Podcasts about sun valley community church

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Best podcasts about sun valley community church

Latest podcast episodes about sun valley community church

Loving God. Loving People.
#254 - How To Pray For Healing

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 31:50


Praying for healing can feel confusing, especially when you pray and the outcome isn't what you hoped for. In this episode, Chad and Robert talk honestly about why we should still pray for healing, what role faith plays, and how to pray in a simple, loving, non-weird way.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:24 Why healing prayer can be emotional01:39 Why we still pray for healing02:28 Faith matters03:21 Jesus and unbelief03:59 Stories of healing05:18 When healing doesn't happen06:42 Ultimate healing in heaven08:39 Why Jesus healed people10:01 Signs that point to Jesus11:17 “Do I have the gift of healing?”14:04 Willing to look foolish15:09 Pray for people right now16:15 Listen to the person, then the Spirit21:18 Keep it simple22:37 The most important part: love26:51 Teach your kids to pray for healing

unSeminary Podcast
Future-Ready Staff Teams for 2026: Culture & Clarity for the Next Season with Paul Alexander

unSeminary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 37:08


Leading Into 2026: Executive Pastor Insights Momentum is real. So is the pressure. This free report draws from the largest dedicated survey of Executive Pastors ever, revealing what leaders are actually facing as they prepare for 2026. Why staff health is the #1 pressure point Where churches feel hopeful — and stretched thin What worked in 2025 and is worth repeating Clear decision filters for the year ahead Download the Full Report Free PDF • Built for Executive Pastors • Instant access Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. We’re continuing our conversations with executive pastors from prevailing churches, unpacking what leaders like you shared in the National Executive Pastor Survey, so you can lead forward with clarity. Today we're joined by Paul Alexander, Executive Pastor at Sun Valley Community Church and Senior Consultant with The Unstuck Group. With more than 25 years of ministry experience and nearly 15 years at Sun Valley, Paul brings a blend of practitioner insight and coaching wisdom. Sun Valley is one of the fastest-growing churches in the country, with six physical locations, a prison campus, and more expansion on the way. In this conversation, Paul helps unpack one of the most pressing themes from the National Executive Pastor Survey: staff health, culture, and organizational structure. Is your church clear on vision and strategy but still struggling to move forward? Do you sense tension or fatigue beneath the surface of your staff team? Paul offers candid, practical guidance on how leaders can cultivate both healthy and high-performing teams. Staff culture is often the real growth lid. // Many churches leave strategic planning sessions with remarkable clarity—clear vision, strong strategy, and actionable next steps—yet still fail to move forward. The reason is rarely theological or missional; it's cultural. Team culture and staff structure often become the limiting factor. Just as personal growth stalls when internal issues go unresolved, churches stall when unhealthy patterns persist within leadership teams. Healthy and high-performing. // Many churches swing between two extremes: high performance with little concern for soul health, or relational warmth with minimal accountability to achieve the vision. Neither honors the full call of ministry. The healthiest teams refuse to live at either end of the pendulum. Instead, they pursue a culture where people are cared for deeply while being challenged to steward their gifts faithfully toward the mission. You can't legislate health. // Health cannot be enforced through policies alone. Leaders set the tone through example, not rules. Staff watch how senior leaders manage time, rest, family, boundaries, and pressure. Late-night emails, skipped days off, and constant urgency quietly shape expectations—even if leaders say otherwise. Pastors need to lead with moral authority, not moral perfection: modeling rhythms that reflect trust in God rather than fear-driven overwork. Practical rhythms that protect people. // At Sun Valley, staff health is reinforced through intentional systems. Leaders are expected to take their days off and use vacation time; reports track whether staff actually do. Full-time staff receive sabbaticals every seven years, including non-director-level roles. Marriage retreats are offered as a gift to staff couples, recognizing that healthier marriages produce healthier ministry. These investments cost little financially but yield long-term fruit in sustainability and trust. Hire leaders, not doers. // A common staffing pitfall is hiring doers instead of leaders. While competence and skill earn someone a seat on the team at Sun Valley, long-term effectiveness depends on their ability to develop others. Staff are evaluated not on how much ministry they personally accomplish, but on how well they equip volunteers to lead. Volunteers are the heroes; staff exist to serve and multiply them. This mindset shifts ministry from bottlenecked to scalable. Structure must evolve with growth. // Churches often treat structure as fixed, but Paul insists that growing churches must restructure continually. Span of care, staffing ratios, and role clarity must be revisited regularly. He points to healthy benchmarks—such as staffing costs and staff-to-attendance ratios—as helpful indicators, not rigid rules. When leaders ignore structure, culture suffers; when structure is aligned, momentum increases. Fruit requires clarity and measurement. // Every staff role at Sun Valley includes measurable outcomes. Paul likens this to personal goals—no one expects a marriage to improve without intentional action. Clear metrics create focus, alignment, and accountability. Monthly one-on-ones blend personal care with performance review, ensuring leaders are supported holistically while still moving the mission forward. Encouragement for leaders sensing tension. // For executive pastors who feel something is “off” but can't quite name it, Paul urges them not to ignore that instinct. Growth exposes weaknesses, and structure or culture may need adjustment. Whether the issue is misalignment, unclear expectations, or misplaced roles, addressing it early prevents deeper damage later. To learn more about Sun Valley Community Church, visit sunvalleycc.com. For resources on staff health, structure, and strategy, explore theunstuckgroup.com or email Paul directly. Watch the full episode below: Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: SermonDone Hey friends, Sunday is coming… is your Sermon Done?Pastor, you don't need more pressure—you need support. That's why you need to check out SermonDone—the premium AI assistant built exclusivelyfor pastors. SermonDone helps you handle the heavy lifting: deep sermon research, series planning, and even a theologically aligned first draft—in your voice—because it actually trains on up to 15 of your past sermons. But it doesn't stop there. With just a click, you can instantly turn your message into small group guides, discussion questions, and even kids curriculum. It's like adding a research assistant, a writing partner, and a discipleship team—all in one. Try it free for 5 days. Head over to www.SermonDone.com and use promo code Rich20 for 20% off today! Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. Really glad that you’ve decided to tune in. We’re doing a special series here this month where we’re looking at the results of a national survey that we did of executive pastors across the country. And we’ve pulled in some leading XPs from prevailing churches to help us think through these issues. Like we’re sitting across the table, if you talk about this problem, they want to help you with that. And today it’s our honor, our privilege really to have Paul Alexander with us. He is the executive pastor at Sun Valley Church for over 10 years. He has 25 years of experience. He’s a senior consultant with Unstuck, I think for 13 years. And he’s worked with all kinds of churches on health assessment, strategic planning. Sun Valley, if you don’t know this church, you’re living under a rock. fantastic church in Arizona, six physical locations, if I’m counting correctly, plus in prison, plus online. It’s repeatedly one of the fastest growing churches in the country. Paul, welcome to the show. So glad you’re here.Paul Alexander — Yeah, Rich, glad to be with you. Hopefully the conversation can help your listeners, man.Rich Birch — I really appreciate that. Why why don’t you fill in the picture about Sun Valley? I know we’ve had you on in the past. You should go back and listen, friends, but kind of give us the Sun Valley picture. Kind of tell us a little bit about that to set some context today.Paul Alexander — Yeah, man, been here now for almost 15 years. It’s wild to think back. When I first joined the team, it was one location, 10 acres, one exit, one entrance.Rich Birch — Wow.Paul Alexander — And, you know, there’s a lid to what you can do with that. And so we had originally went multi-site because we had to go multi-site. You know, the mission that Jesus gave the church to help more people meet him and grow up in their friendship with him. We had a lid to that with the space we were in. And so we had to go multi-site. It wasn’t cool. It wasn’t cute. It wasn’t fun. It wasn’t an experiment. It was like, if we’re going to obey Jesus, we don’t have an option.Rich Birch — Right. Yes.Paul Alexander — And so over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to add new locations. And, yeah, six physical locations, one in a prison. Our next prison campus opens up Q1. We grand open our Chandler location in March, and we break ground on San Tan in May. So, yeah, man, fun times, lots of people meeting Jesus.Rich Birch — So multi-sites not dead at Sun Valley.Paul Alexander — Man, multi-site’s not dead in America. Yeah.Rich Birch — I know. And it’s true, right? It’s one of those like, people are like, oh, I don’t know. That’s an old idea. I’m like, that’s not what I’m seeing. I’m like, gosh, there’s so many prevailing churches like Sun Valley that are just doubling down. That’s that’s fantastic. Rich Birch — Well, looking forward to today’s conversation. So friends, you’ve joined us actually for within, what did we ask, two questions that were about fears for next year and or for this year, 2026, you caught me. We recorded this late in 2025.Rich Birch — And we’re talking today about the biggest fear. 24.8% of all respondents identified staff health, organizational structure, morale, succession, leadership – the people issues as a primary fear heading into this year. In fact, and then a separate question we asked about data and insight. Where are you lacking some of that? Almost 9% of respondents answered that they’re looking for better data on staff pipeline and org chart and leadership development, these sort of things.Rich Birch — When you combine them together what does that mean? Nearly three in ten surface staff related tension as a defining pressure point for 2026. And when I was thinking about this issue, I thought of no one better than Paul to pull on and to have this conversation with. So Paul, when you look at the churches across the country, you interact with a lot of churches both just because you’re a great person and through Unstuck, and you’re and Sun Valley’s a leading church and people will ask you questions all the time. Where do you think staff health breaks down the most and why is that? Why is this such a tension for us as we lead from our seats?Paul Alexander — Yeah, well, to your point, Rich, it comes up repeatedly with my work with Unstuck with churches. It’s not uncommon to do a health assessment, strategic planning with the church, and you walk out of the room and they have great clarity on vision, on where they’re going next. They have great clarity on strategy, like how they’re actually going to pull this off and do it.Paul Alexander — And yet you walk out of the room and the lid to move towards that vision, actually obey Jesus and do what Jesus has commissioned and command commanded them to do, the lid is the culture of the team. And the team culture and the team structure is what’s holding them back from going where Jesus wants them to go. Paul Alexander — Which we shouldn’t be surprised by this, frankly. that’s That’s the organizational side of how that shows up. This shows up in our own life personally. So on a micro scale, what’s preventing you and I from actually following Jesus and what He’s calling us to do in 2026? Well, it’s not Jesus’s problem. The problem is not with him. The problem usually with us.Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — The problem is with how we structure our life, our family, our time, maybe something in our own heart and in the culture of our own heart and our families.Paul Alexander — And so on on a macro scalele scale in the church, it’s not a surprise that this shows up. Most most churches have a tendency to run on a pendulum, Rich, of either being a really high performing team or a very, very healthy team. And at Unstuck, we want we want staff teams to be both very healthy and very high performing.Paul Alexander — The the problem is most churches, their staff swing through that pendulum from one side to the other. And so, and you’ve seen this repeatedly, where it’s take ground and in just do the next thing. And they’re very project oriented and destination oriented, and they have a tendency to not really care about the soul of the team, the health of the team, and they’re caring much more about the the destination they’re chasing.Paul Alexander — Or they’re sitting around looking at each other, praying for one another, kumbaya-ing together, and they’re neglecting the actual call that God’s put on their life. It’s not just a personal holiness, but to invite others people other people to know Jesus as well.Paul Alexander — And while that’s an over-exaggeration, fundamentally, that’s very true of what happens with staff teams. And so, yeah, walking away from a strategic planning with the church, you’re thinking, oh, they’ve got everything they need.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — They just don’t have the culture to pull it off. their Their staff culture is going to prevent them from going where God wants them to go. Or they’ve hired ah a lot of doers on the team and they don’t actually have leaders. So they’ve hired people to do ministry instead of lead ministry. Or they don’t really have a development pipeline. You know, they don’t have a plan to coach up and build up people that the Lord’s already entrusted to them right underneath their nose, to invite them into leadership in the church. And so, yeah, there’s some overarching things that are common.Rich Birch — Yeah, so when I saw this came out, I wasn’t surprised by this result. We’ve seen similar results in past years. But whenever I look at this fear that leaders have, I’m reminded what our mutual friend Jenni Catrin says. She talks about senior leaders are, we think our staff culture is better than it actually is. Like from our perspective, sitting as an executive pastor, lead pastor, we look around and we’re like, man, this is a great place to work. But that’s not necessarily the case with our people. Rich Birch — Sticking with this idea of like high performing and healthy, when you think about Sun Valley or the churches you coach, what are some practical rhythms or structures that you’ve put in place or seen put in place that really help try to do both of those things. Cause I think that’s, I think that’s ultimately what honors the Lord is like, we do want to be high performing. We, the mission’s massive. Like, gosh, we got to get out and reach some people, but we, we don’t want to drive over our people to get there. Paul Alexander — Yeah.Rich Birch — Help us understand what does that practical, some of those practical rhythms look like.Paul Alexander — Well, I don’t I don’t think a lot of XPs are going like what I’m about to say… Rich Birch — Uh-oh. Paul Alexander — …but you you cannot legislate health. You can’t. You can’t build enough guidelines. You can’t build enough policies. You can’t make people be healthy. You also can’t lead a healthy organization unless you yourself are healthy. It’s that’s a just it’s just a fact. You can’t take your family somewhere you haven’t been.Paul Alexander — You disciple people, to use a Bible word for a second, you can’t disciple your own children and your own family and people close to you by intention or neglect. We do that all the time, and unless you have something to actually give them. And so this is why even in the Old Testament, you know God gives the law and we realize we can’t live up to the law. And so it honestly only shows our own imperfection. Right. And so God you know, Jesus says, “Well, hold on a second. The Sabbath was made for man. Man wasn’t made for the Sabbath.” Paul Alexander — And so um what does that mean? It means, I think, as executive staff, senior staff in the church, you actually have to lead with some moral authority in this area. And so people are going to watch if if they get an email from you at 11 o’clock at night, that tells them what’s expected of them. