In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) calls us back to Jesus’ own invitation: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him.

Not a consumer gospel real discipleship that transforms everyday life.

We confront the trap of consumer Christianity what some call “Happy Meal Jesus” that promises comfort without transformation. Instead, Jon calls us back to a cross-shaped life where surrender to Jesus reshapes our priorities, habits, relationships, and hopes.

Drawing a straight line from Jesus’ words to modern discipleship, we explore how self-denial isn’t self-hatred but love-ordered living: laying down ego, distractions, and sin so Christ can form His life in us.

If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with friends!

Chapters

[00:00] -Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines

[03:07] - The Call to Deny Oneself

[06:00] - The "Happy Meal Jesus" Concept

[08:53] - Transformation Through Spiritual Practices

[11:46] - The Importance of Prayer

[15:09] - The Prayer of Examen

[18:04] - Digital Fasting and Its Significance

[20:57] - Navigating Technology and Spirituality

[23:53] - Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

[26:48] - Personal Reflections on the Fast

[29:44] - Community Prayer

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #organicchurch #church #housechurch #scripture #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #prayer #christianity #discipleship #spiritualdisciplines #spiritualexercises #spiritualpractices #spiritualgrowth #lordsprayer

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) explores the themes of generosity, suffering, and the role of the church in a post-Christian era.

Jon discusses the importance of understanding suffering as a form of generosity from God and how technology and AI impact modern Christian life.

The conversation delves into ethical dilemmas surrounding technology and the significance of faith in the resurrection of Jesus in transforming our experiences of suffering.

[00:00] - Introduction to Generosity and Spiritual Practices

[05:06] - The Church in a Post-Christian Era

[09:25] - Understanding Suffering and Generosity

[14:40] - Technology, AI, and the Modern Christian Experience

[19:22] - Ethical Dilemmas in Technology and Suffering

[24:41] - Faith in the Resurrection and Transforming Suffering

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#bible #biblereading #biblestudy #bibleteaching #biblestudy #generosity #actsofgenerosity #christian #christianity #sermon #immigration #bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #organicchurch #church #housechurch #scripture #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #motivationalspeech #biblestories #happiness #inspiration #motivationalspeaker #generosity #immigration #deportation #immigrants #generosityofgod #godsgenerosity #suffering #church #suffering #technology #AI #faith #spiritualpractices #ethicaldilemmas

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) sits down to explore the transformative call to live generously as part of Jesus’ mission of reconciliation.

Drawing from scripture, including Peter’s vision of believers as the new temple and Paul’s message of ministry, the conversation challenges us to see ourselves as priests and ambassadors tasked with embodying God’s love in the world.

Jon discusses the cultural difficulties of living debt-free and intentionally below our means, not for personal gain, but to share with others. The episode also reflects on the unique ways God calls each of us to partner in His redemptive work—whether near or far—and how generosity extends beyond finances to time, energy, and emotional margin.

This conversation invites you to consider your role in God’s mission and how to cultivate a generous heart in a world that often values more than enough.

[00:00] - Intro

[00:15] - What Does It Mean To Live Debt Free?

[05:30] - Are You Addicted to More? Breaking Free from the Cycle of Debt and False Fulfillment

[08:40] - The Freedom of Living Below Your Means

[11:33] - Embracing Generosity and Partnership in God’s Mission

[16:28] - How Jesus Calls Us to Mediate God’s Love

[20:05] - Embracing the Cost and Courage of Being Christ’s Ambassadors

[24:05] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#bible #biblereading #biblestudy #bibleteaching #biblestudy #generosity #actsofgenerosity #christian #christianity #sermon #immigration #bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #organicchurch #church #housechurch #scripture #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #motivationalspeech #biblestories #happiness #inspiration #motivationalspeaker #generosity #immigration #deportation #immigrants #generosityofgod #godsgenerosity

In this episode of the Unpolished Church Podcast, Jon Sherwood discusses the importance of spiritual practices, particularly focusing on generosity as a practice rather than a discipline.

He explores biblical teachings from Matthew 6, emphasizing the contrast between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset.

Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how generosity can be cultivated and the significance of viewing resources through the lens of faith.

The conversation culminates in a reflection on the implications of worship and what we become through our beliefs.

If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with friends!

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction to Spiritual Practices

[00:43] Exploring Generosity in Matthew 6

[04:00] The Paradigm of Scarcity vs. Abundance

[07:55] Personal Stories of Generosity

[11:49] Understanding Abundance in Faith

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#bible #biblereading #biblestudy #bibleteaching #biblestudy #generosity #actsofgenerosity #christian #christianity #sermon #immigration #bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #organicchurch #church #housechurch #scripture #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #motivationalspeech #biblestories #happiness #sermon #inspiration #motivationalspeaker #generosity #immigration #deportation #immigrants #generosityofgod #godsgenerosity #matthew20

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) consider the source of all generosity ... God.

