What Matters Most with Faith Community

Send us a textAs we continue our discussion on the Beatitudes, we're chatting about the next Beatitude in our series - Blessed are the Meek. Tabitha sat down with a couple of friends to discuss the common misconceptions of meekness and how practicing it leads to God's blessing in our lives. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with weakness! 00:00 Last Episode Recap03:30 The misconceptions & truth of "meekness"17:50 What meekness means Biblically & how it makes us feel20:00 It's not about me24:50 Learning to be content with how God made you27:00 The why behind the what39:00 The promise of meekness50:00 The power of the pause ___________________________________________If you're new to the Bible or want to take your study further, consider these free resources we use ourselves:Bible.com - A free, digital Bible with many translations from YouVersion that also provides hundreds of devotionalsBibleProject.com - A free resource from The Bible Project that provides in-depth overviews and studies of Scripture as well as key concepts and themes within the Bible.What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Send us a textWhat if grieving sin is actually a way to grow closer to the God who loves us and others? As we continue our study of the Beatitudes, Tabitha Caplinger sat down with Josh Quick and Fawn Ellerbrook to chat about what sin is, what it means to mourn it, and how we walk with others as we learn to follow Jesus together.00:00 What does "blessed are those who mourn" actually mean?04:30 Defining sin and why it's something to mourn17:00 The consequences of our sin25:00 The hope for something better because of God's mercy30:00 Having compassion for ourselves and others42:00 Walking with people who are struggling50:00 God transforms us from the inside out ___________________________________________If you're new to the Bible or want to take your study further, consider these free resources we use ourselves:Bible.com - A free, digital Bible with many translations from YouVersion that also provides hundreds of devotionalsBibleProject.com - A free resource from The Bible Project that provides in-depth overviews and studies of Scripture as well as key concepts and themes within the Bible. What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Send us a textIn Matthew 5, Jesus shares a set of profoundly rich statements about what it means to be blessed as you follow Him. In this episode, we jump into the first statement - "Blessed are the poor in spirit..." Tabitha Caplinger is joined by Lauren Earls, Brian Caplinger and Fawn Ellerbrook to chat about what this statement means and what it looks like in our everyday lives over 2,000 years later. 02:00 What does it mean to be poor in spirit?14:00 You don't have to be enough.24:00 What we can learn through lack27:00 How do we love in humility?40:00 Sanctification is a process.44:30 What are my expectations rooted in?_________________________To get a free digital Bible, visit Bible.com.To learn more about the Sermon on the Mount & The Beatitudes, visit BibleProject.com.What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Send us a textWe're starting a new series walking through the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5. In this first episode, we'll get an overview of what this section of scripture is and talk through our thoughts on what this means for us. Tabitha Caplinger got to chat with three friends from Faith Community - Grant Reeves, Nicole Sullivan, and Fawn Ellerbrook - as we kick off the series.00:00 Welcome & Introductions03:00 Reading the Beatitudes04:58 What does it mean to be blessed?16:55 Our thoughts on the Beatitudes23:25 Jesus made things right for us33:00 We're called to follow Jesus & partner with the Holy Spirit in every season46:15 The eternal perspective51:50 It's all rooted in God's love for us___________________________________________If you're new to the Bible or want to take your study further, consider these free resources we use ourselves: Bible.com - A free, digital Bible with many translations from YouVersion that also provides hundreds of devotionals BibleProject.com - A free resources from The Bible Project that provides in-depth overviews and studies of Scripture as well as key concepts and themes within the Bible. What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Send us a textWe're all influenced by our surroundings - our friends & family, the media we consume, the work we engage in. So how do we determine if our influences are helping or hindering us? How do we create healthy boundaries, build healthy relationships, and consume content that helps us move toward the person we want to be? In this conversation, Brian Caplinger, Radonda Rowtown and Fawn Ellerbrook chat about how to assess and steward our influence well. ________________________________________00:00 Welcome & Introductions04:25 What is influence?08:35 The importance of knowing who you are12:00 Life is seasonal, things can change! 15:30 How does our family of origin impact us?20:00 Influence as connection22:25 How do we determine what influences to keep and what to let go of?30:35 What questions can we ask ourselves to determine how to care for ourselves?39:29 The problem with pornography41:44 Overcoming the voice of shame44:30 Reframing our thoughts with what's true47:00 Learning from King Solomon's story53:00 You don't need to change people1:04:00 How do we steward our own influence?1:12:18 You are in charge of your own influence and what influences youWhat Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

We're back with another season of podcasts! In this episode, Tabitha Caplinger chats with Josh Quick and Chris Rowton about what it means to think critically as a Christian and why the way we process & share information matters. 00:00 Welcome & Introductions00:42 Information Overload & How to Deal with It05:00 Empathy, the anti-trigger10:22 Just walk WITH people13:14 Seeking THE truth, not MY truth15:40 Reach over the wall19:20 A Kingdom kind of love21:50 Jesus welcomes you just as you are26:00 Different doesn't mean evil29:35 Responsible social media38:42 The whole perspective 44:20 How to think critically and ask questions___________________What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

This episode wraps up our Easter series as we explore what it looks like to live life in light of the resurrection. Pastor Josh and his friend Pastor Bob Poley from Grace Union sit down to talk about the powerful transformation we experience when we encounter Christ and what it looks like to walk out our salvation in everyday life no matter where we're at on the journey. If you would like prayer, please send us an email to prayer@faithcommunity.co. What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Throughout life, there are seasons of grief and loss as we experience the death of a loved one, a dream, a job, or an expectation. In this episode, Pastor Josh and Lauren sit down to talk about Jesus as a dying Savior and how we walk through a variety of losses in our own lives. They discuss the difference between death and dormancy and how God walks with us every step of the way as we allow Him to lead this powerful process of growth. 00:00 Welcome & Introductions03:40 Jesus had to die to resurrect us07:00 What does it mean to "die to yourself"?09:30 The difference between death and dormant15:45 The winter season is vital18:00 How God works through the process22:15 The other side of the pain29:00 Allowing people to process their pain31:30 Grieving expectations35:50 Someday you'll see purpose in it43:30 God works through people in the process44:45 Let people in to help 49:50 If you're in the middle of it, God will lead you on the way throughWatch the Savior series on our YouTube channel here.What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

As we learn to follow Christ, we experience many seasons of life, including those marked by difficulty and pain. So how do we find Jesus here? What if He could relate? In today's episode, Pastor Josh sits down with his friend, Daniel Taylor, from Elevation Church STL to discuss what it means for Jesus to be angry. They talk about their experience with anger, suffering, and the unexplainable working power of Christ. 00:00 Welcome & Introductions01:00 Siri's Interruption06:30 Can Jesus really be an Angry Savior?14:30 The issue with self-reliance18:28 Why is it difficult to think of Jesus being angry?20:00 Wrath is a temporary action, not an attribute of God.28:20 Anger at the Tomb35:00 What's the difference between an action & attribute of God?37:50 Righteous Anger39:08 The evil & unnaturalness of death44:45 Experiencing resurrection power today51:29 Suffering can be for our formation55:48 In prayer we can praise what we don't preferWhat Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

As we learn to follow Christ, we experience many seasons of life, including those marked by difficulty and pain. So how do we find Jesus here? What if He could relate? In this episode, Pastor Josh Earls is joined by his friend, Harvey Mitchell, as they discuss the shortest verse in the English Bible - Jesus Wept (John 11:35).  They talk about what the text is telling us and they also share their personal experience with painful seasons and what they learned about the Lord through them.  As a church, we're currently in a Sunday message series called, "Savior: An Explanation of the Resurrected Christ." During the series, we're exploring four observations of Christ found in John 11 as He encounters Lazurus' tomb. Watch the Sunday messages on our YouTube channel here.Need prayer? Send us an email to Prayer@faithcommunity.co What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Welcome to the final episode of What Matters Most for 2023! Fawn Ellerbrook sat down with Chris Rowton, Tabitha Caplinger, and a friend new to the pod, Kelsee Partney, to talk all things Christmas. We talked about the wonder and awe of the season and how we can take time to focus on Christ as we wrap up this year. There may also be a few rabbit trails about fruit cake and all our favorite Christmas things!Whether you find yourself joyful and excited for Christmas or maybe you feel sad or walking through loss, our goal for this next hour we have together is that you hear the incredible hope that is yours because Jesus came for you and me. So sit back, grab a cup of cocoa, and enjoy this holiday episode of What Matters Most. _______________________For Advent Resources, download our free app at Faithcommunity.co/app or click the link at FaithCommunity.co. 00:00 Welcome & introductions02:33 Chris' Ode to Fruitcake05:36 Our Favorite Christmas Movies12:55 Our Favorite Holiday Traditions20:44 Why do traditions matter to us?25:22 What is Advent?32:30 What was happening during the 400 years between the Old & New Testament?43:35 Emmanuel God with Us54:30 How we stay connected with God during Christmas and other busy seasons1:03:49 What to do when the holidays are hard1:09:30 What we're looking forward to this year1:14:10 A prayer for the holidaysWhat Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

As humans, it can be difficult to choose the route of obedience, especially when it tests our own comfort or desire. In this episode, Tabitha Caplinger chats with Lauren Earls and Ricky & Nikki Farney about the importance of self-control and how this fruit partners with the others we've been learning about through the series! They each share great insight into how the Holy Spirit helps lead & guide us to what is best for us, even when it's difficult to follow. But, when we trust God, we'll experience the goodness He has promised us! Ricky & Nikki help lead Celebrate Recovery, a group that helps anyone dealing with hurts, habits, or hangups. To learn more about Celebrate Recovery at Faith Community, visit FaithCommunity.co/groups. 00:00 Welcome & Introductions02:00 Series Recap 03:25 What is self-control?7:40 How the fruit works together as a whole10:45 Self-Control outside of faith18:18 How Celebrate Recovery helps people find freedom & connect with Jesus21:00 Identifying the obstacles24:45 How does self-control lead to freedom?28:35 Choosing obedience over instant gratification41:20 How do we know what to say no to?48:50 God is in the pause49:45 Self-control as a part of consecration53:28 Believing God is good_________________________________________Watch the Fruit of the Spirit Series hereLet us know what you've been learning! Send an email to Fawn Ellerbrook at fellerbrook@faithcommunity.co What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

What do you think of when you hear someone described as gentle? So often we view gentleness as a weaker characteristic, but Scripture paints a different story. In this episode, Tabitha Caplinger sits down with Josh Earls and Fawn Ellerbrook to Gentleness & meekness as we continue our study on the Fruit of the Spirit. 00:00 Introductions02:00 What is Scriptural gentleness?05:50 What does gentleness look like in culture & our lives?12:00 Recognizing when we're misusing power or influence13:00 What love has to do with it all15:30 The posture & motivation of the heart matters20:00 Gentleness as strength22:25 The importance of seeing the humanity in each other29:10 Truth and the power of a narrative31:32 How much do you trust God?34:55 Sometimes gentleness looks passive43:35 The partnership of grace & wisdom45:00 What "Beauty & The Beast" can teach us48:27 Remind yourself of God's love & grace toward yourself____________________________________________Watch the Fruit of the Spirit Series hereLet us know what you've been learning! Send an email to Fawn Ellerbrook at fellerbrook@faithcommunity.co What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

The Church is part of God's incredible plan to bring hope & healing to the world. But, the Church is also made up of people and we have a tendency to be messy and broken. In this episode, we continue our discussion about when church hurts focusing more on what to do after we've been hurt and how to walk through conflict in a Godly way. We also talk about what it's like to find a new faith community and the process of grief & forgiveness that can come with that. Guests: Radonda Rowton, Chris Rowton, Josh Earls, and Fawn Ellerbrook_________________________00:00 Welcome & Introductions03:55 A liturgy for church hurt05:00 A reminder of what spiritual abuse is06:00 We should be able to ask questions & agree to disagree10:50 What leads to pastors & leaders being unhealthy16:20 The Matthew 18 guide to conflict21:00 How does church hurt impact people25:56 How chronic anxiety leads to toxic environments30:07 Find a trusted person to process with34:28 You don't have to stay to honor God40:37 How do you find a new community?49:35 Leaders need to learn to listen to feedback53:50 How do we point people to Jesus when He's tangled up in the pain?58:00 Forgiveness is key for our own health, not to 01:03:10 How do I start the healing process?01:07:35 Why do we believe in the Church?01:15:11 Loving people like Jesus in the midst of their pain_________________________What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Everyone has their own story & unique experience with God - and the same goes for our experiences with communities of faith. With the publication of podcasts, articles, TV shows, and documentaries focused on cases of spiritual abuse and trauma, we - as people of faith - have an opportunity to learn from culture and the commentary surrounding this topic. In this episode, we'll discuss what “church hurt” is and how we can tell the difference between a grievance and spiritual abuse.  We'll also talk about what we think the Church - leaders, the organization, and Christ followers -  have gotten wrong and how we can do better moving forward. Guests: Radonda Rowton, Chris Rowton, Josh Earls, and Fawn Ellerbrook_________________________00:00 Welcome & Introductions03:50 Our favorite church memories13:00 How did we get here?21:25 How do we tell the difference between a grievance and spiritual abuse?25:54 How do leaders get to an unhealthy point?27:30 We need to be self-aware & vulnerable30:00 Listening to trusted voices of accountability34:00 Is narcissism more like a seed?36:37 Putting people on pedestals 28:00 How do we recognize a spiritually abusive or toxic situation?46:19 We have to know the Word of God for ourselves48:40 The issue with fearing leaders 01:00:45 We cannot be one another's savior_________________________What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

