Made for Mondays

Episode 295 - Losing Myself: Hidden but Not Wasted

May 18, 20261h 8m

Episode 294 - Losing Myself: This Isn't the Life I Ordered.

May 11, 20261h 1m

Episode 293- Turbulence: Peace Through Connection: Staying Linked to the Source

Apr 28, 202649 min

Episode 291- Turbulence: Peace Through Trust: Flying by Instruments

Apr 13, 20261h 9m

Episode 292- Turbulence: Peace Through Presence: The Spirit in the Cockpit

Apr 13, 20261h 17m

Episode 290- Step 12. The Vocation: Helping Others

Host (Heather): Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore ways to bring Sunday’s message into our everyday lives. Who’s joining me today? Guests (Jamey, Joe, and RaChelle): Hey everyone! Host: This week is a big one—we’re wrapping up our Steps series, all 12 steps, and it lands on Palm Sunday…which feels pretty fitting. But before we jump in—how was everyone’s weekend? Anybody get outside and enjoy the weather? WEEKEND CHITCHAT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE Host: How’s Jesus speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week? (Joshua & Luke) SUNDAY DISH Host: So today we’re holding two things together—Palm Sunday and the close of our Steps journey. We see a crowd celebrating Jesus for who they think He is…while He’s actually moving toward the cross. And at the same time, we’re talking about what it looks like to not just experience change—but actually live it out. Q1 – Wrapping the JourneyJamey, as you closed out this series—what felt most important for you to leave with people? Q2 – Step 12: Outward MovementStep 12 shifts from internal transformation to outward impact. Why is helping others such a critical part of the process?Follow-up: What happens if someone stops at personal healing but never moves outward? Why is helping others actually part of staying healthy? Q3 – Palm Sunday TensionOn Palm Sunday, the crowd had expectations of Jesus that didn’t match reality.Where do you see that same tension in our lives today? Follow-up: Where do we want a “different version” of Jesus? How does that impact our willingness to follow Him fully? Q4 – “Give It Away to Keep It”If this is our Year of Practice, Step 12 feels less like an ending and more like a beginning.Jamey, you said, you have to give it away to keep it. Where have you seen that play out in real life—especially when someone feels like they have nothing left to give? Q5 – Self-Improvement vs SurrenderWhat are some red flags that following Jesus has quietly turned into a self-improvement plan? Follow-up: What would it look like for a church to measure maturity less by what it consumes—and more by who it’s serving? Q6 – The Power of Remembering One of the most powerful moments this week was communion. How does remembering what Jesus has done shape how we live? Follow-up: Why is remembering essential to spiritual formation? What happens when we drift from it? Q7 – Practicing Through Holy Week This week we step into Holy Week—24-hour prayer and Good Friday. How do these moments help us practice instead of just move on? Follow-up: What would you say to someone who’s never done something like the 24-hour prayer experience? Why does intentional space with God matter? What have you experienced there that’s different from a typical Sunday? Q8 – Staying the CourseAfter a season like this, it’s easy to drift. Where do people tend to slip back into old patterns? Follow-up: What helps catch it early? What role does community play in staying grounded? Q9 – Personal Reflection<p

Mar 30, 202656 min

Episode 289- Step 11. The Connection: The with God-Life

Made for Mondays | STEPS Host (Heather): Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore ways to bring Sunday’s message into our everyday lives. Who’s joining me today? Guests (Jamey and Tyler): Hey everyone! WEEKEND CHITCHAT Host: Alright, before we jump in—what did y’all get into this weekend? Host Transition: Okay, now that we’ve established we’re real people with real lives… BIBLE READING CHALLENGE Host: How’s Jesus speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week?(Deuteronomy, Joshua, Mark, Luke) SUNDAY DISH Host: Tyler, this week you walked us into Step 11 by reminding us that connection with God grows through practice, not pressure. From Philippians 4, you showed us that prayer, meditation, gratitude, and steadying our thoughts aren’t ways to earn closeness with God—they’re ways to live with Him. Q1 – Personal Entry PointWhen you think about your current connection with God, what word or phrase comes to mind—and why? Follow-up: Has that felt consistent lately, or has it been shifting? Q2 – Joy Before the ChangePaul talks about rejoicing—even while under house arrest.How does that challenge the way we tie joy to circumstances instead of closeness with Jesus? Follow-up: What might change in our prayer life if we focused on being with God before asking Him to fix things? Q3 – Practice, Not PressureOur big idea is: connection with God grows through practice, not pressure.The Jewish people built their lives around rhythms with God, while we often try to “fit Him in.”What does that difference reveal about how we view our relationship with Him? Follow-up: How might even a few intentional rhythms reshape that connection? Q4 – When Noise WinsWe talked about both external and internal noise.What tends to drown out God most in our lives right now? Follow-up: How can community help us notice when life feels full—but our souls are running dry? Q5 – The Next Right ThingTyler, you tied connection with God to simple obedience—doing the next right thing.For someone who feels stuck, what’s one small step they could take this week? Follow-up: Why does God so often meet us in ordinary obedience instead of big breakthrough moments? JOIN US SUNDAY! Host: That’s all we’ve got for today! We’ll see you and your guests this Sunday at 9 and 10:45 as we take the final (yet ongoing) step together. If you can’t make it in person, join us on YouTube at 1PM. We know these Steps have been challenging—but we hope they’ve also been deeply rewarding. Remember—it works if you work it. Until next time… go BE LOVE!

