Podcasts about Pleasanton

What if your sermon prep — or your spiritual life — isn't meant to be efficient, but formative?In this episode, Mike Neglia sits down with Heath Hardesty, Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, California, and author of the forthcoming book All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World.Together they explore what it truly means to preach the full counsel of God—not by checking off every verse, but by weaving the whole redemptive story of Scripture: creation, covenant, Christ, and new creation. Heath reflects on ten years of ministry at Valley Community Church, preaching through Acts and preparing for Romans, and how he seeks to unite the Old and New Testaments in every sermon.The conversation then turns to the practice of Scripture meditation—what it is, what it isn't, and how it forms both believers and preachers. Heath unpacks the Hebrew word hagah—to “chew” or “gnaw” on the Word—as a vivid picture of feasting on God's truth until it becomes part of us. He explains why we should read Scripture aloud, how attention shapes the soul, and why delight—not duty—is what keeps us returning to God's Word.For preachers, Heath cautions against seeing sermon prep as an efficiency exercise. Instead, meditation is the slow, transformative work that shapes the preacher before the sermon ever shapes the people. As he beautifully puts it: “You can't microwave an acorn into an oak tree.”This conversation will refresh anyone feeling hurried, fragmented, or spiritually dry—and rekindle a love for Scripture that is slow, deep, and Christ-centered.Resources Mentioned: All Things Together:  How apprenticeship to Jesus is the way of flourishing in a fragmented world. (Forward by Jon Tyson) :  https://www.heathhardesty.org/Heath's two earlier Expositors Collective appearances:   https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/beholding-the-glory-of-jesus-with-heath-hardesty  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/symphonic-preaching-bad-sermons-consistent-improvement-with-heath-hardestyAbout Heath HardestyHeath Hardesty serves as Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, California, and is the founder of Inklings Coffee & Tea in downtown Pleasanton. He grew up in a blue-collar home and was a plumber's apprentice in Colorado before becoming a pastor on the edge of Silicon Valley, where he, his wife, and their four children now live.Heath holds degrees in literature, leadership, biblical studies, and theology from the University of Colorado Boulder and Western Seminary in Portland. His forthcoming book, All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World (with a foreword by Jon Tyson), releases October 14, 2025.For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

Know that we can look to our Lord and trust Him as a friend 

We live in what Heath Hardesty calls the age of disintegration - a world marked by fragmentation, distraction, and disconnection. I feel that deeply. So many of us are trying to hold our lives together in a culture that constantly pulls us apart. In this conversation, Heath joins me to talk about how apprenticeship to Jesus offers another way - a way toward coherence, union, and wholeness. Heath is a pastor in the Bay Area and the author of All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World. We talk about what it means to move beyond simply knowing about Jesus to actually living with Him - to abide, obey, and become people who image His love in a fractured world. We explore practices like unhurried presence and compassionate gentleness, and how they reveal a kind of power that's rooted not in control, but in love. If you've felt scattered, weary, or disoriented in your faith, this episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and remember that in Christ, all things hold together.Heath Hardesty is the author of All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World (WaterBrook; on sale 10/14/25) and he serves as the lead pastor of Valley Community Church and is the founder of Inklings Coffee & Tea in the heart of downtown Pleasanton, California. Heath grew up in a blue-collar home and was a plumber's apprentice in Colorado before becoming a pastor on the edge of Silicon Valley where he, his wife, and four kids now reside. He holds degrees in literature, leadership, biblical studies, and theology from the University of Colorado Boulder and Western Seminary in Portland. Visit him on IG@heathhardestyHeath's Book:All Things TogetherHeath's Recommendations:God is On Your SideThe Poems of Seamus HeaneyGerard Manley HopkinsSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Contact me to advertise: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com Support the show

Are we people of integrity so that when people encounter us they encounter truly who it is Christ intends for us to be?

Music from the 28th Sunday in Ordinary TIme. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from One License #706462-A, and CCLI licenses #11534746 and #CSPL176036.

As CCOP welcomes its two newly ordained deacons, Fr. Mark reflects on the spirit of gratitude.

Whatever situations we may face that shake us, always remember God's loving kindness

Persistence changes us and helps us to grow.

Jesus thinks you are worth it - and your neighbor and enemy is too.

If we pray with our imaginations, they become more real and powerful and give us hope.

This is God's battle and we must allow ourselves to be used by Him to spread His message.

Music from the 27th Sunday in Ordinary TIme. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from One License #706462-A, and CCLI licenses #11534746 and #CSPL176036.

With God's strength and power we can continue His work of renewing this world.

OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Just past the 25th anniversary of the acclaimed Cedar Crest Lodge and with the fall leaves turning, a perfect time to revisit the fabulous conversation with Matt Cunningham from a bit back diving into his long and accomplished career as a sports videographer, and the always evolving lodge in Pleasanton, KS. Great sports stories and a family passion project rolled into one. Enjoy!

Whatever still plagues you or you are struggling with, cast all your cares on God.

All of us are important to God, so we should treat others that way as well.

Music from the Taize Prayer Service Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from One License #706462-A, and CCLI licenses #11534746 and #CSPL176036.

