Connexus Church Video Podcast

Why do you still feel empty? Most people have a list of things they've gone back to hoping they'd finally deliver. The relationship. The achievement. The habit. Different wells, same emptiness at the bottom. In this final episode of the Never Settle series, Mark Clark unpacks the story of a woman who had been doing exactly that — going back to the wrong things her whole life. Jesus meets her at a well in Samaria. He didn't stumble across her by accident. He deliberately took the longer route through enemy territory because he knew she was coming. He didn't go around her shame. He walked straight into it and offered her something nobody else ever had. Living water. Soul satisfaction that actually lasts. This is a conversation for anyone who is tired of the cycle and suspects there might be something better available. Never Settle is a four-week series from Connexus Church. 

Born again. Two words most people have heard and very few have had explained in a way that actually makes sense. Jesus said it to Nicodemus — one of the most respected religious leaders of his time, a man who had God completely figured out by every external measure. And yet he showed up to find Jesus at night, alone, asking questions he wasn't supposed to need answered. Jesus told him: you need to be born again. Not reformed. Not improved. Born again — a complete transformation from the inside out that changes what you want, not just what you do. In this third episode of the Never Settle series, Mark Clark unpacks what that actually means and why it matters for anyone asking whether real faith is available to them. Never Settle is a four-week series from Connexus Church. New episodes every Sunday.

Most people asking "is this all there is?" aren't in crisis. They're just going through the motions. Doing the right things. Living a life that looks fine from the outside but feels hollow on the inside. In this second episode of the Never Settle series, Mark Clark unpacks the story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Six stone jars used for religious ceremony. Replaced entirely — not topped up — with nine hundred bottles of wine. That's not a miracle about a party. It's a picture of what grace actually looks like. The old system of performing your way to God, replaced entirely by something abundant, unearned, and transforming. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered why faith feels like going through the motions — and whether there's something more available. Never Settle is a four-week series from Connexus Church. New episodes every Sunday.

Most people have quietly decided their life doesn't really mean anything. Not out loud. Not as a formal belief. Just as a background assumption they've never quite shaken. In this first episode of the Never Settle series, Mark Clark challenges that assumption directly. Drawing from John chapter 1, he makes the case that your life has a beginning, a middle, and an end — and that the God behind the universe is the same God who knows your name, your worst moments, and your story. Not from a distance. From inside it. This is a conversation for anyone who's ever wondered whether their life means anything — whether they grew up in church or have never set foot in one. Never Settle is a four-week series from Connexus Church. New episodes drop every Sunday. Want More? Download 5 Signs You Are Doing Religion Instead of Relationship from www.connexuschurch.com/neversettle  

You're making plans to feel okay. But what if your plans can't actually get you there? Jeff Brodie closes out the Undivided series with James 4 and 5 — looking at why the pursuit of self-sufficiency quietly erodes your relationship with God, what wealth actually does to your sense of need, and what it looks like to plan wisely while trusting deeply. Final episode of Undivided, a five-week series through the book of James.

Showing up and belonging aren't the same thing. Sydney Jackson and Jeff Brodie work through the final chapters of James in this bonus episode — covering prayer in suffering, the healing power of confession, and why community isn't optional when life gets hard. Plus: does prayer actually work when healing doesn't come the way you expected? Part 4 bonus conversation in Undivided, a series through the book of James.

Same fight, different day. The topic changes but the argument stays the same. Jeff Brodie unpacks James 4 and makes the case that your external conflicts are almost always driven by internal desires — things you're trusting in that were never designed to carry that weight. This isn't about conflict resolution tips. It's about getting to what's actually driving the fight. Part 4 of 5 in Undivided, a series through the book of James.

Is it gossip if you're "just venting"? Is forgiving someone the same as trusting them again? Sydney Jackson and Jeff Brodie dig deeper into James 3 in this bonus episode, working through the harder, more practical questions: how to tell the difference between gossip and seeking advice, what boundaries look like after someone keeps hurting you, and what to actually do when you can't seem to stop saying things you regret. A follow-up conversation to Part 3 of Undivided.