Mar 23, 202652 min

Episode 288 - Step 10 . The Repetition: Continual Inventory

Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Ten: Continual Inventory This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Tyler, and RaChelle to talk about Step 10 — continuing to take personal inventory and promptly admitting when we’re wrong. Before diving into the conversation, the group catches up about the weekend and reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, continuing through Deuteronomy and Mark. Then the conversation turns to Sunday’s message. SUNDAY DISHThe reaction to “taking inventory” When people hear the phrase take inventory, reactions vary. For some it sounds freeing and clarifying. For others it feels exhausting or intimidating. The group reflects on why honest self-examination can feel uncomfortable—even though it’s meant to lead to freedom. The illusion of “arriving” Jamey pointed out that following Jesus doesn’t make us sinless—it makes us forgiven. Yet many Christians quietly assume maturity means we should eventually stop struggling. That expectation can create pressure to hide our struggles instead of bringing them honestly before God and trusted community. “When,” not “if” Step 10 uses the phrase when we were wrong, not if. That small word reminds us that spiritual growth doesn’t eliminate mistakes—it teaches us how to respond when they happen. Honest acknowledgment of failure doesn’t lower the bar for holiness; it keeps us grounded in humility and grace. Living one day at a time Jamey shared the illustration of eating a lifetime’s worth of food one day at a time. In the same way, spiritual growth becomes overwhelming when we try to think about the entire journey at once. Focusing on today helps us stay connected to Jesus in the present instead of discouraged by the past or anxious about the future. Honest community The group reflects on a story shared Sunday about an older man who openly admitted his ongoing struggles. Moments like that show the power of honesty in community. When people feel safe enough to tell the truth about their lives, it creates space for real growth without pretending we’ve already arrived. Practicing Step 10 Jamey described three ways to practice this step: *Spot-check inventory — pausing in the moment when something feels off*Daily inventory — reflecting on the day with God*Periodic inventory — stepping back occasionally for deeper reflectionFor someone feeling overwhelmed, the best place to start may simply be a daily moment of reflection with God—asking where things went well, where we missed the mark, and where grace is needed. Final ReflectionRegularly admitting when we’re wrong doesn’t push us farther from Jesus—it keeps us close to Him. Honest reflection reminds us that growth isn’t about perfection, but about continually returning to grace. Join Us Sunday That’s all we have time for today, friends! Join us THIS Sunday at 9 and 10:45 AM as we continue taking the next step toward healing and freedom together. If you can’t make it in person, watch on YouTube at 1 PM. These Steps may be challenging, but they’re shaping something good. Remember: it works if you work it. Go be love, everybody—we’ll see you next week!

Mar 16, 202651 min

Episode 287 - Step 9 . The Preparation: Make Amends

Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Nine: Making Amends This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Doug, Tyler, and RaChelle to talk about Step 9 — making direct amends whenever possible. Before diving into the conversation, the group catches up about the weekend and reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, currently in Deuteronomy and Mark. WHAT THE WHAT??? Listener Sarah Beth wrote in with a thoughtful question after reading the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25). She shared how the passage seems to highlight the difference between outward association with faith and genuine readiness for Christ’s return. Her question connects this parable with other passages like Matthew 7:21–23 and James 2:19, asking how we understand the tension between believing in God and actually having a relationship with Jesus. More personally, she shares the heavy burden many Christians feel for loved ones who claim faith but don’t seem to pursue a relationship with Christ. The group acknowledges that tension—we can’t see anyone’s heart, but love naturally makes us care deeply about the spiritual lives of the people around us. SUNDAY DISH The conversation then turns to Step 9: making amends. Why apologizing feels so hard Doug shares a vulnerable moment about scrolling through old text messages and realizing how many apologies existed in his conversations. It sparked reflection on why apologizing can feel so difficult—even when we know we were wrong. Often the biggest hurdle is moving from feeling bad to actually taking responsibility. The deeper weight of the Prodigal Son story Looking at the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, Doug explains that asking for an inheritance early in that culture wasn’t just reckless—it was deeply offensive and relationally damaging. Understanding that helps us see why honest acknowledgment of harm matters before we try to repair relationships. Real repair vs surface apologies Doug shares a quote from John Ortberg: “It’s one thing to make repairs on the outside, it’s another thing to be repaired on the inside.” Surface apologies often focus on restoring peace quickly, but real repentance allows God to address the deeper patterns that caused the hurt in the first place.A practical framework for making amends Doug introduces the CRAFT framework for approaching difficult conversations: *Conversation*Recalling the harm honestly*Apologizing clearly*Forgiveness (asking, not demanding)*Taking responsibility through follow-upThe group also highlights an important caution from Step 9: sometimes direct contact could cause further harm, so wisdom and discernment matter. When amends don’t lead to reconciliation Even in the Prodigal Son story, the older brother remains angry. That reminds us that sincere apologies don’t always bring immediate reconciliation. Healing can take time, and a healthy community makes room for both repentance and wounded people processing their pain. Where to begin For anyone who already knows the name on their Step 9 list but feels anxious or unsure, the first step might simply be preparation—prayer, reflection, humility, and pacing the process wisely. Final ReflectionHow does understanding God’s grace toward us give us the courage to pursue restoration with others? Join Us Sunday That’s all for today, friends! Join us THIS Sunday at 9 and 10:45 AM as we continue taking the next step toward healing and freedom together. If you can’t make it in person, watch on YouTube at 1 PM. These Steps may be challenging, but they’re worth it. Remember: it works if you work it. Go be love everybody—we’ll see you next week!

