Downtown Community Church

Would you rather be followed out of fear or out of love? Is this how you follow God or want to follow Him? To follow the Lord out of fear is drastically different from following Him because we love Him so deeply. In fear, we act safely to avoid repercussions. In love, we act willingly. We act as servants to the Lord because we know the sacrifices Jesus made on our behalf. To be so in love with God that we only live to serve Him. So, how do we move forward from where we are? We are all in different walks of life, and that is okay. But how do we learn to love Jesus? Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer as he reads through Ephesians 2:1-10 and analyzes what this passage means for us.Support the show

Are we just fans of God, or do we truly know Him? This line can be blurry in our daily lives, but Paul's prayer in the book of Ephesians is for us to truly know Him deeply. When we know the Lord better, we have access to Him and His power. Through Him we can do all things, and this gift alone, to be able to know God truly, is one we are not deserving of. Yet, it is given anyway. This is something to celebrate! Join Pastor Shannon Butler as he reads through Ephesians 1:15-23 and analyzes what Paul is saying about the Power of Christ that we have access to.Support the show

We are sinners, but God made us holy. Why? The simple reason is that He loves us! He has given us His Spirit while on earth so that we may know Him more. We do not deserve this inheritance, but he gives it anyway. The Lord has promised to come back, and this is His way of making sure we know this promise will be kept. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer as he starts our new series on Ephesians! In Ephesians 1:1-14, Pastor Ben Kaempfer guides us on how deeply this passage can affect us and why it is good news.Support the show

It's clear James didn't simply view prayer as an important practice in the life of someone who follows Jesus, rather, he viewed it as absolutely vital. Prayer has purpose and changes things. Join Pastor Shannon Butler as he leads us through this last section of our series through the Book of James.Support the show

It is so easy to get caught up in the comforts of this world. How do we get out of this zone when we don't need to worry about what is next? We aren't suffering. But is all we have and all we do, all for the glory of God? Instead of our mindset being 'I have to', when we love Jesus with our entire being, that changes this mindset to 'I get to'. From 'how much must I?' to 'how much can I?' Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer as he explains James 5 and the substance this passage holds regarding earthly wealth and the Bible.Support the show

It is sometimes difficult to trust the Lord and the plans He has for us. When we know what we want, why can't we have that? Typically, the things we want are not what the Lord has in store for us. He knows our greatest desires and wants us to be happy and knows how to us get there. That why we trust Jesus. His plans for us are far greater than we could ever imagine. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer as he teaches on James 4:11-17 and explains what this passage means.Support the show

Leaving is hard. Change is hard. Even doing what you are called to do by Jesus is hard. So, how do we handle that well? When change is imminent and unavoidable, how can we face it head on and trust that everything will be okay? It really is easier than it seems, we trust the Lord. All He wants for us is good, he has so much in store for us that we can not begin to comprehend His plans. Sure, it is hard, but to follow Jesus does not come without sacrifice. So, in the midst of change, we trust God. When we are called to go and make disciples of all nations, we must go. Jesus has our backs and since it is in His will, all things are good. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer as he helps us learn how to send and separate well through Acts 20.Support the show

How can we have hope in times of mourning? This year, Easter feels heavy. We may feel desperate, lost, or even angry. We live in a broken world, and to grieve is normal and good, but we must grieve with hope. Hope that our Lord is going to take our pain away. This Easter is still a joyous celebration of the Risen King. He will take our pain away. He will wipe away every tear from every eye. He is Risen! The Easter story of our Lord is one of hope! Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer as he retells the story of the Risen King.Support the show

In a world where we can get instant satisfaction with a click of a button it is hard to be servant-hearted. We often look to God and want him to serve us when we are meant to serve Him. For Him to build our kingdom instead of us building His. The story of Palm Sunday is a celebration of Jesus entering Jerusalem. So why were the people of Jerusalem so quick to turn on Jesus? Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer as he walks us through this story of celebration in Mark Chapter 11.Support the show

We wrapped up our series in Jonah by looking at Jonah's heart posture in chapter 4, seeing that he was really more concerned about his own kingdom than about God's kingdom. On Palm Sunday, we saw the crowd with a similar heart posture, and when we look inward, we see that we often have the same problem. But through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been invited into the Kingdom that will last forever so we can lay ours down.Support the show

