Ask yourself this question: "What kind of friend am I?". Community through deep, intentional friendships are essential to living the life God has created us to live. In this episode, guest speaker Pastor Helen Burns helps us unpack the importance of what it looks like to live out a life that honours God through our relationships and community. Disc…

As a follower of Jesus, life sometimes may feel like a battle. The Bible instructs us to "fight the good fight" (1 Timothy 6:12). In this episode Pastor Joel Varty helps us be reminded that holding to our convictions and maintaining spiritual formation are key areas as God becomes our strength and in support in every struggle. Discover how the impo…

What does community look like when it’s rooted in love and grounded in the realities of life? How do we grab hold of a vision for biblical unity within our congregations and learn to live in the tensions that come with knowing and loving others well? This week, Rich Villodas, author of The Deeply Formed Life and Pastor of New Life Fellowship, joins…

Throughout our day-to-day lives, God always extends an invitation to see Him work around us and within us. In this message, Pastor Jason Ballard walks us through three powerful invitations from Jesus. First, we discuss how Jesus calls His followers to rest, drawing from His practices of withdrawing to quiet places. Next, we examine how Jesus involv…

Have you ever wondered, "What does God want me to do?" Join us as Pastor Isaac Varty walk us through the themes of faith, exploring the process of sanctification and fulfilling the call to build Christ’s church. From reflecting Jesus' character to loving others unconditionally, we’ll delve into how Christians can be the hope of the world, fulfillin…

The church growth movement of the 20th-century has left a lasting impact on our perception of the Church today. What can we learn from its successes and shortcomings, and how can we move forward in the context of our post-everything society? This week, Daniel Im from Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton joins us on the podcast for a second time Danie…

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Throughout each of Paul's letter to the early Church lies many profound truths that we can apply in our modern age. This week guest speaker Dr.David Campbell helps us explore the rich doctrinal teachings in the first three chapters of Ephesians, revealing God's redemptive plan and unity through Christ, followed by practical applications in chapters…

Every leader faces moments when vision dims and passion wavers. How do we sustain a vision for long term leadership and be able to lead with joy in our hearts and conviction in our steps? This week, Shaila Visser from Alpha joins us on the podcast for a second time to share insights from her extensive leadership experience. Shaila shares about: Sus…

What does it mean to not live by sight by but to live by faith? This week Pastor Joel Varty helps us as we explore the challenges of living a life of faith amidst doubts and anxieties. We'll reflect on Hebrews 11:6, the story of Thomas in John 20, and real-life experiences to discover how faith in God, even when unseen, leads to trust, healing, and…

Healing Do you believe that God still heals? Confessionist Group Cessationist Group Can Will James 5:13-16 // Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the pray…

In a world where divisiveness appears to grow, it can appear hard to find unity with those around us. This week on our 'From Generation to Generation' series Pastor Joel Varty helps us walk through steps on what it looks like to live a life that is rooted in unity. Join us as we tear down invisible walls within our lives such as offense, fear, mist…

What is unique about your church that you bring to the broader body of Christ? And, what from the broader body of Christ can you draw from and be strengthened by? Chrishan Jeyaratnam joined us this week from Hillsong East Coast where he and his wife Danielle serve as Lead Pastors. Chrishan shared with us about his family’s move from Perth to New Yo…

The Competent & Wealthy James 4:13-16 // Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it…

What is the role of a father? and how does that impact how we love those around us? Pastor Joel Varty shows us what the love of a father is supposed to be like through Biblical principles. Discover how a strong father figure can guide us home, with insights into modern challenges, the timeless wisdom of stories such as the Prodigal Son, and the bou…

The Tongue We would use God’s wisdom to govern the words spoken from the tongue. BIBLE FORD KISS THE Luke 6:45 // For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Proverbs 4:23 // Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Matthew 15:11 (NLT) // “It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the …

As we continue on our series "From Generation to Generation", we explore the timeless principle of honour, starting with the biblical command to "honour your father and mother." Discover how honouring others can be both challenging and rewarding, and how it leads to self-discipline and a fulfilling life. Through personal stories and scriptural insi…

How can the people of God inhabit our cities - in workplaces, commutes & classrooms in a way that’s coloured by the hope of God’s kingdom breaking in? This week Tyler Staton and Pete Hughes join us on the podcast in a conversation that was originally a part of one of our Emerging Leaders Lab cohort sessions. Tyler and Pete share about: Finding Rhyt…

“I’m kind of a genius.” James 1:19-22 // My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word plante…

What does it look like to learn from younger generations and to be people who help shape the next generation? Discover how Jesus is building His church through all people in our latest message from Pastor Joel Varty. Inspired by Joel 2:28, we explore the wisdom and guidance a 12-year-old can offer. Listen to stories of youthful leadership, such as …

