Podcasts about Messy Church

Rick and Svea reflect on Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9 about running “in such a way as to get the prize,” exploring what it means to live with courage, focus, and love. They talk about how sharing faith doesn't have to be driven by pressure, guilt, or argument, but can flow naturally from love for people and a desire to share what Jesus has done in our lives.Through stories about hunting, cross-cultural mission, ordinary acts of kindness, and the impact of kids ministry, they reframe “witness” as something deeply relational: noticing people, honoring them, moving at their pace, and sharing what we've experienced. They also offer a practical path forward: pray for someone by name, prepare by growing in confidence and skill, and participate with your church family in ways that help others see the love of God. Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 – Intro03:17 – Self-awareness, introspection, and knowing your mission04:21 – Developing habits of courage and dealing with fatigue06:51 – Harvard study on love and human flourishing08:52 – Evangelism through invitation & relationship (1 Corinthians 9)13:13 – Overcoming anxiety and guilt around evangelism16:00 – What it means to be a "witness"18:14 – Story of Pastor Matthew Matai22:22 – Practical everyday evangelism — "there you are" vs. "here I am"24:17 – Pray, Prepare, Participate framework28:42 – Serving in kids ministry as a form of witness30:17 – Closing — "God's love often has human fingerprints"

Sunday morning message from Pastor Jonathan Barber. May 17, 2026

Rick and Svea talk about modern-day idolatry—not necessarily bowing before statues, but looking to accomplishments, relationships, finances, status, or other good things to tell us we are enough. They reflect on the freedom that comes from knowing our deepest identity and security are found in Christ, not in what we achieve or what others think of us.The episode also explores Paul's words that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Knowledge matters, but Christian maturity is not measured by how much we know. It is measured by how we love—how we love Jesus and how we love others in the way we have been loved by him.Rick and Svea then discuss what it means to lay aside our rights for the good of someone else. That kind of self-limiting love is not people-pleasing, manipulation, or being a doormat. It is a voluntary choice to seek another person's good, especially when someone is vulnerable or newer in their faith. As Rick puts it, the goal is not to live to please people, but to live to love them.The conversation closes by returning to the foundation underneath it all: when the Lord is our shepherd, we lack nothing. Because our worth and security come from Christ, we are free to love others from a place of abundance rather than fear.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro02:04 Visiting Another Church03:57 Sermon Recap: Food Sacrificed to Idols (1 Corinthians 8)04:52 Modern Idolatry09:29 The Lord Is My Shepherd / I Lack Nothing (Psalm 23)11:42 Knowledge vs. Love16:39 Setting Aside Rights for Others20:00 Alcohol as a Case Study22:34 People-Pleasing vs. Truly Loving People27:16 Wrapping Up: Loving from Abundance

Sunday morning message from Pastor Jonathan Barber. May 10, 2026

Sunday morning message from Pastor Jonathan Barber. May 3, 2026

In this episode of Church Is Messy, Svea sits down with Pastor Caleb Smith to unpack a challenging passage from 1 Corinthians dealing with slavery, singleness, marriage, and what it means to find true security in Christ. Caleb reflects on the importance of reading Scripture in its original context, helping listeners understand the complexities of first-century slavery and Paul's deeper message about resisting the temptation to build our identity and security on status, relationships, or life circumstances instead of Jesus. The conversation also becomes deeply personal as Caleb shares about the ongoing health challenges he's been navigating over the past several months and how those struggles have forced him to wrestle with what it looks like to trust Jesus when life feels uncertain. Together, Caleb and Svea explore how following Jesus doesn't mean using faith as an excuse for impulsive life changes, but learning to remain grounded in Christ's presence and faithfulness no matter what season of life we're walking through.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 — Intro02:00 — Update on Caleb's health 05:18 — Approaching the passage (1 Corinthians 7) — slavery and singleness07:25 — First-century slavery vs. American slavery11:34 — How some have used Jesus/marriage/family as an institution of bias or oppression13:00 — The church's neglect of single people14:37 — Paul's core point: don't use Jesus as an excuse to change your circumstances 19:12 — Don't seek security in human institutions21:30 — Svea's personal story — her first husband's cancer death23:39 — Paul's authority and approach in 1 Corinthians 7:25–4025:00 — Caleb's personal application — finding security in Jesus through health challenges