Mar 9, 20261h 2m

Episode 286 - Step 8 . The Damage: Name Those We've Harmed

Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Eight: The Damage: Name Those We've Harmed This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Tyler, Jamey, and RaChelle for a conversation around one of the most stretching steps yet: Step 8 — making a list of people we’ve harmed and becoming willing to make amends. After some light weekend catch-up (including dinner at Lofay’s 👏), the group reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, walking through Numbers and Mark, and noticing themes of new life in Jesus—especially how Paul and other Jews wrestled with what transformation actually meant. Then they step into Sunday’s message.And let’s be honest—Step 8 hits differently.Because it’s one thing to talk about personal growth. It’s another thing to start naming the people impacted by our brokenness. Here’s where the conversation goes: • The first reaction When you hear, “Make a list of people you’ve harmed,” what rises up first? Resistance? Fear? Defensiveness? Maybe even relief? The group unpacks why that reaction is so common. Naming harm confronts the image we prefer to manage—the version of ourselves we’re most comfortable believing. • Why we remember our hurt more clearly than our harm Drawing from Tyler’s “two lists” tension, the conversation explores why it’s easier to recall who hurt us than where we’ve hurt others—even unintentionally. It reveals something deeply human: we instinctively experience life from the center of our own story. Step 8 gently invites us to shift perspective. • Zacchaeus and dignified shame (Luke 19) Luke includes the detail that Zacchaeus climbs a tree—an undignified act for a grown man in that culture. Why does that matter? The group reflects on how shame isolates, but Jesus moves toward him anyway. Even more powerful: Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name before repentance or repair happens. Being seen with grace makes honesty possible. Grace doesn’t excuse harm—it creates the safety to face it. • Grace and responsibility belong together Heather repeats a key line: “Grace doesn’t make responsibility unnecessary—it makes it possible.” The group discusses why grace is often misunderstood as the removal of accountability instead of the empowerment to embrace it. What would change if a church truly believed conviction and compassion could coexist? They also name the important distinction between conviction (which invites growth) and condemnation (which attacks identity). • Cleaning up our side of the street Step 8 asks us to own our part—even when we’ve also been hurt. That’s a hard tension. The conversation makes space for the reality that acknowledging harm we’ve caused doesn’t minimize wounds we’ve experienced. Both can be true. The key is resisting comparison and scorekeeping, which only delay freedom. • Beginning, not finishing (Year of Practice) In alignment with The Year of Practice, the focus shifts from completing Step 8 to simply beginning it well. A healthy first attempt might look like: *Choosing posture before productivity*Pacing the process instead of rushing it*Exercising safety and wisdom*Distinguishing willingness from full readiness Because Step 8 isn’t about speed. It’s about sincerity. The episode closes with a powerful question: What kind of freedom becomes possible when we stop managing our image and start naming the truth? When we stop curating how we’re perceived and begin embracing honesty, something shifts. Not instantly. Not perfectly. But meaningfully. And yes—shout out to Renee. 🙌 Join Us This Sunday We’ll see you and your guests THIS Sunday at 9 and 10:45 AM as we continue taking the next step toward healing and freedom together. If you can’t

Mar 2, 202659 min

Episode 285 - Step 7 . The Petition: Humbly Asking

Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Seven: The Petition This week on Made for Mondays, Joe is joined by Heather, Jamey, and Tyler for a conversation centered on Step 7 in the STEPS journey: The Petition. After some weekend catch-up (yes, Olympics enthusiasm makes an appearance 👀), the group reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, having just stepped into Numbers and Mark, before diving into Sunday’s message. And before things get too serious? An Olympic icebreaker. Favorite sport. Strong opinions. No medals awarded—just bragging rights. Then the conversation turns toward the heart of Step 7. Pastor Heather framed this step around a powerful idea: Humility begins when asking feels safer than hiding. Step 7 invites us to humbly ask God to remove what we cannot—to stop performing and start trusting. Here’s where the conversation goes: • Asking vs. hiding The group reflects on a simple but revealing question: Are you more likely to ask for help—or hide what you’re dealing with? For many of us, hiding feels easier. Safer. More controlled. But hiding also keeps us stuck. • The Samaritan Woman (John 4) Heather revisits the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus asks her for a drink before addressing her story. He doesn’t shame her. He doesn’t expose her. He creates safety first. The timing—noon—suggests she was avoiding people. And yet Jesus meets her there.The group explores what this shows us about how Jesus approaches our shame—and what it might look like for us to create that same kind of safety for someone else. Where do we choose isolation over community? And what would one small, honest “ask” look like this week? • Pride vs. humility Referencing Dallas Willard, Heather highlights that humility grows when we stop pretending, stop presuming we’re already in the right, and stop pushing our will over others. The group wrestles with an important distinction: humble asking isn’t passive resignation. It’s active trust. It’s choosing dependence over self-protection. • Safe enough to be honest If humility begins when asking feels safer than hiding, what would it take for our church to truly be that safe? The group discusses the culture, language, leadership posture, and everyday practices that help a room feel safe enough for someone to say, “I’m not okay,” and still be lovingly moved toward healing. • The OWN practice: Observe, Welcome, Name Heather unpacks a practical tool for Step 7 in real time. Instead of enthroning our emotions—or ignoring them—we can: Observe what we’re feeling. Welcome it without panic or shame. Name it honestly before God. The group walks through a real-life example—hurt leading to withdrawal—and what it looks like to pause in the moment, name the emotion, and ask God for help instead of hiding behind it. Because Step 7 isn’t about pretending we’re stronger than we are. It’s about admitting we’re not—and asking anyway. The big idea stays simple and challenging: Humility begins when asking feels safer than hiding. And that kind of humility doesn’t grow overnight. It grows through small, honest prayers. Through noticing when the umbrella goes up. Through choosing to ask instead of withdraw. You don’t have to take these Steps perfectly. You can take them at your own pace. And you don’t have to take them alone. Join Us This Sunday We’re continuing the STEPS journey, and we’d love to walk it with you. 📍 On Campus: 9 & 10:45 AM 💻 Online: YouTube at 1 PM This series may be stretching you—but we pray it’s also shaping you. Keep taking the next ste

