Above The Treeline

More kids than ever are growing up without a dad in America. How does that reflect on having a relationship with a heavenly father? More specifically, how does fatherlessness affect young boys who are becoming men? Join us for an honest conversation with Student Ministry Leader Daven Ballejo.

Are cuss words just meaningless words in the English language or are they sinful? Are some words worse than others? We have a discussion with Pastor Chris Tapken about if there are biblical governances for speech.

With the wide availability of alcohol and various types of drugs, we have easier access to substances that claim to reduce stress. But how much is too much? We sit down for an honest conversation about addiction with recording artist Candy Coburn who shares her journey to sobriety.

In the Bible, Jesus casts out spirits of sickness and oppression, but do His followers also have the power to do so? What about anxiety, fear and depression - are those spiritual attacks? Join us for a conversation about finding freedom with ACF's Pastoral Care Leader.

First of all, how do we know if it's God's will to answer a prayer or not? If He doesn't answer, should we keep praying? Join us for the first episode of season two of Above the Treeline for an in-depth conversation about prayer.

Join us for the final episode of season one where Sr. Pastor Will Davis, Jr. addresses the most important lessons he's learned in church leadership.

Life is full of changing seasons, from leaving home to getting married to becoming a parent to retirement. But how are we supposed to navigate those seasons that are difficult or even unwelcome? Join us for a heartfelt conversation about change.

We are all rooted in sin, but the Bible says Jesus died to free us and save us. What if I don't feel saved and forgiven? How do I learn to accept the grace of God if I feel guilty? Join us for an important conversation about amazing grace.

Is Hell a place of eternal affliction or a place where you just cease to exist? How does the Bible describe it? Let's have an in-depth discussion about this concept that doesn't seem to get talked about much in culture.

Some Christians consider themselves "apologists," or those who defend the faith. If apologetics is a field of study, should every Christian be familiar with it? What are the primary questions Christians should be prepared to answer regarding apologetics? Let's take a look!

The Trinity can be a confusing concept. If Christians believe in one deity, how is it possible to have the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Did Jesus pray to Himself? Join us for an in-depth conversation about understanding the Trinity.

In a culture where pornography is widely available, is it ever OK for Christians to view it? Join us for an honest and biblical discussion about the temptations and consequences of consuming x-rated material.

The Bible is clear on the subject of God's forgiveness and man's forgiveness of each other, but does it talk about self-forgiveness? Let's take a closer look.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Kenton Boone, who will become Sr. Pastor of ACF in summer 2025. Learn how he got to ACF and what he's most excited about for the season ahead.

Host and Pastor Lauren Thurston shares her journey from a decade-long career in politics to a sudden and God-led shift into full-time ministry in this special episode. Join us for a conversation about following God's calling even when it doesn't seem to make sense on the surface.

While we know the medical benefits of fasting, what is the spiritual purpose of fasting? Should all Christians do it, and if so, when and how? Join us for an in-depth conversation about the spiritual practice of fasting.

Is the biblical account of Noah's ark and the great flood supposed to be taken literally? Did the whole world actually flood, and is there any proof of that? Let's take a closer look at this major milestone in the earth's history.

Culture seems to have an increasing fascination with alien lifeform. Is there any proof of its existence? What does the Bible say about God's creation? Let's explore this topic and the associated theories.

Is Above-the-Treeline scripted? Do we edit the video content before posting? What have been the favorite episodes so far? Join ACF Pastors Will Davis, Jr. and Lauren Thurston for some fun-filled reflections on the last 100 episodes as they answer some of your most-asked questions.

An "orphan spirit" can be characterized feelings of low self-worth, rejection, and fear of abandonment. Why do so many Christians experience this even though we've been adopted as sons and daughters by God? Join us as we identify various characteristics of the "orphan spirit" and how we can address those in our lives.

With the rise of AI in our digital world, we're seeing more of it appear in the church globally. Is this a tool to bring people closer to God or can it lead people astray? Join us for an in-depth conversation.

We're all familiar with the phrase "separation of church and state," but what does that really mean, and what did our founders intend to accomplish by it? Let's take a closer look at the church's relationship with the government.

There are countless movies, TV shows, and books depicting the life of Jesus, retelling stories of the Bible, and offering artistic interpretations of what's to come. Though many of these are based on biblical concepts, how closely should Christians follow them? Does this media run the risk of leading people astray? Join us for a conversation about consuming Christian pop culture.

A prison sentence doesn't have to be the end of your story. Join us for a conversation with an ACF pastor and senior leader who shares his experience of incarceration, being separated from his wife and young children, and how God called him into ministry following his time served.

