The WellCast: Recent Episodes
The Well Community Church
Life can be messy. Join pastors Mike Cirricione and Jordan Hogue as they talk with real people walking through the messiness of real life with a biblical lens. Each episode will help you connect the truth of God’s word to your everyday life.
A podcast of The Well Community Church in Fresno, CA.
There is a lot of tension in the world and the Church in an election year. So how do we represent Christ well when discussing politics? Jack Shiflett continues the conversation with hosts Melissa and Jordan to practically discuss how allegiance to Christ informs everything.
There is a lot of tension in the world and the Church in an election year. So how do we represent Christ well when discussing politics? Jack Shiflett joins hosts Melissa and Jordan to practically discuss how allegiance to Christ informs everything.
God uses conflict as a constant opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness. There are times when choosing conflict is the most loving thing to do. Dave Obwald joins hosts Melissa and Jordan to continue the discussion on how to reframe how we view conflict and practical ways to speak the truth in love.
Dealing with conflict the way Jesus invites us to can be massively transformative. God uses conflict as a constant opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness. Dave Obwald joins hosts Melissa and Jordan to discuss how to reframe how we view conflict and gives practical tools to work towards resolving conflict versus winning.
The best way for kids to come to know Jesus is in the home. We can all agree that the primary disciple-makers are parents, but how do we do that? Kids Ministry Director Jordan Niles joins Jordan and Melissa to walk through a framework for family discipleship including intentional time with God, everyday conversations, circles of influence, radical hospitality, and marked moments.
Jordan Hogue and Melissa Danisi are hosting a Q&A answering the questions you submitted! Jen Bell, Christy Manning, and Grace Berg share their honest experiences about the pressure and expectations of being a pastor's wife, the difficulties of being married to someone in full-time ministry, and sharing some of their hot takes.
Jordan Hogue and Melissa Danisi are hosting a Q&A answering the questions you submitted! Pastors Mike Slayden, Kevin Manning, and Matt Berg will be sharing their honest experiences about the joys and difficulties of pastoral ministry, offering pro tips on fatherhood and raising girls, and sharing some of their hot takes.
When we look at rules of life, it's easy to believe that spiritual practices are what cause fruit. Matt and Grace Berg join host Jordan Hogue to discuss the Holy Spirit's work through foundational practices, the freedom found in obedience, and how small daily practices can rebel against the worldly pace of life and simultaneously celebrate the work of God.
Giving is much more than donating money. Dorina Gilmore-Young joins hosts Melissa Danisi and Jordan Hogue to discuss generosity, hospitality, and radical welcoming. Dive into why giving is a critical foundational practice to a healthy spiritual life.
The Bible calls us to serve. But what does that practically look like in a modern world with families, jobs, church, and everything in between? Serving can often feel like sacrificing free time. David and Molly DeFrank join Melissa to discuss gospel-motivated service and how that changes in light of eternity.
We each have an individual part to play within the larger body of Christ, but this does not always look like traditional ministry. So, what does it look like when our passions, talents, and spiritual gifts align? Alex Register and Rosa Torres join host Melissa Danisi to discuss living on purpose.
What does it look like to experience the freedom and victory that Christ promises? And how is that possible if difficult circumstances don't go away? Dave Obwald and Mallory Mueller share their stories as they discuss what ongoing freedom looks like in the face of ongoing suffering.
We all know that we were not created to do this life alone. But what does community actually look like in the midst of a busy life? Meghann Bianchi and Trevor Saephan join host Melissa Danisi to discuss what it means to intentionally pursue community.
What is the power of your story, and how does sharing it lead us closer to Christ? There is a reason the Bible is not just a list of truths but is taught through a story. Shanah Wisely joins Jordan and Melissa to discuss the foundational practice of sharing your story.
Dave Obwald joins Jordan and Melissa to discuss the foundational practice of embracing the gospel.
We are kicking off a new series on the Foundational Practices of being a Christian and how to build a life in community. Melissa and Jordan discuss what these practices are and the importance of living these practices out as a church body.
In this episode, we get to know our new WellCast co-host, Melissa Danisi! Melissa shares about her life and walk with Christ, from not growing up in a Christian home to graduating from seminary.
How do you make tough decisions? Or how do you decide between two good choices? In Proverbs 3:5-6 God promises that if we pursue Him, He will make our paths straight. In this episode, Mike and Jordan talk about determining God's will and the comfort in God's promise to guide us.