Feb 9, 20261h 3m

Episode 284 - Step 6 . The Preparation: Become Entirely Ready

Step Six: Becoming Entirely Ready This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Tyler, and RaChelle for a conversation about one of the most honest—and quietly confronting—steps in the STEPS journey: Step 6, becoming entirely ready for God to remove our defects of character. After catching up on all things Night to Shine and Valentine’s Day, the group reflects on what stood out from this week’s Bible Reading Challenge (hello, Leviticus… and wrapping up Matthew 👀), before leaning into Sunday’s message. Step 6 sounds hopeful at first. Who doesn’t want change? But it also sounds slightly terrifying. Because it’s one thing to want freedom. It’s another thing to be entirely ready for God to actually change us. This episode lives in that tension—the space between desire and readiness.Here’s where the conversation goes: • The gap between almost and entirely Jamey names the deeply human space between being almost ready and entirely ready. The group reflects on why that gap is normal in spiritual life—and why growth so often unfolds in that in-between place. • It’s not laziness—it’s division Drawing from James 1’s image of being double-minded, the conversation explores what it looks like to pray sincere prayers while still rowing toward something else. The problem isn’t usually effort. It’s divided trust. We don’t often tell God “no”—we just quietly say “not yet.” • Our modern “not yet” prayers Referencing Augustine’s famous, “Lord, make me chaste… but not yet,” the group laughs—and then gets honest. Where do we postpone change today? Comfort, habits, relationships, control? Resistance rarely sounds rebellious. It usually sounds like “tomorrow.” • Identity is the deeper issue The heart of Step 6 isn’t behavior modification—it’s identity transformation. Jamey revisits three common identity lies: I am what I have. I am what people think of me. I am what I do. If we believe those, then letting God change us can feel like losing ourselves. But if we are already God’s beloved, then change isn’t loss—it’s freedom. • What didn’t make it into Sunday’s message The group creates space for what couldn’t be said in the sermon—clarifying that readiness isn’t about emotional hype or dramatic surrender. It’s quieter than that. More honest. More patient. • What becoming ready actually looks like For the listener who feels resistance, the group makes it practical: Becoming ready might look like noticing where you say “tomorrow.” Naming your excuses honestly in prayer. Sitting with God before trying to fix yourself. Letting willingness be smaller—and slower—than you expected. • Encouragement for the not-yet-ready heart If you’re thinking, “I want to be entirely ready… but I’m not there,” the encouragement is simple: stay. Stay honest. Stay with God in that space. Readiness isn’t forced. It’s formed.Step 6 reminds us that transformation doesn’t begin with trying harder. It begins with becoming honest enough to admit where we’re not ready—and trusting God enough to stay there with Him. That’s not failure. That’s preparation. Join Us This SundayWe’re continuing the STEPS journey, and we’d love for you to take the next step with us. 📍 On Campus: 9 & 10:45 AM 💻 Online: App & YouTube at 1 PM If this conversation stirred something in you, don’t rush past it. Pay attention to where you’re tempted to say “tomorrow.” That might be exactly where God wants to meet you. Until next time— we’re here for good. Go be love.<

