Connexus Church Audio Podcast

You've hit goals. You've bought things. You've built a life worth living. So why does it still feel like something's missing? The problem isn't that you can't find satisfaction. It's that you can't keep it. You get there for a moment — and then it slips. And the cycle starts again. In this message, Jeff Brodie explores one of the most universal human experiences: the feeling that nothing is ever quite enough. What if your dissatisfaction isn't a failure? What if it's actually a clue? This is Week 1 of Questions You Can't Shake — a series tackling the questions people carry around but rarely ask out loud. 🎙️ Want to go deeper? Check out the companion podcast episode — "Is Ambition the Problem — Or Is It Something Deeper?" — where Jeff, Dom Ruso and Vijay Krishnan keep the conversation going. 🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss the rest of this series.

What do you do with a door you thought was permanently closed? In this Easter Sunday message, Jeff Brodie walks through John chapter 20 and three locked doors — a sealed tomb, a room full of frightened friends, and a man who refused to believe until he saw it for himself. It's one of the most human accounts of the resurrection ever recorded. No heroes. No certainty. Just real people trying to make sense of something that shouldn't be possible. Along the way, Jeff explores what the resurrection means for the pain you're carrying, the fear you can't shake, and the doubt you haven't been able to resolve. Key verse: "I am the living one. I died, but look — I am alive forever and ever. And I hold the keys to death and the grave." — Revelation 1:18 NLT Someone who has the power to open doors for you calls for a response. This message asks: what will yours be? Connexus Church is located in Barrie and Orillia, Ontario. We believe God is for you — and your church should be too. New here? Visit connexus.com.

Most of us know what it feels like to carry something we can't seem to put down. A regret. A mistake. A version of ourselves we're not proud of. This Good Friday, Jeff Brodie looks at what the cross actually means for the weight you've been hauling around — and why the message of Good Friday might be better news than you've ever let yourself receive. Worth your time. Share it with someone who needs it. Visit us at connexuschurch.com

What does it look like when ordinary people get filled with something extraordinary? In the final episode of Closer Than You Think, Jeff Brodie lands the series with the Holy Spirit's most provocative metaphor — fire. Not as spectacle, but as the thing that burns away fear and makes ordinary people bold enough to change the world around them. He tells the story of Peter and John — fishermen who, after Pentecost, stood before the most powerful religious leaders of their day and didn't ask for protection. They asked for more boldness. Then he makes it personal: most of us are settling for embers when God wants a fire. And the thing keeping us cold isn't a lack of belief — it's a love of comfort. The episode closes with a simple but genuinely confronting question: in which area do you need the Holy Spirit to fill you — life, power, satisfaction, or boldness? A strong standalone episode, and an even better series finale. Closer Than You Think — 4 weeks on the Holy Spirit. All episodes available now.

Tom Brady won three Super Bowls in four seasons. Then told a journalist: "I think there's got to be more than this." That moment opens one of the most honest and relatable messages in this series. In Week 3 of Closer Than You Think, Luke Crawford speaks from a refreshingly vulnerable place — someone who's experienced the Holy Spirit's presence and also lived through seasons of real disappointment and confusion about where God is. He explores the ancient vision of Ezekiel 47, where water flows from God's presence into the Dead Sea and brings it to life — and connects it to Jesus' invitation in John 7: "Anyone who is thirsty, come to me." The message lands on a quietly confronting question: Are you living like a reservoir — collecting everything God pours into you and keeping it for yourself — or like a river, letting it flow out into the lives of people around you? Practical, honest, and genuinely good for anyone who's ever chased satisfaction and come up empty. Closer Than You Think is a 4-week series on the Holy Spirit. New episodes weekly.

In Week 2 of Closer Than You Think, Jeff Brodie explores what "spiritual power" really is—and what it isn't. Through Acts 6–8, we see the contrast between Philip's faithful obedience and Simon's desire to control power for himself. This message helps clarify how the Holy Spirit works, why motives matter, and how God forms people in hidden places before empowering them for His purposes. If you've ever been confused by "power" language or wondered what it means to be filled with the Spirit, this conversation brings clarity and direction.