In John 3, Jesus promises to go and prepare a place for his followers. Mike and Jordan discuss common misconceptions of heaven and the beauty of what Jesus actually promises.
In Exodus 14, God promises to fight for the Israelites. This episode combats common misconceptions about this promise- while God makes the path, we still have to walk it. In this episode, Mike and Jordan get personal about their struggles with anxiety and trusting God.
In Romans 8, God promises no more condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. This means there used to be condemnation, but thanks to Jesus, there is no longer. Mike and Jordan discuss the difference between condemnation and conviction and how this allows us to focus on becoming more like Christ.
In Revelation 3:5 Jesus gives three promises to his church: the believer will be clothed in white garments, the believer's name will not be erased from the Book of Life, and that Jesus will confess the believer's name to God in heaven. Pastors Mike Cirricione, Mike Slayden and Josh Hawley discuss how these promises relate, how they apply to cancel culture today, as well as how we can trust Jesus's promise of salvation for the believer.
God makes over 7,000 promises in scripture. Today Mike Cirricione is joined by pastors Mike Slayden and Josh Hawley as they look at God's promise to work all things for good. Romans 8:28 is often misquoted and misunderstood. While God doesn't promise that all things are good or that suffering will end, in today's episode, we look at why we can trust in His sovereignty.
God makes over 7,000 promises in scripture. Today Mike and Jordan look at God's promise to give us rest. Mike and Jordan talk about the idea of cultural busyness, and they compare the idea of resting out of a place of work versus working out of a place of rest. Jesus did not give a five-step plan for getting rest; he simply invites us to come to him.
We are kicking off a brand new series on the promises of God. God makes over 7,000 promises in scripture. Today Mike and Jordan look at God's promise that He loves his children unconditionally- so what does that look like? Mike shares his personal experience, and they discuss how we are not the determining factor of how God loves us.
Our World Religions series continues with Hinduism. Mike and Jordan discuss the differences in the structure of beliefs between Christianity and Hinduism, Jordan shares about his time in India, and they discuss whether Christians should practice yoga. How can we as Christians can best engage with and share the Gospel with those of different beliefs?
Our World Religions series continues with Buddhism. Mike and Jordan discuss the tenets of Buddhism, Mike shares about his recent trip to Cambodia, and how we as Christians can best engage with and share the Gospel with those of different beliefs.
In today’s episode, we continue our multi-part series on World Religions by looking at Islam, the youngest major monotheistic religion. Mike and Jordan examine the core differences between Islam and Protestant Christianity and how we, as Christians, can best engage with and share the Gospel with those of different beliefs.
In part five of our series on World Religions, Mike and Jordan examine Judaism. While ancient Judaism should be a familiar religion to most Christians, this episode dives into the modern sects of Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed Judaism, as well as the key differences between modern Judaism and Christianity. How can we as Christians best engage with and share the Gospel with those of different beliefs?
From the beautiful cathedrals to a history that dates back over 2000 years, there’s something about the Roman Catholic Church that elicits a sense of awe and tradition to all who walk through the door. But what is it that separates the beliefs of a modern day protestant from that of a Catholic? In part four of our world religions series, pastors Mike Cirricione and Jordan Hogue walk us through not just the differences, but also the similarities of the two religions and answer the question of whether or not you can be both a Christian and a Catholic.
Many religions claim to be Christian and it can be hard to tell the difference. In the third installment of our world religions series, pastors Mike Cirricione and Jordan Hogue walk us through the main beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses, including who they say Jesus is and why we, as followers of Christ, can place our faith in the inerrancy of scripture.
Resources mentioned in today's episode are: jwfacts.com, namb.net.
In part two of our series on world religions, we take a look at the Mormon faith. What is it, how does it differ from Christianity and what is the best way to lovingly enter into conversations with our friends of the Mormon faith? Hint: it starts with prayer.
Resources mentioned in today’s episode are: Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer and CES Letter: My Search for Answers to My Mormon Doubts by Jeremy Runnells.
Thoughtful might not be the first word that comes to mind as you think of your atheist friends, but chances are, the more you talk to them about what they believe and why, you will discover that it isn’t a conclusion they’ve arrived at nonchalantly. In today’s episode, we kick off a multi-part series on some of the most popular world religions and how we as Christians can best engage with and share the Gospel with those of different beliefs.
Resources mentioned in today's episode are: The Reason For God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller, The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That points Toward God by Lee Strobel, Stand to Reason at www.str.org, Cross Examined at crossexamined.org, The Veritas Forum at veritas.org.
