Corner Conversations

Turn Toward God - Why direction matters more than perfectionWhat do you do when life gets hard again?In this episode, we walk through 1 Kings 8 and Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple—a moment that isn't really about a building, but about direction. Over and over, Solomon names real human experiences: failure, defeat, dryness, suffering, even distance from God. And his invitation is consistent and clear: turn toward God.This conversation explores why wisdom doesn't exempt us from hardship, why honesty matters more than polish, and how God meets people right in the middle of real life. From Moses at the burning bush to the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death, we trace how God keeps inviting people closer—not once they've cleaned things up, but right where they are.If you've ever felt stuck, tired, disappointed in yourself, or unsure how to move forward, this episode is an invitation to consider a simple but challenging question:What would it look like to turn toward God this week?

What draws us to wisdom—and what actually makes it ours?In 1 Kings 4, we see Solomon's wisdom spreading across nations. Kings travel. Crowds gather. His insight becomes famous.But what is wisdom, really?In this conversation, we process the difference between information and transformation. We look at five types of wisdom—practical, moral, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual—and wrestle with the gap between hearing wisdom and living it.Why were people drawn to Solomon?Why were people astonished at Jesus?And what spans the distance between knowing what is wise… and becoming wise?We end where Scripture invites us:“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…” (James 1:5)Maybe wisdom isn't about having every answer.Maybe it's about a heart that knows where to look.If you'd like a slightly more poetic or slightly more direct version, I can tailor it depending on whether this is for YouTube, Spotify, or another platform.

What do you ask God for when the moment actually matters?In 1 Kings 3, Solomon steps into leadership, responsibility, and uncertainty all at once—and instead of asking for power, protection, or success, he asks for wisdom. In this conversation, we explore what that request reveals about God's generosity, our assumptions about prayer, and the difference between treating God like a genie and staying genuinely connected.This episode invites us to slow down, examine what we're really asking for, and consider how wisdom isn't just something we receive—but something we're meant to practice when life feels heavier than we feel prepared for.

At the start of Solomon's reign, David gives a final charge that cuts deeper than leadership advice: be strong, walk in obedience, and live faithfully.But Scripture quickly exposes the tension underneath it all — how easily we demand righteousness from others while quietly protecting our own power.In this episode, we explore 1 Kings 2 alongside the life of Jesus to ask harder questions about strength that isn't aggressive, obedience that isn't convenient, and faithfulness that isn't performative. Rather than offering fixes for chaos, this conversation invites formation — a way of being shaped from the inside out, even when leadership is messy and expectations go unspoken.This is a conversation about what we're building our lives on — and who we're becoming in the process.

In this episode, we dive into the opening chapters of 1 Kings, exploring one of the Bible's most dramatic power transitions. As David lies dying—old, frail, and unable to stay warm—his son Adonijah makes a play for the throne that was actually promised to Solomon. What follows is a masterclass in grace under pressure.We examine how Solomon navigated an impossible situation: his father didn't communicate clearly, his half-brother was already celebrating as king, and the family dynamics were a mess. Yet Solomon's response was marked by remarkable grace and wisdom.The conversation explores what it takes to be gracious when circumstances aren't ideal. We discuss the importance of security in your God-given identity, how self-perception shapes the way we treat others, and why surrounding yourself with people who will challenge you is essential. We also draw powerful parallels to Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, showing how grace creates space for others to be gracious too.Whether you're navigating a difficult transition, dealing with family conflict, or simply trying to extend grace in a chaotic world, this episode offers practical wisdom from an ancient story that still speaks today.Key Topics: 1 Kings, David and Solomon, extending grace, identity in Christ, accountability, leadership transitions, bearing with one another in love

Some moments feel small when they happen.A conversation.A decision that doesn't make sense yet.A season that feels unfinished.In this episode, recorded during Corner Church's 20-year celebration, we reflect on the kind of faith that only becomes clear with time. Drawing from Scripture, shared stories, and the lived history of this community, we explore how God often works through ordinary people, repeated paths, and quiet faithfulness.From a prayer prayed years too early, to relationships that slowly converge, to everyday moments in Scripture that shape entire stories—this conversation invites us to look back with honesty and forward with trust.This episode isn't about perfection or arrival.It's about showing up.Paying attention.And learning to recognize Jesus at work—first in others, and eventually everywhere.

