Faithelement Conversations: Recent Episodes
Faithelement
Christ the KingFor the session to be discussed on November 24, 2024
2 Samuel 23:1-7
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
This episode explores Second Samuel 23:1-7 in relation to Christ the King Sunday and the Thanksgiving season. The conversation delves into various facets of gratitude, the symbolic significance of Christ the King Sunday marking the end of the Christian year, and personal and communal reflections on the passage. Additionally, the hosts acknowledge recent changes and the importance of adapting, expressing gratitude during liminal periods, and the parallels between personal Thanksgiving experiences and the broader church context.
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Once Upon a TimeFor the session to be discussed on November 17, 2024
1 Samuel 1:1-28
David Cassady
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
In this episode, we discuss the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel 1:1-28. We reflect on the significance of childhood stories and how personal narratives shape our lives and faith. The conversation emphasizes the pain and hope in Hannah’s story of longing for a child, her dedication of Samuel to God’s service, and the importance of telling complete and nuanced stories within a faith community. The discussion also delves into the broader implications of sharing all parts of our stories, including the painful ones, and being aware of the untold stories and experiences within congregations. The episode concludes with reflections on how our faith can help us navigate life’s difficulties and shape meaning over time.
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A Loyal Love and a Lasting LegacyFor the session to be discussed on November 10, 2024
Ruth 3:1-4:21
David Cassady
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
In this episode we delve into the final chapters of the Book of Ruth, exploring themes of loyal love, divine providence, and the transformative power of loving-kindness. Through personal anecdotes and a deep dive into the characters of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, the discussion highlights the enduring relevance of these biblical stories in contemporary society. The significance of Ruth’s lineage leading to King David and Jesus Christ is contemplated, stressing the importance of faithfulness and genuine kindness.
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This Is a Man’s World…Or Is It?For the session to be discussed on November 3, 2024
Ruth 1:1-2:23
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Lacey Wondree
In this episode we discuss the story of Ruth from the Bible, highlighting themes of perseverance, faithfulness, and resilience. The episode delves into Ruth’s societal and cultural challenges along with those faced by Naomi and Orpah, drawing parallels to modern women’s struggles with patriarchal systems and societal expectations. The importance of community support, especially within the church. The conversation advocates for recognizing and supporting women who persist through adversity, calling for churches to promote and celebrate female leadership.
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Bartimaeus: A Blind Beggar’s Bold BlessingFor the session to be discussed on October 27, 2024
Mark 10:46-52
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Lacey Wondree
Daniel Glaze
This episode offers an in-depth exploration of Mark 10:46-52, focusing on the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar healed by Jesus. We discuss the importance of faith, compassion, and understanding, especially in the context of current tragedies caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The podcast underscores the significance of recognizing our own needs and extending mercy to others, paralleling Bartimaeus’s story with the mission of Christian ministry. Additionally, it touches on the role of different community perspectives, such as those of children and senior adults, in addressing church blind spots and privileges. Reflections on generational hope and photography serve as metaphors for the journey of faith, emphasizing observation and listening as vital practices.
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Ride or DieFor the session to be discussed on October 20, 2024
Mark 10:32-45
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
This episode features a discussion of themes of friendship, sacrifice, and service within the context of Mark 10:35-40. Against the backdrop of Hurricane Helene, the hosts reflect on the impact of deep friendships, the role of pets in lives, and the idea of ‘ride or die’ companions, both human and divine. They delve into the biblical passage where Jesus emphasizes servanthood as a path to greatness, interpreting the request of disciples James and John to sit beside him in glory. The conversation touches on the challenges and expectations of following Jesus, illustrating this with historical anecdotes like Clarence Jordan’s Koinonia Farm. The episode encourages listeners to serve others as Jesus taught, despite potential sacrifices, and to embody ‘ride or die’ faithfulness to Jesus and His teachings.
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Seeking Salvation, Surrendering SelfFor the session to be discussed on October 13, 2024
Mark 10:17-31
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
In this episode, we discuss the story of the rich young ruler and its implications on faith, freedom, and possessions. The conversation navigates through interpretations of Jesus’ demand to give up wealth and how it serves as a barrier to true discipleship. We reflect on personal anecdotes and societal pressures related to money, proposing that true freedom comes from following Jesus and releasing worldly attachments. Additionally, we explore the idea of Jesus having faith in the capabilities of his followers and the potential transformation of the rich young ruler.
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Tender Teachings, Trusting TotsFor the session to be discussed on October 6, 2024
Esther 7:1-10, 9:20-22
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
In this episode the team discusses Mark 10:1-16, focusing on Jesus’s teachings about divorce and children. They explore the importance of the lead-in question in their sessions, emphasizing the value of personal stories in Bible study. Daniel analyzes Jesus’s blessings for children, highlighting the societal disregard for children in antiquity and linking it to modern marginalized groups. Finally, they reflect on the essence of Christianity as taught by Jesus, focusing on love, kindness, and freedom from rigid controls.
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Courageous EstherFor the session to be discussed on September 29, 2024
Esther 7:1-10, 9:20-22
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
In this episode we discuss Esther 7:1-10 and 9:20-22, focusing on the theme of courage exemplified by Esther. We celebrate the 15th year of Faithelement and briefly touch on Esther’s rarity in their prior episodes. Nikki shares about her new role advocating for women in ministry, highlighting the challenges women face, especially within certain Baptist communities. The conversation pivots to Esther’s story, noting her cleverness, bravery, and the power dynamics of the time. The hosts emphasize the relevance of Esther’s courage in confronting injustice, exploring how personal relationships can overcome resistance and drive societal change. The narrative’s absence of explicit divine mention is discussed, underscoring God’s subtle yet impactful presence. They conclude by reflecting on how this ancient tale inspires contemporary actions towards justice and the wise use of personal influence and power.
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Prayer, Providence, and PerseveranceFor the session to be discussed on September 22, 2024
Psalm 54
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
In this episode we discuss Psalm 54, focusing on prayer, providence, and perseverance. The team reflects on the feedback from a recent survey, which will influence the podcast’s future direction, combining the revised common lectionary with summertime topical and Bible book studies. The hosts analyze Psalm 54’s boldness in approaching God with demands and how it applies to contemporary issues, emphasizing emotional intelligence, communal support, and addressing anxieties and needs within the community.