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Without you ever even saying it, you’re telling them what’s expected. If you’re texting them after work hours, so to speak, and it’s not an emergency, it actually, you know, it could probably wait till tomorrow, but you’re having it right now because it’s important to you, and you don’t have the personal self-control to be able to not have that conversation with that staff member at that time.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Paul Alexander — You’re telling them how they’re supposed to behave. They’re watching you just again, leadership so much like parenting. And I don’t want to minimize this, but children watch their parents and they naturally adhere to and take on the behaviors of their parents and the family unit that they grow up in. Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s so true.Paul Alexander — And culture a lot like that. It’s way more caught than taught. And so the leaders of the executive staff and senior staff, they’ve got to lead with moral authority, not moral perfection. We’re not going to see that this side of seeing Jesus, right? Not moral superiority. We’re not better than anybody. But just to be able to say, hey, man, if if everybody at my church and on my staff. If they manage their time the way I manage my time, if they manage their finances the way I manage my finances, if they used alcohol the way I use alcohol, or if they use the internet or social media the way I do, if they traded their… would my church be more of what Jesus wants it to be or less?Rich Birch — That’s good. That’s so good.Paul Alexander — And so there’s a moral authority component to this. They got to model this. Okay.Paul Alexander — Now, practically, Rich, because you know, okay, what does it actually mean? Take your time off. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Like that sounds so silly, but I mean, I remember as a young guy in ministry, my my wife was working Monday through Friday. Friday was supposed to be my day off. I’m not the kind of guy that’s going to sit around and like watch Oprah on Friday. Or like, you know, just snack and binge watch Netflix or something like that. That’s not how God wired me up. And so I would just go into the office.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And I’m like, my my wife’s working. Well, we don’t have kids. um I’m going to go get some stuff done. I’m going to move the ball forward.Rich Birch — Yeah.Paul Alexander — And I remember the XP I was working with on the senior staff at the time came in to get something out of the office. And he saw me and he’s like, Paul, what are you what are you doing? And so I do the whole, my wife’s working and I’m not going to sit around and watch Netflix, blah, blah, blah. He’s like… he gave me a gift. He said, Paul, if you don’t take every day off between now and the end of the year, don’t bother coming in in January.Rich Birch — Oh my goodness.Paul Alexander — Yeah, yeah, yeah.Rich Birch — Wow.Paul Alexander — And looking back, that high challenge was a tremendous gift, to begin to teach a young man in ministry that had a propensity to drive hard to learn how to actually slow down and enjoy my life and receive from the Lord.Rich Birch — That’s interesting.Paul Alexander — And so, um yeah, take your day off. It sounds so silly.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good. No, it’s good.Paul Alexander — I get a report on my desk once a year, Rich, of all of our staff, even multiple campuses, all that, who’s taking their time off and who hasn’t taken their time off. And it’s not uncommon for me to have a conversation in January to say, hey, dude, if you don’t take all your time off this year, we’re going to have a problem. Because you’re no good burning out. The Lord needs you in the game for the long run.Rich Birch — Yeah.Paul Alexander — And I need you in the game for the long run. Sun Valley needs you in the game for the long run. Rich Birch — Yeah. Right. Paul Alexander — Your family needs that, and you can’t self destruct. So.Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s so good. I had a similar interaction early on in ministry where I had a senior leader say to me, it with a similar kind of tone, don’t forget, take your day off is on the same list as don’t kill someone. Like, you know, which always stuck with me where I was like, you know, okay. And he said it in a funny kind of like, but but the message was was clear, right?Paul Alexander — Yeah.Rich Birch — Same kind of thing. Hey, we, and I don’t know that I’ve always lived by that. Paul Alexander — Yeah, sure.Rich Birch — Are there other behaviors that you, you know, in a similar way would lean in. I think the fact that you’re pushing on, okay, as us as senior leaders, are we setting the pace with the health of our organizations? Lean a little bit more in on that for us.Paul Alexander — Yeah, sure. So a couple of practical things that any leader can actually make their decision to start doing today. Establish a finish line. In some regards, you know, when is ministry ever really done? Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Well, when 7.5 billion people on the planet know Jesus, we’re done, right? So it’s one of those, the poor will have you with you you’ll have with you always. There’s never going to be a done moment. So you got to choose each day when you’re done. And if you don’t choose it, someone else will choose it for you. Paul Alexander — And so talk with your family, figure it out. And there may be a moving target from day to day and what the rhythm of your family is and the rhythm of your ministry is the Lord’s entrusted to you. But you have to personally establish when’s the finish line. I’m going to turn my phone off. I’m gonna turn my email off. I’m going to mute this or whatever. And unless something’s burning down, I’m not going to I’m not going to jump in. Simple things.Paul Alexander — Marriage retreats. We started experimenting some time ago with marriage retreats for our staff at Sun Valley. And so like everybody would say, it’s a good thing for people’s marriages to get better. And sometimes we’ll do that for our people in our churches. And we just thought, well, gosh, what if we did that for our staff? You know, if the marriages of our staff got better, would the ministries that the Lord’s entrusted to them get better? Of course they would.Rich Birch — Of course they would, yeah.Paul Alexander — So we just started doing a marriage retreat couple times a year for our staff.Rich Birch — Wow.Paul Alexander — We invite, you know, 10 to 15 couples. We have a professional counselor that we pay for that runs the thing. And we we just do that as a as a gift to our staff. Because we think, if our staff marriages get better, the ministry that the Lord’s entrusted to them will get better. Paul Alexander — We do sabbaticals every seven years for our full-time director level staff and up. And there’s a period of time that they get and a financial allowance they get. And they think about it in three in three different buckets, like professional development, personal development, and just family. And and ultimately we want them to rest so they can minister from a from a full cup, you know?Paul Alexander — And ah some time ago, we actually made the decision. It didn’t cost us anything, Rich, that even our full-time staff, no matter what their level in the organization was. So for example, a full-time administrative assistant. If they’re full-time, every seven years they get a sabbatical. We give them… Rich Birch — Oh, wow.Paul Alexander — …yeah, you’re full-time admin at Sun Valley. You get, now the scale of it’s a little different.Rich Birch — Sure.Paul Alexander — We just give them a month off with no financial allowance, but we give a month off every seven years to take at one lump sum… Rich Birch — Wow. Paul Alexander — …to get out and refresh their soul and enjoy their life a little bit. What’s that really cost us? Nothing, but time.Rich Birch — Right. Right.Paul Alexander — Nothing.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And so, yeah, there’s some real tactical things that you can do to invest in your team. Again, you can’t make them be healthy people, but you can kind of roll the carpet out and pave the way for them to be healthy people.Rich Birch — I love that. That’s some real practical examples. I love what you’ve you’ve outlined there and been you know super practical. That’s, yeah, that’s fantastic. I get the sabbatical question actually quite a bit. I think churches wrestle with that and they you know they they think, oh, you know how should we do that? So you do, kind of like what we would typically think of as a sabbatical at director and above, but then everyone else does kind of this one one month off. That’s great. And they do they have to submit a plan for the sabbatical ahead of time? Some churches will do that where they have to kind of define, hey, this is how we’re going to do. Just give us a little more detail on that.Paul Alexander — Yeah. We’re not uber religious about it, Rich. Rich Birch — Sure. Paul Alexander — We, we, we, there is a plan and their supervisor talks through their plan with them… Rich Birch — Yeah. Paul Alexander — …because there’s a financial allowance that follows that. Rich Birch — Yep.Paul Alexander — So yeah, they have the conversation ahead of time. As a representative of the board, I actually sign off on all those sabbaticals just to make sure they’re thinking about and they’re thinking…Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — …intelligently about how they want to spend their time. But functionally, to be honest, like you and your wife just went on vacation, right?Rich Birch — Yep.Paul Alexander — If our staff went on vacation for like an entire sabbatical and sat on the beach for a month or two, and they came back a little bit more rested, and they’d read a couple of books and spent time with the Lord… Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — …and they walked and prayed and fasted and enjoyed their life a little bit, they’d probably come back a little healthier. Rich Birch — Right. Yeah, that’s great.Paul Alexander — So I don’t have strong feelings about it, man. Rest, enjoy your life.Rich Birch — Yeah. Yeah, that’s good.Paul Alexander — Yeah.Rich Birch — That’s so good. I love that. I want to loop back on one thing you talked about earlier. You talked about hiring or or are the way our staff position themselves as doers versus leaders. I think this is a critical Ephesians 4, how we’re supposed to be equipping our people. But I see way too many of our team members, I see us fall into this all the time where we just slip into doing. Coach us around that. What difference does that make around cultures in our organizations?Paul Alexander — Well, yeah. Wow. Now you’re starting to talk about where accountability comes into play in culture, right? And where culture gets violated.Paul Alexander — So it’s not uncommon. So I still, at the size we are, director level and up, I still at least have a phone conversation interview with every single director level hire and up about our culture as they’re joining the team here. And if they do join the team, we go through net new staff orientation. Once a quarter, Chad, the lead pastor and myself, spend a half a day with all of our new staff and talk through our culture and our philosophy of ministry and our strategy and all that stuff.Paul Alexander — And frankly, it’s just a time to hang out have a meal together and create some relational accessibility. Because most these people I’m not going to work with day to day. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — But I want them to know that we care about them, love them, and they’re they’re part of the family now. And so we we don’t hire people that aren’t absolutely fantastic, incredibly gifted people. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And it’s easy to compliment everybody in the room. Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — Hey man, glad you’re on the team. Whether I hired you or somebody else hired you, I know you’re awesome because we don’t hire people that aren’t awesome. And you were gifted, you’re gifted. Someone saw something in you. We invited you to the team. But here’s the deal. You’re no longer going to be evaluated on how awesome you are. Now that you’re on the team—congratulations—you’re going to be evaluated how awesome you can make everybody else. Rich Birch — So good.Paul Alexander — And so your job and how great you are and gifted you are and skilled you are, that’s what got you in the room. What’s going to keep you in the room is your ability to make everybody else just as incredible as you. And so we just say that from the very beginning. Paul Alexander — And, you know, a lot of churches, their ministry staff kind of think, OK, I have to get all these volunteers in place to help them accomplish my ministry. At Sun Valley, we flipped that upside down. And the hero of the ministry at Sun Valley is the volunteer. We’re helping the church actually be the church. The staff’s role is to be a servant, to help people find their gifting, their place, their calling. And real leaders who are getting paid real money that attend your churches, um they want to solve big problems. They don’t want to just push a broom. Now, occasionally you run into the CEO or the general or whatever, who’s like, I just want to push a broom to help me remain humble. Great. We can we have a lot of brooms you can push.Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — But most people are competent, skilled, gifted, educated people. And they want to be called into something that’s big, and where they feel like they’re making a real difference. And so, yeah, our job as a staff is to call them into that, tee them up for that, support them in that, and let them run. Not let them run within the boundaries of our strategy and our culture and our vision, but let them run. So, but we’ve got to paint the riverbanks for them.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s really good. I love that. You know, kind of a related issue is how how is Sun Valley ensuring that you’ve got the right people in the right seats? What does that look like in your system? Like, how are you, like, what’s the what’s the cadence of, you know, regular reporting and like goal setting? Paul Alexander — Yeah.Rich Birch — And, you know, how are you holding people accountable? What does that what does that look like? I realize that could be like a whole episode in of itself… Paul Alexander — Sure. Rich Birch — …but give us kind of a thumbnail version of that.Paul Alexander — Yeah. Thumbnail. I mean, at the end of the day, I’ll give you the, how it happens, but, besides the hiring process and recruiting process, that stuff matters a lot. Right. So you’re inviting people to something that they’re actually gifted and called to. But at the end of the day, um it’s really results, Rich. The Bible way to say that is fruit. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — OK, for all of our listeners who are high on the theology side of things, I can sympathize with you. I went to Bible school, too. Really, it’s fruit. And when you are in a place, when your staff are in a place where they’re playing to their strengths and their gifting, and they’re in a place where they’re not overreaching and trying to attain a different role, and they’re not talking about career path, they’re just content to be the person and play the part in the body of the Lord’s gifted and call them to to play, they’re going to have more fun and they’re going to produce more fruit.Rich Birch — Yep.Paul Alexander — It’s just a fact. And so when when you see all this striving and, you know, this ambition to like, I want more, I want more, I want more. It’s a very American, Western idea, right? And the biblical way of doing that would be, hey, well why don’t you be faithful with what the Lord’s entrusted with you today? And when he sees fit to entrust more to you, guess what? He probably will.Rich Birch — He will.Paul Alexander — There’s probably going be some stray arrow out of the battle that was never even intended to hit that guy. It’s going to find just the right place in the chink in the armor. And you’re going to ascend to the throne at the right time when the Lord wants you to. So, you know, relax. Do what the Lord’s called you to do today.