Before this message ever became a sermon, it started as a conversation.In this episode, we talk through the questions, tensions, and Scriptures that shaped our Ethos series—especially the idea that formation isn't about perfection, but direction. We explore why Jesus consistently focuses on trajectory over categories, how Scripture functions as a guide rather than a rulebook, and why practices matter more than intention alone.This is an honest conversation about how communities are formed, how lives are shaped over time, and what it looks like to keep returning—again and again—to the way of Jesus we encounter in Scripture.Not a conclusion.An invitation to keep practicing.

We sat with a question that sounds simple and turns out not to be: What do we actually mean when we say we want to grow? Is growth about things getting easier? About accomplishing more? Or is it about having the capacity to stay present when things don't?In this episode, we wrestle with the tension between healthy reframing and quiet denial. When challenge becomes formation—and when “positive thinking” starts to numb us instead. We talk about capacity, resilience, and the subtle ways faith can either deepen us or help us avoid what's real.This isn't a conversation with clean answers. It's a shared attempt to name what we're carrying, what's shaping us, and what kind of people we're becoming along the way.

What does faith look like up close?In this episode, we continue Corner Church's Ethos series by exploring the idea of local — the people and places close enough to actually experience our lives. Drawing from James 2 and the life of Jesus, this conversation wrestles with the tension between belief and action, presence and distance, helping and truly knowing.We talk about why local love is harder than distant love, how modern life has created “micro-locals” everywhere, and why God chose proximity over distance in the incarnation. This isn't a conversation about doing more — it's about noticing who's already in front of us.Faith becomes real when it becomes local.

Why shared life forms healthier faith, deeper trust, and real communityIn this conversation, the team reflects on the writing of this message and the Ethos value We Carry This Together. We talk about Christmas stories that hold both beauty and breakdown, why self-sufficiency quietly isolates us, and how God consistently works through shared presence rather than solo strength. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how faith is formed in relationships—and why carrying life together isn't a weakness, but the way health actually grows.

The shepherds were interrupted. Mary was overwhelmed. The crowd was amazed.Same night. Same news. Different responses.In this episode, we reflect on Luke 2 and the moments when God breaks into ordinary life—sometimes clearly, sometimes quietly—and how we respond when we notice Him at work. We talk about the tension between urgency and reflection, why setbacks derail us, and how joy doesn't erase complexity but lives right alongside it.What happens when we slow down long enough to see? And what might change if we actually respond?

A conversation about effort, overwhelm, and the small steps that change everything.This episode pulls back the curtain on the dialogue that shaped our latest Ethos message. We talk about the extremes we slip into — doing too much, doing nothing, taking credit, carrying all the weight — and how the story of Ruth helped us rethink what it means to participate in the work of God and the life of the church.If you've ever felt too small for the moment or too responsible for everything, this conversation is for you.

What does it take for a crowd to become a community? In this episode, we reflect on story, connection, and the difference between sharing a moment and sharing a life. We look at how Jesus keeps turning toward people—face to face—and how that shapes our calling as a church. Honest, practical, and rooted in presence, this conversation sets the stage for the message that followed.

In this episode, we wrestle with the beauty and complexity of being a church made of different people, different stories, and one shared direction.What does it take to move from information to transformation?How do we honor story without losing Jesus…and honor Jesus without losing each other?This conversation shaped the message that launched our ethos series.

What if the Sermon on the Mount wasn't just something to believe, but something to build with?We talked about faith that doesn't just admire Jesus' words but builds with them. From humility as the foundation to grace as the structure—what does it mean to actually live the Sermon on the Mount, not just hear it?

In this conversation, we wrestle with the question beneath Jesus' words in Matthew 7: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Together we talk about discernment, bad advice, and the quiet internal work that shapes who we trust—and who we become. From Eve to Rehoboam to Herod, we explore why it's so easy to follow the wrong voices, and how Jesus keeps calling us back to the heart. This isn't about blame or fear; it's about awareness, fruit, and the kind of inner life that listens well.

In this episode, we dive into the theme of "No Filters," exploring the profound realization that God's grace is made perfect in our weaknesses, not our perfections. Join us as we discuss the importance of authenticity, the biblical narratives that shape our understanding of identity, and how we can see ourselves and others through the lens of grace. Discover how embracing our true selves can lead to a deeper connection with God and each other.