Sunday morning message from Pastor Jonathan Barber. April 26, 2026

In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea continue their walk through 1 Corinthians by tackling a topic that's often misunderstood: sexuality in marriage.They name two common extremes: treating sex as a tool for control or treating it as something spiritually suspect. Instead, they point to a better vision, seeing it as a good gift meant to be expressed within a marriage marked by trust, humility, and covenant love.The conversation keeps coming back to this idea: marriage isn't about getting what you want, it's about seeking the good of the other. That kind of love doesn't come naturally; it takes intentional trust, owning your part when things are off, and choosing humility even when it's hard.They also get practical, offering wisdom for real-life marriages—especially when things feel strained. From setting healthy communication rhythms to pursuing counseling without shame, the goal isn't perfection, but movement toward healing and wholeness.Ultimately, this episode reframes love in a powerful way: we don't pursue this kind of relationship because it always “works,” but because it's good and because it reflects the kind of people we're becoming in Christ.RESOURCES:Message manuscript and outline: https://autumnridge.church/message-notes-church-in-the-wild-wk16-married-life/Message video: https://autumnridge.church/video/church-in-the-wild-wk-16-married-life/Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro03:24 Weaponizing vs. Spiritualizing Sexuality in Marriage05:23 Covenant vs. Conquest: A Vision for Marriage10:38 Trust, Humility & Owning Your "Piece of the Pie"15:19 The Importance of Professional Counseling16:48 Practical Advice for Marriages in Difficulty19:15 Shared Mission, Adventure & Fun in Marriage20:59 Healing from Trauma & Abuse22:22 "We Don't Do This Because It Works — We Do It Because It's Good"25:30 Spiritual Headship & Ephesians 5

Grace, God, Bible, Parkwood, Barefield

Episode Summary:In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea return to 1 Corinthians—specifically chapter 6—to tackle the complex and often uncomfortable topic of sexuality. They explore how the Corinthian church was shaped by its culture, where distorted views of the body and sex were normalized, and connect that to how modern culture similarly “disciples” us today.The conversation highlights a biblical vision of sexuality as something good, sacred, and deeply connected to our spiritual lives—not separate from them. Rick and Svea clarify that while the Bible may not function like a rulebook, it consistently points to God's design: faithful, lifelong covenant between one man and one woman in the covenant of marriage, while honestly portraying the brokenness that deviates from it.They also emphasize that people's views of sexuality are often shaped by early experiences they didn't choose, but through Jesus, there is always an opportunity to move forward without shame and pursue a better way. The episode underscores that our bodies matter—that we are “temples of the Holy Spirit”—and that how we live physically reflects our faith.Ultimately, the discussion calls listeners to be aware of the cultural “algorithms” shaping them, to take formation seriously, and to embrace a higher, more holistic vision of sexuality and the body—one rooted in grace, intentionality, and following Jesus. Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 - Intro01:17 - Easter Sunday reading of 1 Corinthians 1502:26 - Sexuality in the Corinthian church / prostitution as cultural norm04:32 - Greek philosophy: the body as disposable06:19 - How the Bible addresses sexuality (descriptive vs. prescriptive)07:49 - Polygamy in the Old Testament09:14 - God's original design for sexuality (Genesis ideal)10:53 - God's positive view of sex (Proverbs 5, Song of Solomon)14:08 - How we're introduced to sex shapes how we define it14:47 - Sexuality class icebreaker story (doctorate program)17:49 - Sexual "algorithm" — cultural formation & overcoming shame19:03 - Church's stance on cohabitation / following Jesus in sexuality20:57 - The body as temple of the Holy Spirit25:24 - Sexual habits in singleness and their impact on marriage27:09 - Honoring God with all physical habits (drink, rest, Sabbath)29:29 - Wrap-up & preview of next week (marriage)