Have you ever believed in God but struggled to actually experience Him? In this message, Jeff Brodie explores the Holy Spirit as breath—invisible, essential, and life-giving. From John 3 and Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, we discover that the Holy Spirit isn't a force to find, but a relationship to foster—one that brings new life, restores hope, and makes God personal in everyday moments. This is Week 1 of the Closer Than You Think series: How to Experience God (The Holy Spirit as Breath).

Praying on your own can feel difficult. Praying with someone else can feel even more awkward. In Week 3 of The Prayer Lab, Vijay Krishnan explores how to pray with someone — not just for them — in a way that feels natural, relational, and real. If you've ever wondered what to say when praying out loud, felt uncomfortable initiating prayer, or avoided it altogether, this message is for you. You'll learn a simple, practical approach to praying with others that removes pressure and builds connection. Because prayer was never meant to be private or perfect — it was meant to be shared.

If you've ever felt distant from God or struggled to feel His presence in prayer, this message is for you. In Week 2 of The Prayer Lab, Vijay Krishnan explores how to pray when God feels far away. Looking at Psalm 139 and introducing the Prayer of Examen, this message offers a practical way to reconnect spiritually and become more aware of God's presence in everyday life. Many people ask: Why don't I feel close to God? Is God really with me? How do I reconnect through prayer? This teaching shows how reflective prayer can help you see where God has already been at work in your life — and how He may be closer than you think. Introduction and The Prayer Lab Series 00:00:02 - 00:00:16 The Prayer Lab: Week Two - Visualizing Prayer Relationships 00:00:20 - 00:04:38 Personal Reflection and the Game-Changing Practice 00:04:40 - 00:05:35 Introducing Psalm 139: A Prayer of Closeness 00:05:36 - 00:09:00 Analyzing Psalm 139: God's Presence Across Time Zones 00:09:02 - 00:13:21 The Nature of Prayer and the Prayer of Examine 00:13:23 - 00:16:48 The Daily Examen: A Pilgrimage to God 00:16:49 - 00:20:00 Guided Prayer of Examen 00:20:02 - 00:28:47 The Reimagining the Examen App and Conclusion 00:28:52 - 00:31:15 Closing and Call to Action 00:31:27 - 00:31:44

Have you ever tried to pray… and run out of words? Maybe you feel awkward, distracted, guilty for not praying more, or unsure if God is even listening. You're not alone. In this first message of The Prayer Lab, Vijay Krishnan explores why prayer feels so instinctive — and yet so difficult. If you've ever wondered: Why pray if God already knows everything? What do I say when I run out of words? Does prayer actually make a difference? This message reframes prayer as relationship, not performance — and shows how Jesus' words in the Lord's Prayer can help us pray in everyday language. Prayer isn't about getting it right. It's about starting.

We've never been more connected — and yet many of us feel deeply lonely. Likes, comments, group chats, and constant online interaction promise connection, but often leave us unseen and unknown. The algorithm keeps us engaged, but it can quietly pull us away from the kind of relationships our souls actually need. In this message from the Starve the Algorithm, Feed the Soul series, Jeff Brodie explores why being connected isn't the same as being known — and how real, meaningful relationships are formed. Because the answer to loneliness isn't more connections. It's being deeply known by a few. 👉 Connection doesn't heal loneliness. Being known does.

Comparison is exhausting — and it's quietly killing your calling. In a world shaped by algorithms and highlight reels, it's easy to measure your life against someone else's success and feel like you're falling behind. But comparison doesn't motivate us to live better — it distracts us from the life God uniquely created us to live. In this message from the Starve the Algorithm, Feed Your Soul series, Luke Crawford how comparison distorts our desires, fuels dissatisfaction, and pulls us away from our calling — and how Jesus invites us to lay it down for something far greater. 👉 Don't sacrifice your calling on the altar of comparison.