Considering the generosity of God as revealed by Jesus in the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16, we discuss applications in our context around issues of immigration and loving our neighbor.

Jon walks listeners through how this story confronts cultural norms around justice, immigration, and spiritual entitlement. Drawing a direct line from ancient Scripture to today’s struggles with nationalism, economics, and exclusion, this message boldly calls Christians to embody the generosity of the Kingdom—not the scarcity of the empire.

This teaching is both deeply theological and socially relevant, offering an unfiltered look at what it means to live like Jesus in a divided world. It challenges us to reconsider our own posture toward fairness, grace, and those we often overlook.

If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with friends!

Chapters:

[00:00] - Introduction to Generosity and Spiritual Practices

[01:38] - Exploring the Parable of the Workers

[04:08] - The Connection Between Generosity and Current Events

[11:35] - Navigating Politics as Followers of Jesus

[19:24] - The Generosity of Suffering and Hope in Christ

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#bible #biblereading #biblestudy #bibleteaching #biblestudy #generosity #actsofgenerosity #christian #christianity #sermon #immigration #bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #organicchurch #church #housechurch #scripture #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #motivationalspeech #biblestories #happiness #sermon #inspiration #motivationalspeaker #generosity #immigration #deportation #immigrants #generosityofgod #godsgenerosity #matthew20

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) interviews Ammi Zimmerman.

Raised within a diverse range of Jewish traditions—from Torah-Observant “Tanakhism” to Conservative Rabbinic Judaism—Ammi has always held a deep love for YHWH, the God of Israel, and for the rich history of the people of Israel from the time of Abraham to the Second Temple period.

During their freshman year of college, Ammi was introduced to Jesus the Messiah.

Initially setting out to challenge Jesus' messianic claims, they instead found themselves captivated by the heart and message of Jesus of Nazareth. This encounter led Ammi to embrace the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and begin following the Lord.

Now, Ammi feels called to pursue Biblical teaching in the near future and intends to use this channel as a small platform to share insights and grow in that calling.

You’ll hear:

- A unique upbringing across Israelite and Rabbinic Jewish traditions

- Honest doubts about Jesus, the church, and Christian doctrine

- How reading the Bible, watching The Chosen, and encountering Christian friends led to a powerful turning point

- A supernatural experience that changed everything

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction to the Unpolished Church Podcast

[02:59] - Ami's Unique Faith Journey

[05:46] - Growing Up in a Diverse Religious Background

[08:40] - Transitioning to College Life and Spiritual Confusion

[11:48] - Discovering Jesus in a New Light

[15:00] - The Impact of Community and Relationships

[17:40] - A Pivotal Moment of Revelation

[20:56] - The Role of Suffering and Hope

[23:49] - Finding Purpose and Direction in Faith

[26:38] - The Journey of Discipleship and Growth

[29:58] - Encouragement for Those Wrestling with Faith

[35:45] - A Life-Changing Encounter with Jesus

[47:46] - Reflections on Faith and Community

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #housechurch #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #Hatfield #JamesHatfield #DaniellaHatfield #amicrochurchnetwork #ashevillechurchnetwork #microchurches #sermons #give #prayer #holyspirit #sermon #deliverance #decisionmaking #spiritualwisdom #spiritualdepth #christianity

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) delves into the often personal and complex decision of choosing a church. Drawing from years of pastoral conversations and experience with microchurch communities, Jon unpacks the deeper motivations behind church-hopping, preference-driven decisions, and the search for the “perfect fit.”

He challenges the cultural tendency to choose comfort over commitment. He invites listeners to consider a Jesus-centered framework, one rooted in humility, community, and a willingness to grow through difference. From consumerism and echo chambers to authentic relationships and spiritual maturity, this solo episode offers a thoughtful guide for anyone navigating the question: What kind of church should I be part of and why?

This conversation invites us to rethink the church not as a product to consume, but as a body to commit to for the sake of transformation and love.

If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with friends!

[00:00] - Intro

[00:24] - How To Choose Your Micro Church?

[04:23] - Choosing a Church Isn’t About You

[08:23] - Church Should Disrupt You

[13:00] - Why Church Shopping Leaves You Empty

[17:00] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #organicchurch #church #housechurch #scripture #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian

Spiritual Depth without Programming in Micro Churches with James & Daniella Hatfield

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) interviews James & Daniella Hatfield.

James became a Jesus follower in 2000 while studying at N.C. State University, while Daniella was converted to Jesus in 1996 while in high-school outside of London, England.

