Today, on the Vision for Life Podcast, Hunter and Autumn respond to a listener’s question about Christians and gun ownership. They ask together how Christians can think biblically and prudentially about gun ownership in America and examine key biblical texts on self-defense and non-retaliation. What are the wisdom questions Christians should ask about security, love of neighbor, and the teaching of Jesus? They also discuss the important distinction between personal gun ownership and public policy, asking what faithful Christian engagement might look like in both.

In Hunter’s recent Substack article, “Why Spiritual Formation and Gospel-Centered Need Each Other,” he asks why spiritual growth can feel difficult even when we have sound theology and sincere effort. Hunter and Autumn pick up that discussion in today’s podcast. They draw on insights from Dallas Willard and Timothy Keller, considering how habits or practices and grace work together in the life of faith, and why each movement arose to correct real weaknesses in Western Christianity. The podcast concludes with practical encouragement: pursue steady habits of prayer and Scripture, and when you fall short, turn to God to receive the grace that is readily available to us.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Shaped by the Gospel by Tim Keller

A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation by Matthew Bingham

Why Spiritual Formation and Gospel-Centered Need Each Other by Hunter Beaumont

In our second Spring book club episode, Hunter and Autumn discuss chapters 4–6 of Knowing God by J. I. Packer. Packer reminds us that our understanding of God must be shaped by how He has revealed Himself rather than by our own imagination or preferences. Packer introduces theological ideas, from the second commandment to the incarnation and the work of the Spirit, showing that sound theology is meant to lead us to know the triune God himself.

Description: In the first Spring Book Club episode on _Knowing God_ by J. I. Packer, Hunter and Autumn discuss chapters 1–3 and the crucial difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him. Packer shows how theology, when rightly pursued, fuels devotion rather than pride, inviting us beyond information into relationship. Drawing from Scripture and the example of Daniel, we consider what it actually looks like to know God and how that knowing has the potential to reshape an entire life.

In this episode, we welcome Tyler Hayes to our staff team and to the podcast! Tyler joined our team in December 2025 as the Worship and Arts Pastor at Fellowship Denver North Metro. In today’s podcast, Autumn, Hunter, and Tyler discuss the meaning and purpose of the Lenten season, its roots in the church calendar, and why preparation matters as we journey toward Easter. The conversation reflects on Lent as a season of consecration, confession, and formation—naming the things that lead to death so we can more fully receive the life Jesus offers in the resurrection.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Fellowship Denver Lent Guide

In this episode, we read and summarize a popular post about the “soft life,” sent to us by a podcast listener. The post purports that the promises of wellness and self-care often depend on privilege and discretionary resources. Through a Christian lens, we ask whether an overemphasis on comfort actually forms resilient, virtuous people—or simply offers a means of avoidance. The conversation ultimately re-frames the good life not as something curated through the wellness industry, but as something made available to all through wisdom, sacrifice, and life together in the body of Christ.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Knowing God by J. I. Packer

The Hidden Privilege in 'The Soft Life' No One Wants to Talk About by Israa Nasir (@well.guide on Instagram)

In this episode, Autumn sits down with pastors Rich and Hunter for a beginning-of-the-year Fellowship Denver family meeting. Together, they look ahead to 2026, discussing Fellowship’s priorities and how God may be calling this community to grow in generosity, prayer, and dependence on the Spirit.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

David F Watson response to James Talarico

Justin Giboney response to James Talarico

Navigation Spiritualized; Or a New Compass for Seamen by John Flavel

Renaissance Faith by Hunter Beaumont

Autumn’s sweater

In this episode, Hunter and Autumn discuss Fellowship Denver Church’s current sermon series on new life in Christ, a central New Testament theme that is often under-emphasized in contemporary American Christianity. They consider why understanding new birth is essential for experiencing the love of Jesus and the fullness of the Spirit, for pursuing spiritual formation and faithful living, and for understanding the nature of eternal life.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Knowing God by J. I. Packer

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

Fellowship Denver Sermons

In this episode, pastors Clark Nunnelly and Hunter Beaumont join the podcast to discuss A Heart Aflame for God by Matthew Bingham and explore what “spiritual formation” means within a Reformed framework. They unpack Bingham’s central claim that true spiritual formation is rooted in and fueled by Scripture and aimed at engaging the heart through the mind. They consider why many believers crave greater depth, how historic Reformed practices like Scripture reading, meditation, and prayer address that hunger, and why going deeper into Scripture is the path to lasting formation.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation by Matthew Bingham

The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God – The Masterful Guide to Apprenticing to Jesus and Authentic Christian Faith by Dallas Willard

Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. by John Mark Comer

Answering God: The Psalms as a Tool for Prayer by Eugene Peterson

Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

In this episode, Autumn and Hunter reflect on the simple but formative question: how do we actually spend time with God? Hunter shares his personal format for Bible reading, prayer, and journaling, which he learned from a mentor many years ago. As 2025 draws to a close and a new year begins, they invite listeners to ask what they learned, what they might do differently, and what they’re carrying into the new year.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quiet Time: A Guide to Daily Renewal by Bill Smith

M'Cheyne Bible Reading Plan

Daily Life with God Recommended Resources