In this week's conversation, we unpack Jesus' words about the narrow and wide gates from Matthew 7:13–14 — not as a warning about who gets in, but as an invitation into a deeper kind of life. Together they explore what it means to move from surface-level faith to genuine transformation — from self-sufficiency to surrender, from external performance to internal health. Along the way, they talk about Moses learning to take advice, the rich young ruler's struggle to let go, and the tension between looking good and being whole. It's an honest, down-to-earth dialogue about what it means to actually walk with Jesus, not just admire Him from a distance.

In this episode, we delve into the profound teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the themes of asking, seeking, and knocking. Join us as we explore the essence of prayer, the innocence of a child's faith, and the importance of internal transformation. Through personal stories and reflections, we uncover how these teachings connect to our daily lives and relationships. Tune in for an insightful conversation that challenges us to live with intention and authenticity.

A conversation on judgment, discernment, and the kind of wisdom that builds a solid foundation.

The Divided Mind: Fear, Worry, and Trusting GodIn this episode we trace the path that shaped our latest message in the Sermon on the Mount series. From peanut-butter phobias to deep-end worries, we explore how Jesus' words in Matthew 6 confront both irrational fears and everyday anxieties. Together we ask: what actually helps when worry builds? How do we hold God's promises alongside our human vulnerability? And what does it mean to trust a God who both wants to help and actually can?

A conversation on value, motivation, and the words of Jesus in Matthew 6.What drives us? What do we really treasure? In this episode, we talk through Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19–24 and how it challenges our motives, reshapes our values, and points us toward a foundation that lasts. From everyday habits to hidden motivations, from external rewards to eternal treasures—we explore how Christ calls us to see what truly matters and how that vision changes everything.

In this episode we process the conversation that shaped this week's message in our Sermon on the Mount series. Together we wrestle with Jesus' call to live out practices like giving, prayer, and fasting—not just as actions, but as reflections of what's happening inside of us. We talk about health, both physical and spiritual, and why motives matter so much in building a life that can stand when storms come.

What does it mean to live rightly when no one's around to applaud? In this episode, we keep walking through the Sermon on the Mount and land at the fold—the center—where Jesus invites us into something deeper: real prayer, real presence, real integrity.We talk about invisible acts of righteousness, what prayer actually does, and how the Lord's Prayer is more than a recitation—it's a reorientation of our whole being.Also… we take an integrity test (no pressure).This conversation invites reflection, not performance. And it asks an honest question:Would you live differently if no one saw you do it?

This week, our conversation turned the page from Matthew 5 to Matthew 6—moving from the internal transformationJesus called for, into the practices of righteousness that flow out of it. We wrestled with the tension between being seen and unseen, between applause and authenticity.From Peter and John's encounter at the temple gate to Jesus' warning about “trumpet-blowing” generosity, we asked:– Why do people crave recognition for doing good?– What happens inside of us when generosity becomes a performance?– How does God reward what's done in secret?Join us as we process Jesus' call to give quietly, faithfully, and freely—living a life where the unseen reward of God matters more than the fleeting applause of others.

In this episode, we wrestle with Jesus' disruptive words in Matthew 5:43–48: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” What does “enemy” even mean in our context? Why is avoidance such a natural default? And how is Jesus' call to be perfect not about flawless performance, but about becoming whole—marked by indiscriminate, agapē love? Together we reflect on how loving those it's easiest to rationalize away isn't weakness, but the solid foundation of a life rooted in Christ.

In this episode, we wrestle with one of Jesus' most radical teachings from the Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard it said, ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' But I tell you…” Together we talk about fairness, retaliation, and why revenge so easily disguises itself as justice. From everyday annoyances to life-shaking injustices, how do we respond? Is turning the other cheek weakness, or is it a deeper strength? Join us as we explore Paul and Silas' midnight worship in prison, the cultural background of “eye for eye,” and what it means for Jesus to call us beyond proportional payback toward a life anchored in grace.

This week we pause our Sermon on the Mount series for a baptism and dedication celebration, and Scott Woller shares a powerful moment from Luke 8. We see Jesus on the move, accompanied not only by the Twelve but also by three unlikely women—Mary, Joanna, and Susanna—each with their own story of brokenness and redemption. Together, they remind us that God's plan has always been people, and that discipleship isn't just about what we receive from Jesus, but also about the valuable role we play in His mission. In this conversation, we explore what it means to be needed, to invest in others' faith journeys, and to be part of the ongoing story of God's work in our city and our relationships.

