Connexus Church Audio Podcast

You weren't made for a meaningless Monday. In part one of the series, we're rewinding to the first job description in history. Why was work created, what changed, and how can it be meaningful for you again? You'll leave with a whole new reason to show up on Monday.

In this powerful message from Carey Nieuwhof, we dive deep into The Risk of Real—the challenge of showing up authentically in community where people are the problem and people are God's solution. Drawing on Scripture and lived experience, Carey explores why we often struggle with honesty, vulnerability, and real relationships, and how Jesus transforms brokenness into belonging. Carey references a music clip by Johnny Cash Hurt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI 

Have you ever trusted the wrong people and ended up hurt? You're not alone. Join us as Luke Crawford unpacks what happens when community goes sideways—and why it's still worth the risk. Sharing his own story and insights from Galatians 6, Luke speaks directly to people who feel burned by past relationships, betrayed by friends, or crushed under silent shame. What if the very place you were wounded—community—is the place you could actually be healed? If you've kept people at a distance but quietly crave connection, healing, and purpose. Don't let shame, pain, or comparison keep you stuck. There's another way forward—and it starts with being real.

It's easier to scroll than to share, and safer to stay quiet than to open up. In a culture that values independence, many of us end up feeling alone. This three-week series invites you to step beyond the surface and into authentic community the kind that challenges and supports you. Real connection takes courage, but it's where God meets us, and it's always worth the risk.

What if your biggest struggles could become your greatest strengths? In week 3 of the series ‘The Problem Of Life', pastor and author  Mark Clark shares a fresh perspective on how God can take the painful, messy parts of our lives — and use them for good. If you've ever felt like life's setbacks have sidelined you, or wondered how your story could matter, this message is for you. Mark unpacks why life's interruptions might actually be the moments that shape you most — and how hope, strength, and purpose are closer than you think. You are not alone. Your struggles don't have to define you — they can prepare you for something greater.

What if the reason life feels so overwhelming is because we're trying to carry a weight we were never meant to bear? In this message, author and pastor Mark Clark explores why we struggle when we try to control everything — and how real freedom begins when we realize we're not meant to be God. Mark invites you to rethink control, success, failure, and what it really means to flourish in life. Even if you're skeptical about faith or unsure about God, this message will make you stop and think: what if surrendering actually leads to a fuller, freer life? Whether you're exploring Christianity for the first time or just curious about deeper meaning, this could be the start of a bigger conversation. Get ready for an honest look at why we flounder — and how you can finally start to flourish.

We all feel it—the deep ache inside, the relentless questions that whisper in the quiet moments:‬ Who am I? Why am I here? What's the point of it all? In this brand new series, bestselling author,‬ speaker, and pastor Mark Clark invites you on a journey to confront life's biggest questions‬ head-on. Based on his latest book,‬‭ The Problem of‬‭ Life: How to Find Identity, Purpose, and Joy in‬ a Disenchanted World‬‭ , this series is a bold and honest‬‭ look at the doubts, desires, and deep‬ longings we all carry.

Easter isn't just a celebration of something that happened in the past; it's a reminder of a present‬ and powerful reality: Jesus didn't just rise—he reigns. In Matthew 28, we see how the resurrection‬ shocked even Jesus' closest followers and sparked a movement that changed the world.‬ Whether you're curious, cautious, or committed, there's something here for you to explore.‬

Ready to flip the way most of us think about failure, pain, and hopelessness. At first glance, Jesus' death looked like the end of the story — brutal, unjust, and tragic. But what if it wasn't just a tragedy… what if it was actually a turning point? Think about the moments when life feels most broken — maybe something deeper is happening. What if the events surrounding Good Friday were about trust, hope, and a different kind of King who didn't come to take power, but to give His life for the sake of others. If you're feeling stuck, discouraged, or just wondering if there's something more, this message is for you. Maybe today could be a step toward a different kind of hope — the kind that doesn't depend on life going perfectly, but on someone who gave everything for you.

What a day to celebrate the public declaration of people's faith in Jesus and how he continues to write new stories of transformation in many lives! Baptism is also an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the death and resurrection of Christ and how, when we enter into a relationship with him, he changes us from the inside out.

In this bonus episode, Jeff Brodie sits down with Dr. Gary Chapman, the bestselling author of The Five Love Languages, to explore how to handle conflict and criticism the Jesus way. As part of our “Triggered” series at Connexus Church, Dr. Chapman shares profound insights into the intersection of love languages, conflict resolution, and meaningful apology. Jeff & Dr Chapman talk about: Why criticism can hurt so deeply How your primary love language impacts how you give and receive criticism Practical ways to communicate hard truths in relationships—especially in marriage The five apology languages and how they transform broken moments into growth opportunities When to seek outside help for recurring relational conflict. Whether you're navigating tension in your marriage, friendships, or leadership, this conversation is filled with timeless, practical wisdom grounded in grace and love. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs encouragement today. You are never alone.

