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Lazlo likes his coffee with Baileys, and SlimFast's dad smoked lemon-flavored cigarettes. Let Lazlo be the Overland Park mayor, and begs SlimFast to leave his neighbor ALONE. The guys debate just how bad it is to fake cancer, talk about demonic Troost coffee, and discuss what they'd do if they were on the verge of pooping their pants. Men need booze, women need Jamie Lee Curtis' healthy yogurt. SlimFast debuts his brand-new song about said crapping your pants. Stream The Church of Lazlo podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast
We welcome back our former senior pastor, Rev. Tom Are, Jr., as our guest preacher this morning for Signature Mission Sunday. Support the showContact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org913-262-4200Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.orgFacebook @villagepresInstagram @villagepreschurchYouTube @villagepresbyterianchurchTo join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/givingWe are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 9, 11 a.m., and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
How good do you have to be to go to heaven? Jesus said that we have to be perfectly righteous, but isn't that impossible? This sermon series looks at Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to find out what heavenly kingdom lives should look like. Pastor Micah Hayes continues our series, “The right-side up kingdom,” preaching from Matthew 5:17-20. Notes in this sermon: Jesus fulfills righteousness Jesus empowers righteousness Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
How good do you have to be to go to heaven? Jesus said that we have to be perfectly righteous, but isn't that impossible? This sermon series looks at Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to find out what heavenly kingdom lives should look like. Pastor Derrick Lynch continues our series, “The right-side up kingdom,” preaching from Matthew 5:17-20. Notes in this sermon: Jesus fulfills righteousness Jesus empowers righteousness Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
How good do you have to be to go to heaven? Jesus said that we have to be perfectly righteous, but isn't that impossible? This sermon series looks at Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to find out what heavenly kingdom lives should look like. Pastor Jonathan Lock continues our series, “The right-side up kingdom,” preaching from Matthew 5:17-20. Notes in this sermon: Jesus fulfills righteousness Jesus empowers righteousness Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
The God Who Tests- Goin-Burgess Genesis 22:1-14 Mark 9:2-9
Lazlo has the sniffles, and guys with boats in Overland Park are SUFFERING. If you meet a kangaroo, just kick it in the nuts. SlimFast has a murder AI bot living in his head. Are the guys pro-College Sports Protection Act? Roseanne Barr had nothing but good things to say about Michael Fisherman! And, SlimFast plays 9-1-1 audio of his old friend Top. Stream The Church of Lazlo podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast!
Olathe Schools Blowback, College Tragedy, Obama to Overland Park | 9-23-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Bible shows that the early church gave to support ministries, individuals, and churches. But, why should we give to the church and how much should we give? Pastors John Hollan and Derrick Lynch join Aaron to discuss what the Bible says about giving and common misconceptions. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer's sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith. Support the showContact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org913-262-4200Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.orgFacebook @villagepresInstagram @villagepreschurchYouTube @villagepresbyterianchurchTo join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/givingWe are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 9, 11 a.m., and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and to shine your light before men? Jesus' words challenge Christians to live out their faith in a way that makes a noticeable difference in the world. This sermon series looks at Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to find out what heavenly kingdom lives should look like. Pastor Micah Hayes begins our series, “The right-side up kingdom,” preaching from Matthew 5:13-16. Notes in this sermon: What are you known for? What are you pointing to? Where are you needed? Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and to shine your light before men? Jesus' words challenge Christians to live out their faith in a way that makes a noticeable difference in the world. This sermon series looks at Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to find out what heavenly kingdom lives should look like. Pastor Derrick Lynch begins our series, “The right-side up kingdom,” preaching from Matthew 5:13-16. Notes in this sermon: What are you known for? What are you pointing to? Where are you needed? Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and to shine your light before men? Jesus' words challenge Christians to live out their faith in a way that makes a noticeable difference in the world. This sermon series looks at Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to find out what heavenly kingdom lives should look like. Pastor Jonathan Lock begins our series, “The right-side up kingdom,” preaching from Matthew 5:13-16. Notes in this sermon: What are you known for? What are you pointing to? Where are you needed? Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
The God Who Sees- Veach Genesis 16:1-10, 13 John 4:1-26
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer's sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith. Support the showContact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org913-262-4200Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.orgFacebook @villagepresInstagram @villagepreschurchYouTube @villagepresbyterianchurchTo join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/givingWe are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 9, 11 a.m., and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