In a world of temptations it is difficult to know what the Lord desires for us. We are being constantly pulled in every direction with each pull being from desire and passion. Within all of us however, we have a decision. We can feed the godly self or feed our flesh and give into the world. Tune into what Pastor William Colle offers about the beginning of James chapter 4 as he tells us the reality of what following Jesus looks like.Support the show

When life challenges you it gives you the opportunity to seek wisdom. A word that is so robust in its meaning that it is almost overwhelming. So, what does the Bible say about wisdom? It is a popular topic in the Word but how do we go about seeking it out? Through Jesus! What Jesus tells and shows you is the wisest council you will ever need. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in the study of James 3:13-18 as he guides us on the wisdom we seek out in the Bible and through our peers.Support the show

In Jonah 3, we see the Ninevites turn from their evil ways and repent, but what led them to that point? What leads us to repent from our evil ways? Only God's love, shown through His grace and His mercy and sometimes even His wrath, can truly change a heart and turn a life around.Support the show

“Faith without deeds is dead.” This is a sobering phrase that we all can struggle with especially in our walks with Jesus. When we face life together with Jesus it is so hard to obey what the Lord wants us to do. What we can constantly take comfort in is that He is trustworthy and will use us to perform miracles. To be faithful is to love Jesus with all our hearts that our faithful deeds, or obedience, flows through us as we walk this life hand in hand with Jesus. Join our guest pastor, Pastor John Parker from Summit Church in Orlando, FL, as he talks on James 2:20-26 and help us further our understanding of God's word.Support the show

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead," (James 2:17). This verse directly addresses a key message communicated by James throughout his book, but it's one that can be so easily misunderstood. If followers of Jesus are saved by faith alone, what do our works have to do with it all? Join Nate Schaidt in our ongoing study through the Book of James as we learn about the relationship between our faith and the things we do.Support the show

Favoritism. What is it really? We know that it is showing one person more attention than the others but how does that relate to Christians? It is a secret and constant battle that everyone struggles with. In our day to day life we show people favoritism. But why is that the topic of this sermon? Because it is a sin, a complex but real sin that every single one of us battles with. Join Pastor William Colle in our continuing study of James on chapter 2 verses 1-13 and walks us through what scripture says about favoritism.Support the show

It is so easy to be angry. We get in traffic jams, angry, stub our toe, angry. There are so  many things tat make us mad and cause us to make poor choices in this world. How can we be slow to anger and hold our tongues when there is so much malice in the world, and potentially in us? The short answer, we listen. Join us in our study of James 1:19-27, as Pastor Shannon Butler walks us through each verse and offers insight on what James is teaching us about being quick to listen.Support the show

We all struggle in life. From anxiety to grief, we all experience a multitude of trials. It is easy for these trials to consume our lives too. To let them coerce us into temptation time and time again. Trials are a part of life, but God uses them to deepen our faith! Without trials, life would not be as sweet! When we live a life with Jesus, He will guide us through these obstacles and into a richer life with Him. Kicking off our new series James, tune into how Pastor William Colle guides us in the study of James 1:1-18 explaining what trials can bring us. Support the show

Jump back into Jonah with us as we study chapter 2 where we see what Jonah does in his rock bottom moment and ask ourselves what WE do in a similar place. Will we cling to worthless idols or choose to accept that grace that God freely gives us?Support the show

It is so hard to be silent nowadays. To just sit still and be quiet seems almost impossible in the busy and fast moving world we live in. But that is exactly satan wants, to make us too busy for the Lord. When we sit and be with Jesus and Jesus alone is when we can deepen our relationship with Him. The Lord will talk to you in some way! Whether it is a verse or a name or just one word, the Lord is there with you. Join Pastor Shannon Butler as he explains the importance of silence and solitude as a spiritual rhythm and steps on how we put this into practice.Support the show

Food is a wonderful and precious thing in life. Every day, in and out, we eat to satisfy our bodies. The Lord provides, for us, amazing feasts every day alongside His many blessings in life, but what happens when we purposefully take that commodity away and fast? What even is fasting? What does it mean? These questions are some of what Pastor Shannon Butler answers in todays sermon. Join him as he reads through the story of Jehoshaphat and explains what the spiritual rhythm of fasting is, what it can do for us and how it can be done.Support the show

As a follow up from Sundays Sermon on Sabbath, join William Colle, Grace Markwell, Nate Schaidt & Nolan Cannon as we discuss what Sabbath looks like for them in different stages of life. Support the show