Someone's talking about you. Maybe it's unfair. Perhaps it's even true. Either way, the criticism stings. So, what now? Defend yourself? Clap back? Let it ruin your week? Jesus was constantly criticized, but he never let it control him. How do you handle people who are against you? Let's talk about how Jesus would handle criticism.

You know you should say something. The issue is growing, and silence isn't fixing it. But the last time you confronted someone, it went south—fast! So what do you do? Stay quiet? Blow up? Avoid them forever? Jesus gives us some clear direction on hard conversations. If you're tired of conflict ruining relationships, this message is for you.

You know that moment—the one where things start getting heated. Your heart rate goes up, your mind races, and you're ready to explode or shut down. Some people fight to win, while others avoid conflict like the plague. But what if neither of those approaches works? Jesus shows us that conflict isn't something to fear—it's something to handle wisely. And when done right, it can make relationships stronger, not weaker.

When life doesn't turn out the way we hope, it can cause us to doubt God's goodness. But many‬ times, it's in the midst of our circumstances that we better understand God's presence.‬ The circle of God's grace, mercy, and‬‭ provision is large enough to encompass the‬ circumstances of your life.‬ ‭ ‭ Join Andy Stanley as he launches into our new series 'Under The Circumstances: Holding onto God When It Appears He Is No Longer Hanging Onto You.'

10 months ago our church kicked off a 20-month initiative called FOR Them. On this “halftime Sunday, Jeff will be reminding us of our calling in this, updating us on the progress and how God‬  is at work, and inspiring us to jump in for the sake of those who don't know Jesus yet.‬ ‭

We all want to “win” in multiple areas of our lives, but is that the way we should think about it?‬ And if you are honest, most of the time it feels like you try to change and make progress but you‬ don't. What does it look like to spiritually win in our lives? What if there was an alternative to‬ simply trying? Let's talk about it.‬ ‭

What do you do when you find yourself stuck in a pattern you want to stop? Why do we often end up in cycles of destructive behaviour, and how can we break the cycle? How do you position yourself to recognize and avoid circumstances that cue behaviours that move you backward?

God often does big things through small habits. Significant positive changes don't happen overnight—they start with small, intentional steps.‬ Planting the right habits today can grow into the life you've‬ always wanted tomorrow. Discover practical ways to build consistent, God-honouring‬ habits that lead to spiritual transformation.‬ ‭

Trying harder isn't the answer to real change—it's exhausting and unsustainable. When it comes‬ to making change in our lives, our mind and our soul are connected. This week, learn why you do‬ what you do and how to change it and defeat the negative voice in your head.‬

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of wanting to change but never quite getting there? This week, we're unpacking why change feels so hard and how understanding your God-given identity can set you free from frustration. Discover how aligning your life with God's purpose can help you break free and take the first step toward lasting transformation.

Have you ever felt distant, searching for something more but not knowing what it is? This Christmas, discover a story that could change everything. What if the God you've never known isn't far away, angry, or impossible to please—but instead came near, wanting to be with you? Jeff Brodie unpacks the profound truth of Christmas: a God who stepped into our broken world, not to judge, but to love and be with us. If you've ever questioned your purpose or felt alone in life's struggles, this is a message you can't miss. Explore the possibility that the hope you've been searching for might just be closer than you think.

Why does it seem like joy is impossible to maintain through the ups and downs of life? Could there be a difference between fleeting happiness based on circumstances and lasting joy rooted in Jesus? Stop chasing happiness and instead choose the unshakable joy of surrendering to Jesus, who is always with us.

We live in a world that promises peace but rarely delivers. Even in the moments where‬ ‭ everything looks fine on the outside, peace can still feel like it's out of reach on the inside. So‬ ‭ what would it look like to have a peace that isn't elusive but everlasting. A peace that calms our‬ ‭ anxious hearts, repairs broken relationships, and strengthens us to face whatever comes our‬ ‭ way. How do we get that kind of peace? How do we experience it?

Hope. We need it like we need oxygen. Without it, it's hard to go on and with it, we can make it through the toughest of times. But what is real hope and where can you find a hope that lasts? Let's have a conversation about what it means to have real hope.

Have questions about demons and forces of evil? Have questions about the occult and new age spirituality? Jeff sits down with Jon Thompson, seminary professor who teaches on warfare, for a conversation about evil, demonology, satan, and how the forces of evil can be at work in your daily life, and most importantly how to live in freedom. Jon Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church — a multi-site church in the Greater Toronto Area and online — where he has served for 27 years. He holds a Master of Theological studies from Tyndale Seminary and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Passionate about engaging seekers, skeptics, and believers about the Christian faith, Jon has authored three best-selling books: Convergence, Deliverance, and Perseverance.