Feb 9, 20261h 3m

Episode 283 - Step 5. The Confession: Into The Light

Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Five: The Confession: Into The Light This week on Made for Mondays, Jamey is joined by Tyler, RaChelle, and Doug for a conversation that leans into one of the most uncomfortable—and most life-giving—steps in the STEPS journey: Step 5, The Confession. After some easy weekend chitchat (Olympics, Lunch with Jamey, Super Bowl energy, and all the usual real-life moments), the group shifts toward what God has been stirring through the Bible Reading Challenge, setting the stage for a deeper conversation. Then they dig into Sunday’s message. Confession often carries a lot of baggage. For many of us, it sounds intense, dramatic, or reserved for people with really messy lives. But what we heard on Sunday—and what this episode keeps circling back to—is a simpler, more disruptive truth: healing happens in the light. Rather than re-preaching the message, this episode slows things down. The group sits with Step 5, turns it over, and asks what it actually looks like to practice confession in everyday life, especially as part of what we’re calling The Year of Practice. Here’s where the conversation goes: • Confession as a rhythm, not a moment The group reflects on the idea that confession isn’t a one-time spiritual event, but an ongoing rhythm in following Jesus. That shift surfaces both curiosity and resistance—especially for those who grew up seeing confession as something reserved for emergencies or major failures.• Information vs. being known They explore why it’s often easier to share facts about our lives than the true condition of our hearts. Confession, they note, isn’t about dumping information—it’s about allowing ourselves to be fully known. • The real risk of being seen Confession feels risky not because we don’t love Jesus, but because we can hide from people. The group names common fears: judgment, misunderstanding, and the possibility that a relationship might change once the truth is out in the open—and reflects on where those fears come from. • “In solitude, we can convince ourselves of anything” Tyler revisits a powerful line shared in a conversation at Believers, and the group unpacks how isolation makes it easier to minimize, rationalize, or delay change. Community, they reflect, interrupts those inner narratives and brings clarity where self-talk distorts reality. • Who confession is for James’ instruction—“confess your sins to each other”—opens a thoughtful discussion about discernment. Not everyone. Not no one. Each other. The group talks about what makes someone a safe and faithful witness, and why wisdom matters when choosing where confession lives. • Confession as a spiritual discipline Instead of asking why confession matters, the conversation turns practical: What would it look like to practice confession as a regular discipline rather than an emergency response? They explore how increased honesty, intentional relationships, and preventative rhythms could reshape spiritual growth. • Accountability without shame Accountability is reframed not as control, but as protection for the healing confession begins. The group reflects on how accountability has been modeled well—and poorly—and what makes it feel life-giving instead of heavy-handed. • From rows to circles The episode closes with a compelling vision of the church as a place where people can take off their masks. The group discusses what needs to be true—culturally and relationally—for that kind of community to exist, and how leaders and everyday people alike play a role in shaping it. The big takeaway is clear: Confession isn’t about shame. It’s about freedom. It’s not about exposure—it’s about healing. And it was never meant to be practiced alone. Join Us This Sunday We’re continuing the STEPS seri

Feb 9, 202658 min

Episode 282 - Step 4. The Examination: A Fearless Inventory

Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Four: The Examination: A Fearless Invnetory This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Adrienne, and Kirk for a conversation that might sound intimidating at first—but turns out to be deeply freeing. Together, they unpack Step 4 of the STEPS journey: a searching and fearless moral inventory. Yes… fearless. Deep breaths.And no—this is not a shame spiral. After some weekend chitchat and reminding us all that we’re real people with real lives, the group reflects on this week’s Bible reading, centering especially on Psalm 139—a passage that is both comforting and confronting in the best possible way. From there, the conversation moves into the heart of the step. Pastor Jamey reframes moral inventory not as condemnation, but as inspection—bringing what’s real into God’s light so it can finally be healed. Anchored in Psalm 139 and shaped by the truth of Romans 8:1 (“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”), Step 4 becomes less about self-punishment and more about Spirit-led honesty. Here’s where the conversation goes: • First reactions to “moral inventory”The group starts light—but honest—naming the gut reactions many of us have when we hear that phrase: avoidance, anxiety, curiosity, or something else entirely. Those reactions often reveal how we’ve been taught to look at ourselves—and what we expect to happen when we do. • Inspection vs. condemnationJamey talks about the subtle but important difference between avoiding self-examination out of fear and inviting God into the process with trust. One leads to hiding; the other leads to healing. • Shame-based introspection vs. Spirit-led inventoryThe group contrasts the inner spiral of shame with the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit. They reflect on what helps them stay honest without turning inward reflection into self-punishment—and how “no condemnation” reshapes the entire process. • From vague to specificReferencing Lew Smedes’ insight that vague confession leads to vague forgiveness, the conversation explores how easy it is to hide behind general phrases like “I’m just struggling.” The group encourages naming the actual thing—carefully, honestly, and safely—so freedom can take root. • The courage of Psalm 139Psalm 139:23–24 becomes the centerpiece: “Search me, God… lead me.”Why does that prayer feel risky? And what picture of God helps us trust Him enough to pray it anyway? The group reflects on inviting Jesus into one specific area of life this week—not harshly, but gently and truthfully. • Practice, not pressureAs this Year of Practice continues, the group reminds listeners that Step 4 isn’t about rushing or fixing. It’s about cooperating with God. They discuss small, realistic ways to make space this week—through prayer, journaling, or quiet—for God to surface what actually needs attention next. The episode closes with this reminder:Step 4 isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about trusting God.You don’t have to do it fast.You don’t have to do it alone.And nothing you uncover is a surprise to Him. The group also highlights the value of BeGroups—whether that’s Starting Point, Christina’s financial group, or another safe space—because this work was never meant to be done in isolation. Join Us This Sunday We’re continuing the STEPS journey and would love to have you with us. 📍 On Campus: 9 & 10:45 AM💻 Online: YouTube at 1 PM Share this episode, invite someone you’ve been thinking about, and keep taking the next brave step toward healing and freedom. Until then, don’t forget—we’re here for good. Go BE LOVE. <a href="https://aahomegroup.org/12_Step_Workshop/Step%204%20Inventory%20Worksheets.pdf" rel="nofo