Sabbath, what is it exactly? We have heard this word over and over again in the church. The idea is neat, taking a full day of rest? How could we not like that? But what does Sabbath really look like? Yes, it is a time of rest, but not only that, it is how we can further build our relationship with Jesus. But sabbath is hard. That is the reality. To stop our busy lives on purpose is difficult, but it is worth it. Join Pastor William Colle as he studies Sabbath and guides us through the meaning and weight behind this Rhythm.Support the show

Prayer is a foundation of the church and faith as a whole. Even though we know this, praying is hard. How do we do it? Why do we do it? If we know Jesus already has everything planned out for us, why do we pray? We pray because we depend on the Lord. He gives us the hope and comfortability to talk with Him, and gives us the steps on how to do it. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in his study on Matthew 6, reading and analyzing The Lord Prayer and guides to a better idea of the Rhythm of Prayer means.Support the show

Prayer is a foundation of the church and faith as a whole. Even though we know this, praying is hard. How do we do it? Why do we do it? If we know Jesus already has everything planned out for us, why do we pray? We pray because we depend on the Lord. He gives us the hope and comfortability to talk with Him, and gives us the steps on how to do it. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in his study on Matthew 6, reading and analyzing The Lord Prayer and guides to a better idea of the Rhythm of Prayer means.Support the show

How do we know that God is with us? We all wrestle with the idea of God, and desire for his presence more. We go to immense lengths to feel the presence of Him, but question if that sensation we felt was real. But God is always with us. How do we know this? Through scripture we can see how much Jesus lives in us and how much He loves us. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer as he studies scripture and reads just how often Jesus is with us.Support the show

Join us for College Nights this semester as we dive into the book of Jonah! As we began in chapter 1, we saw that like Jonah, we run from God far more often than we care to admit or than we even realize. However, when we finally admit that rebellion, we'll see that God is far more merciful than we could ever imagine and that He will stop at nothing to pursue us with His love.Support the show

There has always been a thought around God. Since the dawn of time, there have been ideas, notions, and questions about this sense of transcendence. But what is the one question we all have? What is the one thing thing that we have been searching for? His presence and how are we able to experience it. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in our new series, Rhythms, as he uses John 1to analyze these questions.Support the show

Originally given in March 2023, this sermon dives into the Lord's prayer and we see how Jesus teaches us HOW to pray through the Lord's prayer. You can find the full series on our podcast. Support the show

Why is this season so special, magical even? We get so excited to celebrate Christmas, but why? We may know the old story of Saint Nick, and we may even love him. Saint Nick was loved because he loved God and worked to serve Him. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in studying Luke 2 to acknowledge the true meaning behind what we celebrate and why.Support the show

When was the last time you had so much joy, it made you want to shout? This world is full of surprises and we never know what is going to happen. But, the Lord desires to bring genuine Joy to YOU and the world! What greater joy and surprise is there than what comes from dead hearts coming alive? Join Pastor Shannon Butler as he explains the true meaning behind the classic hymn Joy To The World!Support the show

Have you ever caught yourself spinning in circles trying to solve problems and accomplish everything? In reality, it is a hard thing that we all struggle with. Yet, this was never ours to achieve, it was solely meant for the Lord to obtain on our behalf. Join Pastor Shannon Butler as he analyzes the classic carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and explains the true meaning behind what we are singing.Support the show

We may know the lyrics to O Come O Come Emmanuel, but do we understand what we are saying? This hymn and its history is yet another sign that Lord is constantly with us, even in our rebellion. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer he leads our study of the classic melody O Come O Come EmmanuelSupport the show

Have you ever experienced betrayal by a trusted friend or family member? While human promises may fail, rest assured that God will never let us down. The Bible assures us of God's unchanging character, which means His promises will always remain steadfast. Join Pastor Shannon Butler in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20, as he highlights God's faithfulness in the lives of Mary and Joseph. Where does your faith rest?Support the show

In the story of Gideon, he had a great start with the Lord. But, by the end of his life, he didn't finish well. How does a successful life fall apart? How do we manage the success we experience in partnership with God without selfishly taking the glory for ourselves? Join Dylan Nielander in Judges 8 to examine the story of the once-lowly Gideon turned to a prideful ruler, ultimately ruining the positive changes the Lord had instilled in Israel through Gideon.Support the show

