Ecclesia Houston | Weekend Podcast and Liturgy

Lent isn't about giving something up. It's about becoming someone new. As we begin this Lenten journey, we're exploring what it means to develop an emotionally healthy spirituality — because, as we're reminded: “You can't be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.” Through the story of King Saul, we see what happens when insecurity, fear, ego, and unmanaged emotion go unchecked. Saul had power, success, wealth — and no real health. No real friends. No inner stability.

Lent is a season of reflection but it's also a season about spiritual growth.In this preview episode, Pastor Chris, Pastor Rylea, and Pastor Ericka introduce our upcoming Lent series on Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and why emotional maturity and spiritual maturity can't be separated.We talk about:Why anger isn't the problem and what we do with it isSigns of emotional unhealth (overreacting, taking things personally, repeating patterns)The difference between self-help and spiritual transformationWhat it means to stop being a “one-year Christian 22 times”How Lent can help break old habits and form new onesThis Lent, we'll explore biblical characters like Saul and Joseph and examine how their emotional lives shaped their spiritual journeys.We'll also be inviting our entire community into:• Practicing the Prayer of Examen• Crafting a personal Rule of LifeIf you've ever felt stuck in your faith, this season might be your invitation to move forward.Episode OverviewThis episode previews our upcoming Lent series: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.We explore the connection between emotional maturity and spiritual growth — and why Lent is the perfect season for introspection and intentional formation.Key Quotes“You can't be spiritually mature if you're emotionally immature.”“I was a Christian for 22 years, but instead of being a 22-year-old Christian, I was a one-year-old Christian 22 times.”“Our spiritual life and our emotional life are deeply intertwined.”What We DiscussWhy emotions aren't sinful — but unexamined emotions can be destructiveHow resentment, insecurity, and anger show up in ScriptureWhy self-help alone cannot change usThe role of community, communion, and confessionHow faith evolves and adapts over timeWhy growth is not linearLent ResourcesDuring Lent, we are inviting our community to:Practice the Prayer of Examen dailyCraft a personal Rule of LifeUse our Community Spiritual Formation Guide

As we head into Lent, we are invited to slow down, create space, and listen. In this message, we reflect on the Transfiguration in Matthew 17, the wisdom of Fred Rogers, and the tension between mountaintop moments and valley realities. We talk about why we are so tempted to stay on the mountain, why Jesus leads us back down into real life, and how prayer and fasting reshape our desires and our direction. Through stories of faith, failure, joy, and loss, this sermon explores what it means to stop climbing the wrong ladders and start listening to Jesus.

Pastor Chris sits down with Executive Pastor Ramon Huertas for a thoughtful conversation about Bad Bunny, art, and how followers of Jesus can learn to read culture with wisdom and humility. At Ecclesia, we believe formation happens not by avoiding the world, but by learning how to live in it with wisdom, courage, and grace. This episode is an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and learn how to see what's really there.

What do you do when you want to be kinder, slower, and more loving, but real life keeps getting in the way? In this message, Pastor Chris explores why becoming the person we want to be is often harder than we expect, and how the way of Jesus and the example of Fred Rogers invite us into a different way of living. A practical and honest look at kindness, generosity, presence, and choosing love in a hurried and divided world.

What if loneliness isn't a personal failure but a signal that something sacred is missing? In this message, Pastor Chris explores why friendship may be one of the most holy and necessary gifts God gives us. Drawing from Scripture, cultural insight, and the life of Fred Rogers, this sermon invites us to rethink vulnerability, presence, and what it truly means to love one another well.

Pastor Chris contrasts the way of empires with the way of Jesus. Empires move fast, promise safety, and rely on fear and force. Jesus moves slowly. He notices. He draws near. He builds the Kingdom not through domination, but through love at eye level.

Ericka Graham explores one of the first questions Jesus ever asks: “What are you seeking?” Drawing from John 1 and the life and wisdom of Mr. Rogers, Ericka invites us to slow down, get curious, and reconsider what we are chasing in a loud, anxious world. Rather than offering quick answers, Jesus offers his presence. Rather than judgment, he invites questions. And rather than defining people by their failures, he names them for who they are becoming.