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Be faithful in that.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And he’ll entrust more to you when he’s ready.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — So that’s a big deal. that it may sound ah like a contrite, a little bit Bible answer to that. But when your staff are personally in a place where they’re doing what God’s called them to do, and they’re they’re very sober-minded about that, they’re going to have more fun. That’s really important. They’re go to have more fun in ministry. It’s going to be more fulfilling and they’re going to produce more fruit.Paul Alexander — Now, how’s that work its way out with what you’re talking about? We have an annual run of strategic planning that we do, both senior staff and then at the campus level. And that we refresh that every single year. Out of that come real clear objectives where the Lord’s calling us to go. Then goals, professional goals are set around that at the campus level. And then that kind of trickles down. That all gets into review systems. There’s monthly one-on-ones where they’re talking about the performance side of things.Paul Alexander — But it’s really normal, Rich, where if you and I were working with one another and I was reporting to you, you’d say, hey, Paul, what’s going on with you and Lisa? And you’d be asking about my daughters and you’d be asking about my sons. And we’d be talking about life and marriage and family. And and what’s the Lord doing in your life? What’s he saying to you these days? You know, and you know where’s he challenging you? Where’s he encouraging you? So they’re very natural, normal, that part of things there. You’d probably pray for me actually in that meeting that one-on-one. Paul Alexander — And then we talk about, okay, how are we doing with our goals? What what are the measurables? What are the setbacks? Because there’s always setbacks. Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — And what are the things that went faster than you thought they would go? And you’re finding real real traction.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And then my your job as a supervisor would be, how do you get roadblocks out of the way for me to be successful? Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — How do you fuel things that I need fueled so I can be successful and and reach my goals? Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Paul Alexander — So yeah, does that make sense? Rich Birch — That makes total sense. So I, you know, in other contexts, I’ve said results matter because the work that you do matters so much. Like and, and we, and we, we want to think about results. We want to think about fruit. What percentage of, or you know, in a round sense of the team at Sun Valley has like a number or a metric or a like they can measure, it’s not like qualitative, like, oh, things are better. It’s like, no, no, we know. I know whether this is working or not. What percentage of your people you think have a metric like that they they think about on a regular basis?Paul Alexander — All of them.Rich Birch — Love it. Tell us about that. I think this is going to be mind blowing for leaders of churches who do not think about these things. And I know, you know, there’s people out there who, who they they haven’t wrestled with this idea. Unpack that a little bit more.Paul Alexander — Yeah. So, I mean, okay. So if I say, I want my marriage to get better this year, we’ll go real personal for a second. Rich Birch — Sure.Paul Alexander — I want to get my marriage. That’s wonderful. Who doesn’t want their marriage to get better? How are you going to do that?Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — That that just doesn’t magically happen. You don’t drift towards relational intimacy with your spouse.Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — What you do is you drift apart. That’s what happens.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Absence doesn’t make the grow heart grow fonder. It makes it wander. Rich Birch — Yes. Paul Alexander — And so, you know, you’ve got to figure out, okay, how many date nights am I going to do? How much am I going to budget towards this? Are we going to do an annual retreat as a husband and a spouse together, maybe a marriage retreat? Are we going to go on vacation? What are the conversations we feel like we need to lean into? Do we need some do we need some coaching? Rich, if you’re a professional counselor, do I need to go to you and get some some input and some professional coaching? Because goodness gracious, you can see some things that I don’t see because I’m in the fray of it day in and day out. Paul Alexander — So yeah, we’ll get real tactical and say, what book are you going to read? How many of those books are you going to read? What podcast? Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Are you going listen to the unSeminary podcast? You know. What are you going to do to to grow and in your marriage this year or as a leader. And so, yeah, if you can’t measure it, then you can’t actually do it. Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — And then it gets down to opinions and, you know, everybody’s got one of those. So.Rich Birch — Yeah. Alright. I imagine imagine I’m an executive pastor you meet at a conference or you’re somewhere and you’re at an airport lounge, and they’re church of a thousand people, maybe 1500 people. They’ve got 10 staff and they’re sensing that, man, there’s some misalignment, but it’s it’s at the level of like, I think there might be a problem here. I’m not entirely sure. I feel like there’s cracks starting to happen in the staff culture, but it’s not like a giant fizzer. It’s just like things just don’t feel right. What would be some of the first steps that you would suggest a leader take to try to get clarity on actually where things are at with their staff team… Paul Alexander — Yeah. Rich Birch — …you know, in the next 90 days kind of thing?Paul Alexander — Yeah, that’s a good question. Okay, so first of all, I’d say, and this may sound, I mean, play Captain Obvious for a second, don’t ignore that inclination.Rich Birch — That’s good.Paul Alexander — So the Holy Spirit is is is impressing upon you, something doesn’t smell right, then it probably doesn’t smell right.Rich Birch — That’s good.Paul Alexander — Don’t bury that. Don’t avoid that. Avoiding something you know you have to solve is never going to make that situation better, ever.Rich Birch — That’s so true.Paul Alexander — And so don’t avoid it. Go with that feeling. Lean into it a little bit and and begin. Why? Why do I feel this way? What is what am I sensing that needs to be solved? Because my hunch is they’re anticipating something. If they are a good intuitive leader, they’re probably anticipating something before it’s going to happen.Paul Alexander — And so structure is always a lid to growth in a church. Churches always need to restructure. This is really important. So once you get a structure, it’s not like, oh we’re going to be with this structure for the next 15 years. Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — And if it’s a growing church, you’re always going to need to restructure. And that’s just normal. Get used to it.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — It’s just part of what it is. Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — And so I think you’ve got decipher, is it a structure issue or is it a culture issue? That that’s, you know, Wwhat am I sensing that needs to be actually needs to be solved? If it’s a culture issue, where is there a violation of your culture taking place, and how do you help it get better? Maybe you haven’t defined what your culture is. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Maybe you can’t actually really articulate it. Maybe you haven’t written it down, trained it. Maybe you have not filmed 5 to 10 minute videos for every new staff member to to onboarding to actually understand your cultural distinctives. Maybe you’ve not embedded that into your annual reviews and actually, you know at review time, you’re actually reviewing me on how we’re doing, how I’m doing with our staff culture.Paul Alexander — So maybe that’s something you need to just kind of look in the mirror and say, you know what, as a leader, I have the power to change that. And I’m going to get that better this next year. We’re going really clear about what our staff culture is. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Paul Alexander — And then we’re going embed that and train it. If it’s a structural thing, is it truly a structural thing or do you have one or two players that just aren’t playing their part? You know, you’ve got ah this wonderful body the Lord’s put together. He talks about the church being the body of Christ, this wonderful body but where we’re limping because our ankle, we got a bum ankle. And the reality is we either need to rest it, you know, so we can get it healed up. We need to maybe get some repair done to it, or we need to like reconstruct that thing. We need a new ankle. Rich Birch — Yeah.Paul Alexander — All of those are fine answers. And I think just being honest about the team that we have and everybody playing in the right place. And then structurally, you start to get into span of care and you know do we have the right number of staff? Those are real answers you can really get. When we do staffing and structure with churches at the Unstuck Group, there are real healthy benchmarks. There are real healthy financial numbers that are good benchmarks, you know. If you’re spending more than 50 cents on the dollar on your staffing, you should ask yourself why.Paul Alexander — You know, if you have more than your staffing, you’re, you know, beyond one to 75 and you’re creeping into an area that’s really unhealthy. You know, I’ve seen churches that are staffed like one full time staff member for every 30 attenders at the church.Rich Birch — Right, right.Paul Alexander — And you’re just like. It’s sad, frankly, because the Lord’s called us to so much more. And um so those are those are like the basic science side of things that need to be changed. You know, if you’re not clear about who your senior staff is, if you got, if your senior staff, like your executive staff, are making decisions about like the color of the carpet, and they’re making decisions that that are low-level decisions, then you kind of got to look in the mirror and say, boy, are we training our staff that all big decisions have to come to us? Or are we pushing decisions down and actually teaching people how to lead and make decisions? So myriad of things.Rich Birch — That’s good. That’s so good. One of, in last year’s, kind of rundown of, you know, most listened to podcasts, Amy from the Unstuck Group, hers, I think was our second most listened to podcast. And she, she dove in deep on exactly what we were just talking about their, friends. You should go back in the archives, find that episode. It will, it’ll, you know, all that structure stuff. Rich Birch — And I would say on that, particularly on structure and some of those benchmarks, I think too many of us think our church is like this precious, it’s so different than every other church out there. And and and that’s true. It is a unique body. There’s a there’s one way that that is true. But in this way, there are actually a lot of commonalities you can learn from other churches and gain wisdom from folks like Paul who have done this before and talked with lots of churches. So don’t don’t be in isolation about this, Paul. This has been an incredibly helpful. I’ve got a page of notes and other questions I wanted to ask as we were going through. Oh, I want to talk about that. Oh, I want to talk about that.Rich Birch — But I know you’ve got other things to do than be on our podcast. But as you’re thinking about the 2026, the year coming up here, what’s a question or two that you’re wrestling with that you’re thinking through? It doesn’t have to be on what we just talked about there. But just as you think about the future of Sun Valley, what are some things that you’re thinking about going into this year?Paul Alexander — Yeah, that’s a good question. I mean, we pressure we’ve deal with pressure points just like every church does, right? Frankly, the pressure points we’re dealing with, we’re going through a season of a couple of years of pretty significant growth. A lot of people needing Jesus. last This is the first time in back-to-back years we baptized more than 1500 people, you know, in back-to-back years. And so there’s a huge responsibility that our growth, our front end growth is beginning to outpace our engagement. Things like people engaging in groups and building meaningful friendships that are around God’s word or, engaging and volunteering and being the church, not just coming to church, right? And a giving, learning to be generous, generous and steward with the Lord’s entrusted to them. Kind of these markers that we see of people who are actually beginning to look like Jesus. They’re not just, you know, you know, attending church and trying to figure Jesus out a little bit.Paul Alexander — And so in a lot of ways, we need a bigger boat. We’ve got multiple campuses that are doing two services on Saturday and three services on Sunday. And we’ve, we’ve got to get some bigger rooms. And you know, the other side of it is is growth sometimes can grow faster than our ability to grow leaders. I mean, you think about your own personal leadership, Rich. I mean, how long has it taken you to become the leader you are today?Rich Birch — Right. Right. Not overnight. Not in 18 months.Paul Alexander — Yeah, your whole life.Rich Birch — Yes, exactly.Paul Alexander — Yeah, the answer is your whole life. Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — And so there’s definitely been crucible moments. My hunch is if we unpack your leadership journey, there’s been crucible moments where the Lord has ah stretched and grown you in unique ways and unique seasons because of pressure points that you went through. And so um we’re figuring out how do we accelerate leadership in in our staff?Rich Birch — That’s good.Paul Alexander — And you you accelerate leadership not by by giving resources, but by constricting resources. Because leaders always figured out and grow through constriction moments. Rich Birch — That’s good.Paul Alexander — And so giving stretch assignments, all those kind of fun things. So yeah, we deal with pressure points just like everybody else does. I mean, everybody’s like, oh, I’d love to have that problem. I know you would. It’s a wonderful problem to have. It’s still a problem because we don’t want to become a lid to more people meeting Jesus in 2026. You know, by us not solving something that’s in our control to solve.Rich Birch — Yeah. In other contexts, I’ve talked about platinum problems. Those are are great problems, but they’re still problems with things we have to wrestle with. And and friends, if you’re not tracking with Sun Valley, you should be, or Paul or the Unstuck Group, these are all organizations you should be getting a chance to kind of follow along with. If people want to kind of connect with the church, get a better sense, follow along with your story, where do we want to send them online? Tell us about that. And then also Unstuck Group. I want to make sure we we send people there too.Paul Alexander — Yeah, Unstuck Group is super easy to find. Unstuckgroup.com. The listeners can email me at paul@theunstuckgroup.com. That’s the easiest way to get me, frankly. The easiest, cleanest way to get me if someone has a question or wants to follow up on something personally. I’m happy to do that, man.Rich Birch — Thanks so much, Paul. I appreciate you being here today and and really looking forward to seeing what happens in 2026 at Sun Valley. Take care, man.Paul Alexander — Yeah, glad to, man. Thanks for the invitation. Hope the conversation is helpful.

