Faith at Work: Recent Episodes
Christ Community Church
The gospel has the power to transform every aspect of our lives, including our work. But it’s not always clear how. Join Christ Community Pastors Daniel Small and Larry Stratton as they explore what it looks like for people to practically integrate their faith and live out the gospel in their everyday work. More information at ccclife.org/faithatwork.
In this episode, the Faith at Work team explores how faith in God shapes our response to a toxic work environment—highlighting the importance of seeking wise counsel, and prayer.
When you mess up at work, what’s your next move? The Faith at Work podcast team explores how to move from shame and anger to humility and justice—owning your mistakes and making things right.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
In this episode, the Faith at Work team explores how faith in God shapes our response to unfair policies—highlighting the importance of seeking wise counsel, and prayer.
Interested in joining a Faith at Work Cohort? Learn more at ccclife.org/faithatwork.
As a leader, how do you balance authority with vulnerability? The Faith at Work Podcast team chats with Co-CEO of Hoffer Plastics, Alex Hoffer, about what real leadership looks like–and how it can create healthy workplace culture.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
We all have challenging coworkers. So how can the Gospel help? In this episode, Pastors Daniel, Larry, and Megan discuss the importance of recognizing that we’re all complicated, the value of speaking in truth and love, and the understanding that, at the foot of the cross, we are all equal.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
Your livelihood is dependent on winning, but God says to depend on him. In this episode of the Faith at Work Podcast, Pastors Daniel, Larry, and Megan discuss how the gospel can free you from the inner prison of pressure and pride.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
In this bonus episode of the Faith at Work podcast, Pastor Daniel chats with Josh Wolters about an unexpected way to create workplace community in a work-from-home culture: inviting strangers to work in his basement.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
Sharing your faith with coworkers can feel uncomfortable, especially when the old playbook no longer seems to fit. In this episode of the Faith at Work Podcast, Megan and Daniel sit down with Ben Nussbaum to explore what it looks like to share your faith in the workplace with authenticity, wisdom, and humility.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
In the season opener of the Faith at Work Podcast, Daniel, Megan, and Larry preview the topics we will explore in season four of the podcast, focusing on how the Gospel can make a difference in your workplace relationships and culture.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
Sometimes work can leave us feeling unseen or undervalued — wondering if our efforts matter or if anyone truly notices.
In this Faith at Work guided prayer, Sophia, a student, leads us in bringing those feelings honestly before God. Whether you’re feeling confused, hopeless, or even angry, this prayer invites you to name the pain and emotions you’re carrying and trust that God desires to hear from you and meet you there.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer.
Sometimes work can leave us feeling purposeless — exhausted by the question of whether what we do really matters or benefits anyone.
In this Faith at Work guided prayer, Matt, a Sales Director, helps us bring those feelings honestly before God. We’re invited to open up about our pain and discouragement, trusting that God meets us in these moments and reminds us that our work and our lives still have purpose in him.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer.
Sometimes work leaves us feeling stuck — caught in unhealthy environments, heavy dynamics, and situations that feel hard to escape.
In this Faith at Work guided prayer, Nicole, a customer relations representative, helps us bring those spaces honestly before God. We’re reminded that the Holy Spirit meets us right where we are, even in the brokenness of our workplaces, and invites us to speak truthfully with him as we pray.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer.
Sometimes work brings out our insecurities — the moments we feel underqualified, overwhelmed, or like we don’t belong.
In this Faith at Work guided prayer, Angela (an editor and worship leader) helps us invite the Holy Spirit into those spaces and remember that our worth is rooted in God’s love, not our performance.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer.
When relationships feel difficult, God invites us to come to him for patience, grace, and strength.
In this Faith at Work guided prayer, Streamwood Campus Pastor Joe Lewis leads us in this exercise of inviting the Holy Spirit to meet us where we are and help us love others with the same patience and compassion Jesus shows us.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer.
When anxiety about work starts to rise, God is ready to listen and bring peace.
In this Faith at Work Guided Prayer, Alyssa Nugent, a senior director of sales training, helps us bring our workplace worries before God and invite the Holy Spirit to meet us right where we are.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer
When disappointment or rejection weighs on your heart, God is ready to listen.
In this Faith at Work Guided Prayer, music instructor Ryan Kastle helps us turn our hearts toward God by bringing our pain, honesty, and hope to the one who hears us.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer.