Your words aren't the problem. They're the symptom. In this episode Jeff Brodie works through James 3 and unpacks why the things that come out of your mouth are actually telling you something about what's going on underneath — the division, the jealousy, the stuff you haven't dealt with yet. This isn't a talk about cleaning up your language. It's about what needs to change at the root. Part 3 of Undivided — a four-week series through the book of James.

Faith vs works — it's one of the most debated questions in Christianity. Paul says we're saved by faith alone. James says show me your faith without any evidence and he'll wait. In this bonus episode Jeff Brodie and Sydney Jackson unpack James chapter 2 and work through the tension: it's not faith plus works, and it's not works instead of faith. It's a faith that works — one that shows up in your life in ways others can actually see. Using Abraham, Rahab, and even demons to make his point, James asks the hardest question of all: if nobody around you would be surprised to find out you're a follower of Jesus, what does that say about your faith?

How you treat people reveals what you really believe. We all have a seating chart for our lives — people we honour, people we overlook, often based on status, appearance, or what they can offer us. James calls this discrimination and says it reveals the division in our soul. This week Jeff Brodie unpacks James chapter 2, the difference between evaluating people by culture's values versus kingdom values, and why faith without action toward others isn't really faith at all.

Sunday covered trials, divided trust, and what it means to be double-minded. But James 1 has more to say. In this first bonus episode, Jeff Brodie and Sydney Jackson dig into what didn't make the Sunday message — the rich and poor illustration, the difference between trials and temptation, and why your desires matter more than you think when life gets hard. James isn't just talking about what you're going through. He's talking about what's driving you underneath it all.

We all know how to survive a hard season — white-knuckle through it, get to the other side, go back to who we were. But James, the brother of Jesus, opens his letter with a strange instruction: when trials come, consider it an opportunity. Not for happiness, but for something that actually lasts. This week Jeff Brodie talks through why hard times reveal exactly who — or what — you're trusting, and what it looks like to build real resilience instead of running from discomfort.

Most people think you need to clean up your life before God will accept you. Carey Nieuwhof closes out the Counterfeit Faith series by unpacking why that's exactly backwards. Two men, same temple, completely different prayers. One had everything to offer. One had nothing. Jesus said only one went home right with God. If you've ever felt like you're not good enough to come to God, this is the message you've been waiting for.

Most of us have learned to show our best and hide our worst. But what happens when the gap between your image and your reality gets too wide to manage? In this message from the Counterfeit Faith series, Luke Crawford unpacks what Jesus said about people who had perfected the appearance of having it all together — and why that kind of life leads nowhere good. If you've ever felt like you're performing a version of yourself rather than actually living, this one's for you.

Most people think there's one way to be lost. Carey Nieuwhof shows there are actually two — and the more surprising one has nothing to do with wrecking your life. In week 2 of Counterfeit Faith, Carey unpacks the parable of the prodigal son in a way you've probably never heard before. If you've ever felt like God owes you something for being good, this one's for you.

Ever been burned by someone who claimed to follow Jesus? In this first episode of Counterfeit Faith, Luke Crawford gets honest about the gap between religion and real faith — and why Jesus saved his sharpest words for the most religious people in the room. If you've ever walked away from a Christian interaction shaking your head, this one's for you.

What is baptism, and does it actually mean anything? In this episode, Jeff Brodie unpacks one of the most misunderstood moments in the Christian faith. Using three lenses — repentance, allegiance, and identity — Jeff explains why baptism isn't a condition of following Jesus, but evidence of it. If you've ever been curious about baptism or wondered whether it's for you, this conversation is a great place to start.

Nobody wants to talk about death. But the fear of it shapes more of our lives than we realise. In this message, Dom Ruso looks honestly at why the fear of death is one question we were never meant to shake — and why avoiding it might be costing us more than we think. He explores what the ancient prayer to "number our days" actually means, what Herod the Great's paranoia about being forgotten reveals about us, and what Jesus weeping at the tomb of Lazarus — even knowing what was about to happen — has to say about grief, death, and the life available to us right now. This is the final message of Questions You Can't Shake — a series tackling the questions people carry around but rarely ask out loud. If this episode helped you share it with someone who's carrying this question.