How do you know what's actually true anymore? In a world shaped by algorithms, the loudest voices often feel like the truest ones. Repetition creates belief, confidence gets amplified, and scrolling slowly rewires what we trust. In this message Jeff Brodie explores how our feeds are shaping our beliefs — and how Jesus offers a grounded way to find clarity in the noise. Because truth isn't discovered by scrolling more. It's formed by who you trust.

Why does scrolling leave you feeling more angry, reactive, or frustrated — even when you didn't plan to feel that way? Algorithms are designed to amplify outrage. They learn what triggers you, polarize your thinking, and keep feeding you content that escalates emotion. But anger that feels like clarity often leads to blind spots, broken relationships, and spiritual exhaustion. In part two of this series, Jeff Brodie explores why the algorithm feeds your anger — and how Jesus offers a radically different way forward. Not escalation, but formation. Not reaction, but response. Not winning arguments, but finding freedom. Jesus invites us to live unprogrammable lives — shaped by compassion, humility, and thoughtful response instead of constant outrage. If you're tired of feeling angry after you scroll, this message is for you. 👉 The algorithm wants escalation. Jesus wants formation.

What you focus on is forming you — and your phone knows it.. Every time you scroll, click, or pause, algorithms are learning what you love, what you fear, and what keeps you hooked. But distraction isn't just stealing your time — it's shaping your soul. In part one of this series, Jeff Brodie explores why you're not failing spiritually because you're rebellious, but because you're distracted — and how Jesus offers something radically different. Not more information, but real transformation. Not behaviour change, but heart change. If you feel tired, scattered, anxious, or stuck in endless doomscrolling, this message will help you rethink what's forming your habits, your desires, and your life — and how to refocus on what actually leads to peace. What you focus on forms you. The question is: who — or what — has your attention?

When life doesn't turn out the way you hoped, it can leave you feeling stuck — disappointed, bitter, or unsure how to move forward. A new year is supposed to feel fresh, but for a lot of us, the weight of what we didn't choose still comes with us. The loss. The hurt. The things that never went as planned. In this message, we explore an ancient story that feels surprisingly current — and discover how one simple decision can begin to change the direction of your life, even when your circumstances haven't changed yet. Whether you're full of faith, full of questions, or somewhere in between, this message is for anyone who wants more than just another year surviving.

Most of us don't stop asking because we don't care. We stop because we don't want to be that person. The awkward one. The pushy one. The one who misreads the moment. So we assume the answer is no — and move on. In this message, Andy Stanley unpacks why persistence, when it's rooted in genuine care, isn't pressure or manipulation — it's love. Through honest stories and unexpected moments, he explores why we often talk ourselves out of meaningful conversations and what can happen when we choose to ask again instead. This isn't about winning arguments or forcing beliefs. It's about relationships, courage, and not deciding someone's answer for them. If you've ever hesitated to reach out, invite someone, or have a deeper conversation because you didn't want to get it wrong — this one's for you.

When life feels dark, the question isn't if you need light — it's which light you need most right now. This Christmas Eve message invites you to pause and reflect on what you're carrying and where you're searching for hope. It's a reminder that the Christmas story speaks to real life — not perfect lives, but moments of uncertainty, exhaustion, and longing. If you're full of faith, full of questions, or somewhere in between, this is a space to consider where light might meet you — and what could change if it does.

Christmas is supposed to feel peaceful… but what if it doesn't? What if your plans got disrupted, your year didn't turn out how you hoped, or peace feels completely out of reach? In Part 3 of our Christmas series His Name Shall Be Called, Christine Birch looks at the night the angels appeared to the shepherds and announced the birth of Jesus — the Prince of Peace. But the story starts with fear, interruption, and uncertainty, not calm and quiet. This message reframes peace in a powerful way: peace isn't the absence of chaos — it's the presence of God with you. Whether your Christmas feels messy, heavy, lonely, or overwhelming, this message offers a deeper, more lasting peace than perfect circumstances ever could. If you're craving peace but your life feels anything but peaceful, this one's for you.

