Willow Creek Weekend Podcast

Have you ever struggled to love someone who was different from you? What about loving someone who is in opposition with your really important beliefs and values? Luke 10:25–37 tells the story of a very unlikely stranger loving another very unlikely neighbor in need. Pastor Dave Dummit and Pastor Fabian Garza dive into the story of the Good Samaritan and remind us that God not only loves our enemies, but calls us to love our enemies, too!

We often think we have to go somewhere far to help those in need, but what about those facing challenges in our own communities? Matthew 25:31–46 shows us how much God cares for the vulnerable and calls us to love them, too. This week Megan Marshman reminds us that the opportunity to love the vulnerable is closer than we think!

Does God love all people? Matthew 25:15–30 gives us a glimpse of His heart. Pastor Shawn Williams kicks off For God So Loves and shares how God’s plan for our lives includes loving those within our reach with God’s love and playing an active part in bringing tangible hope and peace to our friends, family, and neighbors in all spaces!

What would the world look like if the dominant leadership style was servant leadership? What would the country look like if the main interest of those in leadership positions—government, municipalities, schools, churches—were to out-serve one another and their constituents? Can you imagine it? 

The heart of servant leadership is putting the needs of others ahead of your own while pursuing their good. From the moment we are introduced to Elisha in the Bible (1 Kings 19), we see this about him. 

In our final week of this series, Pastor Dave will use the story of Elisha in the Bible to show us the meaning and beauty of servant leadership. As a concept, servant leadership came about in the 1970s. And yet, well before the business world could articulate a leadership theory, there were characters in the Bible who lived it out as a model for us to embrace and live by. How can we all embody servant leadership as our own leadership style?

What does it mean to be a peacemaker, not a peacekeeper? Which one of those do you think requires the most courage?

When you think about the leaders in your life, be it your boss, a parent, teacher, governor, or president; do you wish for them to lead with hubris, or humility?

At a time when our world is so divided and strained, it’s important for us to remember that, as Christians, we’re commanded by God to pray for our leaders; no matter who they are, or if we like them!

In the lead-up to the general election in the USA, we’re bringing you an important series about leadership, praying for leaders, and how we might incorporate some of the qualities that matter to God into our own lives and leadership.

In week 1, Pastor Megan Marshman uses the story of Deborah in the Bible, an inspiring judge and prophetess in the book of Judges. Biblical Deborah is an example of a leader who retains her integrity throughout. What does it look like in our own lives to retain our integrity in leadership? Let’s explore that.

It’s likely that at some point in your life as a Christian you have wondered how to pray. Perhaps it’s how to pray for something specific, how to pray a more powerful prayer, or simply “how can I pray to God and will He hear me?”

When we think about all the religions in the world, what makes Christianity the one we want to be a part of? Perhaps you’re wondering if all religions ultimately teach about the same God - and how many gods are there? Don’t all religions basically teach about love and are equally good (or bad, depending on your POV)?

What does the Bible say about sex? Let’s talk about it! American culture and the American church have missed the mark on what our sexuality is for and how to use it. From the falsely liberating sexual culture of the modern era to the condemning and damaging messages of purity culture, no wonder the students and young adults in our church are confused because, if we’re honest, a lot of Christian adults are too.

It might seem odd, but God really does care about who you sleep with and gives us all great guidance on how to be wise with our sexuality. Advice designed to help us live fully into our potential and purpose, caring for our entire being; mind, body and soul.

Pastor Shawn teaches this week on what the bible says about sex.