Loving God. Loving People.
#253 - Is It My Own Voice or God's?

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 28:12


In this episode, Chad and Robert talk about how to discern God's voice, what lines up with Scripture, what sounds like conviction (not condemnation), and how the Holy Spirit leads with grace and truth. If you want to move from knowing about God to actually knowing Him, this is a helpful place to start.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00 Discipline vs Punishment00:45 How Do I Know If It's the Holy Spirit?01:38 Knowing About God vs Knowing God05:35 When Knowledge Doesn't Change Character08:17 Test It With Scripture09:13 The Battlefield Is in Your Mind12:06 Conviction vs Condemnation19:00 An Invitation to Something Better22:50 The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves24:56 Following Jesus When You Don't Feel Like It

Loving God. Loving People.
#252 - A Simple Framework for a Stronger Prayer Life

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 31:42


Prayer doesn't have to feel confusing, repetitive, or stuck. In this episode, Chad and Robert talk about why Sun Valley is starting the year focused on prayer and offer a simple, biblical framework that helps you connect with God in a deeper way.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:23 Why Start the Year With Prayer02:05 Don't Wait on a Sermon—Go Read Your Bible03:33 Why Prayer Is a Great New Year Goal04:14 The Most Important Relationship in Your Life05:16 Prayer Is Also Hearing From God05:50 Why the Bible Repeats Themes06:33 The Tabernacle and Learning to Engage With God10:37 Is God the Center of Your Life or a Hobby?12:16 The Gateway to God's Presence Begins With Gratitude13:01 Why We Sing in Church14:07 Starting Prayer With Gratitude (Even on Hard Days)18:49 Gratitude for the Small Things21:34 Thanksgiving vs Praise22:08 God's Joy, Grace, and Holiness22:49 Hell as the Absence of God's Grace24:11 Sacrifice, Sin, and Confession25:07 Jesus the Lamb of God (Hebrews)26:20 Petition and Asking God for Things27:48 Intercession and Praying for Others28:05 The Five Elements of Prayer29:31 Breakthrough Can Be Internal

Loving God. Loving People.
#251 - How To Have A Deeper Prayer Life

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 29:46


In this episode, Chad and Robert talk about what it means to have a Word and Spirit kind of faith that has a thriving relationship with Jesus. If you're curious, cautious, or even nervous about the Holy Spirit, this conversation will help you take a next step with confidence as we head into a new year of prayer.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:27 Happy New Year 01:50 Prayer as a kid vs prayer as real relationship06:50 John 17:3 — eternal life is knowing God09:33 Scotland mission trip: when Scripture came alive13:06 Prayer series vision: Word AND Spirit together14:44 Why this topic feels scary for some people15:04 Cessationism, experience, and what Scripture actually says17:28 Sun Valley's journey toward Word + Spirit18:51 Relationship with God is supernatural by nature20:13 Miracles, healing, and the everyday supernatural22:49 We pray, God decides the results24:32 Other kinds of healing: worship, freedom, restoration25:40 Why we need Spirit-led discipleship26:04 Practical prayer tools coming in this series