Grow the church. Grow you. Who is the author? James Camel Knees Who is the audience? Jewish Christians What is the purpose? Encouragement What is the central message? Faith in Action Truths of Trouble Trouble comes to everyone Trouble can be unpredictable Trouble hurts Rejoice in Trouble James 1:1-2 // James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus …

Philippians 2:15-16 // …Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian. G.K. Chesterton Joy vs Happiness Joy makes a follower of Jesus uncommon. How do I Live With Uncommon Joy? Joy’s Importance Psalm 51:12-13 // “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And u…

What does our impact towards the next generation look like? How do we think about the future? Drawing from Joel 2:28 and stories from the Bible, we'll discuss how God’s Spirit moves through every age group, from children to elders. Discover how we can build a stronger, united church by honouring the past, living fully in the present, and preparing …

38 years into ministry, Helen Burns speaks of the Church with love in her voice and delight in the work God is doing among His people today. Joining us on the podcast for a second time, Helen is a voice of encouragement as she reflects on what she has learned along the way. From planting Relate Church with her husband John in 1986, to the process o…

In a world with worries, we can tend ask: "What does choosing Godly peace look like in our every day living?" In this episode, one of our Pastors, Isaac Varty, navigates us through Matthew 6:25-34 as we discover Jesus' profound teachings on handling stress, worry, and anxiety. Join us as we discover how trusting God, seeking His kingdom first, and …

Uncommon Worship What do I do with my worry? 2 Chronicles 1:1-4, 15 // After that, the Moabites, Ammonites and some Meunites went to war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Some people came and told him, “A huge army is coming from Edom to fight against you. They have come across the Dead Sea. They are already in Hazezon Tamar.” Hazezon Tamar is also called En …

We are wrapping our series "A Grace Filled Life" as Pastor Dennis helps us understand what it looks like to receive God's grace and what it looks like by practically extending it to others, navigating differences, supporting weaknesses, and fostering reconciliation in fractured relationships. Learn how grace empowers us to approach conversations wi…

Philippians 2:15, 16 (NIV) // So that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. John 13:35 (NIV) // By…

Letting Jesus shepherd us into renewed courage and contentment when our vision for success has been broken is a wrestle many of us are familiar with. It's a path that our guest this week, Evan Allnutt, has walked at different moments in his vocational journey. Through changing careers from teaching to ministry, taking on a Lead Pastor role at a new…

As we wrap up our series of "A Grace Filled Life", we delve into the transformative power of grace found in forgiveness. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical teachings, we explore how grace enables us to forgive ourselves and others, ultimately leading to healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life. Join us as Pastor Joel Varty hel…

Philippians 2:15-16 // Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. How do I live with uncommon generosity? For not From God is GENEROUS. Generosity is the heart of God. John 3:16 // For God so loved the world that He GAVE… Romans 8:32 // Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us …

How Does Grace Work? and how can we show it those around us? From undeserved acceptance to empowerment and cleansing from sin, discover as Pastor Joel Varty helps us how understanding grace can unlock its benefits and lead to a life filled with God's unmerited favour. Join us as we explore the functions of grace and learn to live in the freedom it …

John Mark Comer joins us again for a conversation on why people in our congregations are gravitating towards spiritual formation right now, and how we can pastor people beyond conversion into deeper healing and sanctification in their walk with Christ. Jason and John Mark talk through what it’s like to pastor today, and how the cultural hostility p…

Genesis 37:5 // Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. Genesis 37:17b-20 // So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “Come now, let’s kill him…

What does it mean to live a life full of grace? In this new series, 'A Grace Filled Life', Pastor Joel Varty helps us discover and grasp the profound meaning behind the most quoted verse in the Bible, Exodus 34:6-7, as we unpack God's compassionate, gracious, and forgiving nature towards even those who turn away from God. Let's journey together to …

We are a Spirit-Empowered church Acts 1:4-5, 8 // On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 8 But you will receive powe…

In this podcast, we delve into the profound significance of calling, exploring how it distinguishes believers and churches alike. Guest speaker and Pastor of Leading Second, Brandon Stewart, walks us through insightful anecdotes and biblical references, as we uncover the transformative power of aligning our lives with God's priorities, discovering …

Heaven Up there, down here Until Lakeland Looks Like Heaven Matthew 6:10 // Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. KINGDOM: A country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen Matthew 6:10 (KJV) // Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. KINGDOM: Wherever the will of a king is carried out Mar…

Despite the challenges and troubles we face, Jesus has already conquered the darkness, offering us peace and salvation. Through reflections on scripture and practical insights, we explore how to navigate life's difficulties by inviting the light of Christ into every aspect of our existence, whether through seeking wise counsel, engaging with the Bi…

DTR Wedding ring of Christianity Joshua 24:15 // But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Revelation 3:15-1…

Mark Buchanan sits down with us again to explore everything from how storytelling forms us to our addiction to control. He articulates how narratives help us navigate the truths of life and our identity, emphasizing the significance of weaving hope-filled, gospel-rooted stories into the fabric of our cultural imagination. Throughout our conversatio…