Rick and Svea unpack a challenging (“rugged”) passage from 1 Corinthians 14, focusing on orderly worship, spiritual gifts (like speaking in tongues), and a difficult line about women in the church. Rather than avoiding tension, they model how to engage it—encouraging listeners to interpret unclear passages through what's clear, use context, and patiently wrestle toward understanding. The conversation moves beyond the text into formation: following Jesus means honesty, not performance. They challenge “performative spirituality”—using religious language or practices to impress rather than connect—and call the church to authenticity, humility, and clarity, especially for the sake of those still exploring faith.Ultimately, the episode centers on being a church that is clear, welcoming, and distraction-free in its worship—where everything we do helps people see Jesus, not us.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 - Intro01:25 - 1 Corinthians 14: Orderly Worship & Speaking in Tongues 02:29 - How to Interpret Difficult Passages06:10 - Emotional Honesty When Reading the Bible07:25 - Rick's Personal Bible Study Method10:09 - Vulnerability & Authenticity in Church Community13:47 - Performative Spirituality17:47 - Personal Experiences with Charismatic Worship19:47 - Order vs. Freedom in Worship23:03 - Sermon Prep: Manuscript vs. Extemporaneous Preaching25:02 - Clarity, Jesus, and the Purpose of Scripture30:38 - Being a Good Ambassador at Easter

In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea revisit 1 Corinthians 13 following Svea's weekend sermon—looking beyond its reputation as a wedding passage to what Paul was actually addressing in a deeply dysfunctional church. What emerges is a clear picture of spiritual maturity shaped by love.Svea shares how her understanding of the passage grew as she studied it, alongside a six-stage framework of spiritual growth—discovering, learning, doing, contemplating, becoming, and loving—and the experience many encounter as “the wall,” where faith can feel uncertain or stalled. Rather than signaling failure, this season may be an invitation to deeper, more lasting transformation.The conversation also names a tension many feel: much of church culture emphasizes learning and doing, while the deeper, more inward work of formation often goes unexplored. Through practical examples like patience, Rick and Svea show the movement from something we try to practice to something that becomes part of who we are as we follow Jesus. Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 — Intro01:07 — Introducing the sermon on 1 Corinthians 13.01:14 — Svea's initial reaction to preaching the Love Chapter.02:36 — The true context of 1 Cor. 13: love as a recipe for a dysfunctional church, not a wedding poem.06:11 — What was left on the cutting room floor (tongues, knowledge ceasing, preview of Rick's next sermon).08:10 — Paul's character: the tension between his perceived harshness and writing the most beautiful words about love.10:41 — The opening sermon illustration: love that is imperfect but genuine vs. flawless but loveless.12:53 — Introduction to the Spiritual Growth Framework.12:57 — Stages 1–3: Discovering, Learning, and Doing.17:41 — The Wall: what it is, what causes it, and why it's not a punishment.23:41 — Stage 4: Contemplating (and why the church has an allergy to it).25:16 — Stage 5: Becoming (motivation shifting from obligation to identity).27:30 — Stage 6: Loving (virtue becoming instinctive, not intentional).29:56 — Practical walkthrough of all six stages using patience as the example.

Like the Corinthians, we are a MESSY CHURCH filled with messy people who are living messy lives. We, like them, need clear Biblical instruction on the messy issues around marriage and divorce. 1 Corinthians 7 provides a guide!