When you view someone as a project, walls go up. In the final installment of our four part series on Biblical Sexuality, join us as we walk through what it means to be a deep learner of others, how proximity can break down walls, and what it looks like to be in relationship with people whose beliefs are different than your own.
When the love of truth outweighs our love of people, we’ve missed the mark. In part three of our series on Biblical Sexuality, we talk through how to speak truth in love, what makes conversations around the topic hard on both sides and how the church has historically gotten it wrong when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.
Books and podcasts mentioned in today's episode are: Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was and Who God Has Always Been by Jackie Hill Perry and Theology In The Raw, episode 920 by Preston Sprinkle.
Today’s episode is part two of our Biblical Sexuality series where we talk all things identity. What is it, who determines it, how does sexuality play into it and what does the Bible say about it? Join Pastors Mike Cirricione, Brad Bell and Denny Burk as they push back against the idea that identity can determined outside of Christ.
Books mentioned in today’s episode are: The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: an English professor’s journey into Christian Faith and The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World both by Rosaria Butterfield.
Today’s episode is the first of a multi-part series based around the topic of Biblical sexuality. Society has much to say on the matter, but what does the Bible say? Join pastors Mike Cirricione, Brad Bell and Denny Burk as they talk through what Biblical Sexuality is, what it isn’t and why as Christians we have a responsibility to engage in the conversation.
Books mentioned in today’s episode are: Transforming Homosexuality: What The Bible Says About Sexual Orientation And Change by Denny Burk and Heath Lambert, What Is The Meaning Of Sex by Denny Burk.
What happens when you don’t get the invite and you’re left thinking, “What about me?” On today’s episode, we’re talking with Ka’eo Yoshikawa and Brynn McIlhatton of the Well StudentCast about what drives our fear of missing out and whether or not we have an accurate picture of who our hope is in.
Books mentioned is today's episode are: Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist The Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace by John Mark Comer.
Oftentimes, fear of failure is driven by comparison and striving for perfection. On the first ever WellCast x Well StudentCast crossover, join Mike Cirricione, Ka'eo Yoshikawa, and Brynn McIlhatton as they look at what drives this fear and how to approach fear of failure with scripture.
The Bible tells us that in all the things, God works for the good of those who love him, but in times of pain and suffering, nothing can feel further from the truth. So how then do we cling to the promises of God when the unthinkable happens? Where is our hope in the midst of tragedy? Join pastors Mike and Jordan as they share intense periods of grief in their own lives and how the goodness of God never failed even in their darkest hour.
Have you ever walked into a church and wondered if they were speaking a different language? Or maybe you’ve heard phrases from the stage you thought meant one thing, but actually mean another. In today’s episode, Jordan and Mike break down a few of the more common Christian sayings, their definitions and why we should or shouldn’t, be using them.
From the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere to pastoring a growing congregation, the sovereignty of God is on full display in Joe Buitrago’s life. In this episode, Joe shares how God touched his heart at age seven, his journey to the United States and his deep love for Christ and the Spanish speaking community he faithfully serves.
The next generation is not just the church of tomorrow, they are the church of today. They are a group of people longing for authentic connection who are left wanting by the empty promises of social media and cancel culture, primed to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. So how does the church, or even the individual, reach the younger population when the generational divide feels wider than ever? Join us as we talk with Matt Berg., Director of Young Adults, as we answer this question and more.
Books mentioned in today’s episode are: “Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace” by John Mark Comer, “Ever Ancient Ever New: The Allure of Liturgy for a New Generation” by Winfield H. Blevins, “The Power of Place: Choosing Stability in a Restless Age” by Daniel Grothe.
Questions matter. The way we ask them, the lens we ask them through, and the people we process them with. When we talk about ethnic unity, one of the first questions we should ask is, “What does the Bible say about this?” To process this question and more, The Well took a small team to Jackson, Mississippi where they had the opportunity to learn under John Perkins, founder of the Perkins Institute. Join Mike, Jordan and guest, Mallory Mueller as they process what God is doing in their lives as a result of this impactful trip.
Books mentioned in today's episode are: “One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love” by John M. Perkins, “Let Justice Roll Down” by John M. Perkins and “Generous Justice” by Timothy Keller.
You had more questions and we have more answers! Join us this time around as Mike and Jordan tackle what it means to Sabbath, how to discern God's will for your life, how to find a mentor, and more.