This is a good one, y'all. Continuing our discussion on the Fruit of the Spirit, Tabitha Caplinger sits down with Kathy Cox and Chris Rowton to talk about Faithfulness. Throughout the conversation, they each share their own stories of struggle and how God has been faithful through every season. When we experience such goodness from God, how can we not be faithful to Him?For further study on the Fruit of the Spirit, listen to the series at Faith Community here.00:00 Welcome & Introductions02:00 Fruit of the Spirit Recap03:00 Who is the Holy Spirit?04:30 Describing faithfulness07:30 What we believe about God matters12:15 Chris' Story of God's faithfulness in mental health struggles16:38 God loves us in all things21:15 Kathy's Story of God's faithfulness through cancer22:40 Getting our emotions in check26:30 The power of the "look back"32:00 God redeems storms33:20 Tabitha's Story of God's faithfulness through miscarriage36:48 Navigating faithfulness with God41:00 Faithfulness & obedience44:57 Sometimes we get in the way53:30 Remembering God's faithfulness builds trust55:50 What our faithfulness speaksWhat Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

In this episode, we continue our series on the Fruit of the Spirit focusing on goodness (Galatians 5:22-23). Kindal Bartleson and Charles Partney join Tabitha Caplinger to talk about what goodness really is and how we can partner with the Holy Spirit to cultivate it in our own lives. They chat about our motives and how messing up can actually bring us closer to God as we experience true grace in the face of our flaws. Listen in as we continue to discover what matters most! Table of Contents: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions01:27 Defining Goodness08:10 God is loving & present11:35 Trust plays a huge role12:42 How we see God impacts how we engage with others15:08 Can we be good on our own?18:47 What does goodness look like in our lives?20:43 Motives matter25:47 Wrestling with goodness in ourselves29:29 Understanding God's goodness when we mess up34:10 God's goodness takes the pressure off of us39:49 What does the process look like?41:44 God works within us first44:00 How do we partner with the Holy Spirit to cultivate goodness in our lives?What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