This episode of "Church Is Messy" unpacks the sermon Rick preached on 1 Corinthians 12 and the topic of spiritual gifts. Rick opened that message with a reflection on mortality — the "dash" between a person's birth and death date — prompting a lively discussion about whether they'd want to know their end date in advance (both say yes, though they acknowledge they're in the minority). This leads into the central theme: how an awareness of limited time should motivate intentional use of the gifts God has given each person.Rick and Svea explore several facets of spiritual gifting: how to discover your gifts (through prayer, availability, and asking others for feedback), the pitfalls of spiritual gift surveys (which can cause people to feel exempt from responsibilities they score low in, like hospitality or evangelism), and the importance of leaning into strengths rather than fixating on weaknesses. Rick shares his own conviction that teaching God's word is his irreplaceable calling, while also emphasizing that all spiritual gifts — from encouragement to listening to generosity — can be exercised anywhere, not just in formal ministry roles.The episode closes on a devotional note, with both hosts reflecting that a life oriented outward toward others — living as a "there you are" person rather than a "here I am" person — is not only God's design but also the source of the deepest joy. Svea teases the upcoming weekend's message (her turn to preach), which will continue into 1 Corinthians 13 on love as the ultimate motivation for using one's gifts.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 — Intro03:44 — Recap of the Sermon on 1 Corinthians 12 / Spiritual Gifts04:41 — Would You Want to Know Your End Date?09:10 — Rick's Personal Calling and Use of His Gifts11:04 — Every Believer Is Gifted14:04 — Barriers to Using Your Gifts18:03 — The Downside of Spiritual Gift Surveys26:38 — Living Out Your Dash with Intentionality31:24 — Preview of the Upcoming Weekend

One Another: Part 2 -The Messy Church - Pastor Andrew DamazioThis week, Pastor Andrew shared about unity in the church. We come from many different backgrounds and cultures, yet we are one family in Christ, called to live together in harmony. He encouraged us to take interest in one another and grow together in genuine community.Want to connect more with Rose Church? Find more information at https://www.rosechurch.org and give at - https://www.rosechurch.org/giveMake sure to subscribe so you don't miss more incredible sermons like this one or previous series like “The Upside Down Kingdom” or “Those Who Wrestle With God” from Pastor Andrew Damazio, Dr. AJ Swoboda, Pastor Julia Damazio and many other incredible pastors!Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea explore the second half of 1 Corinthians 11, where Paul sharply rebukes the Corinthian church for their divisive behavior during communion. Paul's warning reveals how seriously God takes unity within the church.Rick explains that unity is not just a goal for Christians—it reflects God's very nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The problem in Corinth wasn't personal sin before communion, but pretending to be unified while practicing division, as wealthier believers feasted while the poor went hungry.Rick and Svea discuss what true unity looks like in practice: moving beyond tolerance to actively honoring and welcoming people across differences in age, background, culture, and life stage. They remind listeners that biblical unity in diversity is not a cultural trend but an ancient foundation of the church.The episode closes with a picture of this unity in action through multigenerational faith communities learning from one another around the same table.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 - Intro02:32 - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 11 Passage03:39 - God's Discipline and Importance of Unity04:37 - The Trinity and Unity07:01 - A Thought Experiment08:40 - Divine Discipline vs. Condemnation09:42 - Better Not to Meet - A Church Out of Whack10:20 - Taking Communion in an Unworthy Manner12:33 - Communion as a Meal in Small Groups13:32 - Clarifying Unity in Christ vs. Loving All People15:42 - The Tolerate, Celebrate, Elevate Progression16:30 - Philippians 2 - The Mind of Christ18:11 - Practical Application in Church Life20:32 - Idealized Small Group Expectations21:07 - Loneliness Epidemic22:51 - Cultural Shift on Unity and Diversity26:54 - Christian Foundation for Unity28:12 - Beauty and Goodness of Unity30:38 - Preview of Next Week

