The Peak Church: Recent Episodes
podcast | The Peak Church
Kyle Meier | Colossians 3:23-24 | Recalculating
Topics: Humility, Faith, Empathy, Mercy
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Galatians 2:15-16 and 20 | Recalculating
Topics: Identity, New Creation, Jesus Christ
In today's episode, we dig into the mystery behind who wrote the book of Hebrews. Here is a hint...they may or may not have something in common with a popular Disney character. Kyle also explores what rest looks like for those of us with very little margin. If you work a demanding job or you are a caregiver, do you get to rest? What kind of rest is even possible? Finally, we talk about how Jesus navigated the need for rest and the needs of his neighbor. How do we know when to hold to our boundaries vs break them for the sake of the person who needs our help?
Kyle Meier | Romans 12:9-17 | Summer Streaming
Topics: Love, Passion, Understanding, Curiosity
Before we dig into this episode, we would just like to know...do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? Do you know where you'd go if you were to die tonight? That's right! In today's episode, we dig into EVANGELISM. First, Kyle unpacks whether putting the 10 Commandments in schools is an effective strategy in making new disciples. Additionally, we explore the practice of reading scripture "inside out." Finally, we have an honest conversation about how to avoid treating other people like projects and acting with ulterior motives.
Kyle Meier | Ruth 1:8, 16-18 | Summer Streaming
Topics: Doing Good, Conviction, Planting Seeds
In today's episode, we dig into the story of Ruth. For starters, we unpack what the Bible has to say about widows. Is there a reason for why male family members are instructed to marry them? Isn't that...weird? Kyle also digs into the fact that our brains are masterful storytellers, but are we aware of which stories we believe? Do we know which stories are controlling our actions? Finally, we wrestle with the tension of being hopeful, while also having boundaries? Is there such a thing as toxic or unhelpful positivity? Kyle opens up about how he, personally, navigates this struggle.
Guest Preacher Tim Russell | Psalm 118:1-4, 24 | Summer Streaming
Topics: Present, Thankful, Memories
Kyle Meier | Habakkuk 1:2-4 and 2:1 | Summer Streaming
Topics: Suffering, Theodicy, Presence
We continue the conversation with a brief discussion on biblical authorship. Should we be concerned that very few books of the Bible are named after their actual authors? Additionally, Pastor Kyle walks us through some of the BEST vs WORST things to say to someone whose life feels really unfair. Apparently trying to explain other people's suffering back to them is not a great move. Finally, Kyle opens up about a couple of periods in his life where life has felt very unfair and how it impacted his faith. If you have ever felt angry or needed some space from God during a really difficult time, you are not alone.
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Philippians 1:9-11 | Summer Streaming
Topics: Insight, Decisions, Change
Kyle Meier | Lamentations 3:17-24 | Summer Streaming
Topics: Process, Presence, Honesty
You can run, you can hide, but grief comes for us all. In today's episode, Kyle does a deeper dive into his sermon on the topic of grief. For starters, we learn some really important background on some of your favorite worship songs. Spoiler alert...some of these stories are super sad. Then, we explore several strategies for actually dealing with our losses. Some people like to listen to music; some consume a lot of dairy apparently. And finally, Kyle opens up about one of the grief journeys he is currently navigating in his own life.
Kyle Meier | Ephesians 4:17-24 | Summer Streaming
Topics: Identity, Mental Health, Made New
Today, we are jumping into our brand-new series, "Summer Streaming" where will explore how God is showing up in our favorite TV shows! In this episode, Kyle discusses his love for Severance and how this show connects therapy and theology. Kyle shares about a pretty vulnerable encounter he had with his spiritual director several months ago. Finally, we wrestle with the question posed at the start...is it possible for spirituality to end up being an unhealthy coping mechanism? How do we know if we are using our disciplines faithfully or to escape the reality of our lives?
Lily Eddy, Siena Reddy, Cale White, and Caitlyn Polasik | Isaiah 43:1-2 | Youth Sunday 2026
Topics: Waiting, Passion, Weird, Hardship
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Acts 2:1-4 | Pentecost Sunday 2026
Topics: Connection, Conversation, Holy Spirit
In this episode, we look back at yesterday's sermon, "What would Jesus say about our political divide?" Naturally, this leads to a conversation on the different uses for salt in the 1st century. But seriously, Kyle explains why Jesus thinks Christians should be the LEAST boring person in the room. Additionally, they should be the LEAST problematic in the room, so we move on to talk about practical strategies for not adding to the problem of divisiveness in this country. Kyle offers a couple of tips for how we can be instruments of peace, not demonization, in this polarizing world. Finally, have you ever wondered if preachers even like talking about politics? Well, the answer is complicated.