In this episode, we continue our series discussing the Fruit of the Spirit focusing on kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). Tabitha Caplinger is joined by recent high school grad, Brooklynne Hudson, and Brian Caplinger for a chat about what biblical kindness looks like. They talk about the difference between being nice & being kind, and how true kindness will cost you something. Show Notes: • The Greek word for "kindness" in this context is chréstotés.Table of Contents: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions01:31 Series Recap & This Episode Topic: Kindness03:25 The difference between being nice & being kind06:15 True kindness costs us something09:30 Learning to be kind is part of our walk with Christ17:24 Living in the Fruit of the Spirit is not contingent on other people's actions22:40 We can be kind without knowing the results of our kindness28:43 How we've experienced kindness35:55 Kindness in leadership37:55 Practical ways to grow in kindness41:39 What we believe about God matters45:15 We all need Jesus48:28 There are benefits to being kind!What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Our host Tabitha Caplinger is joined by a couple of our friends - Misty Moore and Grant Reeves - and they each bring such a great perspective to this important topic. It's one that challenges each of us from time to time and it's really a key component to sharing the love of Jesus with others. Who wants to hear about God from someone who can't wait 2 minutes for a chicken sandwich? That seems random but you'll get it when you listen to the episode! At the end of the day, it's all connected and it's all about Jesus.Table of Contents00:00 Welcome01:22 Guest Introductions03:15 Where we've been in the series04:26 Patience in Scripture06:00 Our struggles with patience12:01 What's the root?15:00 Our impatience shows when we pause conversation with God17:00 The Fruit is all connected20:00 Trust don't rush23:00 Stay active in the waiting28:00 Timing matters29:40 Our patience can reveal the nature of God to others31:27 Patience when others hurt you33:38 Pause and assess your emotions35:00 Tab's story about patience in the drive-thru38:43 Patience = respect39:00 What to do when you get it wrong43:27 Our relationship with Jesus matters45:00 We should have a supernatural level of patience because of Jesus46:30 What to do if I struggle with patience52:20 The Fruit of the Spirit is a tool we can choose to use_______________________________________Watch the Acts series & subscribe to our channel at YouTube.com/faithcommunity.What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Welcome to the final episode of What Matters Most for 2022 - it's a special one! Tabitha and Brian Caplinger sat down over zoom with our new friend, Matt Mikalatos. Matt is an author and full-time TV and film writer who lives in Portland, Oregon. His books include "Journey to Love," "My Imaginary Jesus," and the young adult fantasy, "The Crescent Stone." If you are a part of Faith Community, you may remember a message Brian spoke a few months ago based around the ideas of his book, "My Imaginary Jesus." This conversation is full of those little golden nuggets you're going to want to write down or take some serious mental notes. They talk about the dynamics of our relationship with Jesus and how that intersects with the Bible, history, community and church. They also explore how we can be wrong about who Jesus is and what He said. Then, how we can grow & change as we continue to walk out our relationship with Him. We're just a couple of days away from Christmas so whether you're traveling, preparing your favorite holiday dish or wrapping gifts as you listen, I hope you are reminded of the nearness of Christ and the wonder that's found as we pursue Him. He is good and He is trustworthy. So sit back, and enjoy this conversation with Matt Mikalatos on What Matters Most.____________________Visit Matt Mikalatos' website at mikalatos.com to find out where you can get a copy of one of his books or connect with him on socials!Email: Matt@mikalatos.comFacebook: @matthew.mikalatosInstagram: @mattmikalatos____________________Watch Brian's message based on the concepts found in "My Imaginary Jesus" here.Thanks for listening! Stay tuned for new episodes in 2023 as we continue to discover What Matters Most.Table of Contents00:00 Episode Overview01:42 Introductions04:11 Guest Introduction: Matt Mikalatos 07:10 The Inspiration behind "My Imaginary Jesus"14:00 The temptation to put Jesus in a box17:50 Suffering & Jesus19:00 Destructive Imaginary Jesuses 21:42 Fixating on what fits our narrative25:00 How do you uncover an Imaginary Jesus?31:30 The journey to spiritual maturity34:38 It's good to ask questions43:20 Be intentional about relationships with different generations44:30 What helps Matt connect with God47:50 How different cultural perspectives help us discover God in fresh ways51:20 The Jesus we believe in is the Jesus we reveal52:29 It's a journey53:29 How do we partner with Jesus to expose our own Imaginary Jesus?56:15 Where to connect with MattWhat Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

In this episode of "What Matters Most," we continue our study of the Fruit of the Spirit focusing on Peace. Tabitha Caplinger is joined by Fawn Ellerbrook,  and special guest,  Stephen Murphy of the Nook Podcast. This particular Fruit, like joy, has some common misconceptions about how we actually experience it. Throughout the episode we talk about the Biblical perspective of peace as well as the practical side in our own experiences and how we can be a people of peace as we navigate the world around us.Thanks so much for tuning in as we continue to discover what matters most. _____________Connect with Steven Murphy on The Nook Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Table of Contents00:00 Episode Overview01:00 Introductions03:10 Biblical peace06:50 Separating feelings & truth13:40 God's peace can be found in calamity16:31 You can live in God's peace & still struggle with anxiety 18:30 What does it look like to choose peace22:45 It's a long-game26:19 The power of dropping it34:50 Being peacemakers41:22 Go & make disciples no matter what45:30 The connection between wisdom & peace49:05 The difference between a follower & a fan52:15 Peace is a posture I choose54:00 It's ok to be human & need reminding55:30 Doing the work to be like Jesus56:23 A reminder about Shalom What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