Feb 2, 202646 min

Episode 279 - STEPS - The Steps Overview

Made for Mondays | Steps The Problem: I Can’t This week on Made for Mondays, Heather sits down with Jamey, Joe, and Adrienne to kick off a brand-new year—and a brand-new series—Steps. Together, they unpack Sunday’s message that reframes “new year, new you” away from willpower and toward Jesus as our Deliverer. After catching up on Christmas break and introducing The Year of Practice Bible Reading Challenge, the conversation turns honest and deeply relatable: Why do so many of us want to change… and still feel stuck?The group explores how the patterns we struggle with run deeper than discipline and why real change begins not with trying harder, but with bringing our basement places into the light within safe, honest community.Here’s what they dig into: • Resolutions, reality, and starting the year honestly From half-kept resolutions to abandoned goals, the group talks candidly about how the pressure to “fix ourselves” often sets us up for discouragement—and why this year is about practice, not perfection. • “I can’t” statements and the power of naming reality Jamey reflects on the opening pages of Steps and the familiar “I can’t” statements that resonate so deeply. The team shares what emotions surface when we admit our limits—and why that admission is actually the starting point for transformation. • Romans 7 and the struggle we all recognize “I do what I do not want to do.” The conversation unpacks Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, exploring what “the Law” means, how it still enslaves us today, and why awareness without deliverance only deepens frustration. • Discipline as a response, not a replacement In a Year of Practice, how do we pursue discipline as a way of responding to Jesus rather than trying to substitute discipline for Jesus? The group talks about rhythms, grace-filled practices, and why effort alone can’t heal what’s broken. • What the church can learn from recovery spaces Jamey shares wisdom from time spent at AA meetings with his mom—including the powerful idea that while churches often celebrate miracles upstairs, the real miracles happen in the basement. This leads to a raw conversation about sanitized faith, hidden struggles, confession, and what it would look like to build communities where honesty is safe and transformation is real. • A radical Big Idea “With Jesus, the worse your story, the warmer your welcome.” The group discusses how churches can embody that truth—not just say it—and what guardrails help keep stories centered on Jesus instead of self-promotion. • Sitting at a different table Looking at Jesus calling Levi in Mark 2, the conversation explores what it means to practice grace like Jesus did—intentionally moving toward people others avoid—without confusing grace with enabling. • Practicing community, not just talking about it Before wrapping up Sunday’s service, the church practiced being in groups. The team reflects on why that mattered and how getting connected to a Steps group is a vital next step for anyone ready to pursue real change this year. Join Us This Sunday We’re continuing Steps by diving into Step One: The Problem — I Can’t. 📍 On Campus: 9 & 10:45 AM 💻 Online: YouTube at 1 PM Invite someone, share this episode, and take a step—together.Until then, don’t forget: we’re here for good — Go BE LOVE!

Jan 5, 202655 min

Episode 281 - Step 3. The Decision: I think I'll Let Him

Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Three: The Decision — “I Think I Will Let Him” This week on Made for Mondays, Heather sits down with Jamey, Chelle, and Tyler to unpack Step Three of STEPS: The Decision—the moment where we stop white-knuckling our way forward and begin practicing surrender. After weekend chitchat and reflecting on this week’s Bible reading from Genesis 49, Exodus 1–10, and Matthew 15–18, the conversation turns toward one of the most deceptively difficult spiritual shifts: moving from trying harder to trusting deeper. Pastor Jamey reminds us that we cannot heal our inner world through willpower alone. But when we release control and trust God’s care, He leads us toward shalom—not just peace as calm, but peace as wholeness. Surrender, as the group explores, isn’t giving up on life; it’s giving up our own way so Jesus can form something better on the other side. Here’s what they dive into: • The small places control shows up From thermostats and dishwashers to driving directions and group texts, the group laughs—and then gets honest—about how control sneaks into everyday life. Those same instincts often follow us into our faith, especially when life feels uncertain. • “God, fix this” vs. “God, lead me” The conversation names a tension many of us recognize: praying for relief without actually wanting transformation. Whether it’s a relationship, a stressful season, or a recurring emotional pattern, the group reflects on how surrender often feels more threatening than the pain we already know. • When surrender feels like loss Looking at Jesus’ words in Matthew 16, the group wrestles with the idea that surrender can feel less like peace and more like losing control. What does surrender actually look like in normal, everyday life—and how do we take a concrete step when resistance shows up? • The parts we give… and the parts we guard Quoting C.S. Lewis, the group reflects on the truth that Jesus doesn’t want a portion of us—He wants all of us. They discuss which parts of life feel easiest to offer God, and which parts we carefully protect, along with how that changes when we trust that Jesus is freeing us, not undoing us. • Praying differently Where are we most tempted to pray “fix this”—and what would it sound like to pray “lead me” instead? The conversation highlights how community plays a vital role in keeping us honest when we slide back into control mode, reminding us that surrender isn’t meant to be practiced alone.• Open hands, not clenched fists Jamey revisits the powerful image from Sunday’s message: clenched fists versus open hands. The group reflects on what it means to physically and spiritually release control—and what it looks like to place something we’re holding tightly back into God’s care. • A faithful next step Rather than trying to be the Savior, the episode closes by inviting listeners to take one faithful next step this week—perhaps inviting a trusted person into the decision so surrender becomes a lived practice, not just a good idea. Join Us This Sunday We’re continuing STEPS and walking this journey together. 📍 On Campus: 9 & 10:45 AM (weather permitting 😉) 💻 Online: YouTube at 1 PM Share this episode, invite someone who might need it, and keep practicing surrender—one open-handed step at a time. Until then, don’t forget: we’re here for good — Go BE LOVE!