What if the joy you're desperate for this Christmas isn't found in trying harder, fixing everything, or keeping life under control — but in letting go? In Part 2 of His Name Shall Be Called, Luke Crawford unpacks Mary's response to God and shows why surrender isn't weakness… it's the doorway to joy. Through Luke 1:46–55, we see a God who meets us in exhaustion, loneliness, uncertainty, and pressure — and offers something deeper than temporary happiness. He offers a joy strong enough to carry you through a messy year, broken plans, or a Christmas that doesn't look the way you hoped. If you've been running on empty, gripping tight to expectations, or wondering where God is in the chaos, this message will help you discover the freedom and joy found on the other side of surrender.

What if God's greatest work doesn't start in the spotlight, but in the places we overlook? In Week 1 of our Christmas series His Name Shall Be Called, Deniel Sewell unpacks the story of Mary and shows how the Mighty God steps into the ordinary, the quiet, and even the forgotten parts of our lives. From Nazareth to your everyday routine, God's power isn't limited by your weakness — and His presence is closer than you think. If you've ever wondered whether your life is too small for God to care about, this message will remind you that He sees you, He's with you, and nothing is impossible with Him.

Money stress is real — and most of us feel stuck in the same cycle. Subscriptions we don't track, payments we can't keep up with, lifestyle creep, rising debt, and that constant pressure to have more. But what if the real issue isn't money… but the money traps holding you back? In Part 3 of Finding Your Sweet Spot, Jeff Brodie unpacks the emotional and spiritual side of money that most people never talk about. You'll learn why we fall into the same financial patterns again and again — and how Jesus offers a better way to live with peace, clarity, and margin. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by debt, frustrated by your spending habits, or unsure how to make a plan that actually works, this message will give you practical steps and fresh hope. 👉 Explore resources: connexuschurch.com/sweetspot

Most people feel the pressure of money — the stress, the debt, the hustle, the constant feeling that it's never enough. But what if there was an ancient practice that could actually free you from all of that? In Part 2 of Finding Your Sweet Spot, Jeff Brodie unpacks the surprising power of the tithe — not as a rule or obligation, but as a spiritual discipline that pushes back against greed, builds real trust in God, and creates space for peace and freedom in your life. If you've ever wondered why Jesus talks so much about money, or why generosity seems to change people from the inside out, this message is for you. This teaching is practical, honest, and incredibly hopeful. 👉 Take the 90-Day Tithe Challenge: www.connexuschurch.com/tithechallenge 👉 Explore resources for contentment & generosity: www.connexuschurch.com/sweetspot

Are you constantly chasing more — more money, more stuff, more success — and still feeling like it's never enough? You're not alone. In Part 1 of the series Finding Your Sweet Spot, Jeff Brodie unpacks why contentment is so hard to find in a world obsessed with comparison. Discover how Jesus' words about money and trust can free you from the cycle of consumption and help you live with peace, purpose, and generosity. Whether you're struggling to make ends meet or doing better than ever, this message will help you find freedom from the grind and experience what "enough" really means. 👉 Take the 15-Day Journey to Contentment & Generosity: connexuschurch.com/sweetspot 📍 Subscribe for more messages from Connexus Church that help you live with intention and faith.

What's next for Connexus Church? This week, Pastor Jeff Brodie shares an exciting vision of where God is leading our church — and how you can play a part. From new spaces to new stories of life change, this message is all about creating more room for people who are searching for hope. We've seen lives transformed, communities grow, and hundreds experience the love of Jesus through the For Them initiative. But we're just getting started. In this message, Jeff unpacks the future of Connexus — new facilities, new opportunities, and a renewed passion to reach people across Simcoe County and beyond. If you've ever wondered how your generosity and faith can make a difference, this message will inspire you to see your part in what God is doing next. Be part of the story. 📍 Learn more or give at https://connexuschurch.com/forthem

Jeff Brodie, Christine Birch, and Luke Crawford look back on Sacred Homecoming—four nights and three mornings where God showed up in powerful ways. From heartfelt repentance to spontaneous baptisms, it was a week filled with freedom, healing, joy, and a deep hunger for God's presence. Hear the stories, the moments that surprised us, and what it means to keep that fire burning—choosing posture over playbook and living with shameless persistence every day.

When life feels dark, where do you find hope? In Psalm 27, David cries out to God in fear and uncertainty — yet finds confidence, courage, and peace. In this message, Pastor and author Mark Clark unpacks how this ancient psalm speaks directly into our modern struggles with anxiety, fear, and doubt. If you've ever wondered where God is when life feels overwhelming, Psalm 27 reminds you: light always wins. You can find hope again — even in the dark.

You've probably heard Psalm 23 before — at weddings, funerals, or even in songs. But what if it's not just a comforting poem… what if it's a roadmap for how to actually live with peace and purpose? In this message, Pastor and author Mark Clark unpacks the deeper meaning behind "The Lord is my shepherd." He shows why this ancient psalm isn't about trying harder, but about trusting deeper — about resting, letting go of control, and realizing you already have a Shepherd who knows what you need. If life feels overwhelming, if you're anxious, restless, or burned out… this message is for you.

What happens when people start praying, "God, would You do more?" In this special episode, Jeff Brodie sits down with Sarah Piercy and Dan Brubacher to share the story behind Sacred Homecoming. They talk honestly about their own longing for more of God, what it means to surrender, and how God is already moving in unexpected ways. You'll hear about the heart behind the Sacred Homecoming gatherings, the tension between mission and renewal, and what it looks like to posture yourself for God to do something new — in you and through you. This conversation will inspire you to step forward with courage and faith. 👉 Learn more about Sacred Homecoming and join us at: https://connexuschurch.com/sacredhomecoming

We live in a world that tells us everything is about you — your goals, your success, your platform. But what if that's exactly why so many of us feel anxious, restless, and burned out? In this message, Pastor Mark Clark unpacks Psalm 8 and shows how shifting your focus from yourself to God's greatness can bring real peace and purpose. When you realize that life isn't about control, but about awe — it changes everything. If you've ever felt small, unseen, or overwhelmed, this Psalm reminds you: you were made for something bigger.

In this special episode, Sydney Jackson sits down with Lead Pastor Jeff Brodie to discuss the latest developments for Sacred Homecoming—a four-day experience calling our church to return, repent, and renew. Jeff shares the journey that led to this moment, the inspiration from Luke 15 and Nehemiah, and how this time is about seeking God's presence together as a community. They talk candidly about what to expect, why this isn't just another church event, and how Sacred Homecoming is an invitation for every person who calls Connexus Church home to draw near to God in a fresh way. Whether you're new to Connexus or have been around for years, this conversation will inspire you to prepare your heart and lean into what God might do in this powerful week. 🗓️ Sacred Homecoming runs October 21–24 📍 Learn more or join the journey: connexuschurch.com/sacredhomecoming Show Notes A Church Every Community Needs (Week 3) - https://connexuschurch.com/messages/the-power-that-started-the-church-still-changes-lives/ Prodigal God by Timothy Keller - https://amzn.to/4ha8bpJ Sacred Homecoming - www.connexuschurch.com/sacredhomecoming Nehemiah 8-10 NLT - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%208-10&version=NLT

What kind of life are you actually building? In a world full of noise, pressure, and endless options, it's easy to drift—without realizing where your choices are really taking you. Psalm 1 draws a sharp line between two paths: one that leads to flourishing, and one that slowly leads to collapse. In this message, pastor and author Mark Clark unpacks the ancient wisdom of Psalm 1 and shows how your everyday decisions are shaping the person you're becoming. If you've ever felt stuck, spiritually dry, or unsure of what's next—this could be a turning point. This isn't about religion. It's about real life. And the path you're on right now.

What's the real purpose of the church? Too often, our preferences get in the way of the mission Jesus gave us. This week, we'll look at how the early church wrestled with putting Jesus' purpose above their own preferences and what that means for us today. Discover how the church can truly be a search party for the lost and the kind of movement our world desperately needs.

Most people associate power with privilege, attention, or control. But on the night before his death, Jesus flipped the script. Instead of claiming a throne, he picked up a towel. Instead of demanding loyalty, he washed feet — including the feet of the very people who would betray and abandon him. This message explores what it means for the church — and for you — to take on that kind of posture. One that serves instead of shines. That lifts others up instead of climbing higher. Because when we serve like Jesus on the outside, we actually become more like him on the inside. And what if that kind of humility — the kind that moves you from sitting to serving — could change not just your faith, but the world around you?

Most people think God gets mad when they wander — but Jesus said the opposite. In Luke 15, He tells the story of two sons: one who ran away and made a mess of his life, and another who stayed but grew cold, bitter, and distant. Both were lost. Both were loved. And the Father ran toward them both. What if the church looked like that kind of love? At Connexus, we believe the church shouldn't just be a place for people who get it all right. It should be a place for people who are real — real about their doubts, their struggles, their pride, and their pain. Because the church isn't a club for the found. It's a search party for the lost. In this message, Jeff Brodie unpacks how Jesus' personality drew in the very people religion pushed out — and how we can become A Church That's Real. Not Just Right.

Every one of us wants to live a life worth remembering. But are we building our lives on résumé‬‭ virtues or eulogy virtues? Communion reminds us that what makes life worth remembering isn't‬‭ what we achieve, but what Jesus has done for us and what we allow him to do through us. In‬‭ this message, we'll explore how communion calls us to look to the past, present, and future—to‬‭ remember Christ's sacrifice, live faithfully here and now, and anchor our hope in his return.‬

Have you ever felt like your past disqualifies you from being close to God? Like your story is too messy, or your shame is too heavy? In this message, Pastor Jeff Brodie shares the powerful encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well—a woman rejected by others, weighed down by shame, and avoiding everyone. But Jesus went out of His way to meet her—and He does the same for you. Jesus already knows everything about you. And still… He offers you grace, healing, and new life. Whether you feel far from God or like you've done too much to be loved, this message is for you.

What if the thing Jesus is asking of you doesn't make sense? Have you ever felt like faith is asking too much—or just doesn't line up with real life? Maybe you've been burned out, disappointed, or left wondering, "Why would God ask me to do that?" Peter was right there. Twice. Once after an exhausting night of failure. Again after deep regret and distance from Jesus. But in both moments, Jesus invited him to trust. And what happened next? It wasn't just about fish—it was about transformation. This message is for anyone who's felt like giving up, questioning what God is doing, or wondering if grace still applies. Jesus meets you where you are—but He also calls you deeper.

‬Have you ever wondered if your past—what you've done or what's been done to you—disqualifies‬ you from being truly known and loved? Jesus sees you fully and deeply, and still calls you to‬ follow him. Like Matthew, you're invited to leave behind what's broken and step into a life filled‬ with love, purpose, and belonging. Jesus is someone worth losing everything for—because in‬ him, you gain what truly matters.

What if being religious isn't the answer? Most people think following Jesus is about being good, trying harder, or doing all the right spiritual things. But that's not what Jesus taught. In a late-night encounter with a religious leader named Nicodemus, Jesus flips everything upside down with one bold truth: you don't need a better version of yourself—you need a brand new you. Whether you've walked away from religion, feel stuck in guilt, or wonder if God could ever accept you, this message is for you. Jesus' invitation isn't about self-improvement—it's about starting over. Not by trying harder, but by letting God make you new from the inside out.

What if experiencing a miracle isn't about formulas, prayers, or luck… but about posture? In Part 4 of Miracles: Then & Now, Andy Stanley challenges a common assumption about miracles: they aren't random, but they do happen where people position themselves in surrender to God's purposes. It's not about manipulating outcomes — it's about embracing trust even when it costs us something. If you've been wrestling with a big decision, wondering where God is, or hoping for something more — this message will help you reframe the conversation. Sometimes the miracle isn't what God does for you — it's what God does in you.