangerous paths. We concluded that accountability is worthless if we're not completely truthful, and reminded us that what we don't bring into the light can't be healed. We also reflected on how God works sovereignly in different contexts and cultures, even through our imperfections, while still holding us responsible for our choices.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

This week on The Journey, we answer a listener question!The discussion centered on whether physical posture in prayer (bowed heads, closed eyes) is required or if what truly matters is the posture of our hearts. We examined how the New Testament has internalized so much of what was external in the Old Testament, and how our prayers should reflect reverence and focus rather than mere ritual. The conversation also challenged us to think about what we pray for - noting that while physical healing requests dominate our prayer lists, the New Testament overwhelmingly emphasizes praying for spiritual health and maturity in believers.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com