You thought you'd dealt with it. You thought you'd moved on. And then something brought it all back — and you realised you haven't moved as far as you thought. Why is forgiveness so hard? And why does it keep coming undone even when you've tried? In this message, Vijay Krishnan introduces two words that reframe the entire conversation — debt and blood. He unpacks why forgiveness isn't just a choice you make once, why the instinct to hold out for payment is more human than we want to admit, and why something that happened 2,000 years ago outside Jerusalem is still the most powerful answer to the question we can't shake. This is Week 3 of Questions You Can't Shake — a series tackling the questions people carry around but rarely ask out loud. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you, share it with someone who's carrying something they can't seem to put down.

Most of us know what it feels like to carry something we can't seem to put down. A regret. A mistake. A version of ourselves we're not proud of. This Good Friday, Jeff Brodie looks at what the cross actually means for the weight you've been hauling around — and why the message of Good Friday might be better news than you've ever let yourself receive. Worth your time. Share it with someone who needs it. Visit us at connexuschurch.com

What does it look like when ordinary people get filled with something extraordinary? In the final episode of Closer Than You Think, Jeff Brodie lands the series with the Holy Spirit's most provocative metaphor — fire. Not as spectacle, but as the thing that burns away fear and makes ordinary people bold enough to change the world around them. He tells the story of Peter and John — fishermen who, after Pentecost, stood before the most powerful religious leaders of their day and didn't ask for protection. They asked for more boldness. Then he makes it personal: most of us are settling for embers when God wants a fire. And the thing keeping us cold isn't a lack of belief — it's a love of comfort. The episode closes with a simple but genuinely confronting question: in which area do you need the Holy Spirit to fill you — life, power, satisfaction, or boldness? A strong standalone episode, and an even better series finale. Closer Than You Think — 4 weeks on the Holy Spirit. All episodes available now.

Tom Brady won three Super Bowls in four seasons. Then told a journalist: "I think there's got to be more than this." That moment opens one of the most honest and relatable messages in this series. In Week 3 of Closer Than You Think, Luke Crawford speaks from a refreshingly vulnerable place — someone who's experienced the Holy Spirit's presence and also lived through seasons of real disappointment and confusion about where God is. He explores the ancient vision of Ezekiel 47, where water flows from God's presence into the Dead Sea and brings it to life — and connects it to Jesus' invitation in John 7: "Anyone who is thirsty, come to me." The message lands on a quietly confronting question: Are you living like a reservoir — collecting everything God pours into you and keeping it for yourself — or like a river, letting it flow out into the lives of people around you? Practical, honest, and genuinely good for anyone who's ever chased satisfaction and come up empty. Closer Than You Think is a 4-week series on the Holy Spirit. New episodes weekly.

In Week 2 of Closer Than You Think, Jeff Brodie explores what "spiritual power" really is—and what it isn't. Through Acts 6–8, we see the contrast between Philip's faithful obedience and Simon's desire to control power for himself. This message helps clarify how the Holy Spirit works, why motives matter, and how God forms people in hidden places before empowering them for His purposes. If you've ever been confused by "power" language or wondered what it means to be filled with the Spirit, this conversation brings clarity and direction.

Have you ever believed in God but struggled to actually experience Him? In this message, Jeff Brodie explores the Holy Spirit as breath—invisible, essential, and life-giving. From John 3 and Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, we discover that the Holy Spirit isn't a force to find, but a relationship to foster—one that brings new life, restores hope, and makes God personal in everyday moments. This is Week 1 of the Closer Than You Think series: How to Experience God (The Holy Spirit as Breath).

