In this conversation, we explore what it looks like to search for real Christian community and what happens when the idea of church community meets messy reality.Jon Sherwood talks with a couple who found a microchurch online after struggling to build deeper relationships in a traditional Sunday church setting.

They share how they researched the church, questioned its leaders, prayed through their decision, covenanted to a body of believers, and discovered that following Jesus in community is difficult, imperfect, and deeply worth it.The conversation explores Christian community, microchurch, house church, church membership, church covenant, biblical fellowship, discipleship, spiritual formation, carrying one another’s burdens, and the meaning of the body of Christ. It emphasizes that Christians were never meant to follow Jesus alone.

Real church community is more than attending a weekly event. It means learning to love people with different backgrounds, supporting one another through difficult seasons, addressing conflict, remaining committed when relationships become uncomfortable, and continually pointing one another back to Jesus.If you have struggled to find a church, felt alone in a crowded congregation, wondered whether microchurch is biblical, or longed for deeper Christian relationships, this conversation offers an honest look at both the beauty and difficulty of following Jesus together.

If you find this conversation helpful, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who is searching for genuine Christian community.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the UNpolished Church Podcast

00:21 How We Found Our Church Through the Internet

02:05 The Journey to Finding Real Community

04:56 Vetting the Church: Making Sure They Weren’t Crazy

09:15 Faith Interviews and Covenanting to a Body

11:28 The Idea vs. the Reality of Community

16:48 It’s Messy, but Beautifully Worth It

18:57 The Body of Christ: We Need Each Other

19:19 Remembering Jesus in How We Treat One Another

20:15 Why Christians Aren’t Meant to Follow Jesus Alone

21:45 Jesus Empowers Us to Love and Grow

24:16 Communion

UNpolished Church Podcast exists to 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 it with a friend and turn on notifications so you will be alerted to future episodes.

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

#ChristianCommunity #Microchurch #BodyOfChrist

In this episode we explore why money can be so difficult to talk about in church, especially when it touches debt, shame, regret, generosity, stewardship, and our willingness to bring hidden struggles into the light.

Jon Sherwood sits down with Martha Brown and Kathy Gibbons for an honest conversation about following Jesus with our finances, learning to live within our means, and discovering how freedom from debt can open the door to deeper generosity and love of neighbor.

This episode looks honestly at credit card debt, consumerism, financial shame, church leadership, giving while in debt, the dangers of hiding money struggles, and the kind of Christian community where people can be met with grace instead of judgment.

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

Chapters

00:00 Why is Money So Hard to Talk About?

01:48 Kathy's Story: The Wake-Up Call with Debt

06:22 The Trap of Credit Cards and Living Beyond Our Means

13:42 The Wake-Up Call: Giving with Debt

16:21 Leadership's Role: Creating a Shame-Free Environment

22:11 Theology of Debt: Living for Love, Not Status

29:24 Why Christians Struggle with Money: Control and Materialism

35:03 Countercultural Steps: Studying Jesus and Opening Your Finances

38:38 The Fruit of Repentance: Freedom and Generosity

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

#moneyandchurch #christianmoney #christiandebt #debtfreejourney #financialfreedom #generosity #christiangenerosity #stewardship #christianstewardship #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurch #microchurch #microchurches #churchcommunity #christiancommunity #followingjesus #jesuschrist #discipleship #spiritualformation #kingdomofgod #churchleadership #pastors #consumerism #christianity #bibleteaching #theology #generousliving #debtfreedom #faithandfinances

In this episode we explore what it means to transition from a traditional church model into a decentralized microchurch network rooted in discipleship, mission, shared leadership, and the priesthood of all believers.

Jon Sherwood shares the story behind his church’s journey away from measuring success by attendance, budgets, buildings, and programs, and toward releasing everyday followers of Jesus into meaningful kingdom work in their own contexts.

This episode looks honestly at consumer Christianity, church growth metrics, the dangers of pastor-centered leadership, the beauty of microchurch communities, and the slow, difficult, Spirit-led process of reimagining what it means to be the church.

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

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

00:19 - The Journey to a Microchurch Network

01:06 - Rethinking Church Success

03:08 - Abandoning Outcomes and Ego

05:18 - From Consumer Church to Calling Culture

06:37 - Commissioning Everyday Missionaries

07:28 - Microchurches Are Not Mini Big Churches

08:26 - Why Slow Transition Matters

10:20 - What Makes a Church a Church?

11:21 - Shared Leadership and Plurality

12:48 - Life After the Transition

13:36 - Why Microchurch Is Not for Everyone

14:32 - Questions Before Starting a Microchurch Network

15:05 - Assessing the Call

16:12 - Assessing the Structure

17:09 - Assessing the Cost

18:22 - Final Encouragement

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 #microchurches #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #organicchurch #housechurch #discipleship #christiancommunity #christian #christianity #spiritualformation #church #churchleadership #churchgrowth #followingjesus #jesuschrist #spiritualgrowth #theology #bibleteaching #kingdomofgod #priesthoodofallbelievers #churchplanting #missionalchurch #churchrenewal #decentralizedchurch #smallgroups #bodyofchrist #pastors

In this conversation we explore what it means for the church to practice biblical love through discipline, repentance, restoration, and real Christian community.