In this episode, Fawn Ellerbrook sits down with Time Moore and Josh Earls to talk about friendly discourse, humility and the ability to change our minds.How do you feel when faced with an opinion that's different than yours? Even more so, when you're faced with a person passionately advocating for an idea that you passionately think is wrong with a capital W? The truth is, people who think differently than us - even on the things that matter most to us - They're not the enemy.  So, How do we practice friendly discourse and keep open minds without abandoning our core beliefs? How do we cultivate the ability to challenge our own perspectives in a way that strengthens us and our community in the end?If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to follow or subscribe wherever you're listening. Table of Contents00:00 Welcome & Episode Overview01:55 Are we really that divided?06:50 The Sacred & Secular09:30 The importance of relationships11:30 People are not enemies14:20 Friendly Discourse & Technology21:12 We're going to figure this out22:55 Be respectful of authority25:53 How do you allow yourself to change over the years?28:00 Is success seasonal?29:25 The power of admitting you're wrong33:30 Seeing the humanity in one another 37:00 Why it's hard to believe the best about people we don't have a relationship with40:00 We all have triggers42:40 Our personal experiences with anxiety and depression51:00 Anxiety, trust, & our relationship with God1:00:10 Thinking critically & core convictions1:03:12 Jesus is TruthWhat Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

In this  episode of "What Matters Most," Tabitha Caplinger continues our study of the Fruit of the Spirit with two Faith Community friends, Lauren Earls and Brian Caplinger. They sat down to chat about JOY. They talk about the difference between joy and happiness and how real joy doesn't depend on the world around us. It's a great conversation to listen to as we head into the holidays and the fun, busyness - and maybe even difficulty - that can come with that. So, whether you're driving to work, at the gym or cooking dinner, listen in as we continue our conversation on the Fruit of the Spirit.** Table of Contents**00:00 Episode Overview01:03 Introductions03:00 Overview of joy04:27 Biblical & cultural joy06:45 Joy is a choice08:40 The difference between happiness & joy15:27 Jesus is the source18:00 Suffering teaches us to appreciate joy21:38 A theology of suffering & lament24:35 It's ok to embrace where you're at26:10 The hard things don't last28:35 If we see joy as materialistic, we'll miss out30:25 If Jesus is our source of joy, we have to be filled by the real thing32:45 Ultimate joy is found in obedience to Christ34:50 Sometimes we need to step back to advance36:25 Joy is already in us36:45 How do you know if you are joyful or simply happy41:30 How do we cultivate joy47:20 The power of practicing gratitude51:47 Find accountability 54:15 How to find joy in grief59:00 Healing can come through Jesus and a therapist59:50 Closing thoughtsWhat Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

What is love and why does living it out matter? In this episode of "What Matters Most,"  Tabitha Caplinger continues our study of the Fruit of the Spirit with two Faith Community friends, Chris Rowton and Katie Geary. They're talking all about love: What is it? How do we experience it? What does it look like to walk in it? Really, just all the things. Part of this conversation also talks about some of their experiences of not being loved well or moments where they didn't love well themselves, even in christian community. They have helpful insight into how we can grow as followers of Christ when it comes to showing the generous love we've received! 00:00 Welcome & Introductions03:20 The Fruit of Love04:20 Types of Love05:38 Why does the definition of love matter?11:30 Love sums it all up. It's not cheap or an emotion.14:50 Love is not easy. But it's worth it!16:10 It comes from abiding in Christ19:52 Examples of agape love24:23 Loving through the lens of grace and humility29:25 What do we do when we don't feel the love of Christ in Christian community?32:58 Leading with love and recognizing we are not the Holy Spirit41:25 What would you say to someone who doesn't feel the love of God?47:43 How do we love people we find unloveable? *This does not include abusive situations*56:22 Your homework this month: Get intentional about abiding in Christ57:37 Closing ThoughtsWhat Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here....