What are the areas where you're asking and begging God to reassure you? Like Gideon, we constantly need confidence in what the Lord has set out for us. But, following in Gideon's footsteps, we ought to gain this reassurance through intentional prayer and communion with God. Join Pastor Shannon Butler in Judges 6:36-7:25 to dive into the story of Gideon's army overcoming the Midianites and to examine God's great reassurance.Support the show

To do His work through you, God wants to do a work in you. Resistance often accompanies the call to action, but obedience in removing your idols is essential for progress. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in Judges 6:25-35 to examine Gideon's task of dismantling idols. What idols in your life need dismantling in order for you to walk in obedience to the Lord?Support the show

We know prayer is important but what is its purpose? What does praying actually do? Join our College Womens Director, Grace Markwell, as she answers these questions and explains her two main points; Prayer changes things AROUND us through the power of God and prayer changes things WITHIN us as well. Support the show

Welcome to Asking For A Friend, a podcast where we tackle your questions on marriage, dating, parenting, and everything in between—all from a Christian perspective! We're William & Jul Colle. After almost 15 years of marriage, three boys, and balancing two careers—William as a pastor and Jul as a nurse (with school on top of it!)—we're passionate about building a Christ-centered marriage and raising kids who love Jesus. Along the way, we've made our share of mistakes, but we've also been blessed by incredible mentors. Our hope for this podcast is that it encourages you, just as so many others have encouraged us.Questions This Week:1. I'm loosing hope in my generation of men and keep hearing “I'm not good enough for you”, “I can't lead you” etc… what is your advice to college women going through this and question how long/ if they will ever meet someone?2. My boyfriend and I have past sexual sins with other people before we started following the Lord & started dating. Should you discuss past sexual sins with your partner during dating, during engagement, ever?3. My kids are all drastically different. How do you manage parenting them differently without showing favoritism?4. Between work, kids and just life events, what are ways you can prioritize your marriage?Support the show

When you are a child of God, there is a work that God is doing in you and through you. But we often lose sight of God and His plans for us when we get caught up in our fears, are disobedient, or will not surrender our will to His. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in Judges 6:1-24 to study the source of Gideon's fear and how God is there with us every step of the way, He just needs our “yes.”Support the show

Text in your anonymous questions to 94000!Welcome to Asking For A Friend: A podcast where we answer your questions about marriage, dating, parenting and everything in between from a Christian perspective! We're William & Jul Colle. We've been married for almost 15 years, have 3 boys and juggle two careers as a pastor (William) and nurse (Jul,) while Jul is back in in school. We're passionate about having a Godly marriage and raising kids that grow up to love Jesus. We've learned from a lot of mistakes and have had some great examples over the years. Our prayer for this podcast is it encourages you, just like so many have encouraged us!This Week:1) One of the scariest things in dating for me is the waiting. People often say that the waiting is worth it, but that can be very difficult. How do I balance trusting in God's timing, knowing there is a possibility of staying single and not being disappointed in that?2) We are often in conversation about when to give your child, teenager a phone. As parents who want to love and protect our kids while balancing their exposure to detrimental technology. How can we do this?3) What are wise boundaries when it comes to your husband/wife having friends of the opposite sex?Support the show

As we wrap up our Marriage series, we look at God's design for sex, and how the world trys to define it for us. Send us a textSupport the show

Text in your anonymous questions to 94000!Welcome to Asking For A Friend: A podcast where we answer your questions about marriage, dating, parenting and everything in between from a Christian perspective! We're William & Jul Colle. We've been married for almost 15 years, have 3 boys and juggle two careers as a pastor (William) and nurse (Jul,) while Jul is back in in school. We're passionate about having a Godly marriage and raising kids that grow up to love Jesus. We've learned from a lot of mistakes and have had some great examples over the years. Our prayer for this podcast is it encourages you, just like so many have encouraged us!This Week:1. In Sundays sermon, Ben spoke on conflict in marriage, and the common communication struggle of being heard or NOT heard by your spouse. My husband and I struggle with this, and often have unresolved conflict, but then he wants to be intimate and I am put off by not feeling heard and frankly dont want to have sex after an unresolved argument. How can we work through this?2. We're coming up on the holidays which is always a conflict point for me and my wife. How do you suggest we handle it?3. We have multiple children and they are all involved in various sports and activities which often cut into family time, church time, etc. How do we let our kids be involved but also make our family and God the priority?4. Should you make your kids go to church? Your teenagers to youth group?Send us a textSupport the show