Jon Sherwood talks with Russ & Kim Pullen about microchurch, church discipline, confronting sin, marriage restoration, the Lord’s Table, spiritual maturity, and the courage it takes to speak the truth in love.

This episode looks honestly at the pain of discipline, the danger of avoiding hard conversations, and the beauty of God using Christian community to bring healing, repentance, and reconciliation.

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

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

00:50 - The Microchurch Journey

06:09 - The Value of Networked Community

09:54 - A Story of Sin and Restoration

16:54 - The Theology of Church Discipline

23:52 - Reflecting on Healing and Maturity

38:55 - Navigating Hard Conversations

48:39 - Closing Thoughts on Reconciliation

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

#ChristianCommunity #microchurch #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #community #organicchurch #housechurch #discipleship #christian #christianity #spiritualformation #church #churchleadership #churchgrowth #followingjesus #jesuschrist #spiritualgrowth #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #theology #bibleteaching #practicingtheway #communitypractice #smallgroups #bodyofchrist #forgiveness #reconciliation #christcentered #kingdomofgod

In this conversation we explore what it means for the church to be the practice field for becoming like Jesus. The network leadership team discusses Christian community, micro church, communication, discipleship, forgiveness, conflict, and the challenge of learning to love one another in real relationships. It emphasizes the importance of shifting our view of church away from a product to consume or a spectator sport to watch, and toward a family where we are formed into the image of Christ together.

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

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:19 Network Leadership and Communication Patterns

01:16 Why Micro Church Feels Different

02:04 The Challenge of Living in Community

02:28 The Church as a Practice Field for Becoming Like Jesus

03:19 Church Is Not a Spectator Sport

04:03 Introducing the Community Practice

05:09 Meet the Network Leadership Team

05:57 What Scripture Says About Community

07:03 Galatians 6 and Carrying One Another’s Burdens

10:41 Voice Order and Loving Others in Group Conversation

12:59 Forgiveness, Patience, and Ephesians 4

14:17 Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ

17:09 Why We Need Different People in Community

19:04 Loving God’s Family as Our Joy

20:30 Early Church, Discipleship, and Measuring Success

22:07 Rethinking Church Growth and Transformation

24:43 Shifting Goalposts and Paradigm Shift Farms

28:16 Moving from Attractional Growth to Formation

30:23 Making Disciples as an Ongoing Process

32:38 Loving People Without Turning Them Into Metrics

33:34 You Can’t Marry Jesus and Divorce His People

35:08 Why Long-Term Community Forms Us

36:14 Freedom from Production and Performance

39:09 Practicing Conflict, Reconciliation, and Love

41:21 The Beauty of Every Generation in Micro Church

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

#ChristianCommunity #microchurch #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #community #organicchurch #housechurch #discipleship #christian #christianity #spiritualformation #church #churchleadership #churchgrowth #followingjesus #jesuschrist #spiritualgrowth #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #theology #bibleteaching #practicingtheway #communitypractice #smallgroups #bodyofchrist #forgiveness #reconciliation #christcentered #kingdomofgod

In this episode, Jon Sherwood sits down with Connor Fodel to explore the practice of Sabbath (Shabbat) why it can feel new, weird, and clunky at first, and how learning to stop can become a doorway into delight, freedom, and deeper community.

We talk practicing Sabbath with roommates and micro church rhythms, cooking as a surprising form of rest, and the call to “make space where rest can exist” for others.

We also wrestle honestly with the question: Is Sabbath a privileged practice? Connor shares about margin, surplus, and how God invites those with more to give toward those with less so Sabbath becomes more than “me and my rest,” but a practice that can create horizontal impact in community.

Finally, we discuss how to delight in God’s goodness while the world is still broken, and we close with Lord’s Supper, the hope of John 16:33, and a prayer that remembers God bringing His people out of slavery into rest.

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

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:50 Practicing Sabbath with roommates + micro church rhythms

01:21 The early “clunkiness” of learning to Sabbath

01:35 Cooking for others as generosity (and rest)

02:07 “Make space where rest can exist”

02:34 Is Sabbath a privileged practice?

03:36 Surplus + margin: not just for me

04:21 A countercultural vision: abundance for others

06:05 Sabbath becomes community: vertical faith, horizontal impact

06:21 Enjoying creation—and seeing beauty in people

07:13 Micro church story: seeing Jesus in others

09:14 Sabbath in a broken world: why we need it

10:38 Lord’s Supper + John 16:33

11:34 Prayer: Exodus, freedom, and delight in God’s creation

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

#Sabbath #Shabbat #Rest #SpiritualFormation #Prayer #ChristianPodcast #John1633 #LordsSupper #MicroChurch #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #community #organicchurch #housechurch #scripture #truth #faith #jesuschrist #discipleship #christian #christianity #spiritualgrowth #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #theology #church #bibleteaching #biblicalstory #metanarrative #practicingtheway #storyofgod #creationtonewcreation #howtoreadthebible #spirituality #christcentered #livingtheword

In this episode we explore what a micro church is and why smaller, participatory gatherings can still embody the full life of the church worship, maturity, and mission from living rooms to local service. We talk autonomy (it’s a church, not just a “group”), a multigenerational picture around the table, Matthew 18, and a 1 Corinthians 14 rhythm where everyone comes to give.