The Kingdom of God turns the world upside down, or should we say “right side up?” What this world thinks is strength, power, and influence flies in the face of how Jesus says the true Kingdom citizen lives. This sermon series looks at Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to find out what heavenly kingdom lives should look like. Pastor Micah Hayes begins our series, “The right-side up kingdom,” preaching from Matthew 5:1-12. Notes in this sermon: The Kingdom citizen is weak, dependent, last, and grounded. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
The Kingdom of God turns the world upside down, or should we say “right side up?” What this world thinks is strength, power, and influence flies in the face of how Jesus says the true Kingdom citizen lives. This sermon series looks at Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to find out what heavenly kingdom lives should look like. Pastor Derrick Lynch begins our series, “The right-side up kingdom,” preaching from Matthew 5:1-12. Notes in this sermon: The Kingdom citizen is weak, dependent, last, and grounded. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
The Kingdom of God turns the world upside down, or should we say “right side up?” What this world thinks is strength, power, and influence flies in the face of how Jesus says the true Kingdom citizen lives. This sermon series looks at Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount to find out what heavenly kingdom lives should look like. Pastor Jonathan Lock begins our series, “The right-side up kingdom,” preaching from Matthew 5:1-12. Notes in this sermon: The Kingdom citizen is weak, dependent, last, and grounded. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park, Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
The God Who Keeps- Wildman Genesis 15:1-12a, 17-18 Matthew 26:26-29
Early next year, Jeff Maher of Overland Park will run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. He joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how he is preparing for the races and why he decided to take on this challenge.
What does a Christ-centered church look like? Paul concludes the book of Ephesians by showing us what churches should be like. Pastor Micah Hayes concludes our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 6:18-24. Notes in this sermon: A Christ-centered church prays intentionally A Christ-centered church encourages intentionally Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park,Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
The CopDoc Podcast - Season 11 - Episode 176Dr. Doreen Jokerst on culture, leadership, and modern policing in Overland ParkDr. Doreen Jokerst, chief of police in Overland Park, Kansas, joins Steve Morreale for a conversation about leadership, culture, technology, and what it means to build trust inside a police organization and with the community. She shares how her path through city policing, university policing, and doctoral study shaped a leadership style rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and accountability.We discuss how she uses listening sessions, transparent communication, and thoughtful technology governance to strengthen legitimacy, support officers, and improve service. This episode is especially relevant for leaders thinking about culture change, talent development, and the future of policing.Key topicsDr. Doreen Jokerst shares how Overland Park Police Department serves a city of about 207,000 residents, with 270 authorized police officers and 85 professional staffShe traces her path into policing back to age 8, when a visit to Alcatraz helped spark a lifelong interest in helping peopleShe explains the value of university policing at CU Boulder, where she learned to work across different perspectives and saw public safety through a broader lensShe describes culture as something you can feel, comparing it to a sailboat in the wind and emphasizing that leaders must listen before trying to change anythingShe says insatiable curiosity breeds innovation, and that asking why systems exist is essential to understanding an organization without disrupting what already worksShe details her listening-session approach, including writing down names, tracking themes, following up personally, and making sure people see action after they speakShe emphasizes explaining the why, whether in organizational decisions or even traffic stops, because legitimacy grows when people understand the reason behind an actionShe discusses thoughtful technology adoption, including DFR, real-time information centers, data dashboards, and ALPR, with transparency and governance controlsShe explains why she values psychologically safe spaces, where staff at every level can challenge ideas and contribute to better decisionsShe makes the case for mentorship and continuity, saying leaders should develop successors so agencies do not feel like they are starting over every time leadership changesShe connects culture and service, saying that if leaders treat people poorly inside the department, that behavior will show up in community interactions tooShe highlights the importance of representation and 30 by 30, noting that women remain underrepresented in policing and that hiring should reflect both diversity of thought and community identityShe argues that success metrics must evolve, moving beyond arrests and citations toward data that better reflects harm reduction, trust, engagement, and problem-solvingShe describes her management style as coaching and stewardship, with clear expectations, regular check-ins, and delegation that still leaves people feeling supportedShe closes with optimism about the future of policing, saying the profession is honorable and that she wants to keep showing up like it is her first dayHey there! Send us a message. Who else should we be talking to? What topics are important? Use FanMail to connect! Let us know!Contact us: copdoc.podcast@gmail.com Website: www.copdocpodcast.comIf you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at stephen.morreale@gmail.com
What does a Christ-centered church look like? Paul concludes the book of Ephesians by showing us what churches should be like. Derrick Rodriguez, Director of Student Ministries Antioch Campus, concludes our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 6:18-24. Notes in this sermon: A Christ-centered church prays intentionally A Christ-centered church encourages intentionally Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park,Olathe, and Gardner, Kansas.