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Get Well SoonFor the session to be discussed on September 15, 2024
Psalm 116
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
This episode focuses on Psalm 116 and its themes of gratitude and recovery from illness. The hosts recount personal stories of health challenges and recovery, including severe illness in children and dealing with COVID-19. They reflect on the importance of gratitude in times of health and sickness, and how Psalm 116 speaks to the universal experience of suffering and healing. The discussion emphasizes the spiritual practice of gratitude, even for everyday blessings, and acknowledges the efforts of medical and ministry communities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Eternal EmbraceFor the session to be discussed on September 8, 2024
Psalm 125
David Cassady
Crystal Shepherd
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
The hosts discuss contemporary safety concerns and contrast them with past experiences, emphasizing the rapidly changing nature of security issues. They explore the significance of reading scripture from diverse perspectives, highlighting how context, cultural background, and personal experiences influence one’s understanding of biblical texts. Using Psalm 125 as an example, they illustrate how shifting perspectives can reveal deeper meanings and foster a commitment to social justice. The conversation underscores the importance of community and diverse viewpoints in enriching one’s faith and interpretation of scripture.
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Living with IntegrityFor the session to be discussed on September 1, 2024
Psalm 15
David Cassady
Crystal Shepherd
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
This episode finds us discussing Psalm 15, focusing on the theme of living with integrity. We share personal stories of character-building experiences and reflect on the importance of integrity, honesty, and truthfulness in various aspects of life, including parenting, professional settings, and society at large. Crystal provides an exegetical breakdown of Psalm 15, explaining its role as an entrance liturgy and its practical applications for modern living. The group also debates the challenges of maintaining integrity in contemporary culture, where such values are often undervalued or even punished.
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Covenant RenewalFor the session to be discussed on August 25, 2024
Joshua 24:1-25
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
In this session the team explores Joshua 24:1-25, discussing the theme of covenant renewal. The conversation delves into personal artifacts of faith from their childhoods, emphasizing the importance of tangible reminders and rituals in maintaining and renewing faith commitments. They draw parallels between Joshua’s call for renewal and modern practices, advocating for more frequent and meaningful reaffirmation of faith commitments within communities. The discussion highlights the significance of such rituals in providing strength and continuity during challenging times.
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Pity the FoolFor the session to be discussed on August 18, 2024
Proverbs 9
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
The team discusses a passage from Proverbs, comparing the house built on wisdom with the one founded on cynicism and rejection of wisdom. They critique social media silos, emphasize the need for humility, and advocate for open, inclusive faith. The podcast closes with reflections on the role of congregations in nurturing wisdom, drawing insights from Wendell Berry’s thoughts on education.
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For the session to be discussed on August 11, 2024
Psalm 34
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
In this episode of the Faith Element podcast, the team explores Psalm 34. The episode encourages personal introspection and spiritual growth, focusing on lessons from Psalm 34: avoiding evil, seeking peace, and pursuing good. It highlights the importance of introspection in today’s distracting world and offers practical suggestions for fostering this practice within church communities. The conversation closes with a reflection on the Shaker hymn ‘Simple Gifts’ as a metaphor for spiritual simplicity and turning toward a closer relationship with God.
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For the session to be discussed on August 4, 2024
Exodus 16
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
In this episode of the Faithelement Podcast, the team delves into Exodus 16, exploring the theme ‘A Divine Desert Diet.’ The discussion highlights the miraculous provision of manna by God to the Israelites in the desert, contrasting their faith to modern-day gratitude and privilege.
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For the session to be discussed on July 28, 2024
2 Kings 4:42-44
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
In this episode we discuss the theme of ‘Promises of God’ focusing on 2 Kings 4:42-44. The hosts share personal stories of experiencing God’s promises and provision. Crystal highlights how God provides for needs in various scriptures, including the story of Elisha and feeding a hundred people with twenty loaves of barley. The discussion broadens to consider the role of human agency in divine provision and the church’s prophetic role in meeting community needs. The episode concludes with the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, encapsulating the essence of giving and trust in God’s transformative power.
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For the session to be discussed on July 21, 2024
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
In this episode, the team discusses the theme of rest as explored in today’s text. They emphasize the importance of rest, sharing personal anecdotes about moments of stillness and silence, and discuss the societal pressures against pausing for rest. The episode delves into the need for intentional prayer and rest as a form of subversive action against a productivity-focused world. The hosts also touch upon the NAP ministry by Tricia Hershey, which promotes rest as resistance and justice.
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For the session to be discussed on July 14, 2024
Mark 6:14-29
David Cassady
Lacee Wondree
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
Today’s episode focuses on a little-used text. During Herod’s birthday feast, a daughter dances, pleasing Herod. He promises her anything she wants. Prompted by her mother, the girl asks for John the Baptist’s head on a platter. Reluctantly, Herod orders John’s execution to keep his oath. John is beheaded, and his head is brought to the girl, who gives it to her mother.
We discuss dynamics in the narrative, including the use of the daughter and the use of power. We also contrast this passage with the feeding of the 5000, which immediately follows it.
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Home Where I Belong?For the session to be discussed on July 7, 2024
Mark 6:1-13
David Cassady
Lacee Wondree
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
WATCH THE PODCAST VIDEO HEREJesus has been traveling with his disciples all over Galilee, teaching and healing and gaining a following. In this passage, we see that Jesus returns to Nazareth, his childhood home. But his hometown cannot see who he has become. We discuss the “can’t go home” dynamic in this passage and our own lives. What makes it so difficult for us to accept growth and change in one another?
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For the session to be discussed on June 30, 2024
Mark 5:21-43
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Crystal Shepherd
We discuss those moments in life when we feel truly alive… all in the context of a passage where a suffering woman touches the hem of Jesus’ garment and is healed. Where do we find newness of life even as we face our own pain and need?
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Notes* “Encounter” painting by Daniel Cariola, located in Magdala Chapel, as mentioned by David. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement
For the session to be discussed on June 23, 2024
Mark 4:35-41
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Crystal Shepherd
In this episode we discuss a passage where in fear of the waves, the disciples awaken Jesus from a nap. We discuss the humanity of Jesus shown in how he responds, as well as our similarity to the disciples in their actions and feelings. What might we learn from this passage about facing the storms that emerge in our lives?
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Notes* Video of Sea of Galilee from a boat, as mentioned by David. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement
For the session to be discussed on June 16, 2024
Mark 4:26-34
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Lacey Wondree
Daniel Glaze
In this episode we discuss the power of parables, and in particular, the interesting parable of the mustard seed. How does Jesus use parables to lead us to rethink life and values? What ideas does Jesus turn upside down in this parable? How might parables remind us of how little we really understand?