Jan 5, 202659 min

Episode 280 - Step 1. The Problem: I Can't

Made for Mondays | STEPS Step 1. The Problem: I Can't This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Adrienne, and Tyler as they continue the STEPS journey by unpacking Step One—the uncomfortable, freeing, and surprisingly hopeful place where real change begins. After weekend chitchat and reflecting on this week’s Bible reading from Genesis 18 and Matthew 6, the conversation turns toward a truth many of us quietly avoid: we are really good at managing appearances… and not very good at admitting powerlessness. This episode explores what it means to stop pretending we have it together and start telling the truth about where we’re stuck—not in a dramatic collapse, but in the ordinary, Monday-morning kind of struggle where we keep thinking, “I should be further along by now.”Here’s what they talk through: • Powerlessness vs. image management Step One invites us to admit we can’t control what’s broken in us—but most of us are far more fluent in curating competence. The group discusses where resistance shows up when the problem isn’t out there but in here, and why naming that honestly is harder than it sounds. • “Not that bad” as a spiritual stall tactic The phrase “it’s not that bad” gets exposed for what it often is: a quiet way of settling for less freedom than Jesus offers. The conversation explores why minimizing our struggles feels safer than naming our real withered hand—and how that safety actually keeps us stuck. • Stretching what can’t stretch Looking at Jesus healing the man with the withered hand, the group reflects on why Jesus asks him to do the very thing he cannot do. What does that reveal about how transformation actually begins—and how does it confront our instinct to fix, hide, or self-improve before showing up honestly? • What makes honesty possible in church Jamey shares the conviction that the church should be “the safest place in the world for a sinner.” The group wrestles with what helps create that kind of safety—and what shuts it down—both personally and communally. • Whose eyes are we most aware of? When we imagine being fully seen, whose gaze shapes us most: other people, our inner critic, or Jesus? The answer often determines what we’re willing to bring into the light—and what we keep hidden. • A listener question worth sitting with A faithful listener writes in asking where Scripture encourages that first small turn toward God—the 0.1-degree shift for someone who feels far away or powerless. The group reflects on biblical moments where God meets people not after the full turnaround, but right at the first honest step toward Him. • Weakness as the doorway to power Paul reframes weakness as the very place where God’s power shows up. The episode closes with a practical invitation: one small stretch of faith this week—a prayer you’ve been avoiding, a confession, a text asking for help, or simply showing up to a group. And finally, the conversation lands on this image: Jesus with outstretched hands on the cross—not asking us to try harder, but inviting us to trust deeper. Join Us This SundayWe’re continuing STEPS as we move into Step Two. 📍 On Campus: 9 & 10:45 AM 💻 Online: YouTube at 1 PM Share this episode, invite someone who might need it, and take the next step—together.Until then, don’t forget: we’re here for good — Go BE LOVE!

Jan 5, 202659 min

Episode 278 - Light: Wonderful Christmas Time

Made for Mondays | The Christmas Playlist Light That Can’t Be Manufactured This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Tyler, and Doug as they lean into the heart of Christmas week and unpack Sunday’s message about real joy and real light—the kind that doesn’t come from a playlist, a purchase, or pretending everything is fine. After some weekend catch-up and reflections from Revelation 10–15, Psalms 145–157, and Proverbs 30, the conversation turns toward a timely and honest question: ✨ What’s the difference between manufactured cheer and received joy? As Christmas approaches, the group reflects on the ways we often try to produce joy—through nostalgia, noise, shopping, control, or even religious performance—when what we actually need is to receive joy as the fruit of abiding in Jesus. Jamey shares how Christmas music can sometimes feel like it’s trying to convince our souls everything is wonderful, even when life feels dark. The discussion explores: • Chasing a mood vs. staying close to Jesus How do we tell when we’re chasing a feeling instead of abiding in Christ? The group shares honest “litmus tests” that reveal when joy has become something we’re forcing rather than receiving. • Darkness and light Jamey unpacks the idea that darkness isn’t a thing—it’s the absence of light. Spiritually, that shifts the battle. Instead of staring at darkness, we’re invited to step toward the Light. What does that look like practically? The team offers simple, doable steps—like intentional prayer, confession, community, or a single act of obedience—that help move us closer to Jesus when gloom starts creeping back in. • Shining brighter in real life Rooted in Matthew 5, the BIG IDEA comes into focus: In a world getting darker, we need to shine brighter. Not performative faith—but quiet faithfulness. Reconciliation. Costly generosity. Staying at the table with people we disagree with. The group shares real-life examples of what that kind of light looks like when it shows up in everyday moments. • Light beyond our walls The conversation connects to The Gift and Believers’ partners in Cuba, highlighting how faithful believers there are shining the Light of Jesus in powerful, practical ways—and why it’s such a gift to be part of what God is doing through them. • Community in the dark seasons Jamey revisits a story from one of his darkest seasons, where isolation played a central role. Doug and Tyler reflect on how deeply they relate—and why community isn’t optional for spiritual health. The group also points ahead to Steps and the importance of getting connected to a small group in the New Year. Join Us This Week 🎄 Christmas Eve Services Two identical, family-friendly gatherings at 4:00 & 5:30 PM💻 Online-Only Sunday Experience No on-campus gatherings this Sunday. Join us online for a devotional time with Pastor Jamey on Sunday, December 28.Until the New Year—Merry Christmas, friends. Go shine the LIGHT and BE LOVE!

