Up and to the Right

Why do we often idolize the early church while ignoring their messy reality?

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Today, we dive into the struggles of the Corinthian church. They faced issues like status, public speaking, and a culture steeped in sexual immorality. As discussed in this episode, the early church was not perfect; they dealt with their own problems just like us today. 

Paul, the founder of the Corinthian church, confronted these issues head-on. He wanted the Corinthians to shift their focus from societal norms to the teachings of Jesus.  

Let’s learn from their mistakes and embrace the journey of faith, flaws and all.

In this episode, Pastor Rodney, Sawyer Wilson, and Micah Gaston discuss how consistent time in God’s Word truly transforms people from the inside out, highlighting the growing hunger for Scripture among North Students and the practical habits helping that happen. The conversation emphasizes that spiritual growth takes intentional sacrifice, daily discipline, and applying what you read so that your life not only reflects Jesus personally, but also points others to Him.

In honor of our dear friend, Angie Snodgrass, who recently went home to be with the Lord, we are re-releasing a special episode of Up and to the Right where Angie shared her heart on the power of prayer. Angie didn’t just talk about prayer — she lived it. Our hope is that as you listen, you’ll be reminded of her faith, her joy, and the strength found in drawing near to God.

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In this  conversation, Pastor Rodney and Angie Snodgrass explore Angie's personal journey of faith, her role in the prayer ministry at North Church, and the transformative power of prayer. Angie shares her experiences of seeking peace through prayer, learning to pray with scripture, and the importance of corporate prayer. They discuss the movement of the Holy Spirit within the church community and the significance of being present with God in prayer.

In this episode, Pastor Rodney sits down with licensed therapists Amy Moffeit and Avian Reid to discuss the complex topic of grief, exploring its various stages, the importance of community support, and the role of faith in navigating loss. They share personal stories and insights on how to cope with grief, emphasizing the need for honesty with oneself and God, the healing power of memories, and the significance of finding joy amidst sorrow. The conversation highlights the necessity of having a support system and the comfort provided by the Holy Spirit during difficult times.

In this episode, Pastor Rodney and Blaine Bartel discuss the pervasive issues of sexual temptation and addiction, exploring Blaine's personal journey through struggles with pornography and the importance of community and discipleship in overcoming these challenges. They emphasize the need for accountability, the impact of modern culture on relationships, and the significance of emotional intimacy in marriages. The conversation also highlights the Katharos program, designed to guide men towards purity and healing, and encourages listeners to seek support and connection within their communities.

In this heartfelt conversation, Pastor Rodney sits down with Annie Green and Ebony Fortier as they share their experiences as single moms, discussing the challenges, triumphs, and the importance of faith in their journeys. They emphasize the significance of community support, the healing power of Jesus, and the necessity of establishing boundaries. The discussion also highlights the role of the Word of God and the presence of God in their lives, offering encouragement to others walking a similar path.

Pastor Rodney sits down with three North Church staff members—Carlos Ynfante, Eve Spaeth, and Crystal Manu—to reflect on the church’s January challenge of praying, reading, fasting, and handwriting the book of John, sharing how slowing down in Scripture made familiar passages feel fresh and personally convicting. They each describe practical fasting rhythms and the impact of spiritual accountability.

Pastor Rodney and Dennis Varghese have a rich conversation about moving from striving to truly abiding in God’s Word, emphasizing that Scripture is not about self-improvement but about encountering Jesus and being transformed by Him. Dennis shares how wrestling with Scripture, delighting in God’s presence, and letting the Word shape his family life has shifted his faith from performance to fruit that flows out of a deep, abiding relationship with Christ.

In this episode, Pastor Rodney is joined by Pastor Clint Smith and Pastor Heady Coleman to celebrate the 10th anniversary of North Church Guthrie. The conversation dives into their personal journeys to the church, highlighting how each of them felt called to serve their community through the ministry. Together, they reflect on the growth of the church over the past decade, the challenges they faced, and the incredible impact they have made in their community.

In today's conversation, Pastor Rodney and Mart Green discuss the significance of fasting as a spiritual discipline, sharing personal experiences and insights. They explore the journey of fasting, the importance of God's presence, the role of prayer and music, and the value of journaling.