In a week marked by grief, fear, and overwhelming noise, Pastor Chris reflects on what it means to stay human, connected, and curious when the world feels too loud. Drawing on wisdom from Fred Rogers, Scripture, and lived experience, this sermon invites us to name our feelings without shame, resist the pull toward withdrawal and outrage, and move toward one another with courage and compassion.

What would change if we truly believed we are loved exactly as we are? As we begin a new year, Pastor Chris invites us into a radically countercultural way of living: resting in God's love rather than striving to earn it. Drawing from the life and presence of Fred Rogers and the Gospel of John, we explore what it means to live as the beloved, to abide in love, and to carry that love into our relationships with others.

As Ecclesia closes out 2025, Pastor Chris invites us to imagine the kind of people we are becoming together in 2026. In a world shaped by division, power, and isolation, this message asks a simple but demanding question: what does it look like to be a truly good neighbor? Drawing from the life and wisdom of Fred Rogers, the teachings of Jesus, and the call of Scripture, we explore a posture of presence rather than domination, participation rather than distance. From the Good Samaritan to Jeremiah's call to seek the peace of the city, this sermon reframes love as an active way of life rooted in neighborhoods, not towers. This is an invitation to live faithfully right where we are planted and to discover how God meets us, and our neighbors, in ordinary places.

Ericka Graham reflects on the candle of love and what it means to truly see one another as God sees us. Ericka explores how love multiplies when it is shared, how stories move us to action, and how faith calls us to run toward people in their lowest moments rather than away.

Pastor Chris explores generosity not simply as something we do with our money, but as a way of life that shapes who we are becoming. From giving to those we love, to caring for people we may never meet, to the quiet beauty of anonymous generosity, we are reminded that God blesses us so that we might be a blessing. True generosity loosens our grip on comfort and opens us to joy, freedom, and deeper connection with others.

"The dominant script of our culture is one of anxiety and scarcity. But the story of Jesus is one of abundance, generosity, and enough." – Pastor Chris This Advent season, Pastor Chris continues our Advent Conspiracy series with a powerful message on spending less, not just to save money, but to reclaim freedom, joy, and purpose. Drawing from Philippians 4 and 1 Timothy 6, and layered with stories from his own life, Pastor Chris invites us into a radical reimagining of Christmas: one where we resist the pressures of consumerism, live with margin, and give meaningful gifts that reflect the heart of God.

In this first week of Advent, we explore how the arrival of Jesus invites real and often uncomfortable change. Through the story of Herod, the wise men, and the themes of Advent Conspiracy, we are reminded that worship is more than songs or rituals. It is the offering of our whole lives. Like the baby in “The Luck of Roaring Camp,” the birth of Jesus disrupts our patterns and reshapes our priorities. This sermon invites us to embrace a season of transformation and worship fully.  

This week, Ericka Graham guides us through a heartfelt exploration of Psalm 22, the very words Jesus turned to on the cross, and reminds us why the Psalms still matter today. With raw vulnerability and powerful storytelling, she weaves together scripture, motherhood, Ruby Bridges, OCD, and the search for belonging into one unifying truth: There's a Psalm for that.

Pain touches every one of us. Some of it was handed to us. Some of it we created. And some of it cut so deeply that it muted our voice and made us forget who we are. In this powerful message, Pastor Chris walks through the Psalms to show how God meets us in every kind of hurt and leads us toward healing, restoration, and a new song. Whether you are carrying wounds from your past, regret from your own choices, or a quiet ache that has slowly silenced your joy, this sermon holds a tender invitation. God offers rest that fits the shape of your life, restoration that reaches the deepest places, and a way forward that is full of hope.

Life is hard, and even people of deep faith face seasons of fear, pressure, and uncertainty. Pastor Sean invites us into David's story of going into the wilderness to learn how Psalm 63 becomes a prayer for anyone wondering how they're going to make it. When fight, flight, freeze, and fawn aren't enough, we're invited to thirst for God, trust deeply, and fall into grace.

In this message from our series Songs of the Shepherd King, Pastor Chris Seay explores how King David's greatest strength—his big heart—was also what led to his greatest breaking. Drawing from Psalm 51, this sermon invites us to see how our own strengths, left unchecked, can become our undoing, and how God's grace can restore us to rhythm again. From David's story of failure and repentance to our modern rhythms of distraction and striving, this message calls us back to stillness, humility, and grace that outlasts our failures.