Does a human's level of righteousness - or right standing with God - determine whether God will hear and respond to their prayers? Does God respond to prayers of unbelievers? Let's take a closer look at what the Bible says.

Has America strayed too far from God, and if so, does that mean we will experience God's judgment on the nation? What does that look like, and what are we supposed to do as Christians? Join us for an episode of Above the Treeline Live!

"Judge not" is likely one of the most misused Scriptures in the Bible. What does it mean to judge someone or something, and how does that align with calling out sin? Join us for a honest conversation about judgment.

Engaging with homeless people may seem intimidating to some, not knowing how they will respond. What are Christians called to do for the homeless population? Join us for a special discussions with ACF Missions Pastor Michelle Brigance.

Christians have different view points on whether or not it's beneficial to celebrate Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve with a bag full of gifts. Does that divert attention away from Christ? Is it misleading for children? Join us for an in-depth look at the roots of Santa Claus.

The Bible doesn't share the day Christ was born, so how did we land on a day in December? What is the actual story of the nativity scene? Join us for a factual look at the day Jesus was born, and let's explore how Christmas evolved into what it is today in Western culture.

A special guest joins us for a unique perspective on Critical Race Theory, white privilege, and the racial separation between blacks and whites both in society and in the Church.

The 2024 presidential election was perhaps one of the most polarizing in America's history. If Christians are divided along Republican and Democratic party lines, how are we supposed to reconcile and bridge the gap between us? Join us for a special LIVE episode in Austin, Texas.

More Americans than ever are battling anxiety; why is that? What is the root of our fear, and how are we supposed to come against it as Christians? Join us for a personal and in-depth conversation.

In a world divided between pro-life and pro-choice, where do those Christians fall who have had abortions? Join us for a personal conversation on what life is like after abortion and God's redeeming grace.

Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and other fighting sports have gained significant popularity in the last century. But is it OK for Christians to watch sports where opponents are inflicting pain on each other? Let's have a conversation about it...

There are countless Christians in both major political parties, and both sides can defend stances on issues with biblical text. So is there a right or wrong way for Christians to vote in elections?

In some Christian churches, prayers are offered to Mary and other holy saints. Can they hear or respond to prayers? Is it biblical to pray to anyone other than God?

Woke-ism is present in our society, but has it slowly made its way into the Church? And does any of its values belong there? What should Christians say or do about this movement, if anything?

Woke-ism has been around for a while, but the term that started as a call for racial justice and equality has evolved into an umbrella for a wide array of issues, many of which don't align with the Bible. How are Christians supposed to feel about this progressive platform? Join us for a in-depth conversation...

Since Protestants separated from the Catholic Church, we've seen a multitude of different denominations form around the world. And even recently, denominations are splitting over various issues. Is this helpful or harmful for the Christian Church?

In the Bible, we read about people being under the influence of demonic control. Does that still happen today, and if so, what does it look like?

If a person is opposed to abortions, should they also be opposed to vaccines that were developed using aborted fetal tissue? Let's take a closer look at this issue from a biblical perspective.

When headlines announce another moral failure in a Christian leader, how are we to react? Do we disregard all their former teachings? How are these failures affecting the Church? Join us for a discussion on the sensitive matter.

We're told to love one another, but how should we approach and interact with people who appear to be truly evil? Let's take a closer look at what the Bible says about the wicked.

Christian denominations have varying stances on whether or not preventing pregnancy within the context of marriage is acceptable. Should Christians try to have as many kids as God provides? Join us for a conversation on the topic.

In election season, various political parties claim to have biblical backing, and some even claim that Jesus would vote for their candidate, which begs the question... Would Jesus vote at all? And if He did, for whom would He vote?

Several people within the homosexual community have felt that they have been gay for the entirety of their lives, possibly even starting before they were born. Does God predetermine people's gender preference or identity?

Even lifelong Christ-followers struggle with knowing how to study the Bible properly. Where do you start? How do you make sense of it? Join us for some practical advice from a senior pastor.

Some churches choose to make their services inclusive for all levels of faith, including non-believers, while others use their services to take existing Christians to a deeper level. So what is the purpose of the Sunday gathering: evangelism or discipleship?

The Bible repeatedly says to "fear the Lord," but Jesus tells us not to fear. Are we supposed to approach God with fear because of how powerful He is? Let's take a closer look at the original biblical text.

The Bible talks about heaven but doesn't give a clear picture of what we will do, what we will look like, if we'll have pets, what we will eat... How can we get a better understanding of what heaven will actually be like?