In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea tackle one of the most notoriously difficult passages in the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 11, which discusses head coverings and gender roles. The conversation centers on how people tend to retreat into fundamentalism—grasping at simplistic, dogmatic answers—when facing uncertainty or complex biblical texts. Rick explains that this impulse appears across the theological spectrum, from those who dismiss difficult passages entirely to those who impose rigid, literalistic interpretations without acknowledging the real complexities involved.The heart of their discussion explores why 1 Corinthians 11 is so challenging to interpret. Even top scholars disagree on fundamental questions: What does "head of" mean when Paul says God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman? Does it signify authority, source, unity, or preeminence? Rick presents Lucy Peppiatt's scholarly theory as one reasonable explanation while acknowledging it cannot be definitively proven. He emphasizes that any valid interpretation must account for all the facts without contradicting itself or the rest of scripture. Svea shares her personal experience of feeling stress and anxiety when hearing this passage read, even in the healthy environment of Autumn Ridge, reflecting the real impact these texts have on women in ministry.Ultimately, Rick and Svea encourage listeners to approach difficult scripture with confidence, curiosity, and courage rather than contempt or cynicism. They stress that it's spiritually mature to say "I don't know yet" and to trust in God's character while continuing to study and wrestle with hard passages. The main point Paul makes is clear despite all the complexity: men and women are interdependent, and all are fully dependent on God. Sometimes the most important lesson from a difficult passage isn't what it definitively says, but learning how to approach it with humility, rigorous study, and unwavering trust in God.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro02:55 - Connecting Fundamentalism to the Difficult Passage05:56 - Fundamentalism as a Response to Uncertainty07:00 - Svea's Personal Experience as a Woman08:45 - The Umbrella Imagery10:35 - What Does "Head Of" Mean?11:47 - John Chrysostom's Fourth Century Perspective13:30 - Long Unbound Hair & Cultural Context14:22 - Rick's Full Interpretation of "Headship"17:02 - Jesus' Functional Subordination19:27 - The Mystery of Angels in the Passage19:54 - Spiritual Maturity in Uncertainty21:29 - God Beyond Full Comprehension22:35 - Approaching Difficult Scripture as Worship23:18 - Lucy Peppiatt's Theory23:56 - Evaluating Competing Interpretations26:00 - Paul's Main Point: Interdependence26:25 - Dealing with Personal Bias28:46 - What to Remember a Year from Now30:54 - Preston Sprinkle's 20-Year Wrestling31:21 - Learning How to Approach Scripture33:02 - Impact Story: Red Letters Only Christian33:35 - Closing & Moving Forward

Rick and Svea continue their challenging journey through First Corinthians, tackling Chapter 6 which addresses conflict within the church. They explore Paul's confronting question: "Why not rather be wronged?" and discuss how the Corinthian believers were taking each other to court instead of resolving disputes within the community.They examine three key perspectives: theological (understanding our eschatological identity in Christ), ecclesiological (recognizing we're one body and conflict hurts us all), and leadership (accepting that being misunderstood comes with the territory). They share personal vulnerabilities about their own "insecurity cards"—Rick's struggle with being misunderstood and Svea's feelings of inadequacy—and discuss how the cruciform lifestyle (self-sacrificing love modeled by Jesus on the cross) should shape how Christians handle conflict.The conversation emphasizes that while conflict is inevitable, we're called to seek security and satisfaction in Christ alone rather than demanding affirmation from others. They explore practical applications for church life, leadership, and personal relationships, highlighting how choosing to "rather be wronged" isn't about tolerating abuse but about prioritizing others' needs and protecting confidentiality—even when it means taking the hit yourself.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Introduction01:45 Nine Sacred Pathways & Spiritual Connection04:45 Conflict in the Corinthian Church06:35 Insecurity Cards Discussion09:10 Self-Awareness & Growth12:10 Jesus & Paul Were Misunderstood13:10 Taking an Eschatological Perspective15:25 Cruciform Way of Life18:15 Three Lenses: Theological Perspective21:25 "Why Not Rather Be Wronged?"22:43 Three lenses: Ecclesiological Perspective - Body of Christ 25:20 Not Demanding Affirmation from Others27:50 Woman at the Well - John 429:10 Representing Jesus Well30:25 Three lenses: Leadership Perspective - Being Misunderstood 31:52 Leadership & Confidentiality34:35 Practical Leadership Example37:00 Decision Tree - When to Take the Hit38:15 Closing Remarks