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For the session to be discussed on June 9, 2024
Mark 3:20-35
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Lacey Wondree
Daniel Glaze
In the ancient world, family was the most basic and fundamental social organization. And in this passage Jesus seems to reject them in favor of caring for lepers, welcoming prostitutes, making his family the poor, the blind, bleeding women, even Gentiles. But Jesus says they are his family… “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother. Whoever does God’s will is my family.” We discuss the ways this difficult passage calls us and the church to welcome others into our family.
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For the session to be discussed on June 2, 2024
Mark 2:23-3:6
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
Jesus and the disciples run afoul of Sabbath laws as they care for others, including healing a man. We discuss the need for and meaning of sabbath for each of us, but also of the call to also free others to find peace and sabbath.
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For the session to be discussed on May 26, 2024
Romans 8:12-17
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
David Adams
For this Trinity Sunday session, we discuss a passage from Romans. What does the Trinity show us about God’s nature? If we are heirs of God, what do we learn about our own nature?
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Firstfruits: Hope for the HarvestFor the session to be discussed on May 19, 2024
Romans 8:18-27
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
David Adams
For this Trinity Sunday session, we discuss a passage from Romans. Paul was trying to help people cope with the suffering they were experiencing in the world. But that is a micro view, and Paul had a macro, albeit cosmic view. Paul is telling the church in Rome that while they’ve experienced the first fruits of the Spirit, at some point there will be a harvest. He was likening it to the Feast of Pentecost, where the first fruits of the field were offered to God in anticipation of the full harvest at the Feast of the Tabernacles. What they were experiencing now, through the Holy Spirit, was just a taste of what was to come.
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Real MinistryFor the session to be discussed on May 12, 2024
Acts 1:15-26
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
We discuss what it means to do “ministry.” Whether we are pastors, counselors, homemakers, physicians, bankers, teachers, retirees, financial planners, nurses, librarians, volunteers, administrative assistants, graphic designers, teenagers, or students… we are ministers!
Daniel Glaze says, “Real ministry happens in the living out of this wild and wonderful life to which we have each been called.”
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For the session to be discussed on May 5, 2024
Acts 10:44-48
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
We continue our journey through the book of Acts, this time discussing Acts 10, where Peter orders the baptism of Gentiles, previously excluded from the waters. How does the movement of the Spirit lead us to respond? In what ways do we try to contain the Spirit?
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For the session to be discussed on April 28, 2024
Acts 8:26-40
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
In today’s story, Philip is driven by the Spirit of God to go south from Jerusalem to Gaza. Along the path, he comes across, and I’m quoting verse 27, an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians in charge of her entire treasury. This unnamed Ethiopian eunuch, whom many would consider a sexual minority, became the first Christian in Africa. And he is the patron saint of Ethiopia. All because Philip threw caution to the wind and crossed the boundaries others had placed in the way.
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For the session to be discussed on April 21, 2024
Acts 4:1-12
David Cassady
Daniel Glaze
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
After the healing of a man in desperate need, John and Peter are hauled before the Sanhedrin to defend themselves. Daniel Glaze comments, “So much of the Book of Acts is about the Spirit of God that cannot be contained. An early Christian movement that is so filled by the power of God and unconstrained by human boundaries. A church so full of love, yet tired of rules and regulations about who’s in and who’s out. Peter’s response to his Inquisitors is yet another sermon.”
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For the session to be discussed on April 14, 2024
Acts 3:12-19
David Cassady
Daniel Glaze
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Crystal Shepherd
In the opening of Acts 3, we find Peter and John heading to afternoon prayer. Fresh off of Pentecost and the influx of the Holy Spirit, Peter encounters a lame man begging for alms – who is healed. The healing was proof that Jesus was still a living presence in his followers and could transform the world. We discuss what it means to encounter miracle in our lives.
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For the session to be discussed on April 7, 2024
Acts 4:32-35
David Cassady
Daniel Glaze
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
In the light of Jesus death and resurrection, with the hope we now have, how shall we now live? With the hope of resurrection, should we live a different life? What does it look like to live as a people of hope? Does the world need a church today that looks more like the Christian fellowship that is described in Acts?
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For the session to be discussed on March 31, 2024
Acts 10:34-43
David Cassady
Daniel Glaze
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
What does resurrection mean to you? Where do you see resurrection in your everyday life? Where does God’s salvation extend into our world even today? And what does that look like? For this Easter session, we take a look at a passage featuring Peter and Cornelius.
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For the session to be discussed on March 24, 2024
Psalm 31:9-16
Daniel Glaze
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Crystal Shepherd
This psalm encourages us to understand how we too have felt weak at times and to recall how we found strength in God. With so much going on in the world, we can easily run out of energy. Yet, Psalm 32 reminds us that God is with us, sustains us, and is for us.
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For the session to be discussed on March 17, 2024
Psalm 119:9-16
Daniel Glaze
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Crystal Shepherd
Today’s psalm reminds us that we are to seek God with our whole heart. By treasuring God’s word in our hearts, we are better able to avoid the traps of sin, which can be understood as things that are less than ideal for us to live whole lives and as our most authentic selves.
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For the session to be discussed on March 10, 2024
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
The call to community seems both simple and valuable, as this psalm recognizes. But what does it mean to be in community? How can community be healthy or abusive? For Christian community, what centers us and calls us together?
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For the session to be discussed on March 3, 2024
Psalm 19
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
Today’s psalm is a testament to the creator found in all of nature as well as the guiding word of God. Psalm 19 is believed to be two separate poems from two different authors. Verses 1 through 6 represent a musical poem that reveals God and God’s creation, while verses 7 through 14 is more cadenced and reveals God through God’s word or law. We discuss the ways the natural world has taught us about God.
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Notes* David referenced a book of poems by Abigail Carroll titled Habitation of Wonder. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement
For the session to be discussed on February 25, 2024
Psalm 22:19-31
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
David Adams
Today we discuss a psalm that reminds us that, when things were at their worst, God came through in such a way as to astound everyone who might hear of it. This is a good word for us. It can be so easy to become pessimistic and hopeless, especially over time, as it seems like the world just can’t get things right. Whatever is on our hearts to worry about, it can overwhelm us. It can choke all the life and hope out of us. We talk about how our faith pulls us forward to the world God wants for us.