The Unstuck Church Podcast with Tony Morgan
Hot Topics: AI - Episode 428

The Unstuck Church Podcast with Tony Morgan

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 35:39


Our culture is experiencing a massive shift fueled by one piece of technology: artificial intelligence. Yep, we're going there. How might AI impact ministry? How are churches adapting to (or resisting) the AI movement? What does AI even have to do with church? In this episode, Amy and Sean are joined by Paul Alexander, Executive Pastor at Sun Valley Community Church in Arizona and a member of the Unstuck team, and Mika Casey, Executive Director of IT at Sun Valley.  They discuss key questions and changes surrounding AI, how to use AI tools in your ministry (and what guardrails to put in place) and what's at stake for the church in the era of AI. This episode is sponsored by Donorbox: Still relying on cash and checks for offerings? Half of churchgoers already prefer to give electronically. Donorbox Live Kiosk helps churches like yours boost giving by 35%. Imagine thousands more dollars each month to fortify your ministry. All you need is a tablet, card reader and Donorbox's app. Donorbox lets congregants make tithes, offerings and donations instantly with cards or digital wallets, like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Get two months free at donorbox.org/unstuckpodcast.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

Loving God. Loving People.
#250 - Navigating Family Drama During The Holidays

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 29:20


Christmas time often brings difficult to navigate family drama. In this episode, Chad and Robert share practical, Spirit-led wisdom for navigating difficult family dynamics with grace and love.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:01:02 Behind the Scenes of Christmas Services  04:16 Christmas Traditions in the Moore and Watson Homes  07:06 The Old Days of Christmas Dramas  09:47 It's Okay to Disappoint Extended Family  11:10 Prioritize Your Immediate Family  12:19 When Family Doesn't Share Your Values  14:48 How to Love People Who Disagree With You  15:53 Loving Your Spouse by Loving Their Family  17:24 Let Go of the Ideal Holiday  18:51 Playing the Family Gathering Like a Game  20:23 Ask Questions. Stay Curious. Love Deeply.  22:44 Walk Into the Room With a Different Attitude  23:17 Great Open-Ended Questions to Ask  24:25 Be Genuinely Interested in Their World

Loving God. Loving People.
#249 - What Makes The Christmas Season So Special?

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 31:11


There's something about Christmas that draws people in whether or not they believe in Jesus. In this episode, Chad and Robert explore why the Christmas season feels different and what our souls are actually responding to beneath the nostalgia, generosity, and traditions.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:25 Why the Holy Spirit Makes Christmas Possible02:27 Jesus and Emmanuel04:22 Why Christmas Feels Special to Everyone07:08 Phantom Pain and the Human Soul08:17 Heaven Came to Earth08:56 God Worked His Way to Us09:11 Why People Say Yes to Christmas Eve09:47 God's Patient Pursuit10:33 Why Simple Invitations Matter11:36 Why Evil Points to God's Reality13:29 Our Appetites Point Beyond This World14:24 Books for Seekers and Skeptics16:05 What Experiencing the Spirit Changes17:13 Obedience Flows From Presence19:16 A Better View of God20:40 A Simple Daily Prayer Practice23:33 Hearing God's Encouragement24:30 Quieting a Busy Mind26:09 Psalm 1 and Fruit in Season28:46 Scripture as the Spirit's Voice

Loving God. Loving People.
#248 - Why The Christmas Story Matters So Much

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 26:25


Christmas is so much more than lights and presents. It's the moment heaven came to earth. In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack the deeper meaning behind the Christmas story, the role of the Holy Spirit in the incarnation, and why the virgin birth still matters today.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00 Welcoming the Christmas Season04:02 Why We Keep Talking About Christmas05:26 The Mystery of the Incarnation06:31 “The Word Became Flesh”: Why It Matters07:56 God's Presence and the Holy of Holies09:25 Why the Virgin Birth Is Essential11:19 Mary, Joseph, and Courage in the Christmas Story13:18 Jesus' Name and What It Declares15:21 The Power of the Name of Jesus15:43 The Trinity Working Together17:23 What the Trinity Means for Us Today18:38 How Chad Prays to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit19:23 Invited Into God's Family20:02 What the Holy Spirit Does at Christmas21:41 Experiencing God's Presence Today22:43 Why People Are Open to God During Christmas23:58 Inviting Others to Experience Jesus

Loving God. Loving People.
#247 - How to Step Into God's Promises

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 26:46


In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack the story of Israel standing at the edge of the Promised Land, paralyzed by fear. They draw parallels to our everyday lives and the spiritual battles we face when fear, excuses, and pride hold us back. This conversation offers practical encouragement for stepping into the place of blessing God has already prepared for us.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:51 Faith, Courage, and the Promised Land  02:04 Why the Israelites Chose Fear Over Faith  03:42 Surviving vs. Thriving in God's Plan  05:13 God's Provision Isn't the Same as His Promise  06:06 The Angel of the Lord and the Question of Sides  07:46 Jesus Doesn't Take Sides08:58 Walking Into Blessing Means Walking With God  10:14 The Real Problem: It's Not Information, It's Application  11:47 The Danger of Being Self-Focused  12:30 What's the Breakthrough You're Avoiding?  13:24 Listening to the Holy Spirit in Daily Life  15:12 Daily Disciplines and Forgetting What God Told Us  16:31 Facing Giants With God  17:18 Learning from Daniel's Rhythms of Faithfulness  19:08 Growing in Faith  20:21 Talk to God All the Time22:12 Most Breakthroughs Are On the Other Side of Obedience  23:59 The Big “But” That's Blocking Your Breakthrough

Loving God. Loving People.
Obedience Is Where the Mission Begins

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 27:29


In this episode, Chad and Robert talk about the difference between true discipleship and spiritual consumerism. They challenge cultural norms of, unpack why obedience is the real mark of maturity, and explore how the early church changed the world by simply applying what little they knew.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:01:17 Spiritualizing Selfishness in Church04:05 The Church Is for Bringing the Kingdom to Earth04:49 Connection Isn't About Church Size05:20 Power, Prestige, and Preference in Church08:36 Discipleship = Your Next Step of Obedience09:56 Information Alone Doesn't Change Lives11:26 Doing What Jesus Says12:40 Don't Just Agree13:36 Real Christianity Is Missional15:32 Serving Is a Way of Life16:16 How Do You Know If You Love Jesus?17:18 Obedience Over Theology Degrees18:23 How the Early Church Changed the World20:37 How to Respond When Culture Presses In21:44 Americanized Faith Isn't the Goal22:29 We're Being Discipled by Algorithms23:24 Teaching People to Think with the Mind of Christ  24:39 Representing Jesus Means Offending Everyone24:58 The Way of Jesus Is Giving, Serving, Dying to Self25:43 Final Challenge: What's Your Next Step?

Loving God. Loving People.
#245 - Is Money Controlling Your Life?

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 31:40


In today's world, money defines success, security and self-worth. but God's way is radically different. In this episode, Chad and Robert dive into the biblical principles of money, wealth, and generosity. They talk about giving, saving, contentment, and why financial peace starts with spiritual surrender.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:37 Why We Should Give to the Church  01:23 Regret in Spending vs. Giving  02:01 How Generosity Built Wealth  02:40 Give First. Save Second. Live on the Rest.  03:40 Following Jesus Means Full Surrender  04:37 What It Means to “Die to Yourself”  06:05 Discipline, Accountability, and Trust  07:26 Jesus Always Knows What's Best  08:16 Faith in Action: Marriage, Money, and More  09:38 Galatians 2:20 and Living by Faith  11:39 Finances as Evidence of Faith  12:27 Why Talking About Money Feels Uncomfortable  14:40 Spend Less Than You Make  15:50 Biblical Principles vs. Cultural Lies  17:36 Why Kids Are Happier Than Adults  19:36 Stingy With Giving, Risky With Spending  21:26 How Money Destroys Relationships  22:05 The Power of Contentment  23:11 The Bible's Simple Money Plan  24:52 How Credit Cards Derail Contentment  25:54 Honor God. Build Wealth. Learn Contentment.  26:45 Stewardship Over Stuff  27:44 Wisdom Is Better Than Money

Loving God. Loving People.
#244 - Building The Church of The Future

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 30:09


In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack why comfort is the enemy of growth, how vision works in the church and in our lives, and what it really means to obey Jesus. They challenge us to stop watching from the sidelines and start living the kind of life Jesus actually invites us into, one filled with purpose, sacrifice, and supernatural blessing.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:30 What Is the Mission of the Church?  01:45 Vision Is a Dream With a Deadline  03:05 Why Big, Vague Vision Doesn't Work  04:08 Unity, Division, and the Power of Focus  05:38 Vision Aligns and Activates the Church  06:42 What's the Vision for Your Own Life?  07:55 Word or Wisdom: How We Hear from God  10:22 Why Most Growth Comes from Small Steps  11:15 Faith Is a Long Obedience in the Same Direction  13:35 Comfort Is Where Your Dreams Go to Die  14:50 Giving and Obedience Go Together  16:13 The Cost of Disobedience as a Church  17:45 Calling Everyone to Step Up  20:42 How Generosity Builds Ownership and Joy  21:43 What You Prioritize Reveals Your Heart  23:08 Give Your Life to Jesus and Do What He Says  24:05 We've Been Domesticated25:42 One Day We'll Answer to God

Loving God. Loving People.
#243 - Following Jesus is Action Oriented

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 28:26


In this episode, Chad and Robert challenge the modern view of church as a place you attend rather than a mission you live. They unpack what it really means to be the Church, a Spirit-empowered movement of people on mission with Jesus, and how we can step into that mission. Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:21 Why Church Is Not a Building  03:22 What “Christian” Originally Meant  05:17 Pentecost and the Birth of the Church  07:37 Every Believer Is a Missionary  10:01 Why So Many Christians Are Bored  11:30 Leaders Who Challenge vs. Leaders Who Coddle  14:49 Living On Mission Is the Most Exciting Life  16:35 The Kingdom Is Forcefully Advancing  17:55 If You're Not in the Game, You're in Disobedience  19:25 There Is No Plan B  21:05 Stop Waiting for Permission to Lead  23:05 Final Challenge: Take Responsibility for Your Faith

Loving God. Loving People.
#242 - At The Movies: Creed

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 22:48


This weekend in our At the Movies series, we looked at themes of identity, endurance, and fighting for what matters most through the story of Creed. In this episode, Chad and Robert talk about what it means to keep going when life punches back, and how God meets us in the ring. They explore how the gospel shapes our identity, gives us strength we didn't know we had, and reminds us that we never fight alone.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:01:16 Every Great Story Points to the Bible  03:12 The Story of Creed  05:28 Adonis Creed's Story of Adoption and Grace  07:11 The Search for Identity  09:49 The “If Only” Trap and Self‑Redemption  12:11 Redemption Found in Relationships  14:43 Why Self‑Salvation Doesn't Work  16:44 Who's in Your Corner?

Loving God. Loving People.
#241 - At The Movies: Wicked

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 25:06


This weekend in our At the Movies series, we looked at the story of Wicked, and how often leads us to hide, perform, or control, and how the gospel offers a better way. In this podcast, Chad and Robert explore how perfect love drives out fear and what it means to live as people fully known, fully forgiven, and set free by God's grace.*Due to copyright restrictions, these messages can only be experienced live during scheduled service times in-person or at live.sv.cc and will not be made available for on-demand viewing.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:01:34 The Theme of Fear in Wicked and Scripture  03:44 Fear in Genesis and God's Response of Love  06:04 Addressing Witchcraft & Discernment  07:28 Is Fear the Root of Sin?  09:57 How the Wizard Uses Fear to Control  11:54 Perfect Love Casts Out Fear  13:52 What to Do When You Feel Afraid  14:55 Living on Mission Replaces Fear with Joy  19:29 The Gospel Is the Answer to Every Problem

Loving God. Loving People.
#240 - At The Movies: Inside Out 2

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 29:22


This weekend in our At the Movies series, we unpacked gospel truths found in Inside Out 2. In this podcast, Chad and Robert reflect on what this film reveals about the emotional lives we all navigate. From anxiety and identity to the truth about how God sees us, they explore how our feelings are real, but not always reliable, and how Scripture helps us process them with wisdom and grace.*Due to copyright restrictions, these messages can only be experienced live during scheduled service times in-person or at live.sv.cc and will not be made available for on-demand viewing.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00 Why We Talk About Movies in Church  01:42 Inside Out 2 Recap & Pixar's Emotional Brilliance  04:13 Anxiety, Emotions, and Identity in Teen Life  06:34 Romans 12 and the Power of Renewing Your Mind  08:53 When Anxiety Takes Over  11:09 Philippians 4: Thanking and Thinking  13:30 Science Is Catching Up to Scripture  15:58 Worry Is Meditation in the Wrong Direction  17:46 Focus on What You Can Control  22:16 Let Peace, Not Anxiety, Lead Your Life  

Loving God. Loving People.
#239 - At The Movies: Top Gun: Maverick

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 24:06


During our At the Movies series, we explore how some of the most powerful stories in film reflect the truth of the gospel. In this podcast, Chad and Robert unpack the power of redemption, letting go of the past, and the call to sacrificial love. This conversation offers a meaningful look at how the gospel shows up in unexpected places.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00 Why talk about movies in church?01:15 Why stories speak to our souls02:52 How every great story reflects the Bible03:50 Top Gun Maverick and biblical parallels06:54 The theme of letting go of the past11:19 Maverick's sacrifice and the gospel connection13:37 Living in response to grace15:19 Filming with the real F-14 from the movie16:55 A picture of redemption and heaven18:41 “It's what my dad would've done.”20:14 Disarming evil and the gospel message21:12 How free would you be if you let go of the past?

Loving God. Loving People.
#238 - How Pride Blocks God's Work in Your Life

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 30:19


In this episode, Chad and Robert explore what the Bible says about pride, humility, and why living in reality is the only way to experience true love and grace. From leadership to relationships to prayer, humility affects all aspects of life.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:01:16 Why Humility Is So Hard  02:29 The Humble Are In, The Proud Are Out  03:45 Messy People Loved Jesus  06:06 Humility Is Living in Reality  07:47 Humility Is the Posture of Receiving  09:01 Vulnerability Requires Courage  10:26 How Can You Be Strong and Humble?  12:20 Good Leadership Embraces Reality  14:35 Pride Was the First Sin  16:28 Grace Levels the Playing Field  17:46 Everyone's Broken21:03 Quick Self-Test: Are You Humble?  24:07 How Pride Destroys Relationships  25:24 Do You Pray? That's a Clue  26:56 Humility Is How We Receive Love

Loving God. Loving People.
#237 - What Biblical Marriage Looks Like

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 28:56


In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack Ephesians 5 and the powerful call to mutual submission in marriage. Whether you're married, single, or seeking clarity on God's design, this conversation reframes the idea of biblical marriage and reveals its beauty when done God's way.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:59 Why Marriage Is a Spiritual Test  02:54 The Biblical Picture of Oneness  04:48 Marriage That Reflects Christ  05:53 Submit to One Another Out of Reverence  06:50 What Submission Really Means  09:27 Marriage Roles: Mutual Sacrifice  10:34 Serving the Greater Mission of Marriage  12:56 Respect and Love Are Not Optional  16:13 What Real Leadership in Marriage Looks Like  18:49 Husbands: Love Like Christ  21:01 Cherish, Serve, and Sacrifice  23:07 We Over Me: The Mystery of Marriage  25:32 Don't Weaponize Scripture

Loving God. Loving People.
#236 - How to Forgive When It Feels Impossible

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 35:09


Forgiveness isn't easy, but it's essential in order to give and relieve love. In this episode, Chad and Robert walk through what biblical forgiveness really means, why it matters for your relationships, and how to take real steps toward healing from deep wounds.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00 Bitterness Closes the Door on Love  01:03 Why Forgiveness Is Central to the Gospel  02:28 God's Design: Free Will and Broken Trust  04:37 What Forgiveness Really Means  07:47 Why Only Jesus Can Pay Our Debt  10:15 Forgiveness Requires Absorbing the Cost  12:58 Jesus Is the Redeemer and the Reward  14:46 How to Forgive Deep Offenses  16:25 Bitterness Blocks Trust and Love  21:12 How to Cancel the Debt and Heal  29:40 Do I Have to Reconcile the Relationship?

Loving God. Loving People.
#235 - Generational Curses and How Jesus Sets Us Free

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 28:59


In this episode, Chad Moore and Robert Watson unpack the biblical reality of generational sin, and how Jesus gives us the power to stop repeating the past. If you've ever felt stuck in unhealthy patterns from your family or struggled with the idea of generational curses, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and real next steps for healing.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:25 What Is Generational Sin?01:55 Why Your Parents' Patterns Still Affect You04:11 Seeing What “Normal” Could Be05:33 Generational Cycles07:20 Taking Responsibility for the Future09:47 The Power of a New Identity in Christ14:39 Uprooting to Make Room for New Fruit18:52 Practical Ways to Break the Cycle21:24 Renewing Your Mind with God's Truth23:10 When It Feels Overwhelming, Start Small25:34 God Can Heal Your Family Line

Loving God. Loving People.
#234 - God's Purpose for Singleness (with Pastor Ricky Jenkins)

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 32:07


In this week's episode, Pastor Chad sits down with Ricky Jenkins to talk about the biblical value of singleness, the subtle ways we idolize marriage, and why being whole in Christ is more important than finding “the one.”Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00 Singleness Isn't a Problem to Fix  01:18 A Biblical Vision for Singleness  03:36 When Marriage Becomes an Idol  06:05 What Wholeness Really Means  08:20 You Can Be Called Without a Spouse  10:11 The Blessings and Challenges of Singleness  13:40 How the Church Can Better Support Single Adults  16:15 Marriage Doesn't Complete You  18:32 Learning Contentment in Every Season  21:05 Why We Must Be Whole Before We're Together

Loving God. Loving People.
#233 - What Real Love Looks Like

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 29:23


In this episode, Chad and Robert discuss the biblical picture of love as we see in 1 Corinthians 13, and challenge popular myths about marriage, romance, and commitment. Whether you're married, single, or somewhere in between, this conversation explores how real love isn't about feelings, but about self-sacrifice, grace, and choosing to love even when it's hard.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters00:00 Real Love Isn't a Feeling  00:47 What Is Love? A Biblical Picture  03:13 Paul's Story and a Love That Transforms  06:39 1 Corinthians 13: The Portrait of Love  08:31 Jesus Is the Definition of Love  09:56 Love Is a Choice, Not a Reaction  13:54 How God Designed Marriage to Work  15:57 The Reality Behind Our Romantic Fantasies  19:22 Choosing to Die to Self in Marriage  23:28 Real Intimacy Comes from Being Fully Known  

Loving God. Loving People.
#232 - Your Words Matter More Than You Think

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 28:27


Our words, for better or for worse, have the power to build up or tear down. In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack what the Bible says about the power of our words, why what we speak flows from what we store in our hearts, and how we can become people who use words to reflect the love and truth of God in every relationship.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.00:00 What's In Your Heart Comes Out in Your Words  02:14 The Power of a Single Moment  03:36 Jesus on Words and Judgment  07:00 What Happens at the Judgment Seat for Believers  10:08 Writing, Editing, and the Value of Careful Speech  12:17 Why Relational Wisdom Requires Verbal Discipline  15:40 Words That Shape Identity, Especially for Kids  17:59 Influence Amplifies Your Words  21:05 Changing Your Heart Changes Your Words

Loving God. Loving People.
#231 - Relationships Over Rules

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 30:08


Most people think eternal life is about following the rules so that we can get into heaven when we die, but Jesus said it's about knowing God. In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack what it really means to follow Jesus in everyday life, why discipleship is always relational, and how love, is the true mark of spiritual maturity.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00 Eternal Life: A Relationship, Not Just Rules07:55 Marriage Struggles and Living Out Faith10:27 From Theory to Practice: Living Relational Faith13:03 Discipleship Isn't Just Head Knowledge16:36 What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?20:14 Love Wins People, Not Arguments21:42 Evangelism Through Listening and Hospitality24:26 New Testament Community: Radical Hospitality26:03 Love Over Power: The Way of Jesus27:02 Practical Steps: Living Relationally Every Day

Loving God. Loving People.
#230 - Why Trusting God Feels So Hard

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 27:44


In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack how the Bible is not just a book of rules, but a relational story, and how learning to trust God leads to real transformation. Whether you struggle to surrender, doubt God's goodness, or just feel stuck, this conversation will remind you that you don't have to be afraid and can truly trust in God.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 – The One Thing Holding You Back00:04:09 – Why We Always Talk About Relationships00:06:17 – Is the Bible Really About Rules?00:08:33 – Trusting God Is the Heart of Faith00:12:38 – Repentance Is a Change of Mind00:16:20 – Fear: The Root of Our Disconnection00:19:30 – Why God Doesn't Force Salvation00:22:43 – Kindness That Leads to Repentance00:24:49 – Love Casts Out Fear00:25:36 – Living in Peace Starts With Trust

Loving God. Loving People.
#229 - Making Sense of Spiritual Warfare (with Lucas Cooper)

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 30:52


In this episode, Robert and Lucas talk about spiritual warfare, not as something mysterious or dramatic, but as a real and often subtle battle that happens in our thoughts, relationships, and values. From the lies we believe to the way we treat others, we're constantly invited to resist evil by living in truth, unity, and love. This conversation brings clarity to a topic many overcomplicate and reminds us that the fight is already won, and our job is to stay alert, grounded in Scripture, and faithful in the simple things.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 – What Is Spiritual Warfare, Really?00:03:38 – We're More Than Just Bodies00:06:30 – The World's Awareness vs. the West's Blind Spots00:08:23 – The Battle in Our Minds00:10:24 – Division and Disunity: A Spiritual Strategy00:12:30 – Obedience as Warfare00:14:56 – How Culture Worships Money and Sex00:18:58 – The Three Enemies of God's People00:23:00 – Living Like the Battle Is Already Won

Loving God. Loving People.
#228 - How Serving Others Leads to Spiritual Growth (with Lucas Cooper)

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 28:02


Generosity isn't just about money, it's about living open-handed with your time, talents, experiences, and even your words. In this episode, Robert sits down with Lucas Cooper, Sun Valley's Stewardship and Generosity Pastor, to talk about the joy of giving, the spiritual power of serving, and how generosity fuels Kingdom impact.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 – Embracing Generosity in Faith00:03:07 – Luke's Ministry Journey00:06:13 – Returning Home: How Luke Landed at Sun Valley00:09:11 – Healing, Purpose, and Finding Joy Through Serving00:12:26 – Why Generosity Reflects the Heart of God00:15:35 – Life Detours: From Bible College to Portland00:18:23 – “Kingdom Vision Moves at the Speed of Generosity”00:21:32 – Growth Challenges and the Need for Generous Leadership00:24:36 – Whole-Life Generosity: Encouragement for Every Season

Loving God. Loving People.
#227 - The Power of Words [From the Archives]

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 27:06


What do your words say about your heart? In this episode, Chad and Robert hone in on the keys to communication and handling conflict. We make a difference when we acknowledge each other's experiences and speak with wisdom. You never know the impact one conversation will make on someone's life. To follow Jesus, we need to learn to talk like Him, and that starts by listening to His Word.  Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.

Loving God. Loving People.
#226 - Going in Gratitude [From the Archives]

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 28:35


Robert and special guest Dr. Dayna Harris discuss how to practice thankfulness even when we don't feel it. There are times when it's easy to see the good, and there are times when thinking positively seems like blind optimism. God is the same through all of it, and His love gives us a reason for gratitude every minute of every day. Placing our trust in Jesus leads to joy that surpasses any trial that may come our way.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:03:05 Embracing Gratitude Over Pain  00:06:26 Entering God's Presence with Thanksgiving00:10:00 Theological Perspective on Life's Challenges00:12:54 The Faithfulness of Joseph in Adversity  00:15:42 Finding Joy and Gratitude in Difficult Times00:19:00 Shaping Your Day with Positivity  00:21:43 Finding Community and Overcoming Isolation00:25:21 Building Trust in Community Groups

Loving God. Loving People.
#225 - Hearing God and Trusting God are Very Different Things [From the Archives]

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 25:39


Guest speaker Megan Fate Marshman joins Pastor Chad to talk about what it really means to trust God. Even when we hear God, we often think we walk alone, but we don't need to. God promises to be there, no matter where we are or what we're going through. We grow through our pain when we open our lives to trust Him. He prepares us for the future and leads us through the trials we don't see coming. God uses the good and the bad, and in it all, our greatest strength is when we call out to Him. Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Listening and Trusting God00:02:54 Understanding Jeremiah 29:1100:05:51 Family Resilience and Faith  00:08:53 Trusting God's Sovereignty in Difficult Times00:11:36 Understanding God's Faithfulness in Difficult Times00:14:27 Finding God's Presence in Loneliness00:17:18 Discovering Strength in Prayer00:19:55 Finding Strength Through Pain and Faith00:23:03 Honest Conversations with God  

Loving God. Loving People.
#224 - Training Your Brain [From the Archives]

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 26:26


Chad and Robert discuss the power of our thoughts and how to choose new mindsets. We can't control what happens to us, but we change our lives from the inside. We need to stop filling our minds with the world and make room for healthy pathways. We can influence our perspectives when we follow Jesus with our habits. Our lives are moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts, so which thoughts will you put in the lead? When you face a mind war, the ways you train your brain will make the difference.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Importance of Thoughts in Spiritual Life  00:02:50 Finding Joy from Within00:05:42 Understanding John 15:500:08:48 Transform Your Mindset00:11:25 Transforming Neural Pathways Through Faith00:14:14 Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences00:17:06 The Impact of Music Lyrics on the Mind00:19:43 The Art of Meditating on Scripture00:22:36 Transforming Your Mind with Romans 12:2

Loving God. Loving People.
#223 - Loneliness [From the Archives]

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 27:01


How are we doing as Americans in dealing with loneliness? In a recent study in 2019, 61% of Americans identified themselves as lonely. Through scripture, we learn that loneliness is not talking about a physical state you may find yourself in, but more about your state of mind and spirit. Remember this - you are not alone in your loneliness. Join us for this crucial conversation on yet another “epidemic” that is infecting our cultural moment.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:03:23 Overcoming Loneliness: A Deep Dive into Relational Disconnect00:04:54 The Loneliness Epidemic and Its Global Impact00:07:23 The Impact of Phones and Social Media00:09:50 The Role of Prayer00:12:23 The Power of Family Prayer During the Pandemic00:14:50 Understanding the Revolutionary Concept of God as 'Father'00:17:38 Understanding Reverence in Prayer  00:20:22 Biblical Steps to Connection

Loving God. Loving People.
#222 - Leading Like Jesus [From the Archives]

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 23:57


Leadership means taking people where they, and even you, haven't been. You are influencing somebody, but are you leading them? How can you combine kindness with goals? Jesus shows us that real leadership requires service, strategy, and strength. Through the life of Jesus, we can see that God's mission includes confrontation, but it doesn't include selfishness. No matter who you are, when you choose to put others first, you can change the world. Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.

Loving God. Loving People.
#221 - The Hidden Battles Inside Us

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 27:31


In this episode, Chad and Robert explore how emotions like guilt, bitterness, jealousy, and greed get lodged deep inside us, affecting every part of our lives. They share practical ways to evaluate the health of your heart, why guarding it matters, and how God wants to bring healing to even the hidden, broken places.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Exploring the True Meaning of the Heart in Faith00:03:10 The Heart's Influence on Words and Actions00:06:11 Understanding Guilt and Bitterness00:09:13 The Importance of a Daily Heart Check00:12:22 Understanding and Expressing Emotions through Spiritual Practice00:15:25 Importance of Good Friendships  00:17:44 Forgiveness and Grace in Marriage00:20:37 Vulnerability and Grace in Relationships00:23:41 Salvation and Healing in the Bible

Loving God. Loving People.
#220 - Did Jesus Really Come Back to Life?

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 26:31


In today's episode, Chad and Robert explore why the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith—and why everything hinges on whether or not it really happened. They walk through historical evidence, personal stories, and why even skeptics like Paul, C.S. Lewis, and Lee Strobel became convinced it was true. If the resurrection is real, it means our sin is paid for, Jesus is alive, and we can live with eternal hope.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 The Importance of the Resurrection in Christianity00:03:17 Evidence and Faith in the Resurrection  00:05:59 Understanding New Life in Faith  00:08:52 Exploring Different Faiths and Beliefs  00:11:47 Examining the Historical Evidence of Jesus' Resurrection00:14:37 Transformation of Paul: From Persecutor to Apostle00:17:23 The Influence of Jesus on Western Civilization  00:20:13 The Power of Faith: A Historical Perspective00:23:01 The Global Spread of the Gospel and Jesus' Return

Loving God. Loving People.
#219 - How Jesus Changes Everything

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 28:00


In this episode, Pastors Chad and Robert unpack the shocking beauty and depth of Jesus' death on the cross, revealing how it sits at the center of both God's justice and His love. From the symbolism in the Old Testament to the moment Jesus was crucified in our place, this conversation explores why the cross is more than a symbol—it's our salvation.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Significance of the Cross in Christianity00:03:13 The Concept of Propitiation in Theology00:06:12 Symbolism of Jesus and the Lamb in Christianity00:09:01 God in the Old Vs. New Testament00:11:44 Understanding God's Love and Trust  00:14:48 The New Covenant: A Massive Upgrade  00:17:30 The Significance of the Cross and God's Love00:20:46 Grace Through Parenthood00:23:37 The Unique Sacrifice in Christianity

Beyond the Event: A Youth Ministry Podcast
BTE4.15 Healthy Growth from Healthy Culture with Mike Branton and Caleb DeRoin

Beyond the Event: A Youth Ministry Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 72:18 Transcription Available


Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!What if the key to extraordinary youth ministry growth isn't flashy programming but something far more fundamental? In this conversation, Mike Branton shares how Sun Valley Community Church transformed their student ministry by focusing on relationships, staff retention, and intentional leadership development – resulting in over 300% growth in just four years.Mike reveals the counterintuitive approach that set them apart: rather than pushing for immediate numerical results, they first established a healthy foundation before "pouring gas on the fire." He breaks down their ministry philosophy using a compelling fire metaphor where events are sparks, programs are logs, but relationships are the embers that provide lasting warmth and draw people in. "Those flashes in the pan are actually more detrimental than helpful in the long run," Mike explains, advocating instead for ministry that raises the water level permanently rather than creating temporary waves.The conversation explores Sun Valley's commitment to authenticity, from their leadership distinctive of "love first, lead second, but always do both" to their transparent expectations with volunteers. Mike shares how they reorganized their ministry priorities (small groups first, student serving second, large group gatherings third) and reimagined church-wide partnerships where everyone serves as a "student volunteer." Perhaps most striking is their successful appeal to leadership for resources, including a Christmas offering that raised one million dollars to make summer camp financially accessible to all.Whether you're struggling with leadership pressure for quick results or simply wanting to build sustainable growth, Mike's insights provide a refreshing alternative to the "bigger, better, faster" mentality that often pervades ministry conversations. This episode offers practical wisdom for creating a youth ministry that doesn't just attract numbers but transforms lives for the long haul.