Feeling burnt out or exhausted from work?
In this Guided Prayer exercise, business owner Jess Martin leads a time of prayer for those feeling weary or burned out by work. It’s easy to push through exhaustion without pausing to invite God in. This prayer creates space to bring your burdens before him, asking the Holy Spirit to meet you where you are and give you rest.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer.
In this Guided Prayer exercise, “Reviewing Your Day,” Faith at Work Co-Host and Generosity Pastor Larry Stratton leads an adapted version of the ancient Prayer of Examen—a time of prayer to slow down, reflect, and become aware of God’s presence in your everyday life. Our days can feel chaotic and rushed, and it’s easy to forget his gracious and loving presence.
This prayer invites you to review your day with God, noticing his nearness and attuning your heart to his guidance and grace.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer.
In this first Guided Prayer exercise, “Surrendering the Calendar,” Faith at Work Co-Host and Community Groups Pastor Daniel Small leads a time of prayer to pause, reflect, and surrender your daily agenda to God. It’s easy to move through our days without stopping to ask what God wants us to do.
This prayer invites us to open our calendars before him, yielding every task to his direction, peace, and purpose in our work.
Find written prayer guides at ccclife.org/workplaceprayer.
It’s the final episode of Season 3! Pastors Daniel, Megan, and Larry answer your tough workplace questions—navigating tricky handoffs, burnout, and finding purpose in seemingly profit-driven roles. Plus, hear a special announcement about new prayer resources coming this fall to help you center your workday on Jesus!
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
Ever feel like if you don’t do it, it won’t get done right?
On this episode, the team discusses the tension between high standards and micromanagement. Through the story of a grocery store manager struggling to let go, they explore how control can hinder trust, relationships, and spiritual growth—and what Jesus teaches us about surrender and leadership.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
When you hear the word conflict, what comes to mind—fear or resolve? In this episode, the Faith at Work team explores why so many of us avoid conflict in the workplace, especially as people of faith. Through Sofia’s story as a small business owner, the team unpacks the deeper heart posture behind avoidance and how to pursue resolution with wisdom, truth, and grace.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out ccclife.org/faithatwork
Why is it so easy to complain—and so hard to be grateful—when work gets stressful? In this episode of Faith at Work, Pastors Daniel, Megan, and Larry unpack the difference between healthy venting and harmful complaining, and how choosing gratitude can shift your mindset. Discover biblical wisdom and practical ways to stay grounded in gratitude through workplace pressure, stress, and frustration.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Feeling threatened by a coworker? Workplace competition is real—but how should we respond? In this episode, Pastors Daniel, Megan, and Larry unpack why rivalry shows up at work, how the gospel reframes competition, and what it looks like to choose collaboration over conflict.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Gossip shows up in every workplace—but how should we respond? In this episode, Daniel, Megan, and Larry explore why we’re drawn to gossip, what Jesus says about it, and how to handle those uncomfortable moments with grace and integrity.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Fear of failure shows up in every workplace.
In this episode, Pastors Daniel, Megan, and Larry explore what it means to live with courage and conviction in the face of setbacks, uncertainty, and perfectionism. Discover how Scripture helps reframe failure—not as something to fear, but as a space where faith can grow.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Faith at Work is back for Season 3 with a new lineup! Pastor Daniel Small, now joined by Pastors Larry Stratton and Megan Clunan, tackle real-life workplace challenges through a biblical lens.
This episode: Criticism at work—it happens to everyone. How should we respond? Is defensiveness okay? What if the critique feels unfair? Explore practical, faith-based wisdom for handling feedback with grace and confidence.
Want more Faith at Work conversations? Check out Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Welcome to the third season of the Faith at Work Podcast! Pastor Daniel Small, along with new co-host Pastor Larry Stratton, are excited to bring the most interactive season yet! This time, the Faith at Work stories will come from you – the listener! That’s right, it will be all about YOUR stories of faith in the workplace!
Listen to the full episode for details and email your stories to faithatwork@ccclife.org by July 31.
Pastors Jen Kelly and Daniel Small are back to recap the wisdom, tips, and guidance from the second season and look into what the future holds for the third season of Faith at Work!
Want more faith and work conversations? Join Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Pastors Jen and Daniel are back with Author, Podcast Host, and Teaching Pastor Steve Carter. Together, they discuss how to wisely navigate life change and transition.