Today we're kicking off our study of the Fruit of the Spirit! We'll be basing this conversation in Scripture found in the book of Galatians in Chapter 5. Throughout this series, we are going to be talking about how we can live more like Jesus by abiding in Him and His ways. Today's episode is an overview and will provide some context about what the Fruit of the Spirit is and what it means for our everyday lives.No matter how you're joining in today - whether you believe in Jesus or not - you're welcome here. If you do not have a Bible, you can access a digital version for free at Bible.com. You can also learn more about the Bible and find a variety of resources to help you learn more about Scripture (like how to read the Bible) at BibleProject.com. 00:00 Introductions03:30 Vision behind this series04:50 Overview of the Fruit of the Spirit08:20 Why does the Fruit matter?14:30 We should have more fruit16:00 Does my life reflect Jesus?18:40 Why don't we always see the Fruit in ourselves or others?20:52 People of the Way24:10 We need community32:37 Experiencing the Fruit35:23 Good & bad fruit39:34 What it looks like to give Jesus our lives daily42:18 Identity first, behavior second48:30 Understanding our purpose as Christ followers50:05 Abiding in Christ53:40 Jesus is in everything57:13 Choose where you abide1:00:12 Stop comparing your light1:02:35 Don't live as a dented apple1:04:30 Perfection isn't required, just try!1:05:55 The early Church & living out your values1:09:10 Where do I start?1:12:05 Closing thoughts

We're back for season two! In this episode, Fawn Ellerbrook sits down with a few of our pastors to chat about what we've been learning since our last episode in 2021. Each of these men are incredible leaders and they share some great encouragement for challenging yourself to take steps of growth and to chase after your goals & dreams. To learn more about Faith Community, visit FaithCommunity.co or connect on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube  @faithcommunity.  Show Notes: In this episode, Pastor Josh mentions a book called "Failure of Nerve" by Edwin H. Friedman. 00:00 Welcome & Introductions04:30 What we're learning18:30 What we're seeing in culture21:30 How do we lead & follow Christ in the midst of change?25:40 Finding yourself in Scripture27:06 Hot wings & the desire for instant gratification32:50 The need for boundaries with technology 26:51 Reconnecting with our identity and the narrative of the Gospel41:45 Looking to the future & processing change52:00 Discovering new things to learn55:45 How to make a move on your goals1:04:15 How do you measure success?

Season two of "What Matters Most with Faith Community" is coming your way soon! It's been a while, and we're so excited to meet you here again for another season of authentic conversations and encouraging content that will equip you to connect, grow and lead wherever you find yourself in life. Be on the lookout for the first episode airing September 8.

For this last episode of the season, we wanted to have a relaxed conversation about what it means to head into the new year with curiosity and a more thoughtful approach.Fawn Ellerbrook sat down with Josh Earls and Tim Moore to chat about what a worldview is, how we can learn from one another even when we don't see things the same way and how there is such a richness to be found when we get more comfortable with asking questions and less cemented in our own ways and ideas. We also start off by discussing the very serious topic of The Office & Seinfeld as well as other tv series we find interesting. Enjoy this candid chat!00:00 Welcome01:06 Talking Sitcoms06:37 Looking back on the podcast process09:43 Where we're at in society13:30 Examining certainty15:30 Why it's hard to see other perspectives20:57 Story can lead to empathy & villains24:05 Facts, feelings & critical thinking28:20 A discussion on world views45:10 The importance of cutting out the noise57:40 Ask more questions1:01:42 Pay attention to how you're wired1:06:07 Engaging with other people who are different than you1:07:53 Be intentional about personal growth

In this episode, Fawn Ellerbrook talks with two people who work in the mental health field about what it's like to be mentally and emotionally healthy and how we can get help when things are off-balance. This can be a tough subject and everyone's journey is unique. This conversation isn't meant to provide solutions but to simply show that this is a topic worth talking about. We're all human and there's hope for us as we face the challenges of life. So listen in and be encouraged as we chat with counselors Donna Tilley and Mark Joiner about mental health.00:00 Welcome & Introductions03:37 What do mental and emotional health mean?06:40 What it looks like to reach out for help08:00 What does a counseling session look like?10:15 What led Mark & Donna to the mental health field15:45 Walking through grief20:15 Emotions are not the enemy!25:00 Normalizing mental healthcare32:36 What does change look like?33:45 Different types of mental healthcare36:30 Seeing people grow & find freedom37:13 Learning to be flexible40:10 Common struggles & coping mechanisms45:54 Tools to work through common struggles49:25 Holding joy & sorrow at the same time52:28 Naming what you're feeling53:15 Saying "no" & setting boundaries57:48 How to keep breaking the stigma of mental health