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer's sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith. Support the showContact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org913-262-4200Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.orgFacebook @villagepresInstagram @villagepreschurchYouTube @villagepresbyterianchurchTo join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/givingWe are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 9, 11 a.m., and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
The God Who Calls- Huebner Genesis 12:1-9 Matthew 4:18-22
You've spent years building your TSP – now what? Explore how to turn your retirement savings into a sustainable income stream while avoiding common mistakes that can impact your long-term financial security.---------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Benchmark Financial Group:Website | https://bfgkc.comLinkedIn | /benchmark-financial-group-llcFacebook | /BenchmarkFinancialGroupLLCBenchmark Financial Group is located at 10975 Benson Dr., Suite 500, Overland Park, KS 66210, Corporate Woods Building 12. You can contact us by visiting our website at bfgkc.com, calling 913.227.4224, or emailing David at david.raetz@bfgkc.com.Securities and Advisory Services are offered through CreativeOne Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC and an Investment Advisor. Benchmark Financial Group, LLC, and CreativeOne Securities are not affiliated companies.#federalemployees #federalbenefits #federalretirement #benchmarkfinancialgroup #planyourfederalretirement
God is challenging His people to cross the street. That may mean that we move outside of our comfort zone. Pastor Jonathan Lock continues our series, “Gospel Expansion,” preaching from Acts 10. Notes in this sermon: God will challenge your assumptions Crossing the street means crossing barriers God is already working on the other side of the street Hope Church Gardner is a campus of Blue Valley Church. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas, and our campus in Gardner, Kansas.
What is the full armor of God and how does it prepare us for life? Paul gives us details about the armor of God in Ephesians 6. Pastor Micah Hayes continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 6:10-20. Notes in this sermon: Stand in God's strength Stand against God's enemy Stand with God's armor Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
What is the full armor of God and how does it prepare us for life? Paul gives us details about the armor of God in Ephesians 6. Pastor Derrick Lynch continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 6:10-20. Notes in this sermon: Stand in God's strength Stand against God's enemy Stand with God's armor Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
The Church Is Like a Hospital- Burgess 1 John 1:5-10, 2:9-11 Luke 5:27-32
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer's sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith. Support the showContact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org913-262-4200Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.orgFacebook @villagepresInstagram @villagepreschurchYouTube @villagepresbyterianchurchTo join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/givingWe are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
What does the Bible say about work? The Apostle Paul has a clear message about workplace relationships in Ephesians 6. Pastor Micah Hayes continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 6:5-9. Notes in this sermon: The Gospel Transforms the way we work because Christ is our True Master. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
The book of Acts records the Gospel expansion into the world through faithful men and women. Acts 9 tells the miraculous history Ananias and Saul. What does this passage show us about who God is calling to Himself? Pastor Jonathan Lock starts our series, “Gospel Expansion,” preaching from Acts 9:10-19. Notes in this sermon: We see who they were God sees who they can become God changes us for a purpose Hope Church Gardner is a campus of Blue Valley Church. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
What does the Bible say about work? The Apostle Paul has a clear message about workplace relationships in Ephesians 6. Pastor Derrick Lynch continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 6:5-9. Notes in this sermon: The Gospel Transforms the way we work because Christ is our True Master. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we are recording the final episode from the United States before the podcast heads across the world for Sydney Marathon Week. Before the passport panic takes over, Kyle recaps the Head for the Cure 5K in Overland Park, a massive Kansas City-area event supporting brain cancer awareness, research, and families impacted by the disease. From there, we turn the spotlight to the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, breaking down the race, the history, the course, the logistics, and why this new World Marathon Major matters. We talk about Sydney's Olympic roots, its growth into the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, and how the race has quickly become a major destination for runners chasing stars around the globe. The episode walks listeners through the Harbour Bridge start, the Sydney Opera House finish, the seven-hour cutoff, the time difference for everyone following along back home, and the reality that there are still 26.2 miles of consequences between those postcard moments. Kyle also digs into the race expo at Sydney Olympic Park, race-day transportation, tracking, volunteers, safety, weather concerns, and the now-famous 2026 medal mistake that accidentally gave the finisher medal a quick layover in Munich. Of course, this preview comes with plenty of back-of-the-pack honesty about jet lag, travel stress, extra walking, pacing, hills, rain, and the main goal of simply surviving the race and earning that Sydney star. With Sydney as Kyle's sixth World Marathon Major and London waiting in 2027, this episode is part race preview, part travel sendoff, and part invitation for the whole Back of the Pack community to follow along as the next big adventure begins.
Hospitable Church- Veach 1 Peter 4:7-11 Luke 19:1-10
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer's sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith. Support the showContact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org913-262-4200Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.orgFacebook @villagepresInstagram @villagepreschurchYouTube @villagepresbyterianchurchTo join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/givingWe are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
The book of Acts records the Gospel expansion into the world through faithful men and women. Acts 8 tells the miraculous history of Philip and the Ethiopian official. What does this passage show us about the Holy Spirit and His work to prepare people for the Gospel message? Pastor Jonathan Lock starts our series, “Gospel Expansion,” preaching from Acts 8:26-40. Notes in this sermon: God often calls us to obedience before He gives us understanding. God prepares the heart, but He sends us to share the good news. Hope Church Gardner is a campus of Blue Valley Church. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
How should parents raise their Kids? Do kids always have to obey their parents? The Apostle Paul describes Christian family relationships in Ephesians 6. Pastor Derrick Lynch continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 6:1-4. Notes in this sermon: Parents have a responsibility to God to Nourish Children have a responsibility to God to obey Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
How should parents raise their Kids? Do kids always have to obey their parents? The Apostle Paul describes Christian family relationships in Ephesians 6. Pastor Micah Hayes continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 6:1-4. Notes in this sermon: Parents have a responsibility to God to Nourish Children have a responsibility to God to obey Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
Mundo x KK Crossover: Event Featuring Barack Obama Coming to Overland Park in September | 8-17-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus is the Host- Veach Isaiah 25:6-8, 55:1-2 Luke 22:14-30
In this episode, we kick things off by examining a violent cargo-theft case that underscores the escalating danger of rail corridor crime in Southern California. After gunfire erupted from a moving BNSF freight train during a confrontation with suspected burglars, authorities arrested five men on charges ranging from attempted murder to cargo theft and conspiracy. The arrests came after task force members discovered equipment used to burglarize rail cars, highlighting how armed theft crews endanger railway employees while disrupting freight moving through critical corridors. Next, we explore how consolidation is reshaping the finished vehicle sector as Overland Park–based Acertus officially acquires Auburn, Massachusetts–based Fisher Shipping, expanding its carrier network and relationships with original equipment manufacturers and dealers. Fisher Shipping will continue to operate under its existing banner while gaining access to Acertus' expansive platform with enhanced fraud prevention and real-time shipment visibility. The deal follows another massive acquisition this week in which Proficient Auto Logistics agreed to acquire Hansen & Adkins for one hundred thirty million dollars, creating a combined entity expected to haul over four million vehicles annually. Finally, we break down how ocean carrier Maersk is betting that vertical integration from port to doorstep is the key to winning the last-mile battle in e-commerce logistics. According to Maersk executives, last-mile delivery is no longer just a cost center—it's a data intelligence engine that reveals upstream issues like inventory allocation, product development, and order response times. Rather than building its own delivery fleet, Maersk manages a pool of carriers on customers' behalf through a multi-carrier model with single API integration, creating one consistent customer experience that connects every link from vessels crossing the ocean to final doorstep delivery. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eighteen-year-old Kelsey Smith stopped at a Target store in Overland Park, Kansas, before meeting her boyfriend for a date. When she didn't return, investigators began trying to piece together what had happened. Surveillance footage from inside the store and its parking lot became a crucial part of the investigation. By reconstructing Kelsey's movements, detectives were able to establish a detailed timeline and identify a man who appeared repeatedly in the footage. In this episode of True Crime Recaps, we examine Kelsey's final trip to the store, the surveillance evidence investigators relied upon, how Edwin Hall was identified, and the investigation that followed. We also look at the lasting impact of Kelsey's case and how her family's advocacy helped inspire Kelsey's Law, aimed at helping law enforcement obtain mobile phone location information more quickly during emergencies. Follow True Crime Recaps for new true crime episodes every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Go check out Craig at Clints Comdey Club in Overland Park! Two shows Friday night and two shows Saturday night.
What should marriage look like according to the Bible? God tells us what marriage should really be in Ephesians 5. Pastor Micah Hayes continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 5:22-33. Notes in this sermon: Embrace the Relationship Marriage Represents Embrace the Roles Marriage Requires Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer's sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith. Support the showContact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org913-262-4200Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.orgFacebook @villagepresInstagram @villagepreschurchYouTube @villagepresbyterianchurchTo join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/givingWe are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
What should marriage look like according to the Bible? God tells us what marriage should really be in Ephesians 5. Pastor Derrick Lynch continues our series, “Ephesians: One in Christ,” preaching from Ephesians 5:22-33. Notes in this sermon: Embrace the Relationship Marriage Represents Embrace the Roles Marriage Requires Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.
The Weak and the Strong- Behrens Romans 14:1-13 John 17:20-23
Most parents judge a coach by the small part of the process they can see: the lineup, playing time, positions, and in-game decisions. But that is rarely the whole story. Before you talk to your son's coach, you need to understand what the coach may be evaluating behind the scenes—and how the way you start that conversation can determine whether you receive useful information or immediately create defensiveness. In this episode, MLB agent Matt Hannaford explains how to approach coaches with better questions, greater context, and a clearer understanding of whether a program genuinely knows and develops your son. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How do coaches actually evaluate players for playing time, where they fit in the lineup, what positions they'll play, how they create development plans, and how to evaluate future opportunities? Matt answers the questions baseball parents ask most by combining feedback from coaches he respects with lessons from more than 25 years representing professional players and communicating with managers, general managers, team executives, and development staffs. You'll learn: • Why parents often judge the entire process through the small part they can see. • Why you should not assign a motive before understanding the decision. • The difference between approaching a coach as an ally and approaching him as an adversary. • The exact question to ask instead of, "Why aren't you playing my son?" • How to separate facts from assumptions before contacting a coach. • When your son should speak to the coach before you do. • What a real player-development plan should include. • Why being moved from a position is not automatically a negative evaluation. • How to tell the difference between a difficult answer and a dishonest answer. • The warning signs that a program may not truly know, develop, or advocate for your son. The goal of the conversation is not to force the coach to agree with you. The goal is to understand the situation well enough to make a good decision. EPISODE SUMMARY This episode addresses one of the most emotional and misunderstood parts of travel baseball: communicating with your son's coach. Matt begins by explaining the parent's visible experience. Parents see lineups, positions, playing time, tournament schedules, in-game decisions, and how frequently the coach communicates. Because those are the most visible parts of the experience, it is easy to assume they represent everything the coach is doing. They do not. Depending