“We are drowning in digital distractions up to our eyeballs. And if we don’t take a moment to clarify the role we as parents want tech to play in our homes, it will continue to seep in and monopolize, stealing the moments, days and years meant for connecting with, training and forming our kids’ hearts and worldviews.” Join us as we talk with Molly DeFrank, author of Digital Detox, about all this more in this week’s episode.
For too long the topic of mental health has been taboo, especially in the church. But the reality is that most of us will struggle with varying degrees of anxiety or depression at some point in our lives. In this episode, we talk with Megan Velo, LMFT, about different levels of anxiety, safe places to process those feelings and even what to look for in our kids as they navigate the world around them.
Whether you track every penny you spend or the word budget makes your eye twitch, money is a part of life that can’t be ignored. There are bills to pay, kids to clothe, retirements to plan. In the midst of the everyday, what does it look like to steward well the resources God has given you and live a life of generosity?
God is sovereign over the details of your life and your marriage is no different. While culture tells us to get a better deal, find a better person, it’s important to remember that God has brought that person into your life for a reason. In today’s episode, we talk to Jack and Cheryl Shiflett, a couple married for 55 years, about the importance of laughing together and how imperative it is that the voice of God be louder than the voice of culture in your life and marriage.
With all the things our kids are bombarded with today, how do we parent through a Gospel lens that not only teaches our kids about their Creator, but lets them learn and explore who God has wired them to be so that they can know who they are, like who they are and be who they are? Join us as we talk with Brad Bell, Founder and Lead Pastor of The Well Community Church, and his wife Jen, about their experience raising kids, the connection between teenagers and cats, and how parenting should look different at each stage of a child’s life.
In this episode of the WellCast, we talk with Andrew Feil, Executive Director of Every Neighborhood Partnership, about what it looks like to address issues of poverty in our city in a way that restores dignity and purpose to the individual.
Human trafficking is often thought of as an “over there” problem, not something that happens close to home. But the fact of the matter is, it’s not only happening close to home, but in our children’s schools, our foster care system, and throughout social media. So what can the average person do about it and how do we teach our kids what a red flag looks like when a seemingly innocent friend request pops up? In this episode, we’re talking with Megan Fabrizio, Prevention Educator with the Central Valley Justice Coalition and Fresno Unified teacher, about these exact issues and how we as believers have an opportunity to make a difference .
In today’s episode we’re talking with the CEO of Bitwise Industries, Jake Soberal, about what it looks like to be a minister of the Gospel wherever God has you. As you listen, consider your sphere of influence. How might the world around you change if your faith intersected with your everyday life so that work and worship were no longer separate?
Have you ever considered why you live in the neighborhood you do? Maybe it was good schools or proximity to your job that initially brought you, but what if God placed you in your exact neighborhood at this exact moment in time for a purpose? Join us as we talk with Joe White, Pastor of Neighborhood Church in Fresno’s Jackson neighborhood, as he explains what that purpose is and how each of us are called to love our neighbor as Christ loves us.
What does it look like to bring the good news of Jesus to each child, social worker and parent in the Valley’s foster care system and what does that mean on a practical level? While not everyone is called to take in a child, there are ways to help no matter your age or season of life. Join us as we talk to Cris and Brianna Venegas about their foster to adopt journey, how to support those in the process and how God continues to refine them in them day by day.
Conflict isn’t something many of us run toward. When we think of the word conflict, most of the feelings that surface are negative. However, when done well, conflict can be an opportunity for change, growth and ultimately and an opportunity to share the Gospel with the world. But what does that look like? Join us as we talk all things conflict with re:generation Director, Dave Obwald, and learn how you can approach conflict in a way that honors both God and the other person.
Throughout scripture, we see God breaking into humanity to transform someone’s life; sometimes in big ways, other times it’s through the mundane. The thing is, there’s no moment too small for God to use and His desire is for us to invite Him into each one. This week we talk with Scott Carolan, Executive Pastor of Ministries at Sanger Bible Church, to discover what Kairos moments look like for the modern day believer and how to recognize when God is moving in our everyday lives.
In this week’s episode, we talk with Wendi Mooney, founder and Director of The Well Counseling Center, to dispel some common misbeliefs about mental health and faith and how even in the midst of our suffering, God is with us.
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! From how to avoid ministry burn out to unsupportive family members, join Mike and Jordan as they answer questions from our listeners.