Praying on your own can feel difficult. Praying with someone else can feel even more awkward. In Week 3 of The Prayer Lab, Vijay Krishnan explores how to pray with someone — not just for them — in a way that feels natural, relational, and real. If you've ever wondered what to say when praying out loud, felt uncomfortable initiating prayer, or avoided it altogether, this message is for you. You'll learn a simple, practical approach to praying with others that removes pressure and builds connection. Because prayer was never meant to be private or perfect — it was meant to be shared.

If you've ever felt distant from God or struggled to feel His presence in prayer, this message is for you. In Week 2 of The Prayer Lab, Vijay Krishnan explores how to pray when God feels far away. Looking at Psalm 139 and introducing the Prayer of Examen, this message offers a practical way to reconnect spiritually and become more aware of God's presence in everyday life. Many people ask: Why don't I feel close to God?  Is God really with me?  How do I reconnect through prayer?  This teaching shows how reflective prayer can help you see where God has already been at work in your life — and how He may be closer than you think.

Have you ever tried to pray… and run out of words? Maybe you feel awkward, distracted, guilty for not praying more, or unsure if God is even listening. You're not alone. In this first message of The Prayer Lab, Vijay Krishnan explores why prayer feels so instinctive — and yet so difficult. If you've ever wondered: Why pray if God already knows everything? What do I say when I run out of words? Does prayer actually make a difference? This message reframes prayer as relationship, not performance — and shows how Jesus' words in the Lord's Prayer can help us pray in everyday language. Prayer isn't about getting it right. It's about starting. 

We've never been more connected — and yet many of us feel deeply lonely. Likes, comments, group chats, and constant online interaction promise connection, but often leave us unseen and unknown. The algorithm keeps us engaged, but it can quietly pull us away from the kind of relationships our souls actually need. In this message from the Starve the Algorithm, Feed the Soul series, Jeff Brodie explores why being connected isn't the same as being known — and how real, meaningful relationships are formed. Because the answer to loneliness isn't more connections. It's being deeply known by a few.

Comparison is exhausting — and it's quietly killing your calling. In a world shaped by algorithms and highlight reels, it's easy to measure your life against someone else's success and feel like you're falling behind. But comparison doesn't motivate us to live better — it distracts us from the life God uniquely created us to live. In this message from the Starve the Algorithm, Feed Your Soul series, Luke Crawford how comparison distorts our desires, fuels dissatisfaction, and pulls us away from our calling — and how Jesus invites us to lay it down for something far greater.

How do you know what's actually true anymore? In a world shaped by algorithms, the loudest voices often feel like the truest ones. Repetition creates belief, confidence gets amplified, and scrolling slowly rewires what we trust. In this message Jeff Brodie explores how our feeds are shaping our beliefs — and how Jesus offers a grounded way to find clarity in the noise. Because truth isn't discovered by scrolling more. It's formed by who you trust.

Why does scrolling leave you feeling more angry, reactive, or frustrated — even when you didn't plan to feel that way? Algorithms are designed to amplify outrage. They learn what triggers you, polarize your thinking, and keep feeding you content that escalates emotion. But anger that feels like clarity often leads to blind spots, broken relationships, and spiritual exhaustion. In part two of this series, Jeff Brodie explores why the algorithm feeds your anger — and how Jesus offers a radically different way forward. Not escalation, but formation. Not reaction, but response. Not winning arguments, but finding freedom. Jesus invites us to live unprogrammable lives — shaped by compassion, humility, and thoughtful response instead of constant outrage. If you're tired of feeling angry after you scroll, this message is for you.

What you focus on is forming you — and your phone knows it.. Every time you scroll, click, or pause, algorithms are learning what you love, what you fear, and what keeps you hooked. But distraction isn't just stealing your time — it's shaping your soul. In part one of this series, Jeff Brodie explores why you're not failing spiritually because you're rebellious, but because you're distracted — and how Jesus offers something radically different. Not more information, but real transformation. Not behaviour change, but heart change. If you feel tired, scattered, anxious, or stuck in endless doomscrolling, this message will help you rethink what's forming your habits, your desires, and your life — and how to refocus on what actually leads to peace. What you focus on forms you. The question is: who — or what — has your attention?