Kyle is back this week to continue the conversation around BURNOUT! Returning to Mark 6 once more, we open the possibility that what if in addition to exhaustion, grief, and rejection...Jesus felt guilty about what happened to John the Baptist. Additionally, Kyle offers some tips for how we might aim for rhythm (not balance) for our everyday lives. Finally, we open up a major can of worms asking whether rest is even possible for some of us. What does this conversation mean for the single-mom, the person working 3 full-time jobs, or the adult child responsible for supporting their aging loved ones?
Today's topic is a hot one. As a follow up to her sermon on Luke 18, Katie does a deep dive on Judgment Day. What does the Bible actually say about hell? Where do our ideas about heaven and hell come from? And why does the afterlife matter for this life right now? Katie also suggests a prayer practice that involves making God the main character of your prayers instead of you. Finally, Katie wrestles with how to find the balance between being judgy (which Jesus says not to do) and being discerning (which Jesus says we have to do).
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Luke 18:9-14 | What Would Jesus Say 2.0
Topics: Heaven, Hell, Prayer
Today, we dive into a topic that is on everyone's mind...artificial intelligence. Following up from Kyle's sermon, we take a look at what God thinks about technology in general. We revisit the story of the Tower of Babel to gain some insight on what versions of technology God can and cannot support. Additionally, Kyle gives some tips for how Christians should use AI in their own spiritual life. Finally, we confront the fact that there are even AI Worship Leaders now! What does this mean for the church, for Christianity and can God use methods like these to reach and minister to us?
Kyle Meier | Luke 3:21-22 | What Would Jesus Say 2.0
Topics: Generations, Baptism, Confirmation
This past Sunday was Baptism Sunday at The Peak, so this episode is packed full of questions and topics that emerged out of our story from Luke 3. For starters, it makes sense why WE get baptized, but why did Jesus get baptized? What was the point? Isn't he God after all? We also get into some practical advice for those of us who feel overly burdened and worried about our lives lately. Finally, Kyle opens up about his struggle with the doctrine of Original Sin. In some churches, we are told that because of Adam and Eve's transgression, all of humanity has been cursed and subject to judgement. Kyle opens up about why this is such a hard thing for him to believe and goes on to provide us with alternative interpretations and explanations of The Fall. [Link that Kyle mentioned: thepeakchurch.org/spiritual-gifts]
Kyle Meier | Matthew 28:16-20 | What Would Jesus Say 2.0
Topics: Belief, Foundation, Jesus
To the person who has ever gone through doubt, questioned their faith or reconsidered what they believe in, this episode is for you. Kyle sits down to discuss his sermon from April 12 where we are told that even after the resurrection, "some believed, but some doubted." Is all doubt bad? Is doubt the same thing as "blasphemy?" We also discuss how to remodel our relationships with others and with God after theological reconstruction.
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Matthew 21:1-11 | Influencers (Lent 2026)
Topics: Palm Sunday, Approval, Being
Kyle Meier | 1 Samuel 15:13-24 | Influencers (Lent 2026)
Topics: Honesty, Truth, Provider
Have you ever taken issue with something in the Bible? Particularly those stories or books that portray God as angry, violent, even irrational? Then this is the episode for you! In today's episode, Kyle finishes the conversation we needed to have on 1 Samuel 15 where God looks like a war criminal. He offers practical tips on how to read and interpret the Bible in context so that we can maintain our integrity and our devotion to Jesus. Kyle also offers one more practical "remedy" for each of the lies that may have snuck into our spiritual lives. Finally, we wrestle with what kind of "cost" is expected of followers of Jesus? What does it mean when Jesus says that if we want to find our lives, we must lose them? Is Jesus being a total buzzkill or is there something to explore there?
It turns out that King David has no impulse control either. What does this mean for how we ought to think about the heroes in the Bible? We also talk about whether or not it is ok to ask God for signs. Some think yes. Some think no. Kyle breaks down which steps we ought to take when seeking direction and guidance from God. Finally, we make a rather abrupt turn to wrestle with the violence found in this story. The backdrop of Saul's misstep is a war between two people groups. How should Christians feel about war and violence? Is there ever a time when it is justified? These questions feel especially fitting right now.
Kyle Meier | 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 | Influencers (Lent 2026)
Topics: Sex, Self-Control, God's Plan
That's right. We are going there! In this episode, Kyle unpacks his sermon on 1 Thessalonians 4 where Paul warns us against "sexual immorality." To begin, Kyle explores what the Bible actually says about "lust" and how so many Christians have a harmful understanding of the topic due to shame/purity culture. He also provides a list of book and podcast recommendations (see below), especially for Christians who are trying to better understand sex and how to recover intimacy with their partner. Finally, Kyle opens up about his views on premarital sex. He shares one story about how a moment in premarital counseling caused him to rethink his stance and seek God's guidance for how we should approach this conversation. Enjoy!
Books: "Sheet Music" by Kevin Leman, "The Great Sex Rescue" by Sheila Wray Gregoire, and "Come as You are" by Emily Nagoski
Podcasts: "The Gottman Relationship Podcast" and "Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel" (
Kyle Meier | John 21:17-23 | Influencers (Lent 2026)
Topics: Jealousy, Worrying, Contentment
In this episode, Kyle unpacks his sermon on John 21. We expose what kind of Jedi mind tricks Jesus uses on Peter to free him from shame and fear. We talk about how Lent sometimes gets a bad rap and why you should consider giving it a second try. And finally, Kyle opens up on how hard it is to hear and discern the voice of God in his daily life.
Guest Preacher Hope Ledbetter-Bock | Matthew 16:13-23 | Influencers (Lent 2026)
Topics: Following Jesus, Response, Reflection
Every week, it takes roughly 10 hours for Pastor Kyle to write a sermon. Loads of research, tons of Bible study...in fact, most of what I find does NOT make it into the sermon. So, for the season of Lent, we are going to host a weekly podcast sharing 3 things that didn't make it into the sermon: something you might find INTERESTING, something you might want to TRY, and something that I am still WRESTLING with. If you are looking for a place to continue the conversation we started on Sunday morning, give this podcast a try!
Kyle Meier | Daniel 6:10-16 | Your Story
Topics: Standing Up for What Is Right, Justice, Love
Kyle Meier | Mark 5:1-8, 14b-15, and 17 | Your Story
Topics: Body, Mind, Spirit, Healing
Kyle Meier | Jonah 4:1-4 | Your Story
Topics: God's Character, Inclusion, Affirmation, Behavior
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Matthew 2:1-12 | Epiphany Sunday 2026
Topics: Introspection, Examination, Following
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Luke 2:25-38 | In The Waiting
Topics: Waiting, Patience, Expectation
Kyle Meier | Proverbs 3:1-6 | Serenity Prayer Series
Topics: Faithfulness, Ability, Purpose
Kyle Meier | Matthew 11:25-30 | The Serenity Prayer Series
Topics: Burdens, Balance, Strength
Kyle Meier | Revelation 7:9-17 | All Saints Sunday 2025
Topics: Witness, Legacy, Impact, Love
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Matthew 6:25-34 | The Serenity Prayer
Topics: Worry, Acceptance, Peace, Letting Go
Guest Pastor Amanda Rigby | Mark 12:28-34 | Just Jesus
Topics: Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Matthew 7:24-27 | "Not a Fan"
Topics: Scripture, Jesus, Foundation, Solid Rock
Kyle Meier | Mark 1:16-20 | "Not a Fan"
Topics: Following Jesus, Faith Journey, Discipleship
Kyle Meier | Romans 8:35-39 | Holy + Human: A Summer with the Saints
Topics: Pain, Belief, Faith
Kyle Meier | 1 Kings 19:11-13 | Holy and Human: A Summer with the Saints
Topics: Listening, Prayer, Spiritual Practice
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Amos 5:21-24 | Holy and Human: A Summer with the Saints
Topics: Righteousness, Justice, Prophets
Kyle Meier | Luke 18:1-8 | Holy and Human: A Summer with the Saints
Topics: Prayer, Relationships, Love
Kyle Meier | Hosea 2:14-20 | Holy and Human: A Summer with the Saints
Topics: Love, Bride of Christ, Relationship with Jesus
Kyle Meier | Psalm 19:1-4a | Holy and Human: A Summer with the Saints
Topics: Faith, Reason, Science
Kyle Meier | Matthew 18:1-4 | A Summer with the Saints
Topics: Humility, Faith, Service, Gratitude
Kyle Meier | Matthew 10:5-11 | Holy and Human: A Summer with the Saints
Topics: Faith, Pain, Action
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Acts 2:1-13 | Pentecost
Topics: Holy Spirit, Evangelism, Spiritual Gifts
Kyle Meier | Matthew 26:47-52 | Christianity and World Religions
Topics: Peace, Violence, Protest
Kyle Meier | Philippians 4:4-9 | Christianity and World Religions
Topics: Thoughts, Negativity, Mental Health
Kyle Meier | Acts 16:11-15 | Baptism Sunday Spring 2025
