Westside Culture Podcast

Pastor Craig has a few special guests on the Westside Culture Podcast. The discussion is centered around how decisions are made at Westside Church. Pastor Craig describes what we look for in an elder (along with diversity, not “yes” men, faithfulness, etc.) and have input from Chris & Calvin.

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Other Questions Pastor Craig Asks:

• The board of Westside was a “Trustee” board 5 years ago and now the board is an “elder” board. How is the board different than five years ago?

• Share with us your perspective on how decisions are made?

• What happens when those on the board disagree with one another on an issue?

• How does unity differ from uniformity?

• How have the elders kept Westside on mission to “connect this generation to Christ and His church” through changing times?

• What is your heart for the future of Westside Church and the church universal?

Beirut, Lebanon experienced the most powerful explosion recorded behind only Nagasaki and Hiroshima, according to Dr. Robby Hamd. It has rocked the Philemon Project which is led by Dr. Hamd. Robby said their ministry, which provides pre-school education and adult mentoring in Beirut, has been devastated. As a church, Westside has supported the Philemon Project for years and will provide more support in order to rebuild and restart this gospel-centered ministry as they seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a difficult season for Lebanon. Dr. Hamd shares in this podcast what they have faced, how our financial and prayer support helps, and what difference their ministry desires to make in Beirut.

In this edition of the Westside Culture Podcast, Pastor Craig Cramer discusses what it takes to overcome racism with Bishop Charlie Williams. Ultimately, legislation will not end racism. Only a transformed heart through the work of Christ will overcome racism.

Sometimes what we read in the Bible and what we see in the world does not line up. There are people who live contrary to God’s Word and yet prosper, while others love and obey God yet suffer. It makes some of us wonder if serving God is worth it. I appreciate the honesty of an ancient Israelite worship leader named Asaph. He said what many of us think, but are sometimes not willing to state. Asaph saw the wicked succeed and the righteous suffer. His view changed once he entered into the presence of the Lord. God gave him a new and eternal perspective. That is what we need when our perspective is out of whack.

Pastor Craig Cramer and Calvin Daniels deal with the topic of “Racial Tension” in this podcast. Racism is a sad reality in our world today. Many of the African-Americans in our society are scared, angry and saddened by the senseless death of George Floyd. They wonder if they, their son, father or grandson will be next. Most law enforcement officers serve honorably with the goal to protect their communities, yet right now most are concerned for their own safety and the safety of their families. As followers of Jesus, we need to pray for our African-American brothers and sisters, for the end of racism, for the protection of our law enforcement officers, as well as for peace and for unity in our nation. Join us as we pray together wherever we will be on Wednesday, June 10.

On this episode of the Westside Culture Podcast, Pastor Craig and Pastor Lane look to the bible for what to do when feeling overwhelmed.

The story of David and Goliath is a historical account of God delivering a people who were overwhelmed. If the Lord had not stepped in, it appeared that the Israelites would have been annihilated. Yet God used David, an unlikely hero, to defeat a giant probably twice his size. This saved God's chosen people from their enemy.

There are times we are overwhelmed in life. The same Lord who carded for his people thousands of years ago, is the same Lord who cares for you today.

On this episode of the Westside Culture Podcast, Pastor Craig sat down with our Chief Operating Officer, Faith Brockway, to discuss the state of our Church.

Due to recent events and because of the local and global impact of the COVID-19 we thought it would be beneficial to discuss some of the more finer details of how we doing as a church. Pastor Craig and Faith talk about staffing changes, budget and reductions, and what the future might look like for us when we return to meeting in person, as well as, meeting online when the time comes.

We are excited for the future and what God has in store for Westside Church. We are so grateful to how God has provided and will continue to do so in a time like this.

Pastor Craig and Pastor Lane talked about feeling tired and worn out. They look at 1 Kings 19 and how to fight against depression and anxiety. So often in life we feel overwhelmed by life's circumstances and have a habit of looking inward to solve our problems rather than toward God. We must remember that the God who brings us victory will also bring us through times of darkness.

In this episode of the Westside Culture Podcast, Pastor Craig Cramer and Pastor Lane Smith talk about seasons of life that aren’t easy even when you are doing what is right. They look to the book of Daniel for encouragement, as well as, an example of how to live in periods of time where circumstances feel difficult even when you do what is right. Many of us, especially now, can relate to the story of Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace.

We are so thankful that God is in control and want to remind you that God has delivered us from far worse.

On this episode of the Westside Culture Podcast, Pastor Craig and Pastor Lane answer the question, "Are we in the end times?" They talk about the coronavirus and how being ready for Jesus' return is more important than knowing when he is going to return.