By answering Christ's call in our lives, we move towards holiness and build the Kingdom of God.

This weekend is the Taste of Africa festival in Livermore, an annual African arts and music festival hosted by Cheza Nami an award winning African arts organization based in Pleasanton. 

At the end of the day, it is God's grace acting through us.

Music from the 26th Sunday in Ordinary TIme. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from One License #706462-A, and CCLI licenses #11534746 and #CSPL176036.

Fr. Mark shares the Gospel and discusses all the ways to share gifts and talents and minister at CCOP

OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Be aware of what we have no matter how imperfect it might be - and then work on it with God's grace.

What are the things we are striving for but that not giving us what we are hoping for?

We call on the Holy Spirit to get rid of all the "junk" in our hearts and bring us peace.

In a society where quick fixes and instant gratification dominate, are we settling for the same thing in our approach to sermons? In this episode, Pastor Mike Chaddick invites us to move beyond “fast food preaching” toward preparing and serving meals that are both desirable and deeply nourishing.Recorded live at the Expositors Collective training event in Pleasanton, CA (May 2024), Mike unpacks the inductive Bible study method through its three steps: observation, interpretation, and application. He shows how careful attention to language, grammar, genre, and historical setting equips preachers and Bible teachers to handle the text responsibly and preach with gospel-centred conviction.Listeners will also benefit from Mike's practical encouragement to use multiple translations, ask questions on behalf of their audience, and keep the good news of Jesus at the heart of every message. Whether you're preparing your first Bible study or refining your preaching after decades of experience, this session offers a simple yet profound roadmap for teaching God's Word faithfully.About Mike ChaddickPastor Mike Chaddick is the senior pastor of Image Church in San Juan Capistrano, CA, and a regular contributor to the live radio show Pastors Perspective on KWAVE 107.9FM. Raised as a pastor's kid in the Calvary Chapel movement, Mike had a powerful conversion experience after years of drifting from his faith. With ministerial degrees from Vanguard University, Veritas Evangelical Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary, he brings both theological depth and pastoral warmth to his ministry. Mike is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree and is passionate about writing, fitness, and spending time with his wife, Beth, and their six children.Recommended Episodes:Treat Your Text Like a Crime Scene: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/episode-88-treat-your-text-like-a-crime-scene-bonus-episodeHow to Interpret and Apply the Bible (with Cody King): https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/how-to-interpret-and-apply-the-bible-cody-kingFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective

In the ordinary "stuff", our holiness comes to pass.

Hope is present to us and we are called to bring it to a world in darkness.

Music from the 25th Sunday in Ordinary TIme. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from One License #706462-A, and CCLI licenses #11534746 and #CSPL176036.

Do we focus on our relationship with God as much as we focus on money?

OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Identify yourself how God sees you - as worthy.

When Jesus works in us, it is out of this world

When the Lord does speak to you, will you be able to respond from a well-ordered human place?

No matter how bad things seem today, it will be better because we can hope in God.

No matter the crosses in our life, God brings about new life.

The Cross shows us how much God loves us and where our hope lies.

Music from the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from One License #706462-A, and CCLI licenses #11534746 and #CSPL176036.

OCIA Director Matt Gray, reflects on the readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Who are we listening to? Who are we following?

The Lord has conquered and the Lord brings His peace and His peace never disappoints.

Hidden within you is already the promise of life eternal and you are bound for glory.

Javier called us about Brooke. They matched on Hinge and decided on brunch in Pleasanton. Javier said they shared pancakes, swapped stories about college, and even went for a walk afterward to keep the conversation going. He thought Brooke was easy to talk to and genuinely seemed interested in him. But she never responded after.

Whatever we are going through and however painful it may be, we are not alone.

We have gratitude for the gift of Mary and her openness that made the way for Christ to come into the world.

Music from the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from One License #706462-A, and CCLI licenses #11534746 and #CSPL176036.

We are called to love each other and connect in a deeper way with Christ.

Preaching, says Heath Hardesty, should do more than explain a passage of Scripture - it should take listeners on a journey that awakens thirst and points them to the living water of Christ. In this session, recorded at Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, California, Hardesty unpacks how the “arc” and the “through-line” of expository preaching bring sermons into harmony with the larger story of redemption.Drawing from John 7:37–39, he demonstrates how faithful exposition stirs a Spirit-given sense of need and satisfies the soul's ache in the gospel. The teaching weaves together theology, cultural insight, and pastoral wisdom, offering a vision of preaching that is unified, Spirit-led, and Christ-centred.About Heath HardestyHeath Hardesty serves as Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church in Pleasanton, CA, and is a founder of Inklings Coffee & Tea in the heart of downtown Pleasanton. He grew up in a blue-collar home and was a plumber's apprentice in Colorado before becoming a pastor on the edge of Silicon Valley, where he, his wife, and their four children now reside. Heath holds degrees in literature, leadership, biblical studies, and theology from the University of Colorado Boulder and Western Seminary in Portland.His forthcoming book, All Things Together: How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World (with a foreword by Jon Tyson), will be released October 14, 2025.Pre-Order Heath's Book Here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776336/all-things-together-by-heath-hardesty/For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective