Sunrise and Shine: Recent Episodes
Stephen
A group of friends planting a church in Natchitoches, LA, discuss life and love. Pastor Stephen Nelson of Awaken Church hosts.
Stephen gives a podcast version of the first sermon as Pastor of Pineville Church of God in Pineville, LA.
May 4, 2022 Stephen celebrates 24 years in full time church pastoral ministry since college graduation.
The wonderful Shelly Nelson joins Stephen for this episode! Discussing how to keep going when others aren’t on board with your dreams.
Stephen, Shelly, Kevin & Caleb do some Bible study. (Proverbs 29:18, Ephesians 1:16-18)
Kat, Caleb & Shelly join Stephen in a discussion on 1 Kings 19:9-13. Special appearance by a toddler.
Stephen & Shelly tackle the questions: “How do you distinguish Christ’s way from your own?” & “How do I know the difference between my dreams and God’s plan?” (Psalm 37:1-7)
Stephen & Shelly discuss how to respond and react when others hurt your feelings, and when you get in a mental/emotional rut.
What professional wrestlers would you fill the office of President & the Cabinet with? Joined by 10 year old Jericho this episode.
Believe it or not “fight me” and “change my mind” are not implied on every social media post.
Leaning into James 1:19-27, from the New Testament, we discuss word selection & why it matters.
Using Psalm 40:1-3 as a foundation, we take a look at what this season called “Lent” is for. (Spoiler alert: it’s about how we pray)
“When we are passionate about something important, but lose (or don’t get our way), how can we respond appropriately without losing faith)
Stephen answers the question: “For someone who has a hard time understanding the KJV (Bible), what translation would you recommend?”
A brief spoken word piece written as a part of the first 2021 sermon at Awaken Church in Natchitoches, LA.
Steve discusses how words can change in meaning, and how we might choose our words a little more carefully. Also: Is cereal a soup?
Stephen details his introduction to, and love for, professional wrestling. Inspired by the passing of legend, Johnny Walker, aka Mr. Wrestling II.
Reconciliation is going to come through a spiritual awakening where Jesus is the subject.
Harmony in the culture is going to bed in with harmony in the house of God. Stephen discusses how the church (Jesus followers) should be leading the way in unity & reconciliation.
God’s radically diverse church must lead the way in radical unity and diversity in our culture.
Stephen and Zach discuss what heresy is, and why it’s more loving to refrain from throwing that word around.
Stephen discusses using your wisdom vs trusting God. Also, discussion on favorite & most challenging books of the Bible.
Stephen answers a couple of questions about personal encouragement and Jesus actions in John 5.
Stephen discusses topics suggested by random friends while we get through the coronavirus Covid 19.
03/18/20. Stephen discusses a few random things (including some NOT pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic).
Stephen is joined by Awaken Church fam: Zach, Ariel, Caleb, Ayrianna, Sabrina & Marchella, for a discussion about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
Stephen & Zach share a few thoughts on how to grow as a person (& as a church) in the first episode of 2020.
How can our loving God send human souls to Hell? Stephen takes on a quick deep dive into understanding Jesus’ teaching about Hell (Matthew 25:31-46)
Stephen is joined by Zach in this episode as we discuss the legacy our lives leave with others, specifically as it pertains to the passing of a dear family friend.
A look at the real role that authentic teamwork plays in having unity in a diverse group.
When asked why Natchitoches, LA, was chosen as the community to plant Awaken Church, Stephen responds.
Stephen reflects on an evening of handing out free water & juice to kids and families in Natchitoches, LA.
Stephen, Zach & Ariel discuss using the word “y’all,” along with worship and church denominations.
Stephen answers “What’s the strangest thing said to you as a pastor” with his Top 10 list with stories! Along for the ride are Zack and Ariel (via remote).
This week Stephen asks the questions instead of answering them. With guest Madison Farquhar, a senior at NSU, discussing life from a 20-something’s point of view.
Stephen and Zach discuss forgiveness, politics in the pulpit, marriage & other things, with 1 Corinthians 5 as a backdrop.
In this episode Stephen discusses questions recently asked about horror movies and the supernatural, along with the difference between a “believer” and a “disciple.” Zach joins via phone
Stephen discusses pursuing the heart of God, Christian doormats, and the Catholic Church, while sitting in a car.
Stephen continues to discuss the Values of Awaken Church, Natchitoches, LA & discuss a few tongue-in-cheek questions from a friend.
Stephen discusses the importance of college students to Awaken Church, as well as questions about life-span, suicide, and human trafficking.
Stephen is joined by Zach, Amanda, and Michael, in a discussion about serving the community, pluralism, and the Apocrypha.
Why Christians should have the most FUN! Stephen is joined by Ariel, Zach, & random cameos, in a wild discussion about Natchitoches, aliens, Bigfoot, and more.
Stephen and Ariel discuss discipleship, church planting, and living in Natchitoches, LA.
Stephen & Zach discuss the Awaken Church plant, living in Natchitoches,LA, why unchurched people matter, and random topics