When two people come into the union of marriage, they both bring their own trauma, baggage, and woundedness into the relationship that can cause rifts in the future when these underlying issues have not been identified and addressed. So, when sore spots are hit, we try to cover them up so that they can't be hurt more. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in Genesis 4:1-9 to dive into the story of Cain and Abel and study how we need to allow the Holy Spirit to excavate our hearts of hardness.Send us a textSupport the show

Text in your anonymous questions to 94000!Welcome to Asking For A Friend: A podcast where we answer your questions about marriage, dating, parenting and everything in between from a Christian perspective! We're William & Jul Colle. We've been married for almost 15 years, have 3 boys and juggle two careers as a pastor (William) and nurse (Jul,) while Jul is back in in school. We're passionate about having a Godly marriage and raising kids that grow up to love Jesus. We've learned from a lot of mistakes and have had some great examples over the years. Our prayer for this podcast is it encourages you, just like so many have encouraged us!This Week:1. “Before “the two become one flesh” in marriage, how can you cultivate a christ-centered relationship while dating? And how do you avoid the trap of using one another as a crutch for your own walk with the Lord?”2. What is your advice to people who have been cheated and are struggling but want to believe they'll find a loyal, Godly partner out there one day?3. How do you best disciple your kids? What are some actionable steps to do that?Send us a textSupport the show

Communication is vitally important, but incredibly difficult. How do we control the tongue when it is the most restless of all evils? Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in James 3:2-12 to examine the vitality of good, Godly communication in marriage.Send us a textSupport the show

Text in your anonymous questions to 94000!Welcome to Asking For A Friend: A podcast where we answer your questions about marriage, dating, parenting and everything in between from a Christian perspective! We're William & Jul Colle. We've been married for almost 15 years, have 3 boys and juggle two careers as a pastor (William) and nurse (Jul,) while Jul is back in in school. We're passionate about having a Godly marriage and raising kids that grow up to love Jesus. We've learned from a lot of mistakes and have had some great examples over the years. Our prayer for this podcast is it encourages you, just like so many have encouraged us!This Week:1. Does God tell you who to marry?  AKA Does He tell you this is “The One?” How can you be certain?2. What are your key tips for engaged couples as they prepare for marriage? 3. How can you keep Christ at the center of your Marriage?What would you say to a married couple who seems to bicker/fight often?Send us a textSupport the show

When there's a gap between what we expect and what we experience, we end up feeling wronged. This also applies in marriage… if your spouse is the means by which you achieve your ideal life, you participate in functional idolatry. What would households look like if husband and wife daily asked, “I love you, how can I serve you?” Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer in John 13:35, Romans 5:6-8, and Ephesians 5:21; 31-32 to unpack the serving relationship in marriage.Send us a textSupport the show

Welcome to Asking For A Friend, a podcast where we answer your questions about marriage, dating, parenting and everything in between from a Christian perspective! We're William & Jul Colle. We've been married for almost 15 years, have 3 boys and juggle two careers as a pastor (William) and nurse (Jul,) while Jul is back in in school. We're passionate about having a Godly marriage and raising kids that grow up to love Jesus. We've learned from a lot of mistakes and have had some great examples over the years. Our prayer for this podcast is it encourages you, just like so many have encouraged us! Have a question? Text it in to 94000! Don't worry, it's anonymous:)This week:1. What are wise ways to prepare your marriage for parenthood? 2. How do you keep intimacy in your marriage after becoming parents?3. Can you support your spouse who is in school full time and take care of kids? We're planning kids and are nervous we will too busy with my spouse in school for 7+ years4. What are your thoughts on how men and women should approach dating? Specifically, the roles of men and women in initiating a dating relationship.Send us a textSupport the show

The word 'love' is thrown around lot in out culture. We use the same word to say we 'love' the fall and we say that we 'love' our spouse. We often don't think about the true depth behind this word. More specifically, what the Bible calls sacrificial love. Join Pastor Shannon Butler in our study of 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 as he explains the different words used to define love in the Bible and what it looks like to live out sacrificial love.Send us a textSupport the show

In our first sermon of this series, we want to address why marriage exists in the first place. Jesus didn't die for a church that was worth dying for. He didn't die for us because we were precious or clean... we were still sinners. God created marriage with the Gospel in mind. Does your picture of marriage look like the Gospel? Join Pastor Ben Kampfer in Genesis 2:21-24, Ephesians 5:21-33, and Revelation 19:6-9 to examine God's outline for marriage.Send us a textSupport the show