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The ReckoningFor the session to be discussed on September 17, 2023
Matthew 18:21-35
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
The call to forgive is a difficult one. We discuss a parable that leads us to reflect on the dynamics that go into our ability to forgive. From our emotions, to our fight or flight impulses, to the benefits of forgiveness, we discuss a challenging parable.
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Making Up is Hard to DoFor the session to be discussed on September 10, 2023
Matthew 18:15-20
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Crystal Shepherd
How do we handle a relationship that’s gone awry? Or perhaps where we have felt wronged (or we caused harm to someone else)? Today’s text offers thoughts about repairing relationships and Christian community. We wonder about the many ways we need stronger communities in our time.
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The Great Reverse For the session to be discussed on September 3, 2023 Matthew 16:21-28 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman David Adams Crystal Shepherd Today we are presented with a difficult comment by Jesus: “For those who want to save their life will lose it. Those who lose their life, for my sake, will find it.” […]
Who Are You? For the session to be discussed on August 27, 2023 Matthew 16:13-20 Who is Jesus? Who is Jesus to me? How does our response affect the way we live out our faith? Why is this so difficult to answer? We struggle with our own perceptions of Jesus as we explore this passage […]
A Holy Challenge For the session to be discussed on August 20, 2023 Matthew 15:1-28 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We discuss a text that is seldom covered – where Jesus interacts with a Canaanite woman seeking help for her child. The interaction highlights social issues of the time, as well as […]
We’re Not Made to Walk on Water For the session to be discussed on August 13, 2023 Matthew 14:13-21 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We discuss a well-known passage where Jesus walks on water, and Peter attempts to join him — only to sink and have to be rescued by Jesus. What […]
Has Everyone Been Fed? For the session to be discussed on August 6, 2023 Matthew 14:13-21 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery Somehow we end up discussing fish fries, Woodstock, Wavy Gravy, and this familiar text — the feeding of the 5000. What might Jesus have been showing us about the Kingdom of […]
Without a Voice For the session to be discussed on July 30, 2023 Genesis 29:1-30 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We discuss a difficult text, where the men… Laban and Jacob, make decisions that affect not only their lives, but the women in the story. We discuss how the silence of these […]
Dreams For the session to be discussed on July 23, 2023 Genesis 28:10-22 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery In the process of discussing a dream where Jacob encounters God, we end up sharing a few of our own dreams. Just as Jacob did, we struggle with God, with understanding this life and […]
Birthwrongs For the session to be discussed on July 16, 2023 Genesis 25:19-34 David Cassady David Adams Bert Montgomery Who hasn’t dealt with the rivalry of some sort over the years? When we think back on your rivalries, we may be able to relate to this story and the longer narrative that comes after. Sometimes […]
Matchmaker, Matchmaker For the session to be discussed on July 9, 2023 Genesis 24:34-67 David Cassady David Adams Bert Montgomery Today’s story from Genesis might seem a bit odd to a lot of us in our culture today, in our mindset and the way we, we meet our spouses, our partners, and the way each […]
An Impossible Text For the session to be discussed on July 2, 2023 Genesis 22:1-19 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze We discuss one of the most difficult texts in Scripture, the sacrifice of Issac. Rather than try to find a palatable interpretation of the passage, we take a look at the many questions it […]
Seeing God For the session to be discussed on June 25, 2023 Genesis 21:8-21 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze While we often focus on the so-called “major” characters — such as Abraham and Sarah in a passage, today we are drawn to consider Hagar and Ishmael. We note that, while Sara casts them out, […]
Uncommon Decency For the session to be discussed on June 18, 2023 Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman David Adams Bert Montgomery In this story, Abraham is home, where he is visited by three people he didn’t see coming. Given the times and places where people lived back then, if three people drop by, […]
Movin’ OutFor the session to be discussed on June 11, 2023
Genesis 12:1-9
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Bert Montgomery
In this episode we discuss the call of Abram and the journey that emerged from that call. We wonder about the stories of those who were on that journey with Abram… Sarai, Lot, Hagar, and others. What might their voices and stories teach us about our own journey? How might we then understand the way Abram’s call truly blesses all?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Creator GodFor the session to be discussed on June 4, 2023
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
David Cassady
David Adams
Crystal Shepherd
In this episode we discuss one of the most familiar passages in the Bible — the creation narrative from Genesis. We discuss the meaningful connection between us and the things we create. How too is God intimately connected with this creation? How is God’s creative work similar to the creation and care for life we see in the birth and nurturing of children?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Letting the Spirit FlowFor the session to be discussed on May 28, 2023
John 7:37-39
David Cassady
David Adams
Crystal Shepherd
In today’s text, not only does Jesus promise the coming of the Spirit, but he demonstrates how it works. If this is a foreshadowing of Pentecost, it is one that demonstrates the spirit at work, or at least how it seems to work for us now. We discuss questions such as: Are we afraid of what the Spirit might lead us to do? How does our need for control limit our ability to sense the unpredictable leadership of the Spirit?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Time to Do SomethingFor the session to be discussed on May 21, 2023
Acts 1:1-14
David Cassady
David Adams
Daniel Glaze
Crystal Shepherd
(Apologies for the poor sound quality for some of the audio. Two of us were on location for a conference and without our usual podcasting gear. Next week returns to normal!).
We discuss the text for Ascension Sunday, recalling when Jesus ascended into heaven after completing his earthly ministry. Just as the disciples were tempted to stand and gaze upward, we are instead challenged to look around and find where we can get busy and do something. When we look around, we immediately begin to see the places where we can begin making a difference in Christ’s name, continuing the ministry he began.