This week, we dig into Matthew 5:33–37 and Jesus' challenge to let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no. Why do we love loopholes? Why do promises get complicated when life gets messy? We talk about oaths in Jewish culture, the traps of half-truths, and why integrity is less about dramatic vows and more about unseen choices. Plus—what happens inside us when we spin words, and how do we become people who mean what we say?

Jesus said, “You've heard it said… but I tell you…” — not to make life harder, but to call us deeper. In this episode, we wrestle with what He says about divorce in Matthew 5:31–32. At first glance, it feels like a rule about paperwork. But dig in, and it's a challenge to our tendency to rationalize, to marginalize, and to do what we're allowed instead of what reflects God's heart.Join the conversation as we explore:Why Jesus' words mattered in a culture that treated people as disposableHow rationalization shapes our choicesWhat it looks like to choose internal transformation over external permissionIt's not just about marriage. It's about what kind of people we're becoming.

Jesus doesn't just talk about behavior—He goes after what's underneath it. This week, we wrestle with lust, motives, and the internal transformation that grace makes possible.

In this episode, we dive into Jesus' words from Matthew 5:21–26—where he raises the bar from “don't murder” to “don't hold on to anger.” We talk about what it means to defuse tension, restore broken relationships, and why making things right with others is actually the first step toward worship. With some honest reflection and practical questions, we explore the personal and communal weight of Jesus' call to reconciliation.

How can our righteousness surpass that of the Pharisees? Is self-righteousness blinding us to our true selves? In this episode, we explore these questions and more as we delve into the Sermon on the Mount. Join us for a conversation that challenges our perceptions and invites us to reflect on the deeper meanings of faith and humility. #ReflectAndGrow #SermonOnTheMount

In this episode, we step into Jesus' words from Matthew 5:13–16—“You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world.” We unpack what it means to be called valuable by Christ, how our actions point people toward God (or away), and the deep connection between being seen and making God seen. It's a conversation about worth, purpose, influence, and the quiet power of presence.

This week we wrestled with one of Jesus' most upside-down statements yet: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.” What does it mean to be “persecuted for doing right” in a culture that often misunderstands both righteousness and resistance? We talk responsibility, false martyrdom, faithfulness in hardship, and what the Kingdom of Heaven looks like when it breaks into real life.

What does it really mean to be a peacemaker in a world that thrives on conflict, noise, and division?In this episode, we unpack Jesus' words from Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” We talk about how peacemaking is more than just keeping things calm or avoiding conflict. It's about stepping into broken spaces with honesty, courage, and compassion — and sometimes, that work is anything but peaceful.We explore:The difference between peacekeeping and peacemakingHow our identity shapes what we make in the worldWhy being a child of God means reflecting His character, especially in conflictThe cost — and blessing — of reconciliation

In this episode, we talk through the process behind our message on Matthew 5:8:“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”What does it actually mean to have a pure heart?Is it about perfection? Sincerity? Honesty?We explore stories from Luke 7, the weight of unspoken expectations, and how purity might not be about getting it all right—but living with an undivided heart.And we ask: what if seeing God is less about arrival, and more about awareness?

In this episode, we open up the process behind our latest message: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”We talk about what mercy actually means—beyond just feeling sorry for someone—and why it's so hard to extend it when we've been hurt, disappointed, or overwhelmed.From parables to personal stories to what Jesus wrote in the dirt, we wrestle with how mercy challenges us, shapes us, and invites us to live differently in a culture that often celebrates the opposite.And we reflect on the uncomfortable truth: we can't give what we haven't let ourselves receive.

In this episode, we unpack the second Beatitude: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”We talk about why people watch sad movies on purpose, what's really going on under the phrase “I'm fine,” and how mourning might be less about falling apart—and more about finally being present. This one gets honest, a little raw, and surprisingly hopeful.

What does it mean to stop celebrating a caged, stuffed, or sketched version of Jesus—and instead encounter Him in the wild?In this episode, we talk through the process of writing our Easter message for Corner Church. From the early church's explosion in Jerusalem to Philip's strange road trip and the parable of the bear (yes, that's a thing), we unpack the heart behind this year's theme: Jesus in the Wild.