Want more faith and work conversations? Join new Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Pastor Daniel sits down to have a conversation with author, leadership coach, and 4Sight founder Jenni Catron. Together, they discuss the stewardship, relationship, and leadership dynamics that are impacted by one word… power.
Want more faith and work conversations? Join the new Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Pastor Daniel Small and, special guest co-host, Pastor Courtney Wilson will be sitting down with author, speaker, and leadership development expert Kadi Cole! Together, they discuss how your spiritual gifts from God can impact the work you are called to do!
Want more faith and work conversations? Join the new Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Pastors Jen and Daniel are back with Hugh De Pree Professor of Leadership Development at Fuller Seminary and Author of “The Innovative Church” Dr. Scott Cormode! Together, they tackle the question on if conflict just a necessary evil or something that should be engaged with and embraced appropriately?
Want more faith and work conversations? Join the new Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Pastors Jen and Daniel are back with the owners of Solace Hospice & Palliative Care Sasha and Rod Hizon. Join them as they discuss how to balance their work & home lives, working in hospice, and more on a new episode of the Faith at Work Podcast!
Want more faith and work conversations? Join the new Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Pastors Jen and Daniel are back with Med-Call Healthcare Director of Operations Brian Nasala. Join them as they discuss how to build, develop, and maintain relationships in the workplace on a new episode of the Faith at Work Podcast!
Want more faith and work conversations? Join the new Vocational Communities: ccclife.org/faithatwork
Pastors Jen and Daniel are back with Christ Community Church’s Senior Director of HR and Guest Services Katie Hight and Everclean Car Wash’s Founder and CEO Thomas Kim.
Join them as they discuss hiring vs firing, the importance of passion and problem-solving, the hope that can be found in hard times, and more in a new episode of the Faith at Work Podcast!
Faith at Work is back! Join Pastors Jen and Daniel as they have a conversation with author, speaker, and academic; Dr. Hannah Stolze. The pastors discuss with Dr. Stolze the ways she has integrated Faith-based wisdom within business operations, spiritual practices you can do to center yourself, and so much more in this season 2 … Continue reading "S2 Episode 1 | How Wisdom Shapes Your Workplace | An Interview with Dr. Hannah Stolze"
Join Pastors Jen Kelly and the debuting Daniel Small as they discuss what to expect in Season 2 of the Faith at Work podcast!
The first episode of this new season will release September 6; with new episodes coming out every two weeks!
Join Pastors Jen and Don as they have a conversation with scholar, leader, documentary producer, and co-author of “Working in the Presence of God” Dr. Denise Daniels.
They discuss the importance of taking time for God, how our daily lives can help us realize God’s plan for us, why God is always present when we are at work, and more! The Pastors also have a very special announcement to cap off the Season Finale of the Faith at Work podcast!
Pastors Jen & Don are joined by Sergeant John, a law enforcement officer specializing in SWAT, negotiations, detective work, and more.
The Pastors also discuss with John the way that Faith impacts a career in law enforcement, the mental & spiritual struggles of first responders, the way his officers can impact and serve the community, and more in an absolutely powerful episode of the Faith at Work podcast.
Join Pastors Jen Kelly and the debuting Don Hay as they interview special guest Marshall Dirks! Marshall is the Vice President of Marketing with Proven Winners, managing their public relation efforts and e-commerce initiatives.
The pastors discuss with Marshall the horticulture industry, the Lord’s guidance and our spiritual gifts allowing us to make personal progress, how we can empower one another, and so much more in one of the most powerful episodes of Faith at Work!
Join Pastor Jen Kelly and, for one more time, Pastor Cory Shumate as Cory passes the torch of podcast co-host to Pastor Don Hay!
The pastors discuss the spiritual processes involved with transitioning work roles as Don introduces himself and Cory discusses his upcoming journey!
Join Pastors Jen Kelly and Cory Shumate as they interview a familiar name from Christ Community… Bobby Jackson! Bobby is a former Army combat medic, licensed counselor & therapist, Catalyst in One Collective of Elgin, and a former Youth Pastor here at Christ Community who is now an Elder & attendee with the Streamwood Campus!
The pastors also discuss the challenges involved with mental health, the way to make sure all people have access to “food, freedom, and forgiveness,” balancing spiritual treatment with other aspects of healing, and so much more in one of the most powerful episodes of Faith at Work.