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Turning the World Upside DownFor the session to be discussed on May 14, 2023
Acts 17:1-30
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Crystal Shepherd
In today’s text we find Paul and Silas traveling. The responses to their preaching were varied, from hostility in Thessalinica, to curiosity in Athens. In our day, how do we hear one another? How often do we seek to make idols of our own ideas about who God is?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Going to the Stoning?For the session to be discussed on May 7, 2023
Acts 7:55-60
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
As we discuss the passage detailing the stoning of Stephen, we find ourselves wondering about the violence around us, even among those who profess faith. How often do we find ourselves “in the crowd” that picks up stones to hurl at others, even if those stones are words or other harmful deeds?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Forgetful ChurchesFor the session to be discussed on April 30, 2023
Acts 2:42-47
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
We discuss the ways our churches could benefit from remembering how this movement began, returning to passages like this one in Acts. If the church is called to be a place of care for one another, how might that shape how we move into an uncertain future?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Cut to the HeartFor the session to be discussed on April 23, 2023
Acts 2:14, 36-41
David Cassady
Crystal Shepherd
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
We discuss having “ah-ha moments” even as the text offers its own ah-ha moment. While it is good to ask “what should I do,” we must realize that salvation and the granting of God’s spirit is not anything that we accomplish. It’s not our work. It’s God’s work. How does God’s pouring out of God’s Spirit on everyone lead us to respond?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Spirit ConnectionFor the session to be discussed on April 16, 2023
Acts 2:14-36
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Bert Montgomery
God is in charge of where God’s Spirit flows… where God’s Spirit is poured out. That is a hopeful word in a world, and sometimes in our churches, where it seems hard for us to change. How does an awareness of God’s Spirit give us hope when so often we feel powerless and hopeless?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
The Dance of the MerrymakersFor the session to be discussed on April 9, 2023
Jeremiah 31:1-6
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Bert Montgomery
Today’s text is for Easter Sunday, and it may seem unusual that our text is from Jeremiah.
This story in Jeremiah reminds us that the resurrection found in Jesus — the renewal of the covenant with Israel — is available to us as well. What makes you feel dead this Easter? Where do you feel broken or abandoned? Maybe it’s the loss of a relationship or a job, or maybe it’s just the trauma of the last three years that has set the life out of you. We discuss and give thanks for the places in our lives where we have experienced resurrection. How about you?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Making An EntranceFor the session to be discussed on April 2, 2023
Matthew 21:1-11
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
Bert Montgomery
Today’s text is for Palm Sunday, so of course we are discussing Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The text is Matthew chapter 21 verses one through 11. It was a great moment of religious fervor and religious zealotry.
People had lined up on both sides of the road to see their hero heading in for a big show. Cheers, screams, clapping, stomping hands, reaching out desperately to touch, trying to reach the hero as he passed by.
The triumphal entry leading up to the crucifixion raises questions about our motives, our faith, and what and who we want Jesus to be compared to.
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Spirit is LifeFor the session to be discussed on March 26, 2023
Romans 8:1-11
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Crystal Shepherd
In this episode we discuss what it means to live or not “in the flesh.” As Daniel Glaze explains, “It seems to me that living in the flesh is about always putting yourself first. It’s about focusing upon what your body needs to the exclusion of bodies around you. It’s about believing your body matters more than other bodies. It’s about taking more than your share.”
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Hidden in DarknessFor the session to be discussed on March 19, 2023
Ephesians 5:8-14
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Crystal Shepherd
We discuss a passage full of words like “light” and “darkness.” Crystal explains, “If one only remembers to turn on the light, we reflect the light of Christ. We are that light. So flip the switch and sleepers awake, step into the light and shine so that the darkness loses its power and the monsters of fear and justice and shame, so that the things that would distort the beautiful image of Christ found in the other and in us is made fully visible.”
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
JustifiedFor the session to be discussed on March 12, 2023
Romans 5:1-11
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Bert Montgomery
Do we deserve God’s grace? According to Paul, if we have anything to boast of, it’s not that we somehow deserve anything, it’s that we’ve been allowed to work through our suffering to grow into a situation where we have some hope that God’s coming to us in person, has allowed us to be fully reconciled with God. But we don’t want to be told we are expected to suffer and grow. Do we?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Promise KeptFor the session to be discussed on March 5, 2023
Romans 4:1-17
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Bert Montgomery
As we journey through this season of Lent, we wonder if this text beckons us to consider what it really means to have faith over the law. How big a God is Paul asking us to follow?
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Notes David Cassady reads a portion of a sermon by Nadia Boltz Weber*. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Problematic TextsFor the session to be discussed on February 26, 2023
Romans 5:12-19
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Bert Montgomery
Some things are just hard to explain and we can tie ourselves in knots trying to do so. In this text, we might see Paul as having one of those moments. In his intro, David Adams says, “There are laws against treating people the way Paul sometimes treated logic.” Together, we grapple with why explaining grace can be so difficult.
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
BiggerFor the session to be discussed on February 19, 2023
Matthew 17:1-9
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Bert Montgomery
Mountains appear in the scriptures – often as the sites for major events. We discuss one such event, the Transfiguration of Jesus, in today’s text. Those who were on the mountain with Jesus discovered he was bigger than they had imagined. How might we need to enlarge our understanding of Jesus?
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Notes* Video using Daniel Bailey’s song “The Mountain” * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Rigid Rules for ReconciliationFor the session to be discussed on February 12, 2023
Matthew 5:21-37
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
We discuss a passage that deals with diverse issues including anger and adultery, noting the ways this entire set of verses call us to examine how our choices affect our relationships with others.
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Salt, Light, & LaughterFor the session to be discussed on February 5, 2023
Matthew 5:13-20
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
We do a good bit of laughing in this episode, but also delve into the notion of our being called to be salt and light in the world. What does that mean and how do we even begin to live up to those ideas?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Do, Love, WalkFor the session to be discussed on January 29, 2023
Micah 6:1-8
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
This well known passage presents the prophet highlighting the disconnect between the people’s professed allegiance to God and their actions. In our time — how do we deal with our own ability to claim to follow God and yet avoid the necessary work of justice, kindness and humility? What do the communities around our churches most need? What acts of justice is the world begging the church to engage?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Nothing Never HappensFor the session to be discussed on January 22, 2023
Isaiah 9:1-7
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
When people are facing uncertain and difficult times, this text brings comfort and hope, as it was written during a similar season in the time of Isaiah. Is a better future on the way? As this is a text for Epiphany, we are reminded that God is still at work in the world. How can we be part of God’s work of bringing light and hope?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Who’s the Servant?For the session to be discussed on January 15, 2023
Isaiah 49:1-7
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
This week we have another servant song from Isaiah. We discuss how the passage reminds us that God works through us and relies on us to carry out God’s work in the world. How does a people living in a tattered world know that God is still with them? As Daniel argues, “we are an interconnected web of humanity and it’s time we believe it.” What does it mean to “bring light to the nations”?