Each of us experience doubt at some point in our lives, but what happens when that doubt is directed at God? How do we walk with Christ while simultaneously wondering if the Bible is true, if God even exists? In today’s episode, we sit down with Ka’eo Yoshikawa and talk through some healthy and not so healthy ways to work through our doubt and that believe it or not, doubt can be good.
How do you live out the calling God’s placed on your life as a woman in the body of Christ? What does it look like to be submissive in a world that tells you your value is in your role? Join us this week as we talk to Melissa Danisi about what it looks like to live out biblical womanhood and how our true calling comes in pursuing Christ above all.
As humans, we naturally gravitate towards people who are like us. It feels safe, comfortable, and we feel good in our bubble. But what if our comfort was to the detriment of others? What if we shied away from sharing the good news of Jesus with someone because they looked different than us? In today’s episode, we sit down with Terra Lynch, author of “Mom, What Happened to Her?” as she shares her passion for inclusivity in the church and what it looks like to be a people that come alongside others regardless of their abilities.
Wherever you lead, you have probably been in a situation where you feel inadequate. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Executive Pastor Chris Schultz to talk about leading during times where you aren't sure you're enough.
We often associate leadership with a title. But the truth is that each of us lead in some capacity whether we realize it or not. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Executive Pastor Chris Schultz to talk influence, leading where God has you now and what it looks like to spiritually, emotionally and physically lead ourselves well first though a deep, abiding, relationship with Christ so that we can best lead others from that overflow.
Often times the biggest blessings in our lives are the ones we would have never imagined for ourselves. God has a way of bringing his children to the heights of gratitude through the depths of sorrow. In this episode of The WellCast, Melissa Danisi shares about their journey and the fulfillment that she now has as a mother of two.
We often compartmentalize our lives and neglect the truth that our physical, emotional, spiritual and relational health are all interconnected. In this episode of The WellCast, Fig Garden Campus Pastor, Josh Hawley shares about his fitness journey and how physical fitness intersects with our spiritual health.
We are always being formed and shaped into something. There is no such thing as a stagnant Christian, the question is not "are you being shaped" but "what is shaping you?" In today's episode Mike and Jordan talk about what God is teaching them in this season of life and what it looks like to be lifelong learners.
There is a big difference in getting through the Bible and letting it get through you. In this episode, Mike Slayden talks about cultivating intimacy with God through the study of His Word.
There is a certain mystery when it comes to prayer that can often lead us to stay on the outside looking in; missing out on the very reason why we were created. In this episode, Brad Bell discusses the beauty of prayer and talks us through some of the mystery of an intimate prayer life with the God of the universe.
There is a common fear in parenting that one or two mistakes as a parent can somehow ruin your kids. The truth is that there are no perfect parents, but there is wisdom in modeling and abiding relationship with Christ over time. Matt Ratzlaff opens up about his and Jen's experiences and strategies when it comes to parenting and Jordan shows off his epic math skills.
There is a belief that your faith is between you and God and that it doesn’t involve anybody else. Maddie Yee discusses living out vulnerability in our communities, and the importance of pursuing one another relationally in the local Church.
There is a fallacy that you have to get your life together before you come to Christ, when in reality you can’t get your life together until you come to Christ. Shanah Wisely returns to discuss authenticity in the Church, and the freedom she found when she stopped pretending that she didn’t have struggles and started being transparent with her sin.
When marriages get tough, isolation usually becomes the first step toward divorce. Our Marriage Director at the Well, Brian Erickson, shares a better way to do marriage as he reminds us of the important role that community plays in healthy and happy marriages, and shares some wisdom from his 28 years of marriage to his bride, Jenn.
Singleness is often misunderstood as incompleteness. Rosa Torres reminds us of the validity of single adulthood in the Church as we discuss being single, content, and complete in Christ.
When crisis hits others, we often question our ability to deal with their pain. Shanah Wisley provides insight into caring well for others during the heaviest moments of their lives and how walking alongside people in crisis fulfills love of Christ.
How do Christians live out their unity in Christ in a racially and politically divided world? Brian King joins our conversation on racial reconciliation.
How do Christians live out their unity in Christ in a racially and politically divided world? Brad Bell joins our conversation on racial reconciliation.
In this conversation with Lead Pastor Brad Bell we explore why the typical efforts to grow in our faith often fail and Brad offers a different way for the church to think about discipleship and spiritual formation.
In this preview episode, Pastors Mike Cirricione and Jordan Hogue share their hearts for the WellCast and how they hope it will impact lives for Jesus.