We're kicking off a new series called "Songs of the Shepherd King" exploring the life and songs of David, the unlikely king, the vulnerable poet, and the one “after God's own heart.” In this message, Pastor Chris invites us into the honest and emotional world of the Psalms, a book that trains us in honest prayer, where nothing is off-limits before God.

Life is full of seasons that require rebuilding. When children leave home, when loss changes everything, when dreams shift, or when the future does not go as planned, we face a choice to start again. Pastor Sean turns to the book of Zechariah to learn what it means to rebuild not just structures, but our very lives. Through stories of transition and faith, we explore how God calls us to break old patterns, live above the chaos, grieve what has been lost, and take responsibility for our response. Zechariah reminds us that rebuilding begins not with plans or blueprints, but with returning to God and trusting that His Spirit can make us His living temple.

This week in our series on the Minor Prophets, we turn to the final book of the Old Testament, Malachi, to ask a deeply honest question: Will we ever learn? In a world that often feels like it's falling apart personally, politically, and globally, it's easy to fall into despair or hopeless repetition. But God's invitation through the prophet Malachi is not just to repent. It's to remember.

hen life feels like rubble and the past looks brighter than the present, how do we find the courage to start again? Ericka Graham invites us to look at the story of Haggai and how God called His people to rebuild the temple before they felt ready, to choose hope over cynicism, and to trust that His presence makes even small beginnings holy.

Pastor Sean invites us to step out of hiding, confess what has been concealed, and experience the God who welcomes us back with joy. Through the prophet Zephaniah, we hear a call to face the sin we would rather ignore, not to shame us but to draw us back to the One who loves us. God's invitation is not just to acknowledge what is broken but to come home to His heart, where judgment gives way to mercy and He rejoices over His people with singing.

This week Pastor Chris continues in our series on the minor prophets called Disorienting Hope and he shares from a place few of us expected: the tiny Old Testament book of Obadiah. Though only 21 verses long, this prophetic word speaks directly into the brokenness of our modern world — where nationalism, tribalism, and indifference often drown out the call of compassion and Kingdom faithfulness.

In a week filled with tragedy and noise, we pause to ask a deeper question: Who are we becoming? The prophets remind us that God's concern is not just with our actions, but with the kind of people we are being formed into. Hosea's marriage to Gomer—a story of unfaithfulness met with relentless love—stands as a living parable of God's covenant with His people. Though we often place our hope in politics, wealth, or personal success, God calls us back to Himself, offering restoration and a new identity. This message invites us to reflect: Is our life a demonstration of the world's values, or of divine love? And if we continue on the path we're walking today, what kind of person are we becoming for eternity?

Pastor Chris shares stories that remind us of the power of generosity, community, and faith in action. Pastor Chris invites us to consider how our gifts—whether small or great—can be used for miracles when we offer them to God first. He also introduces a bold new vision: transforming a vacant office building in southwest Houston into safe, affordable housing with wraparound services for families in need.

We weren't made to do this alone. From the stars above us to the songs we sing together, God reminds us that gathering is not a performance but a spiritual practice. Ericka Graham invites us to reflect on why worship matters and how community brings light into our darkest places.

We live in an age of connection and yet, many of us feel more alone than ever. In this message, Pastor Sean shares stories of sending his daughters to college, reflections on his own freshman prayers for friendship, and practical steps for building the kind of community our souls crave. Whether you're longing for deeper friendships, curious about why relationships matter so much, or looking for encouragement to say “yes” to community, this teaching reminds us: people need people.

Pastor Chris shares six rhythms that shape a meaningful life of faith: being real, being kind, being hospitable, seeking beauty, seeking God, and serving others. These rhythms invite us to live with honesty and vulnerability, practice everyday kindness, open our homes and hearts, notice God's glory in creation and culture, prioritize His kingdom, and lift our eyes off ourselves to serve others.

Pastor Chris explores what it truly means to walk with God—not through grand miracles or public recognition, but in everyday moments of connection, humility, and love. Through the story of Enoch, we discover how faith shapes who we become, helps us serve others, and frees us from fear—even in life's hardest moments.