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Notes* David references the book, The Wounded Healer, by Henri Nouwen. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
HeroesFor the session to be discussed on January 8, 2023
Isaiah 42:1-9
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
What does it mean to be a hero? In this passage, drawn from the Exile experience of the Israelite people, we discuss how we each hold the power to make a difference, even when the challenges seem large and impossible. As a new year begins, how does this text call us to live and share God’s love?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Looking Up?For the session to be discussed on January 1, 2023
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Daniel Glaze
Nikki Hardeman
Bert Montgomery
David Adams
Sometimes we are so focused on doing and producing that we fail to pay attention to the importance of just being. We discuss the way our lives journey through seasons of life — being shaped and finding God along the way. How can we embrace the season we find ourselves in, noticing that God is here?
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Notes* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Harmony For the session to be discussed on December 4, 2022 Romans 15:4-13 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery David Adams This passage reminds us that we do not get to decide who is “in” or who is “out” — or who God chooses to call or work through. We also discuss the ways this […]
Wake Up! For the session to be discussed on November 27, 2022 Romans 13:8-14 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery David Adams For the first Sunday of Advent we are talking about hope — Advent is hope returning to a darkened world! Maybe Advent is really about giving others a reason to hope. What if […]
Present Help, Helpful Presence For the session to be discussed on November 20, 2022 Psalm 45 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze David Adams We discuss the ways this Psalm, in calling us to find refuge in God, to find God’s presence the way to make it through difficult times, is both comforting and challenging. […]
The Big Rock Candy Mountain For the session to be discussed on November 13, 2022 Isaiah 65:17-25 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze David Adams In this passage from Isaiah, God stands ready to bring forth a vision of heaven that surpasses everyone’s hopes. Given the struggles of Isaiah’s community, these words offered encouragement, strength, […]
In Pursuit of Justice For the session to be discussed on November 6, 2022 Job 19:23-27a David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery Job clings to hope in the midst of despair, even as he accuses God about the unfairness of his situation. We discuss the reasons it can be helpful to argue with […]
You’re Out of Your Tree For the session to be discussed on October 30, 2022 Luke 19:1-10 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery Our text this week is the story of when Jesus went to visit Zacchaeus. While we often learn this story as children, there is actually a depth of grown-up issues […]
Sinners and Scumbags For the session to be discussed on October 23, 2022 Luke 18:9-14 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery Today we discuss a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector. In the parable, the Pharisee is proud of his good deeds and looks down on others. The tax collector prays […]
Approaching God For the session to be discussed on October 16, 2022 Luke 18:1-8 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We discuss a lesser-read parable that Jesus tells about a widow and an unjust judge. In it, the widow’s persistence pays off, as the judge finally acquiesces to her requests. Are we to […]
Learning from Lepers For the session to be discussed on October 9, 2022 Luke 17:11-19 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze David Adams Jesus heals 10 lepers, and one returns to say “thank you” — a Samaritan. We explore some of the obvious questions, including why this one returned to give thanks and why it […]
Live, Love, Serve For the session to be discussed on October 2, 2022 Luke 17:(1-4)5-10 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze David Adams Maybe faith, as it turns out, is about a little more than fulfilling an obligation. Maybe it contains an element of constantly pushing the envelope – constantly reaching higher – and looking […]
So Close Yet So Far For the session to be discussed on September 25, 2022 Luke 16:19-31 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We discuss a well-known parable featuring a rich man who cannot seem to express even the slightest amount of compassion for a poor man. In fact, the poor man is […]
Gotta Serve Somebody For the session to be discussed on September 18, 2022 Luke 16:1-13 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery This episode has us grappling with an unusual and even confusing parable. In it, a manager acts in ways that are manipulative to the owner of the endeavor, while also doing things […]
Sheep and Sweep For the session to be discussed on September 11, 2022 Luke 15:1-10 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze David Adams Our discussion revolves around two parables Jesus shares — both dealing with something lost and then found. In one, a shepherd loses a sheep, and in the other a woman loses a […]
Expensive Faith For the session to be discussed on September 4, 2022 Luke 14:25-33 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze David Adams Today’s passage leads us into a conversation about what things are really worth in “the economy of heaven.” Jesus seems intent on removing any doubt that discipleship is easy, or cheap. How costly […]
Cracked Cisterns For the session to be discussed on August 28, 2022 Jeremiah 2:1-13 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We discuss an emotional text from Jeremiah, where God expresses deep hurt over the abandonment by the people of Israel. How does God react to this betrayal? In what ways have we and […]
Trampling the Sabbath For the session to be discussed on August 21, 2022 Isaiah 58:9b-14 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery Our text from Isaiah 58 is a challenge to get back to the heart of worship. What is the sort of worship God desires and how near or far are we from […]
Grapes of Wrath For the session to be discussed on August 14, 2022 Isaiah 5:1-10 David Cassady David Adams Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery We discuss a passage that has eerily similar dynamics to elements of our culture today. Why is it both then, and now, we have trouble hearing the words of the prophets calling […]
Making God Angry For the session to be discussed on August 7, 2022 Isaiah 1:1-20 David Cassady David Adams Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery David Adams begins our discussion around Isaiah 1:1-20 (with an intro laden with Journey lyric references — much to Bert’s chagrin). We discuss the similarities in the dynamics of the time when […]
Wealth That Matters For the session to be discussed on July 31, 2022 Psalm 49 David Cassady Daniel Glaze Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery Psalm 49 calls us to consider the sort of riches that really matter. In a world where incredible wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few — what does that say […]
Manifesting Peace For the session to be discussed on July 24, 2022 Psalm 85 David Cassady Daniel Glaze Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery Psalm 85 is often described as a “complaint psalm” — lamenting what the people had lost over generations. It describes a communal loss that goes beyond the suffering of individuals. We discuss the […]
Truth Telling For the session to be discussed on July 17, 2022 Psalm 52 Crystal Shepherd Daniel Glaze Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery Psalm 52 harshly addresses an “evil mighty one” who uses their power to oppress and abuse the righteous ones. As we read the psalm we may be tempted to see ourselves as the […]
You Had One Job For the session to be discussed on July 10, 2022 Psalm 82 Crystal Shepherd Daniel Glaze Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery Psalm 82 sets a scene where God rails against the powers of the day — condemning them for using their power for self-gain rather than for the good of others. Worse, […]
Unbelievable For the session to be discussed on July 3, 2022 Psalm 30 David Cassady Daniel Glaze Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery Psalm 30 presents us with the message that, in spite of, and in the midst of, our deepest suffering, God will have the last word. That word is that one day joy, peace and […]