When life doesn't turn out the way you hoped, it can leave you feeling stuck — disappointed, bitter, or unsure how to move forward. A new year is supposed to feel fresh, but for a lot of us, the weight of what we didn't choose still comes with us. The loss. The hurt. The things that never went as planned. In this message, we explore an ancient story that feels surprisingly current — and discover how one simple decision can begin to change the direction of your life, even when your circumstances haven't changed yet. Whether you're full of faith, full of questions, or somewhere in between, this message is for anyone who wants more than just another year surviving.

Christmas is supposed to feel peaceful… but what if it doesn't? What if your plans got disrupted, your year didn't turn out how you hoped, or peace feels completely out of reach? In Part 3 of our Christmas series His Name Shall Be Called, Christine Birch looks at the night the angels appeared to the shepherds and announced the birth of Jesus — the Prince of Peace. But the story starts with fear, interruption, and uncertainty, not calm and quiet. This message reframes peace in a powerful way: peace isn't the absence of chaos — it's the presence of God with you. Whether your Christmas feels messy, heavy, lonely, or overwhelming, this message offers a deeper, more lasting peace than perfect circumstances ever could. If you're craving peace but your life feels anything but peaceful, this one's for you.

What if the joy you're desperate for this Christmas isn't found in trying harder, fixing everything, or keeping life under control — but in letting go? In Part 2 of His Name Shall Be Called, Luke Crawford unpacks Mary's response to God and shows why surrender isn't weakness… it's the doorway to joy. Through Luke 1:46–55, we see a God who meets us in exhaustion, loneliness, uncertainty, and pressure — and offers something deeper than temporary happiness. He offers a joy strong enough to carry you through a messy year, broken plans, or a Christmas that doesn't look the way you hoped. If you've been running on empty, gripping tight to expectations, or wondering where God is in the chaos, this message will help you discover the freedom and joy found on the other side of surrender.

What if God's greatest work doesn't start in the spotlight, but in the places we overlook? In Week 1 of our Christmas series His Name Shall Be Called, Deniel Sewell unpacks the story of Mary and shows how the Mighty God steps into the ordinary, the quiet, and even the forgotten parts of our lives. From Nazareth to your everyday routine, God's power isn't limited by your weakness — and His presence is closer than you think.  If you've ever wondered whether your life is too small for God to care about, this message will remind you that He sees you, He's with you, and nothing is impossible with Him.

Money stress is real — and most of us feel stuck in the same cycle. Subscriptions we don't track, payments we can't keep up with, lifestyle creep, rising debt, and that constant pressure to have more. But what if the real issue isn't money… but the money traps holding you back? In Part 3 of Finding Your Sweet Spot, Jeff Brodie unpacks the emotional and spiritual side of money that most people never talk about. You'll learn why we fall into the same financial patterns again and again — and how Jesus offers a better way to live with peace, clarity, and margin. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by debt, frustrated by your spending habits, or unsure how to make a plan that actually works, this message will give you practical steps and fresh hope.

Most people feel the pressure of money — the stress, the debt, the hustle, the constant feeling that it's never enough. But what if there was an ancient practice that could actually free you from all of that? In Part 2 of Finding Your Sweet Spot, Jeff Brodie unpacks the surprising power of the tithe — not as a rule or obligation, but as a spiritual discipline that pushes back against greed, builds real trust in God, and creates space for peace and freedom in your life. If you've ever wondered why Jesus talks so much about money, or why generosity seems to change people from the inside out, this message is for you. This teaching is practical, honest, and incredibly hopeful.

Are you constantly chasing more — more money, more stuff, more success — and still feeling like it's never enough? You're not alone. In Part 1 of the series Finding Your Sweet Spot, Jeff Brodie unpacks why contentment is so hard to find in a world obsessed with comparison. Discover how Jesus' words about money and trust can free you from the cycle of consumption and help you live with peace, purpose, and generosity. Whether you're struggling to make ends meet or doing better than ever, this message will help you find freedom from the grind and experience what "enough" really means.