In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea tackle one of the most uncomfortable passages in the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 5. They discuss a shocking situation in the Corinthian church where a man was sleeping with his stepmother, and the congregation was doing nothing about it.Rick and Svea explore the tension between creating a church where people feel safe in struggling with sin while still maintaining biblical standards. They unpack what it means to address sin within the church versus judging those outside it, and why Paul's instruction to "hand this man over to Satan" was actually an act of love aimed at restoration.The conversation covers challenging questions like: How do we balance grace and accountability? What's the difference between being judgmental and exercising discernment? And how should Christians engage with cultural issues without becoming the "morality police"?Whether you're wrestling with how to approach sin in your own life or wondering how the church should respond to difficult situations, this episode offers a thoughtful, grace-filled perspective on navigating one of Scripture's messiest passages.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 - Introduction & Overview of 1 Corinthians 5 01:14 - The Situation in Corinth 03:23 - Relevance to Modern Church Life 04:28 - Pastoral Heart & Balancing Grace with Truth 07:26 - "Lowered the Bar, Raised the Standard" 08:50 - Struggling vs. Stubbornly Entrenched in Sin 10:34 - "Who Rules" vs. "What Are the Rules" 12:55 - Addressing Sin Within vs. Outside the Church 14:25 - Wanting Good for Non-Believers Without Being Judgmental 17:03 - Judgment vs. Discernment 19:01 - Christians, Politics & Voting 20:00 - Roe v. Wade & Pro-Life Position 26:36 - Early Church Example: Infant Exposure in Rome 28:12 - Addressing Sin Among Believers 28:53 - "Hand This Man Over to Satan" 30:26 - Letting People Experience Consequences 31:04 - Wisdom Cannot Be Reduced to Rules 33:58 - "Don't Even Eat With Such People" 37:12 - The Agape Feast & Lord's Supper 40:02 - Creating a Safe Church for Struggling Believers 42:55 - How Church Discipline Works in Practice 46:53 - Preview of Next Episode

In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea dive into Paul's letter to the Corinthians, exploring how the early church struggled with the same tribal divisions we see today. Using a clever Jelly Roll analogy, Rick illustrates how easily Christians can align themselves with personalities and influencers rather than keeping Jesus as their foundation.The conversation tackles the tension between theological knowledge and spiritual maturity, the danger of evaluating Jesus through the lens of our preferred tribe rather than the other way around, and what it means to truly be the temple of God. Rick and Svea discuss the importance of knowing not just what we believe, but why we believe it, and how immaturity and pride can lead us to seek certainty in the wrong places.Throughout the episode, they emphasize that while we're called to contribute to God's work, it's ultimately His presence and power that produces growth—not our performance. The discussion offers both challenge and comfort: we're all vulnerable to these patterns, but we have a solid foundation in Christ that can't be shaken.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro02:10 Jelly Roll Parable and Church Polarization04:45 Teaching How to Think, Not What to Think06:30 Historical Perspective on Division10:00 Evaluating Jesus Through Our Tribe14:45 Theologically Rich but Spiritually Poor19:30 Immaturity and the Craving for Certainty23:00 Building on the Foundation of Christ26:00 Contributing vs. Producing28:15 We Are the Temple32:20 What a Healthy Church Looks Like37:00 Closing & Preview of Next Week

In this episode of Church is Messy, Rick and Svea discuss navigating faith and action during turbulent times. They explore how to respond to current immigration and ICE issues in Minnesota with both courage and love, examining the difference between principled protest and reactive behavior. Drawing from the Civil Rights Movement and biblical wisdom, They address how to process strong emotions, engage with law enforcement wisely, and maintain unity across diverse perspectives. They also discuss what it means to be a praying church that empowers its members to serve, and offer encouragement to those in our community who are Americans by choice.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro01:17 Ghana Ministry Trip02:11 Minnesota Immigration Crisis04:22 Weekend Message Decision06:21 Navigating Big Emotions09:57 Protest vs. Tantrum17:47 Foolish vs. Wise Danger (Proverbs 22:3)24:37 Addressing ICE Actions28:49 Unity in Diversity32:26 Americans by Choice35:05 Empowerment to Serve36:26 Being a Praying Church37:00 Closing Prayer