Topics: Baptism, Dedication, Calling
Kyle Meier | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-23 | Christianity and World Religions
Topics: Purification, Sanctification, New Life
Kyle Meier | Genesis 15:17-21 | Christianity and World Religions
Topics: Belonging, Covenant, Inclusion
Chris Marlow | Isaiah 1:10-17 | Missions Sunday 2025
Topics: Help One Now, Goodness, Work, Calling
Kyle Meier | Luke 19:28 - 40 | Ingredients for Lent
Topics: Worship, Palm Sunday, Serving
Kyle Meier | 1 Timothy 6:6-10 | Ingredients for Lent
Topics: Contentment, Stuff, Presence
Kyle Meier | Matthew 6:1a, 5-13 | Ingredients for Lent
Topics: Spiritual Disciplines, Relationship with God, Authenticity
Kyle Meier | Romans 1:16-17 | Keep Christianity Weird
Topics: Belonging, Inclusion, Love
Keri Ladouceur | 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 | Keep Christianity Weird
Topics: Human, Body, Creation
Kyle Meier | Galatians 5:16-21 | Keep Christianity Weird
Topics: Sin, Addiction, Discipline
Kyle Meier | Matthew 18:21-35 | Keep Christianity Weird
Topics: Forgiveness, Radical, Justice
Kyle Meier | Luke 14:7-11 | Keep Christianity Weird
Topics: Serving, Humility, Abundance
Kyle Meier | Romans 8:18-25 | Keep Christianity Weird
Topics: Hoping, Searching, Choosing
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Genesis 4:1-9 | Keep Christianity Weird
Topics: Community, Justice, Love
Kyle Meier | Ephesians 2:1-8 | Keep Christianity Weird
Topics: Grace, Faith, Discipline
Kyle Meier | John 15:1-8 | Keep Christianity Weird
Topics: Vine and Branches, Strength, Reliance
Katie Distefano-Culpepper | Luke 1:46-55 | The Weary World Rejoices
Topics: Love, Justice, Kindness
Kyle Meier | Ezekiel 37:1-12 | The Weary World Rejoices
Topics: Joy, Restoration, Resurrection
Kyle Meier | Luke 1:67-79 | The Weary World Rejoices
Topics: Peace, Self-Worth, Empathy
Kyle Meier | John 1:6-14 | The Weary World Rejoices
Topics: Truth, Hope, Responsibility
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Leviticus 23:21-25 | Boundaries
Topics: Time, Energy, Passion
Katie Distefano Culpepper | Hebrews 11:1-2 and Hebrews 12:1-2 | All Saints Sunday
Topics: Remember, Role Models, Loved Ones
Kyle Meier | Matthew 14:22-31a | Baptism Sunday
Topics: Baptism, God's Love, Messy Life
Kyle Meier | Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 | Life Goals
Topics: Loneliness, Friendship, Christlike
Kyle Meier | Luke 5:12-16 | Life Goals
Topics: Simplification, Prioritization, Distractions
Kyle Meier | Galatians 6:1-10 | Stale
Topics: Work, Intentionality, Feeling Unfulfilled
Kyle Meier | Jonah 2:1-10 | God in the Wild
Topics: Rebuild, Relationships, Reconciliation
Kyle Meier | Psalm 19:1-4, 7-8, and 14 | God in the Wild
Topics: Creation, Growth, Change
Kyle Meier | 1 Corinthians 12:20-26 | God in the Wild
Topics: Nature, Justice, Solidarity
Kyle Meier | Matthew 18:15-20 | The Good Fight
Topics: Conflict, Forgiveness, Redemption
Katie Distefano | Acts 2:1-4, 12-21 | The Good Fight
Topics: Conflict, Relationships, Holy Spirit
Guest Preacher Brittany Absher-Baer | Galatians 6:1-5 | The Good Fight
Topics: Conflict, Grace, Relationships
Katie Distefano | Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 | Youth Sunday
Topics: Discipleship, Service, Membership
Kyle Meier | Acts 10:1-5, 34-36, and 44-48 | Baptism Sunday
Topics: Baptism, Love, New Life
Kyle Meier | Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25 | When Faith Falters
Topics: Doubt, Judas, Betrayal
Guest Preacher Abby Muehlstein | Exodus 5:1-15 | When Faith Falters
Topics: Self-Doubt, Identity, Calling
Kyle Meier | Luke 1:26-38 | Advent: A Promise Fulfilled
Topics: Love, Incarnation, Marriage
Kyle Meier | Luke 1:46-55 | Advent: A Promise Fulfilled
Topics: Joy, Happiness, Discipline
Katie Distefano | Isaiah 40:1-5, 10-11 | Advent: A Promise Fulfilled
Topics: Grief, Loss, Peace
Kyle Meier | Exodus 20:1-12 | Built Different
Topics: Relationships, Family, Boundaries
Art Eddy and Julie Linville | Deuteronomy 6:5-9 | Built Different
Topics: Parenting, Relationships, Learning
Kyle Meier | Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 | Built Different
Topics: Relationships, Marriage, Love
Katie Distefano | Luke 7:36-40, 44-50 | Baptism Sunday
Topics: Baptism, New Life, Faithfulness
Kyle Meier | Leviticus 16:1-5, 17 | You Lost Me at Leviticus
Topics: Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Salvation
Kyle Meier | Leviticus 11:1-8 | You Lost Me at Leviticus
Topics: Sacrifice, Rules, Right and Wrong
Kyle Meier | Leviticus 25:35-43 | You Lost Me at Leviticus
Topics: Justice, Service, Law
Eric Chancy and Katie Distefano | Proverbs 16:21-25 | What the Tech?