They have four amazing children and love seeing the word of God spread across the western Carolina region along with great friends and the great outdoors!

In this episode of Unpolished, we dive deep into how Christians can experience true spiritual formation without relying on traditional church models or Sunday sermons.

- Discover how micro churches are reshaping spiritual communities

- Learn the dangers of hyper-individualism in the church

- Real talk on how to listen to the Holy Spirit and practice faith daily

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Intro

[00:19] - Deciding the topic of this conversation

[01:05] - What is spiritual depth? What do we mean by that?

[06:48] - What are some of the dangers, the pitfalls and the benefits of Professionalization and Individualization?

[10:43] - How can we help build spiritual depth in our micro churches?

[18:01] - What can we try to deepen our spiritual life?

[26:40] - How do repentance and self-denial shape spiritual depth?

[32:10] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #housechurch #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #Hatfield #JamesHatfield #DaniellaHatfield #amicrochurchnetwork #ashevillechurchnetwork #microchurches #sermons #give #prayer #holyspirit #sermon #deliverance #decisionmaking #spiritualwisdom #spiritualdepth

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) interviews a prominent New Testament scholar, author, and speaker known for his work on early Christianity, the historical Jesus, and Christian living Dr. Scot McKnight.

Drawing from decades of teaching, writing, and walking with the church, Scot shares his thoughts on how Jesus-centered communities can navigate toxic church culture, spiritual abuse, and the lure of celebrity leadership. We also explore the tension of civic engagement from a Christian perspective—what it means to participate in politics without compromising Jesus's ethic.

This conversation invites us to rethink what goodness looks like in the Church and how we can embody Kingdom values in everyday life.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Intro

[02:15] - What Is Tov and Why Does It Matter?

[10:01] - Why Prioritizing Character Might Be the Only Way Forward

[17:04] - Reimagining Faith Communities Through the 12 Principles of Tov

[22:38] - What If Power Looked Like Sacrifice?

[27:08] - What If Everyone’s a Priest?

[31:24] - Following Jesus’s Path of Creative Nonviolence and Peaceful Power

[37:08] - Vote as an Act of Love

[40:28] - How Should Christians Use Power?

[46:16] - What Do We Do When Politics Defies the Kingdom?

[48:50] - How Do You Choose the Lesser Evil?

[51:34] - What to Do When Christians Choose Not to Vote

[54:32] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#MicroChurch #HouseChurch #Deconstruction #ChurchReimagined #MissionalLiving #FaithJourney #AuthenticCommunity #UnpolishedChurch #ChurchWithoutWalls #SpiritualHealing #SimpleChurch #ModernDiscipleship #ChurchPlanting #BelmontLofts #RepurposedChurch #ChurchLeadership #ChurchTransition #churchleader #church #bible #christianity #leadershippodcast #church #church #revelation #bookofrevelation #discipleship #dr.scotmcknight

In this special solo episode of the Unpolished Podcast, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) takes you on a thoughtful journey of exploring the complex intersection of faith, family, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.

As a dad and a Christian, Jon shares his reflections on how AI and emerging technologies challenge us to think critically about their impact, especially on young children and parenting in today’s digital age.

Join us as we pause to consider how, as image bearers of God, we can navigate these advancements thoughtfully and intentionally for His glory.

If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with friends!

[00:00] - Intro

[00:47] - Faith Meets AI: How Should Christians Respond?

[02:35] - Generative AI: A New Challenge for Families and Faith

[04:40] - How Parents Can Lead by Example in a Digital Age

[07:04] - Are Kids Choosing AI Over Reality?

[10:44] - What Are the Benefits of AI?

[13:20] - The Hidden Risks of AI and False Information

[16:47] - Is AI the New Fake News Machine?

[19:10] - Are We Letting AI Parents Our Kids?

[21:13] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

Mentioned in the podcast:

AI for Education: Parent guides, classroom resources, and policy frameworks: https://www.aiforeducation.io/

Common Sense Media AI Resources: Age-appropriate guidance and tool reviews - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ai/tips-and-videos

Internet Matters: AI Guide for Parents: Safety and digital wellbeing advice - https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/parent-guide-to-artificial-intelligence-ai-tools/

National Association for Media Literacy Education: Resources connecting AI to broader media literacy - https://namle.org/understanding-generative-ai/

What is ChatGPT Doing…and Why Does It Work?: Detailed technical explanation of generative AI from Stephen Wolfram -

https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/2023/02/what-is-chatgpt-doing-and-why-does-it-work/

#bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #organicchurch #church #housechurch #scripture #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #jesusandai #aiandjesuschrist #aiandjesus #ai #chatgpt #artificialintelligence #parenting #parentingandai #kidsandartificialintelligence #techparentingtips #shoulditeachmykidsai