In this episode, our Kids Director, Misty Moore, sat down with two amazing parents to learn from their wisdom and years of experience raising a family. Bryant & Becky Wright have a really wide range of perspectives to share as they've both been teachers for many years and have two awesome adult children.Whether you're parenting with your spouse or you're are a single parent or guardian, we hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone in the challenges and wonderful messiness of raising kids. 00:00 Welcome & introductions03:50 Raising a family from children to adults05:23 Developing your own style of parenting10:29 It's all about being intentional11:30 Teaching the difference between right & wrong16:47 Model the characteristics you want to see in your kids18:05 How to handle discipline with unique personalities 19:30 Set clear guidelines & expectations22:50 Building trust with your kids24:27 Showing your kids you believe in them27:17 Be the same person wherever you go31:09 Talking with your kids about serious topics26:50 Favorite seasons of parenting41:29 Caring for yourself & your relationships45:21 Encouragement for single parents 47:31 Growing up with a single mom 50:34 Advice for your younger self

Relationships are a big part of our lives, yet they can be one of the most complicated parts of it! In this episode, Tabitha Caplinger sits down with Brian Caplinger and our friend Antwain Jackson to talk about the importance of cultivating health in our friendships, family relationships, and marriages. They even talk about the value of loneliness and how it can make us better friends if we allow those seasons to help us grow. Connect with Antwain on all social platforms @antwainjackson or at antwainjackson.org. You can also purchase his book, "The Creative Leader," on Amazon here.Connect with Tabitha:IG: @tabitha_caplingerFB: @authortabithacaplingerTwitter: @tabitha_caplingerConnect with Brian: IG: @brian.caplingerFB: @briancaplingerTwitter: @bcaplinger2100:00 Welcome01:08 Introverts & extroverts - to people or not to people09:00 Introductions15:00 Why are relationships important?20:32 What makes a relationship healthy?24:09 The opposite of belonging is fitting in. 26:22 Expectations and relationships32:16 We can't read each other's minds. 35:05 Talk about what you need even if it's uncomfortable. 38:31 Everyone has boundaries whether we express them out loud or not. 40:03 What do we do when we've been hurt?42.09 Learning to not see the world through the lens of our pain43:10 Find your voice and learn to walk in the freedom of forgiveness. 45:27 We can't fill each other's voids. 50:45 Loneliness can be leveraged for growth. 56:26 Practical steps to build health in your relationships.  

Finances are often a taboo subject, but it's a topic that impacts every single one of us. In this episode of "What Matters Most," Tim Moore chats with Norm & Glynis Wohlschlaeger about their story and how making some tough decisions early on made a huge impact on their future. Building healthy financial habits is possible no matter where you're at on the journey! Get a free budget tool here. *There is both a free and paid version of this resource. Learn more about Financial Peace University here.*We offer this class during our Community Nights at Faith Community.  Learn about the Debt Snowball & Debt Avalanche methods here.The Best of Cheapskate Monthly by Mary HuntDebt-Proof Living Resources00:00 Welcome01:00 Introductions03:35 Their personal story07:17 Money struggles16:10 Making changes & starting the journey to freedom20:28 The importance of working together & having a vision25:58 How long the process took & how they kept going29:35 What life looks like today33:24 Money is a tool to use35:13 There's no magic solution. You just have to do the work. 38:07 What keeps people from taking control of their finances. Spoiler alert: you can do it!40:45 Paying attention to what you spend44:12 Advice for our younger friends - start saving now & get a vision!46:44 Recognize your skills and talents, then leverage them - especially when you're young!50:15 Don't be afraid to talk about money and ask for help when you need it. You're not alone.53:18 Tools you can use & helpful practices57:51 Heart attack, surgery, and the benefit of being prepared1:01:19 Final thoughts & encouragement to take your next step toward financial health. You can do it!

Did you know your life has purpose and value? In this episode, Fawn Ellerbrook sits down with Steve Stratos over zoom to discuss how we can build a meaningful life by discovering our unique wiring and determining the values that drive us personally. Steve is a trusted friend of Faith Community that has walked through a leadership coaching process with several of our staff members. Get ready to be encouraged and challenged as you listen to this episode of What Matters Most. Resources: Learn more about the DISC assessment here.Learn more about the Enneagram & take a free test here.Learn more about the Myers & Briggs personality type indicator here & take a free test here.

In this episode, Fawn Ellerbrook sits down with Pastor Josh and Lauren Earls to discuss the vision behind this podcast series and where they're each at on their own journey of discovering what matters most.