Inconsolable For the session to be discussed on June 26, 2022 Psalm 77:1-2,11-20 David Cassady Daniel Glaze Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery This psalm offers a glimpse of how the psalmist honestly relates to God. In this case, the psalmist is inconsolable — the grief, the anger, the hurt — is so deep that listening or […]
Do Something For the session to be discussed on June 19, 2022 Psalm 42 and 43 David Cassady Daniel Glaze David Adams Bert Montgomery Our conversation centers around two psalms that some scholars believe may have originally been one psalm that was later separated into two. These offer prayers of praise and petition, and prayers […]
Woman Wisdom For the session to be discussed on June 12, 2022 Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31 David Cassady Daniel Glaze David Adams Bert Montgomery Today’s text is from Proverbs, contrasting two women — one who seduces toward death and one who beckons toward life, as wisdom. Bert Montgomery says, “we cannot understand the woman of […]
Show and Tell For the session to be discussed on June 5, 2022 John 14:8-17 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman David Adams For this Pentecost Sunday episode, we discuss our calling to follow the work of the Spirit in our lives, our churches, and our communities. What does that look like in 2022? We discuss David […]
Coming Soon For the session to be discussed on May 29, 2022 Revelation 22:12-21 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman David Adams Today we discuss the ending of Revelation, considering the sort of world John see’s both as ultimately arriving, and toward which we are all called to work toward right now. Learn more about our team. […]
A City Without A Temple For the session to be discussed on May 22, 2022 Revelation 21:10-22:5 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery Daniel Glaze John paints a picture of a new Jerusalem where there is “abundance without opulence” (Glaze) and where the streets are paved with gold, but not the sort of gold we […]
Picturing Hope For the session to be discussed on May 15, 2022 Revelation 21:1-6 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery Daniel Glaze John writes the book of Revelation from a prison cell. Unable to speak directly to the oppression of Roman rule, he uses symbolic language. Written to his Christian friends being persecuted, John paints […]
Tear Free For the session to be discussed on May 8, 2022 Revelation 7:9-17 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman David Adams Crystal Shepherd Still in the book of Revelation, we discuss the ways the core message of the book – that the hope of the poor and oppressed is in Christ, not the powers of this […]
Worthiness For the session to be discussed on May 1, 2022 Revelation 5:11-14 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman David Adams Crystal Shepherd Continuing our journey in the book of Revelation, we are confronted by how Revelation teaches us to live, even as we are challenged by the many Caesars of this world. Recognizing that Jesus is […]
A Timely Word of Hope For the session to be discussed on April 24, 2022 Revelation 1:4-8 David Cassady David Adams Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We begin a series of sessions in the book of Revelation. Daniel helps us become oriented to the book by reminding us that we are not the intended audience — […]
Women of Mystery For the session to be discussed on April 17, 2022 Luke 24:1-12 David Cassady David Adams Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery This Easter episode has us revisiting a key Easter passage and discussing what it might mean to not just believe the resurrection happened… but to believe that we can live differently knowing […]
Working It Out For the session to be discussed on April 10, 2022 Philippians 2:1-13 Nikki Hardeman David Adams Bert Montgomery For this Palm Sunday text, we discuss a text (considered a hymn) that has been used to end calls for change and fairness, all in the name of unity. Can we interpret this text, […]
The Chase For the session to be discussed on April 3, 2022 Philippians 3:4-14 Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery David Adams What do we chase after in this life? In this episode we take a look at a passage where Paul challenges us to think about that which we strive for, that which we seek. We […]
Two Parables For the session to be discussed on March 27, 2022 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We take a creative look at one of the most familiar passages in scripture: the parable of the prodigal son. Daniel offers a modern-day version to get us started, and we discuss […]
Life’s Fragility For the session to be discussed on March 20, 2022 Luke 13:1-9 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We have lots of questions to ask as we read today’s text: Why do bad things happen? Why does God allow evil to exist? How ought we respond to senseless evil? And as […]
Foxy Herod For the session to be discussed on March 13, 2022
Luke 13:31-35
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
Today’s passage leads us into a conversation where we watch the contrast between the way Herod lives – the use of power, wealth, position, even violence — with the way Jesus lives, through love, healing, peace and joy. We discuss the ways this passage feels particularly relevant for our time.
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Notes * David mentions Lenten questions posed by Frederick Buechner. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Wilderness People For the session to be discussed on March 6, 2022
Luke 4:1-13
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
Today’s text, for the first Sunday of Lent, is from the temptation of Jesus. “These temptations are about how Jesus will bring about God’s kingdom on earth,” says Bert Montgomery. Satan does not argue with Jesus’ path, but instead offers solutions that rely on the power and values of this world. How can we — and our churches — be alert to the same sorts of temptations? “The whole temptation is discerning the voice of evil from the voice of God.”
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Notes * David mentions the blog post “Into the Wild” by Debie Thomas. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Thinly Veiled For the session to be discussed on February 27, 2022
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
We live in days that so often feel like “in between” times — we know how things used to be, and we have hopes for things to be better in the future, but the here and now can be tough. Paul’s writing in this text leads us into a discussion of the ways our faith moves us along, helping us grow through the in between times into the future toward which God is calling us and the church.
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Notes * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Foolish Questions For the session to be discussed on February 20, 2022
1 Corinthians 15:35-50
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
Continuing in 1 Corinthians, we find Paul again trying to both emphasize the importance of the resurrection while also urging the Corinthians to accept the fact that it’s pretty much a big mystery. But they still have questions. We do too. And yet, Paul encourages us to move on from questions that cannot be answered to a life of faith and action. What are your unanswerable questions?
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Notes * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Like Him We Rise For the session to be discussed on February 13, 2022
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
“Paul takes the gloves off today,” says Daniel Glaze. Responding to some who were doubting the resurrection, Paul insists that the reality of both Christ’s resurrection — and our own — are central to our faith. We discuss the ways it is often easier to believe in Christ’s resurrection than in our own. What does it mean for us to experience resurrection in the midst of our own struggles and lives?
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Notes * David reads a bit of a poem by Wendell Berry that calls us to practice resurrection. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
God’s, Kings and Enemies For the session to be discussed on February 6, 2022
Psalm 138
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
Having a thankful attitude is difficult during hard times, including a pandemic. The psalm we discuss today is a psalm of thanksgiving — reminding us that God is with us even as we travel through difficult days — especially as we walk through dark times. We have choices to make about how we live and grapple with the challenges before us!