As we approach the Super Bowl, Pastors Jen Kelly & Cory “Hall of Fame” Shumate, alongside Pastor Larry Stratton, are joined by James Brown! Host of “The NFL Today” and “Inside the NFL,” JB’s a 3-time Emmy Award winning broadcaster, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer, and has hosted the Super Bowl a record 10 times!
The Pastors also discuss with JB how his faith helped get him through the end of his NBA dream, how his spiritual gifts allowed him to develop an extraordinary career in sports, how the eternal playmaker that is God helped him through the challenges in his life & career, and so much more on the biggest edition of Faith at Work yet!
Pastors Jen Kelly and Cory “Choir Lead” Shumate are joined by Crystal and Kevin Beckford. Outside of their day jobs, the Beckfords are both immensely talented musicians who have been musical ministry leaders for numerous churches and performed on stages for a few decades, including at Christ Community!
The four of them also discuss worshiping with your loved ones, the unique way music connects with our souls, and so much more in a very special edition of Faith at Work!
Pastors Jen Kelly and Cory Shumate are joined by Melanie Mejdrich and Grant Blahnik; two current students! Student Ministries Pastor Josh Haight also joins the group to provide unique insight & statistics found with the students of today!
The pastors and students discuss their 2023 resolutions, cheese(!!!), what the high school student experience is like in the 2020’s (especially post-pandemic), how students follow the calling of God in a constantly changing world, and much more!
Join Pastors Jen Kelly & Cory “Chief Judge” Shumate as they interview Judge Bob Spence. Bob served as a Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice in Chicago & Springfield. He was a Kane County Circuit Judge who was elected as Chief Judge by his fellow judges. Bob also serves on the board of Administer Justice, a faith-based organization providing free legal services for people who might not be able to afford legal representation. Jen & Cory discuss with Bob what Hollywood gets wrong, lessons learned within the law, and elements of Faith that can be found or integrated within the legal system.
Pastors Jen and Cory welcome Steve Laker, the Deputy Coroner for the Kane County Coroner’s Office. Hear how Steve’s faith helps him stay strong within an emotionally strenuous role of working with the deceased. Jen and Cory also discuss with Steve about how important empathy & compassion are within his field, how rewarding it is to provide closure to grieving families, and how Christ supports him in his toughest days.
Pastors and hosts Jen Kelly and Cory Shumate interview pastor Tom Nelson. Tom is the president of Made to Flourish, council member for The Gospel Coalition, and has served as the senior pastor at a non-affiliated (yet, wonderfully named) Christ Community Church located in Kansas City. Tom is the author of several books, including Work … Continue reading "Episode 5: How We Image A Working God – An Interview with Pastor Tom Nelson"
One of the three top vocations at Christ Community Church is in education. On this episode, Pastors Jen Kelly and Cory Shumate sit down with two of those teachers in the congregation, Kate Hertz and Michelle Keenon. They share their biggest challenges, least favorite school subjects, and what they themselves have learned from the trials … Continue reading "Episode 4: Public, Private, or Homeschool? – An interview with Kate Hertz and Michelle Keenon"
Christ Community Church Pastors Jen Kelly and Cory Shumate welcome local auto-service shop owner Kyle Martin. Kyle and his wife opened their auto repair business to combine a love of serving people and knowledge in automotive repairs to provide customers with an auto-repair option that is run with integrity and a high value on customers. … Continue reading "Episode 3: Redefining Auto Service – An Interview with Kyle Martin"
Christ Community Church Pastors Jen Kelly and Cory Shumate welcome guest Lina Abujamra, a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and founder of Living With Power Ministries. Her vision is to bring hope to the world by connecting biblical answers to everyday life and equipping believers to live out their faith in today’s culture. A … Continue reading "Episode 2: Emergency Room Faith – An Interview with Dr. Lina Abujamra"
For the first conversation about the joys and tensions of faith in our everyday work, hosts Jen Kelly and Cory Shumate welcome guest Dr. Mark Roberts, author of eight books and dozens of articles. He is the principal writer of Life for Leaders, the De Pree Center’s daily digital devotion. Mark speaks frequently in churches, … Continue reading "Episode 1: Your Work Matters More Than You Think – An Interview with Dr. Mark Roberts"