Loving God. Loving People.
#218 - Honoring God With Your Time, Money & Gifts

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 25:45


In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack the biblical idea of stewardship—what it means to manage the gifts, relationships, and resources God has entrusted to us. From money and spiritual gifts to marriage and leadership, they explore how to live a life of obedience and purpose.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Stewardship and the Rule of Life00:02:56 Salvation and Stewardship in the Bible  00:05:17 The Parable of Stewardship and God's Ownership00:08:13 Understanding Stewardship Beyond Finances00:10:54 The Weight of Stewardship and Accountability00:13:43 Embracing and Utilizing God-Given Gifts  00:16:34 Stewardship and Obedience in Faith00:19:25 Aligning Finances with Faith00:22:29 The Freedom of Obedience and Stewardship

Loving God. Loving People.
#217 - Living Out The Gospel

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 25:11


In this episode, Chad and Robert explore what it really means to live out the gospel—not just believe it. They unpack what it means to bring the culture of Heaven into our everyday lives, why good works naturally flow from grace, and how every follower of Jesus is a missionary wherever God has placed them.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Understanding the Kingdom of Heaven  00:02:53 The Impact of Genuine Grace on Life00:05:48 Church Generosity and Annual Giving Strategy00:08:29 The Responsibility of Wealth in Sharing the Gospel00:11:06 Walking Alongside and Meeting Physical Needs00:13:41 Understanding the Kingdom of Heaven Today00:16:39 Judeo-Christian Influence on Western Society  00:19:12 Countercultural Forgiveness in Christianity  00:21:38 The Transformative Power of the Gospel

Loving God. Loving People.
#216 - Practicing the Way of Jesus

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 24:46


In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack why spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and even fasting aren't about earning God's love but creating space to experience His presence and transformation. They explore the difference between trying and training, how to find disciplines that fit your personality, and why fasting still matters today.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Spiritual Disciplines: Balancing Grace and Effort00:02:53 The Importance of Discipline and Training00:05:31 Understanding Runner's High and Karate Kid Lessons00:07:56 Spiritual Disciplines in Christianity  00:10:31 Understanding Spiritual Disciplines and Joyful Practices00:13:06 The Role of Worship in Community00:16:00 The Importance of Fasting in Spiritual Life00:18:39 The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting

Loving God. Loving People.
#215 - The Secret to Spiritual Growth

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 26:30


In this episode, Chad and Robert discuss what it really means to develop Christlike character—not by trying harder, but by staying connected to Jesus. Drawing from John 15:5, they explore how abiding in Christ leads to real transformation, why our focus matters more than busyness, and how the Holy Spirit produces lasting change in us. Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 The Challenge of Maintaining Focus in Modern Culture00:02:58 Understanding How to Remain in Christ00:05:46 Focus in a Distracted Culture00:08:49 Finding Peace Through a Balanced Rhythm of Life00:11:23 The Importance of Christlike Character Traits00:14:29 The Search for Profoundness in a Digital Age  00:17:29 Experiencing the Love of God00:20:27 Embracing Christlike Character through Grace and Humility00:23:10 Understanding Christlike Character

Loving God. Loving People.
#214 - Transformation Through Relationship with Jesus

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 27:01


In today's episode, Chad and Robert dive into what it truly means to be with Jesus. Many people see Jesus as just a teacher of rules, but His greatest desire is to give us a new identity—one rooted in His love and presence. Through the Holy Spirit, we have access to Jesus in a personal, daily way and He invites us to be with Him.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Understanding Jesus' Teachings and Identity00:02:57 The Day of Pentecost and the Arrival of the Holy Spirit00:05:39 Understanding New Identity in Faith00:08:38 The Role of the Trinity in Prayer00:11:45 The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit00:14:36 Experiencing God's Love and Inner Peace00:17:27 Experiencing the Holy Spirit in Prayer  00:20:20 Experiencing the Presence of the Holy Spirit00:23:14 Connecting with the Holy Spirit

Loving God. Loving People.
#213 - What It Really Means to Follow Jesus

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 24:57


In this episode, Chad and Robert dive into the true meaning of discipleship—what it really means to follow Jesus. Too often, discipleship is reduced to a class, a checklist, or simply acquiring knowledge, but Jesus invites us into something deeper: an apprenticeship. Being a disciple isn't about having all the answers—it's about learning to live like Jesus in every aspect of our lives.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters: 00:00:00 Understanding Biblical Discipleship as Apprenticeship00:02:49 The Paradox of Spiritual Maturity00:05:28 Acceptable Sins in Modern Faith  00:08:13 Being an Apprentice, Not Just a Student00:10:51 Embracing the Heart of Jesus00:13:37 What Would Jesus Do? A Practical Guide for Modern Living00:16:16 Recognizing God's Voice in a Noisy World00:18:56 Living Intentionally Like Jesus in Modern Times00:21:34 The Importance of Community in Faith

Loving God. Loving People.
#212 - Why Enjoying Life Is Part of God's Plan

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 23:28


In this episode, Chad and Robert dive into an often-overlooked spiritual discipline—celebration. Too often, life's demands keep us focused on productivity and problem-solving, but God actually commands us to enjoy life. Drawing from Scripture, they discuss how celebration fuels our faith, strengthens our relationships, and reflects God's goodness.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Embracing Joy and Celebration in Life00:02:44 Embracing Christian Hedonism and Celebrating Life00:05:23 Understanding True Sabbath Rest00:07:53 The Importance of Observing the Sabbath00:10:16 The Impact of Beliefs on Life Choices00:12:51 The Importance of Enjoying Life and Practicing Celebration00:15:28 Celebrating Life and Expressing Gratitude in Faith  00:17:54 Building a Relationship with God through Gratitude and Prayer00:20:19 Practicing Gratitude and Celebration

Loving God. Loving People.
#211 - Trusting God with Your Finances

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 26:47


In today's episode, Chad and Robert dive into one of the most sensitive yet essential topics in our faith—money. Why did Jesus talk about it so much? Because our relationship with money often reflects our trust in God. They discuss common misconceptions about church and finances, the dangers of both prosperity and poverty mindsets, and the biblical principle of stewardship. If you've ever struggled with financial stress, questioned why giving matters, or wondered how to honor God with your resources, this conversation is for you.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Managing Money God's Way  00:03:18 Managing Church Finances with Integrity00:05:56 Serving God vs. Money  00:08:51 Embracing Simple Pleasures and Financial Realities00:11:43 Journey to Becoming Debt-Free with Financial Discipline00:14:38 Finding Joy and Contentment in Everyday Life00:17:28 Prosperity, Poverty, and Stewardship00:20:37 Stewardship Theology: Managing God's Resources  00:23:19 Managing Money God's Way

Loving God. Loving People.
#210 - Why Should We Read The Bible?

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 28:30


In today's episode, Chad and Robert discuss that reading the Bible isn't the goal, but getting to know the author is. While scripture is essential for understanding God's heart and purpose, it's possible to know the Bible without truly knowing Him. They explore how religious pride can distort scripture, how Jesus calls us to apply His words rather than just memorize them, and practical ways to read the Bible for transformation, not just information.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Understanding the True Purpose of the Bible  00:03:21 The Deception of Religious Evil  00:06:33 The Root of All Sin  00:09:43 The Teachings of Jesus  00:12:39 The Journey of Healing and Recovery00:15:34 Discovering the Power and Truth of Scripture00:18:27 The Misconception of Spiritual Maturity00:21:39 True Spiritual Maturity vs. Knowledge00:24:46 Understanding the Purpose of the Bible

Loving God. Loving People.
#209 - What is Spiritual Secrecy?

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 26:22


In this episode, Chad and Robert dive into the often-overlooked spiritual discipline of secrecy. Drawing from Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, they explore how doing good deeds in secret strengthens our relationship with God and serves as a powerful heart check. The Bible teaches us that practicing generosity and service without seeking recognition leads to deeper joy, intimacy with God, and transformation in our souls.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Understanding the Practice of Secrecy in Spiritual Disciplines00:03:08 Understanding Secrecy in The Sermon on the Mount00:05:48 Mastering Stick Shift Driving  00:08:44 The Importance of Secrecy in Faith Practices00:11:47 Living a Life of Generosity  00:14:48 The Struggle and Joy of Tithing and Secret Giving00:17:45 Practicing the Discipline of Secrecy  00:20:35 Secret Acts of Kindness00:23:08 The Art of Secrecy in Your Relationship with God

Loving God. Loving People.
#208 - Finding Peace in a Fast-Paced Life

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 32:14


In this episode, Chad and Robert explore the spiritual discipline of slowing down. With the fast pace of modern life, it's easy to get caught up in busyness and lose sight of what truly matters. They unpack the difference between being busy and being hurried, the value of creating margin in our lives, and practical steps to cultivate rhythms of rest. From aligning our daily habits with God's design to learning to hear His whispers in the stillness, we're reminded to embrace a slower, more intentional pace for a life of peace, joy, and deeper connection with God.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapter:00:00:00 The Discipline of Slowness and Spiritual Growth00:03:32 Writing a 365-Day Men's Devotional Book00:07:11 Slowing Down: Health and Relationships  00:10:43 Transformative Practices for a Renewed Mind00:14:02 Finding Peace in Nature and Slowing Down00:17:45 Navigating Family Conflicts on Vacation  00:20:55 Embracing Solitude and Spiritual Connection00:24:25 The Art of Slowing Down: Starting Your Day Without a Phone00:28:11 Spiritual Growth Through Slowing Down