The internet has become an enemy-creating machine. Scroll long enough and you'll start to believe the lie that everyone who disagrees with you is someone to fear, shame, or destroy. In this week's message, Pastor Sean challenges that narrative by exploring Psalm 23 and the life of David, who had real enemies and yet chose rest, trust, and the table of God. What does it mean to sit at the table in the presence of your enemies without needing to destroy them?

This week, Pastor Sean shares the story of Noah. A man who built an ark over decades with nothing but a single word from God to guide him. In a world obsessed with speed and control, we're invited into the slow, steady path of trust. Explore what it means to walk with God through silence, confusion, and long seasons of waiting. Discover how the power of obedience isn't about control—it's about trust. Because what lasts forever…takes forever.

What if your story isn't over yet? In this powerful message from our Faithful & Brave series, we turn our focus to Rahab—a Canaanite prostitute whose faith didn't just save her family but earned her a place in the lineage of Jesus. This sermon explores what it means to live “at the edge of the inside,” where transformation, empathy, and radical inclusion are possible.

Pastor Chris takes us through the life of Moses, not as a distant Bible hero, but as a man who chose justice over comfort, courage over clarity, and calling over convenience. Drawing from Hebrews 11, personal stories, and modern-day injustices, this message challenges us to examine our own willingness to stand with the suffering, embrace the wilderness, and live a faith that costs something.

In this challenging and timely sermon, Pastor Sean continues our Faithful & Brave series by exploring one of the Bible's oldest and most haunting stories: Cain and Abel. But this message goes far beyond ancient history. It confronts the dangerous idea that God's silence gives permission to our behavior and excuses in action when in reality, God expects us to know better—even when He doesn't speak out loud.

Ericka Graham explores the complicated, beautiful intersection of faith and doubt through the story of Sarah . We reflect on her laughter, her trauma, and her influence.

Pastor Chris and a few of our high school seniors share about what it means to be a great dad.

What's a big enough life to live for? As we enter a new season—whether it's summer break, a new job, or a quieter home—this message invites us to reflect on the deeper rhythms of life. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 11 and the powerful tradition of the Lord's Supper, this sermon kicks off our summer series, Faithful & Brave, by reminding us that we're called to live lives that are faithful to our sacred inheritance and brave enough to move into God's future.

What does it really mean to be a Christian? Pastor Chris reminds us that following Jesus isn't just about believing the right things—it's about becoming a people who belong to each other. Drawing from Acts 2 and Acts 4, this sermon is a call to live out the Nicene Creed through hospitality, shared rhythms, and courageous community. Pastor Chris invites us to jump off the proverbial high dive and take one small step into a deeper life of connection, generosity, and grace.

What if resurrection wasn't a one-time event, but a continual journey—messy, real, and full of grace? In this final sermon on the Nicene Creed, Ericka Graham reflects on interdependence, the Holy Spirit, and the kind of strength that only comes through struggle.

This week's message digs into the heart of the Nicene Creed, the incarnation of Jesus, and the call for every believer to live out a hands-on, mission-driven faith. Pastor Chris shares stories from a recent medical mission in Guatemala, including the powerful healing of a 12-year-old girl named Sara and reminds us that true Christianity isn't about staying clean and comfortable, but about stepping into the mess and loving radically.

He is Risen!

As we continue from our Lenten series, Pastor Chris explores the spiritual discipline of silence and its power to reconnect us with God, ourselves, and one another. Drawing from voices like Blaise Pascal, Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, and even a Buddhist monk, this sermon invites us to turn down the volume of our lives—externally and internally—and rediscover the presence of God in the quiet.

Pastor Sean reflects on our deep desire to be heroes in our own stories—whether through success, beauty, influence, or achievement. But what if true purpose is found not in grand gestures, but in the small, everyday moments of faith? Through scripture, personal stories, and a prayer for daily surrender, Pastor Sean invites us to step away from self-centered striving and rest in the reality that we are already fully loved by God.

Are you tired of constantly striving for more, only to feel like it's never enough? In this inspiring sermon, we explore what it means to end the hustle for worthiness and embrace God's grace. Through relatable stories, biblical wisdom, and the powerful contrast between Mary and Martha in Luke 10, we uncover the truth that our value isn't in what we do—but in who we are in Christ. Join us as Pastor Chris shares how the freeing reality that there is nothing we can do to make God love us more or less. Be encouraged, find rest, and rediscover the joy of simply being in His presence.