So if evil is real, how exactly does it work? Better yet, how does it work in your life today? In this message, Jeff draws from scripture and classic theology to show how subtle and clever Satan can be in his activity. Once you recognize his strategies, you can defeat his strategies—in your life and in the world.

So is evil real? Is there a personal power of evil at work in the world? Is it a power that you as a human being can tap into, intentionally or unintentionally? And what happens when you do? We explore those questions and more in this message.

So how do miracles work? Why are some people healed and some not? Does God favour some‬ people and ignore others? Are miracles a sham or something that stopped happening in the 1st‬ century? Or maybe, they're something else entirely.‬

So is life only what we can see, touch and experience, or is there more? Is there a supernatural side? Are ghosts real? Are there supernatural beings? Do miracles still happen? We'll look at what the scripture has to say. When you look for control and power outside of God you risk venturing outside of God's purpose. The greatest mistake you can make with the supernatural is to overestimate or underestimate its influence. We invite you to join Jeff Brodie as he looks more into the supernatural.

‭God has always wanted to shut down religion,‬‭ and Jesus came so we could‬ experience true freedom. For centuries, religion has been about rules, rituals, and checking the right boxes. But what if it doesn't have to be that way? What if there's a way to live that's not about following a list of dos and don'ts? In Beyond Religion , we're diving into one of the most powerful moments in history—when Jesus showed up and turned everything upside down. Discover what it means to live in freedom. It's about grace, not guilt. And it's about experiencing life in a whole new way. Come see what it means to move beyond religion—and why it might just change the way you think about everything.

For centuries, religion has been about rules, rituals, and checking the right boxes. But what if it doesn't have to be that way? What if there's a way to live that's not about following a list of dos and don'ts? In Beyond Religion , we're diving into one of the most powerful moments in history— when Jesus showed up and turned everything upside down. Discover what it means to live in freedom. It's about grace, not guilt. And it's about experiencing life in a whole new way. Come see what it means to move beyond religion—and why it might just change the way you think about everything.

Our anxious culture is quick to argue, and it can spill over into our relationships. Every family has its share of fights—some are icy and distant, while others are fiery and intense. Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, and disagreements happen at all ages. It can get heated in the moment. But the real question is, how do we fight with the end in mind? How do we fight for each other instead of with each other? In this message, we're going to look at a Biblical principle around how rules and relationships work, and how to build spiritual influence in the lives of our kids for the long haul.

In this bonus episode, Rob brings practical answers to tough questions about how to have conversations about mental health with your kids, and what to do when you aren't sure what to do. He tackles topics like anxiety and depression, infant mental health, the role of medication, preventative practices, and how to walk with a child through challenging times. Rob is the Medical Director for Child and Youth Mental Health at the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care. Rob is also a part of the Elder's Team at Connexus. He and his wife Rose have four children and have been a part of the mission of Connexus since its very first day.  

Current studies have identified that the younger you are, the greater your chances of experiencing loneliness and a lack of meaning in our anxious culture. How do we grow spiritually resilient kids in the face of these deep challenges? What if the answer is found in teaching our kids the power of spiritually influential adults and a caring community of people who point them to the Father who loves them? In this message, we are going to look at the Biblical practice of building community around children and how to speak life into the hearts of the kids we love.

Let's get practical about parenting. Brett shares about major cultural shifts shaping our kids and how to parent intentionally in our cultural moment. He opens up a treasure chest of thoughts on helping kids with anxiety, screen time, exposure to pornography, stages of parenting, and a host of other topics.

Every year Muskoka Woods leads over 400 Gen Z staff in hosting 25,000 guests. As they looked to lead these staff well, they conducted a study on the overall perspective their Gen Z staff has on life, employment, and what kind of lives they want to live. The insights are helpful to anyone who is mentoring, leading, or employing Gen Z.

We get it—kids today are carrying around a lot of anxiety, and let's be honest, parenting isn't exactly a breeze either. In fact, sometimes the adults aren't okay. What if a reason many of us aren't okay is an ancient and timeless one? What would it mean to look at the experience of the kids around us through a Biblical lens? In this message, we'll dive into one of the biggest traps people fall into when they care deeply about a kid. More importantly, we'll unpack how breaking free from this trap can completely shift the atmosphere in your home and transform the way you love and support the kids in your life.

Followers of Jesus are at their best‬‭ when they live a show and tell life.‬ When Jesus shares the great commission with all of his followers, he puts baptizing people right in the middle of it. Why? We're going to be looking at often missed spiritual power of baptism, how it becomes a gift that keeps encouraging you throughout your life, and why it's an incredible opportunity to show and tell others about how Jesus has changed you.