Topics: Responsibility, Witness, Focus
Kyle Meier | Matthew 7:21-23 | Committed Topics: Prayer, Discipline, Spiritual Practices
On this episode of Views, you’ll get the chance to hear from Brooke Credle. During their conversation, Kyle asks it was like for Brooke to be a person of faith who struggled with both her gender and sexual identity. You’ll hear what it was like for her to come out to her family, how she […]
In this episode of Views, Kyle sits down with long-time Peak member, Mike McGuinn. Late last year, Mike received a shocking diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In this episode, the two explore what it was like to be paralyzed by fear. How to live with a constant awareness of one’s own mortality. And also the incredible […]
On this episode of Views, Kyle sits down with Kris and Beth Mullenberg. Roughly 16 years into marriage, the Mullenbergs experienced a crisis in their relationship. The tools that helped them survive their upbringing were now acting as weapons and obstacles to their future. In this conversation, they open up about how close they were […]
In the US, close to 20 million people battle addiction every day. Many of us have either struggled with or we care about someone who does. And yet, this conversation is not addressed in many churches today. In this episode, Kyle sits down with Hollan and Brenda Steen. You’ll hear what it was like for […]
“Views from The Peak” is a mini series created and published by The Peak Church. Each month, we will explore a number of stories from members of our own church who survived something that really challenged their faith. Trigger Warning: You might hear about experiences with depression, infidelity, infertility, addiction, cancer, suicide, and more. The […]
By Kyle Meier Psalm 105:1-8 Then and Now: Recalling Past Provisions and Future Promises
An hour of honest, candid conversation between Lead Pastor Kyle Meier and host Beth Hopper, examining humility, loss, and invitation. They also explore how in our divided, contentious, black and white world, we can embrace ambiguity and live in the gray. Enjoy!
What am I feeling and what do I do with it? In this episode, we examine the difference between the big three, stress, worry, and anxiety, and how their differences should alter our responses to them. New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/smarter-living/the-difference-between-worry-stress-and-anxiety.html Serenity prayer written by Reinhold Neibuhr: God, grant me the serenity to accept the […]
How might we strengthen our relationships during this time of social distancing? In this episode, explore a series of questions with your family and friends to understand and love each other better
What demographic has the most difficult time finding rest, and what can we all learn from them?Beth Hopper discusses Sabbath with five busy, devoted, faithful moms – how they manage their parenting responsibilities and their need for rest. Through confessions, stories, and advice, these women offer solidarity for anyone who has trouble winding down and […]
Welcome to our brand new mini series where we will share extra research, topics, and material that didn’t make it into the Sunday sermon! This week’s episode is a follow up to last Sunday’s message by Pastor Amanda Rigby on vanity. Your host Beth Hopper interviews Pastor Amanda to dive deeper into this topic. We hope you enjoy!
Hey there! Welcome to our brand new mini series whereby we will share extra research, topics, and material that didn’t make it into the Sunday sermon! This week’s episode is a follow up to last Sunday’s message on resentment. Pastor Kyle mentioned in his message that while resentment is destructive, anger can actually be helpful. If used constructively, anger can be an important tool of our spiritual and overall health. The question is how? Join us as we explore the topic of how to control our anger and use it for good. PS You pyromaniacs are gonna love the discussion on fire. 😉