on the level and organization, a coach may also be evaluating individual development, physical readiness, confidence, defensive combinations, pitching availability, practice performance, reliability, roster construction, college fit, recruiting communication, organizational philosophy, and the long-term role of every player. Understanding that workload does not mean surrendering your standards. It means communicating with better context. Greg from Overland Park, Kansas, asks how coaches evaluate a player for playing time when the family only sees the lineup. Matt shares the perspective of a coach who describes regular, in-depth conversations about each player's skill set, developmental needs, future role, and potential college fit. That leads to one of the episode's central lessons: Come to the coach as an ally, not an adversary. Instead of beginning with: "Why aren't you playing my son?" Try: "Coach, I'd like to better understand how you currently evaluate my son and what he needs to improve to earn more opportunity." The first question puts the coach on defense. The second creates an opportunity to receive information the family can actually use. Matt connects this to his own work representing Major League players. Before he contacts a manager about a client's role or playing time, the player generally needs to take ownership and have the conversation himself. The same principle applies as young players mature. Parents should not automatically solve every communication problem for their son. One of the most valuable things a baseball program can teach a player is how to advocate for himself respectfully. Alicia from Round Rock, Texas, asks what a strong coaching staff should be doing for a 15-year-old player when there is no game on the schedule. Matt explains that development should be more than a word used during the recruiting process by that coach. A quality organization should be able to explain: • The player's current strengths and weaknesses. • What the staff is helping him improve. • What he should prioritize over the next 30 to 60 days. • How often his development is reviewed. • What position or role may fit him long term. • What level of college baseball appears realistic. • How the program supports players through recruiting. If development is promised but cannot be demonstrated, the family should ask better questions and evaluate the answers carefully. Tony from Dublin, Ohio, asks about his son being moved away from shortstop. Matt challenges parents not to interpret every decision as personal. A position change may be based on defensive needs, roster construction, matchups, another player's current readiness, or a desire to develop greater versatility. The decision may be disappointing without being disrespectful. Do not assign a motive before you understand the decision. Matt closes with a framework for evaluating the coach's response and the program itself. Warning signs include: • The coach cannot explain how the player is evaluated. • Feedback remains consistently vague. • Expectations change without explanation. • Development is discussed but not demonstrated. • Recruiting claims cannot be verified. • The program discourages reasonable questions. • Communication becomes disrespectful or manipulative. • The coach does not appear to know the player's strengths, weaknesses, or goals. Parents must also distinguish between a bad coach and an answer they simply do not like. A good coach may honestly say that a player is not ready, needs to become stronger, has been inconsistent, is not currently projecting at the level the family expects, or may be a better fit at another position. Do not confuse an answer that hurts with an answer that is dishonest. Better communication begins with better understanding. Learn how the coach thinks. Ask questions that create clarity. Give your son increasing ownership. Then evaluate whether the coach's answers and actions demonstrate that the program genuinely knows him, develops him, and has a thoughtful plan for where he is going. Matt closes with a checklist a coach sent him: the specific warning signs of a bad coach, from feedback that stays consistently vague to recruiting claims that can't be verified to a coach who never asks what the player's goals are. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Why parents ask about coaches 1:19 — Coaches on the podcast so far 2:51 — The coach as the tool teacher 4:39 — Greg's playing-time question 12:44 — Ally not adversary 13:25 — How Matt talks to managers 20:07 — Alicia's development question 28:03 — Tony's shortstop question 34:11 — Warning signs of a bad coach If this helped you, share it with another family who needs it before their next tournament. Have a question you want answered on a future episode? Email it in using the address below. LINKS & RESOURCES Email your questions: matt@mostvaluableagent.com Last week's episode on travel baseball as a tool: https://youtu.be/QhiJnMSl2f8 Andy Burris / Five Star episode: https://youtu.be/9OnyuTDukH4 #CollegeRecruiting #TravelBaseball #YouthSports #BaseballParents #MVAPodcast