We also share real stories—like a Sunday spent serving at a soup kitchen followed by prayer and communion—and why this can be a gentler on-ramp for skeptics and the hurt. You’ll hear how calling and creativity open space for diverse expressions (from neighborhood meals to hospice worship) while staying humble: this isn’t “the only way,” just a fruitful one for many.

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

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:38 Definition & autonomy: a micro church is a church

03:32 A living-room picture + Matthew 18 presence

04:08 Participation over performance; shrinking the stage/audience gap

05:25 1 Corinthians 14: everyone comes ready to give

08:13 From big church to built-in community

10:18 Mission in practice: “soup kitchen Sunday” + communion

12:02 Calling & creativity: diverse expressions of church

13:04 Not the only way: humility & unity across expressions

14:44 Overcoming “living-room nerves”: safety & expectations

18:12 Beauty in vulnerable moments & shared worship

19:12 A safer entry point for seekers; bringing church to people

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 #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #community #organicchurch #housechurch #scripture #truth #faith #jesuschrist #discipleship #christian #christianity #spiritualformation #prayer #spiritualgrowth #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #theology #church #bibleteaching #biblicalstory #metanarrative #practicingtheway #storyofgod #creationtonewcreation #howtoreadthebible #spirituality #christcentered #livingtheword

In this episode of the Unpolished Church Podcast, host Jon Sherwood engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tony about his life, faith journey, and the transformative power of Jesus.

They discuss Tony's deep family roots in Black Mountain, his initial hesitance towards church, and how a welcoming community helped him embrace his faith.

Tony shares personal struggles, including his son's health crisis, and how faith and community support played a crucial role in navigating these challenges.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability, truth, and the sense of belonging within a faith community, culminating in a prayer of gratitude for Jesus and the hope He brings.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Tony's Journey and Family Roots

03:01 Finding Faith in Community

06:47 The Impact of Jesus in Personal Struggles

09:17 Miracles and Transformation Through Faith

11:14 Community, Truth, and Accountability

14:23 Conclusion and 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

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

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood sits down with Xam and Maui Vang to explore something many Christians talk about but struggle to practice: spiritual formation in everyday life.

This isn’t theory. It’s as tangible as buying blankets for neighbors, handing a stranger your extra pair of shoes, and choosing Scripture over the next dopamine hit on social media. Through honest stories, the Vang's share how prayer, generosity, and Scripture have been reshaping their home, their habits, and their hearts.

What follows is simple and beautiful: a house filled with “joyful noise,” a community that actually notices when you’re missing, and a deeper reverence as the church prepares for the Lord’s Table.

Along the way, they describe the surprising freedom that came from a social media fast and the quiet fruit of showing up for people again and again.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Intro

[00:16] - OG's of Asheville Church Network

[01:50] - Xam and Maui Vang's Story

[06:40] - Formation practices & Sabbath practice coming in January

[11:30] - Where do you feel Jesus inviting you to trust Him more?

[17:04] - Prayer & 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

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

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood sits down with the Jeter's to explore something many Christians talk about but struggle to practice: spiritual formation in everyday life.

This isn’t theory. It’s as tangible as buying blankets for neighbors, handing a stranger your extra pair of shoes, and choosing Scripture over the next dopamine hit on social media. Through honest stories, the Jeter's share how prayer, generosity, and Scripture have been reshaping their home, their habits, and their hearts.

What follows is simple and beautiful: a house filled with “joyful noise,” a community that actually notices when you’re missing, and a deeper reverence as the church prepares for the Lord’s Table.

Along the way, they describe the surprising freedom that came from a social media fast and the quiet fruit of showing up for people again and again.

You’ll hear:

Why generosity isn’t just money and how blankets, bandages, and shoes became worship

How fasting from social media made prayer and Scripture come alive

Why singing at home can become real prayer (“joyful noise” and all)

How a church family’s love shows up in baby showers, accountability, and communion

Why community that cares enough to “check on you” can change your life

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Intro

[01:14] - Prayer, generosity & Scripture in this season

[02:00] - Blankets for neighbors & the “gave him my shoes” story

[04:00] - When everyone cries… and why generosity is contagious

[04:30] - Fasting Facebook: choosing Scripture over dopamine

[06:07] - “To sing is to pray twice”: joyful noise in the home

[07:10] - Preparing for the Lord’s Supper (Communion/Eucharist)

[08:31] - From “shooting in the dark” to real fruit through community

[09:23] - The church that notices when you’re missing

[10:59] - Accountability, iron groups & a baby shower that preached love

[13:50] - “We don’t share DNA, but we share the blood of Jesus”

[14:06] - Closing prayer of gratitude & sending

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

#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