What's next for Connexus Church? This week, Pastor Jeff Brodie shares an exciting vision of where God is leading our church — and how you can play a part. From new spaces to new stories of life change, this message is all about creating more room for people who are searching for hope. We've seen lives transformed, communities grow, and hundreds experience the love of Jesus through the For Them initiative. But we're just getting started. In this message, Jeff unpacks the future of Connexus — new facilities, new opportunities, and a renewed passion to reach people across Simcoe County and beyond. If you've ever wondered how your generosity and faith can make a difference, this message will inspire you to see your part in what God is doing next. Be part of the story. 

When life feels dark, where do you find hope? In Psalm 27, David cries out to God in fear and uncertainty — yet finds confidence, courage, and peace. In this message, Pastor and author Mark Clark unpacks how this ancient psalm speaks directly into our modern struggles with anxiety, fear, and doubt. If you've ever wondered where God is when life feels overwhelming, Psalm 27 reminds you: light always wins. You can find hope again — even in the dark.

You've probably heard Psalm 23 before — at weddings, funerals, or even in songs. But what if it's not just a comforting poem… what if it's a roadmap for how to actually live with peace and purpose? In this message, Pastor and author Mark Clark unpacks the deeper meaning behind “The Lord is my shepherd.” He shows why this ancient psalm isn't about trying harder, but about trusting deeper — about resting, letting go of control, and realizing you already have a Shepherd who knows what you need. If life feels overwhelming, if you're anxious, restless, or burned out… this message is for you.

We live in a world that tells us everything is about you — your goals, your success, your platform. But what if that's exactly why so many of us feel anxious, restless, and burned out? In this message, Pastor Mark Clark unpacks Psalm 8 and shows how shifting your focus from yourself to God's greatness can bring real peace and purpose. When you realize that life isn't about control, but about awe — it changes everything. If you've ever felt small, unseen, or overwhelmed, this Psalm reminds you: you were made for something bigger.

What kind of life are you actually building? In a world full of noise, pressure, and endless options, it's easy to drift—without realizing where your choices are really taking you. Psalm 1 draws a sharp line between two paths: one that leads to flourishing, and one that slowly leads to collapse. In this message, pastor and author Mark Clark unpacks the ancient wisdom of Psalm 1 and shows how your everyday decisions are shaping the person you're becoming. If you've ever felt stuck, spiritually dry, or unsure of what's next—this could be a turning point. This isn't about religion. It's about real life. And the path you're on right now.

What's the real purpose of the church? Too often, our preferences get in the way of the mission Jesus gave us. This week, we'll look at how the early church wrestled with putting Jesus' purpose above their own preferences and what that means for us today. Discover how the church can truly be a search party for the lost and the kind of movement our world desperately needs.

The church didn't begin with strategy, talent, or performance — it began with power. The power of the Holy Spirit. The early church was — not by clever ideas, but by God's Spirit moving in surrendered people. That same power is still available today… but only on God's terms, not ours. Through the story of Naaman, we're reminded that the only way to real transformation is humility. And sometimes the biggest barrier to encountering God is our own pride. So the question becomes: Will we prioritize the presence of God — even when it's uncomfortable? This message is a bold call to return, repent, and renew as we prepare for Sacred Homecoming — a week of seeking Jesus together and listening for what the Spirit is saying to us.

Most people think God gets mad when they wander — but Jesus said the opposite. In Luke 15, He tells the story of two sons: one who ran away and made a mess of his life, and another who stayed but grew cold, bitter, and distant. Both were lost. Both were loved. And the Father ran toward them both. What if the church looked like that kind of love? At Connexus, we believe the church shouldn't just be a place for people who get it all right. It should be a place for people who are real — real about their doubts, their struggles, their pride, and their pain. Because the church isn't a club for the found. It's a search party for the lost. In this message, Jeff Brodie unpacks how Jesus' personality drew in the very people religion pushed out — and how we can become A Church That's Real. Not Just Right.