This episode dives into the heart of our 2025 Palm Sunday UNITED service—a message that broke from tradition to retell the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem through the lens of the Prodigal Son.Why Luke 15? Why multiple readers? Why such an emotionally immersive approach? We unpack the questions, creative decisions, and conversations that led us to connect Palm Sunday not just with celebration, but with tension, misunderstanding, grace, and the long road home.Whether you were there or not, this is your chance to step behind the curtain and reflect on why the story still matters—and why how we tell it matters just as much.

In this episode, our pastoral team sits down to unpack the conversations that shaped our final message in the Isaiah series. We explore the tension between rescue and responsibility, the imagery of being clothed in righteousness, and what it really means to live in response to God's generosity. From Paul's letters to Jesus' parables, we wrestle with the beauty and complexity of faith, asking how salvation and righteousness shape not just what we believe—but how we live.

In this episode, we unpack the conversations that led to our message on Isaiah 58 and 61. From the tension between ritual and relationship to the deeper questions about what God truly values, we explore how justice, mercy, and humility aren't just spiritual ideals—they're everyday invitations. Join us as we reflect on what motivates real generosity, how religious practices can go hollow, and what it means to become people shaped by what truly matters.

In this episode, we talk through the conversations and reflections that shaped our message on Isaiah 55. We dig into how God's invitation to “Come” shows up again and again in scripture—and in our own lives. From ancient prophecy to Jesus' call to follow, to the real-life complexity of saying yes, this is a conversation about responding to God's invitation with faith, even when we don't have it all figured out.We also wrestle with what keeps people from accepting or extending that invitation—our doubts, fears, and even past church baggage. And we tell some stories along the way that remind us how even the things that don't make sense in the moment might just end up mattering the most.

We say we want help, but do we really? In this episode, we unpack the conversation behind the message on Isaiah 53, diving into the tension between needing rescue and resisting it. Why is asking for help so hard? What changes when we actually do? And how does Jesus' suffering challenge our expectations of what real rescue looks like?Join us as we explore the unexpected beauty of Isaiah 53, connect it to our everyday struggles, and wrestle with what it really means to be rescued by Jesus.

This week, we're unpacking Isaiah 37-39—where a king's faith shines, then stumbles, and God's hope still breaks through. We dive into how prayer can turn crises around, how pride can trip us up, and why doubt lingers even after miracles. It's a messy, real look at trusting God now versus later, and how His kingdom shows up in the everyday. Join us for a convo that hits home, then come explore it live Sunday at Corner Church!

In this episode, we unpack the conversations that shaped our message on Isaiah 24–27. We wrestle with the tension between consequences and hope, exploring how God, as a skilled gardener, uses both to refine us. We discuss the difference between a harvested vine and a trampled branch, the role of connection in spiritual growth, and Jesus' powerful words in John 15. What does it mean to be pruned for something better? And how do we embrace both grace and growth in our own lives? Join us as we dive into the process behind the message.

In this episode, we unpack the conversations that shaped our message on Isaiah 13–23. From the discomfort of hearing warnings—whether they're for us or not—to how pride can block growth, we wrestle with what it means to truly listen. We also explore how Jesus' teachings challenge our assumptions and invite us into something deeper. It's a raw, honest look at how these ancient words still speak to us today.#CornerChurch #Podcast #Isaiah13to23 #PrideAndHumility #JesusWords #SundayConversations #FaithInCommunity

Ever felt tempted to patch your biggest problems with a quick fix? In this behind-the-scenes podcast, we talk through the raw conversations, hidden tensions, and lightbulb moments that shaped our upcoming message. Join us as we explore what happens when real life collides with faith—and why ditching the duct tape could be your best move yet.

What does it really mean to know God—not just know about Him? In this episode, we dive into the conversations that shaped this week's message on Isaiah 1–6. We explore:

In this episode, we dive into the conversations that inspired our message on the final chapter of Haggai. Together, we explore the profound connection between our actions and our hearts, the challenge of obedience, and the transformative power of God's grace. From ancient prophecies to practical insights, this discussion unpacks what it means to give careful thought to our ways and to live as people shaped by God's promises. Whether you're familiar with Haggai or hearing it for the first time, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.