In this episode of Church is Messy Pastor Caleb Smith (who gave this week's message) and Svea discuss Paul's teaching from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 about the paradox of the cross - how God's "foolishness" is wiser than human wisdom and his "weakness" is stronger than human strength. Their conversation explores how this ancient message applies to modern Christians facing intellectual persecution and cultural rejection, emphasizing four key responses from Luke 18: reliance on God, humility, trust, and obedience as a framework for engaging with contemporary challenges while standing firm in faith and leading with love.At about the 24 minute mark Caleb talks about a statement Transform MN (of which Autumn Ridge is a part) put out about praying during the events unfolding in Minnesota. The link to that document is https://transformmn.org/portfolio/this-is-why-we-pray/Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro02:46 Different approaches to the passage.03:27 Oxymorons and paradoxes.07:32 The foolishness of the cross.09:04 The scandalous nature of the cross.11:27 Modern application - being called a moron.12:34 Encouragement to persecuted followers of Jesus.16:01 Responding with empathy.17:11 The power (dunamis) of God.19:54 Connection to the garden and original sin.22:12 Application to contemporary culture.26:08 Four principles from Luke 18: reliance on God, humility before God, trust in God, obedience to God.28:48 Living out the four principles.30:25 Series overview and looking ahead.

A Messy ChurchSeries: Lectionary Preacher: Rev. Thomas HinsonDate: 18th January 2026Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Rick and Svea discuss 1 Corinthians 1, focusing on how the human desire for acceptance creates division in the church through “fences” (in-groups and out-groups) and “ladders” (status and hierarchy). They show how the Corinthian church split around admired leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter, driven more by Roman culture's obsession with prestige than by real theological differences. The episode draws connections to modern Christian identity, emphasizes unity and equality in Christ, and encourages humility, community, and finding true acceptance in God's love.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro01:11 Diving in to 1 Corinthians chapter 1.02:01 Fences (acceptance) and ladders (approval).04:52 There are no fences in Christ. The only fence is our sin. The only gate is Jesus.08:40 1 Corinthians 1:12 - I follow Paul, I follow Apollos... Attaching to human figures, not Jesus. Stupid games lead to stupid prizes. Their prize of petty competitiveness and fractured relationships.11:57 We do this too. We can't define ourselves by what people or groups we agree with or disagree with.13:36 Thinking of spiritual formation, how do we avoid falling into the trap of attaching ourselves to and aligning with a singular spiritual leader with whom you agree and saying, "I'm a so-and-so Christian?" Be in community with other believers.19:21 We tend to apply our need for acceptance and approval in dysfunctional ways. What's the God-given underlying foundation for wanting acceptance and approval?23:30 Advice for those who are ready to live without fences and ladders, but you see fences and ladders all around you.

This episode kicks-off a 20-week series on 1 Corinthians. Today Rick and Svea dig into the series thesis and then look at "knowing your why."Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro04:47 1 Corinthians Series overview06:19 Understanding Paul and looking at our own assumptions and what the original authors were trying to communicate.08:33 Interesting parallels between Corinth and Rochester.11:12 Delving into our 1 Corinthians series thesis and key verse.13:34 Stand firm.19:40 Be fearless.23:32 Let love lead.27:46 At the end of 16 chapters and 20 weeks, what's the goal for the church to say, "We've grown in these ways?"32:53 Being in tune with our "why." The results of not knowing your why.37:13 Hand-holds to help see your why.

In this episode, Heather sits down with Crystal Goetz to explore the shared heartbeat between Messy Church and Fresh Expressions. Together they unpack how intergenerational, creative, and hands-on spaces cultivate openness, curiosity, and connection—often in places far beyond a traditional sanctuary. Crystal shares surprising stories of discipleship that unfolds across generations and reflects on how participatory, experiential communities naturally invite people into belonging from the very beginning.