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Notes * The version of the Serenity Prayer that David read can be found here. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Revolutionary Love For the session to be discussed on January 30, 2022
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
David Adams
We discuss one of the most famous and well-loved portions of scripture — 1 Corinthians 13 — which focuses on love. However, we wonder if the sense of “love” that is so often associated with this passage is actually what Paul was lifting up. “The love that is spoken of here is not a Hallmark-y, sentimentalized, Valentine’s Day, puppy dog love” (Glaze). Join us as we explore a deeper sense of the call to love.
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Notes * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
One Body For the session to be discussed on January 23, 2022
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
David Adams
We continue considering gifts and how they affect the way we grow together as congregations and communities. How do we bless others when we share our experiences, gifts and abilities? What can we learn from a community potluck about sharing our gifts?
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Notes * David mentions Kate Campbell’s song, Funeral Food, written by Kate Campbell and Johnny Pierce. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Gifts for the Common Good For the session to be discussed on January 16, 2022
1 Corinthians 12:1-12
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
Today’s passage leads us into a surprising conversation around the notion of giftedness. We discuss our own gifts (and lack thereof) and talk about the maturity that comes as we embrace our gifts and use them in service to others. How comfortable are you in recognizing your own gifts, as well as those around you?
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Notes * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Signs and Wonders For the session to be discussed on January 9, 2022
Acts 8:4-17
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Bert Montgomery
Philip’s encounter with Simon, a not-to-be-associated-with person (a Samaritan), reminds us that the Spirit is not constrained by our labels and categories or doctrines. Philip performs miracles that wow even Simon (a local magician). Where do we find the Spirit at work? How do we hold careful skepticism for our ability to be manipulated with the need to be open to unexpected ways the Spirit is at work in us and around us?
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Notes * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
The Weary World Rejoices For the session to be discussed on January 2, 2022
Psalm 147:12-20
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
David Adams
Today’s text is a congregational hymn of praise for the work of God in this world. As we notice the beauty, grandeur and power of creation, can it remind us of the ways God is also at work in our lives and world? Even as the world these days feels especially weary, this text calls us to see God at work toward a new day.
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Notes * Crystal refers to this documentary about the Gullah Geechee in her intro. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
The Wonder Years For the session to be discussed on December 26, 2021
Luke 2:41-52
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Crystal Shepherd
David Adams
What was Jesus’ childhood like? We have only glimpses of it in the scriptures, but in those it seems Jesus was a normal Jewish boy. How we think about Jesus’ childhood may reflect how we understand the humanity of Jesus — was he fully human, including all the playfulness and wonder and exploration of childhood?
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Notes * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Subversive Love For the session to be discussed on December 19, 2021
Luke 1:39-55
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Crystal Shepherd
Advent is a season of waiting. But just because we are waiting, it does not mean we are sitting still. Today’s text offers the famous “song of Mary” or the Magnificat. This song both expresses Mary’s praise and also points to the subversive power of a love that brings down the powerful and sends the rich away empty. We discuss the need for love in our world — where love itself is disruptive and revolutionary.
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Notes * Daniel references research into the Magnificat’s usage in churches (or lack thereof), from an article in the Washington Post. * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Repent…with Hope For the session to be discussed on December 12, 2021
Luke 3:7-18
David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
Crystal Shepherd
We continue in our study in Luke, with John the Baptist acting as a jarring, loud watchdog who keeps us from following Jesus unaware of what we are getting into. “If we can’t handle John, we won’t be able to handle the one who comes after him.” (Daniel). John invites us to clean up our lives, because Jesus is coming. Rather than as a threat, John challenges us to hear the word “repent” in a new light, challenging us to “bear fruits worthy of repentance.”
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Notes * Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!
Who We Truly Are For the session to be discussed on January 12, 2020 Matthew 3:13-17 David Cassady Crystal Shepherd Daniel Glaze In this episode, we discuss Jesus’ baptism, our baptism, and how our baptism highlights our identity as Christians. How might the church find fresh vision by better following the identity we gain through […]
God in Skin For the session to be discussed on January 5, 2020 John 1:1-18 David Cassady Crystal Shepherd Daniel Glaze In this episode, we look at Crystal’s favorite passage from John and discuss what it might mean that God chose to be present with humanity as one of us. Learn more about our team. […]
Faithful Lament For the session to be discussed on December 29, 2019 Isaiah 63:7-19 Crystal Shepherd David Adams Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery In this episode we discuss lament and how our faith calls us to respond to loss and tragedy. When is lament appropriate and when is it not helpful? Learn more about our team. […]
Transforming Immanuel For the session to be discussed on December 22, 2019 Isaiah 7:10-17 David Cassady Crystal Shepherd Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery In this episode we discuss the notion of Immanuel: God with us. In our comfort with the idea that God is with us, do we sometimes go to far and presume that it […]
The Fearful Heart For the session to be discussed on December 15, 2019 Isaiah 35:1-10 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery Crystal Shepherd We discuss the temptation to give into fear, and how fear can prevent us from the joy of relationships with others. How might we miss out on much of God’s work around […]
Imagine For the session to be discussed on December 8, 2019 Isaiah 11:1-10 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Crystal Shepherd Bert Montgomery How important is imagination for our faith? What is the connection between imagining something and actually doing it? What does God imagine, and how might that bring us hope that we can help make […]
Hope for Peace For the session to be discussed on December 1, 2019 Isaiah 2:1-5 David Cassady Bert Montgomery Nikki Hardeman Crystal Shepherd In this episode we struggle with the need and difficulty of having real hope. What does it mean to hope for peace in dark and often violent times? What does it mean […]
Dark Powers For the session to be discussed on November 24, 2019 Colossians 1:11-20 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Daniel Glaze Bert Montgomery We discuss questions such as: How does the way we understand Christ affect how we do church? Who is Christ in your experience, and what sort of church does that lead us to […]
Idle Meddlers For the session to be discussed on November 17, 2019 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman David Adams Daniel Glaze In this conversation, we discuss a scripture passage from 2 Thessalonians which has been misinterpreted to denigrate the poor and those on public assistance. We wonder aloud whether there might be other, […]
Silly Questions For the session to be discussed on November 10, 2019 Luke 20:27-38 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman Bert Montgomery Crystal Shepherd Learn more about our team. Notes Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!