As we continue our MESSY CHURCH study of First Corinthians, we come to a bunch of helpful and humbling reminders for a church family and for church leaders as Paul continues to dismantle the factions and unite the church around the Gospel.

This week wrap up our Messy Church series with a look through 1 Corinthians chapter 7 and what God has to say about marriage, divorce, and singleness.

This week wrap up our Messy Church series with a look through 1 Corinthians chapter 7 and what God has to say about marriage, divorce, and singleness.

In this passage, Paul addresses how believers handle conflict, reminding us that as God’s people, we are called to pursue peace, justice, and unity within the body of Christ—reflecting God’s wisdom instead of the world’s.

In this passage, Paul addresses how believers handle conflict, reminding us that as God’s people, we are called to pursue peace, justice, and unity within the body of Christ—reflecting God’s wisdom instead of the world’s.

In this week's passage, Paul reminds believers that they have been redeemed and set apart for God, urging them to turn away from sinful behavior that dishonors their bodies. He emphasizes that the body is not meant for immorality but for the Lord, and that Christians are temples of the Holy Spirit. Because they were bought at a price, Paul calls them to glorify God with their bodies and live in purity.

In this week's passage, Paul reminds believers that they have been redeemed and set apart for God, urging them to turn away from sinful behavior that dishonors their bodies. He emphasizes that the body is not meant for immorality but for the Lord, and that Christians are temples of the Holy Spirit. Because they were bought at a price, Paul calls them to glorify God with their bodies and live in purity.

God uses a "foolish" and "weak" message, means and people to save perishing people. Why? We explore that question as we continue our "Messy Church" series in First Corinthians.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 5, Paul addresses a difficult but essential issue within the church—the presence of unrepentant sin among believers. Though the topic is uncomfortable, Paul reminds us that God’s call to holiness is not about condemnation, but about protecting the integrity of the church and honoring Christ. True love sometimes requires courage—the willingness to confront what is wrong so that healing and restoration can take place within God’s people.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 5, Paul addresses a difficult but essential issue within the church—the presence of unrepentant sin among believers. Though the topic is uncomfortable, Paul reminds us that God’s call to holiness is not about condemnation, but about protecting the integrity of the church and honoring Christ. True love sometimes requires courage—the willingness to confront what is wrong so that healing and restoration can take place within God’s people.

In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul reminds the church that followers of Christ are called to be humble servants and faithful stewards of God’s truth—not to seek status or applause. He challenges the Corinthians’ pride and their tendency to elevate certain leaders, urging them instead to imitate his example of humility and sacrifice. This passage calls us to examine our hearts, asking whether we live for human approval or for the honor of the One who will one day judge all things rightly.

In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul reminds the church that followers of Christ are called to be humble servants and faithful stewards of God’s truth—not to seek status or applause. He challenges the Corinthians’ pride and their tendency to elevate certain leaders, urging them instead to imitate his example of humility and sacrifice. This passage calls us to examine our hearts, asking whether we live for human approval or for the honor of the One who will one day judge all things rightly.

Paul loves the Messy Church at Corinth because God loves the Messy Church at Corinth. It's because Paul loves the church that he won't leave them in their mess, but leads them forward to become all that God has declared them to be. And it doesn't take him long to jump write into one of the core issues plaguing the church. The church is divided.

Paul challenges the church to grow beyond spiritual infancy and remember that they belong to Christ, not to any one leader or group. He reminds them that their foundation is Jesus alone—and everything they build must rest on Him. This passage calls us to examine what we’re building our lives on and to pursue unity and maturity in the work God has entrusted to us.

Paul challenges the church to grow beyond spiritual infancy and remember that they belong to Christ, not to any one leader or group. He reminds them that their foundation is Jesus alone—and everything they build must rest on Him. This passage calls us to examine what we’re building our lives on and to pursue unity and maturity in the work God has entrusted to us.