Dec 22, 202552 min

Episode 277 - Joy: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Made for Mondays | The Christmas Playlist Joy That Lasts Longer Than the Season This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Tyler, Adrienne, and Joe as they unpack Sunday’s message on joy—not the glittery, Hallmark-movie version, but the kind Jesus promises… the kind that doesn’t disappear when the decorations come down. After some weekend catch-up and reflections from Revelation, Psalms, and Proverbs, the team jumps into a real, honest conversation about why Christmas can feel emotionally louder than any other time of year. 🎄 First things first: Where is everyone landing on the Christmas spectrum right now—full Elf-level hype or deep-in-your-bones Grinch-core?Tyler opens up about the now-legendary Dragon Ball Z childhood heartbreak that shaped his inner Grinch, and the group reflects on why we often chase joy in ways that can’t actually sustain us.The conversation explores:• Why Christmas magnifies expectations—and disappointments This season promises joy everywhere we look, but often delivers pressure instead. The group talks honestly about unrealistic expectations and why they hit harder this time of year.• Pruning, not punishment (John 15) Jesus describes pruning as an act of care, yet in real life it can feel like loss, limits, or disappointment. How do we tell the difference between loving pruning and shame-based self-punishment—and how do we stay connected to Jesus when something gets cut back?• Stories of fruit after the cut The team vulnerably shares areas where God removed something they didn’t love losing at the time, but now see the fruit that came from it.• Joy that makes room for grief Jesus promised a joy that would fill us and overflow—but what does that look like when we’re carrying grief, loneliness, or financial strain during the holidays? The group talks about what it could look like for our church to practice joy and lament together.• JOY: Jesus, Others, You The JOY wristband is a helpful reminder—but how do we keep it from becoming just a slogan? What does “Jesus first” look like in a normal week? How do we love others sacrificially without ignoring healthy limits? And how does generosity—like participating in The Gift—become overflow rather than pressure?The episode wraps with a simple, practical challenge: If someone wants the kind of joy Jesus offers—not a seasonal sugar rush—what’s one thing they can do this week to remain in His love? Join Us Sunday! We’re continuing The Christmas Playlist this weekend, and we’d love for you to join us—and invite someone you’ve been praying about. 🕘 9 & 10:45A on campus ▶️ YouTube Premiere at 1P Share this episode, invite a friend, and remember: We’re here for good—Go BE LOVE!

Dec 15, 20251h 1m

Episode 276 - The Christmas Playlist

Episode 276 | December 8 The Christmas Playlist Begins: “All I Want for Christmas Is You” This week on Made for Mondays, Joe is joined by Heather, Adrienne, and Jamey as we kick off our December message series—The Christmas Playlist. Each week, a familiar Christmas song will launch us into deeper truth about why the birth of Jesus is good news for everyone, for all time. After some weekend catch-up and reflections from Revelation, Psalms, and Proverbs, the crew opens the conversation with a festive question: 🎶 What’s on YOUR Christmas playlist?Everyone shares their favorite Christmas songs and the memories, nostalgia, and theology (yep!) behind the ones they love. Heather then takes us into Week 1 of the series, built around All I Want for Christmas Is You. With help from the choir, this Sunday kicked off with a fun moment—but also a deeply meaningful look at desire, longing, and contentment. The team unpacks: • Needs vs. wants:Heather shares about the season of life when she first realized the difference—and the panel reflects on when they stopped depending on parents for everything and started managing desires on their own. • Two pictures of desire:James 4 warns about desires at war within us, while Psalm 37 promises God will give us the desires of our hearts as we delight in Him. • Q: What does it look like for God to rewrite our “wish list”?Especially during a season when constant advertising pushes us toward more, the team explores how God transforms what we want. • The “school of contentment”:If contentment is something Paul learned, we can too. The team shares practices that help cultivate contentment—especially for those walking through disappointment or scarcity this Christmas. • The Gift (2026):After unveiling the projects last week, Heather recaps the goals and heart behind The Gift.They discuss how generosity joins us to God’s heart—and why the “gifts” our church most needs to give this year aren’t all financial. • A preview of January:Jamey shares a first look at our upcoming churchwide series and BeGroup study based on John Ortberg’s Steps. It’s designed to help our church and community grow in spiritual practices, belonging, and next steps in faith. To ask questions about faith, Believers, or becoming a Steps facilitator, email <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow">[email protected]</a> (linked in the show notes). Join Us Sunday! We continue The Christmas Playlist this weekend, and we’d love for you—and the people you’re praying about inviting—to join us: Sundays at 9 & 10:45AYouTube Premiere at 1P Share this episode, invite someone, and remember:We’re here for good—Go BE LOVE!

Dec 8, 202549 min

Made for Mondays

Show overview

From the publisher

Latest Episodes

Episode 295 - Losing Myself: Hidden but Not Wasted

Episode 294 - Losing Myself: This Isn't the Life I Ordered.

Episode 293- Turbulence: Peace Through Connection: Staying Linked to the Source

Episode 291- Turbulence: Peace Through Trust: Flying by Instruments

Episode 292- Turbulence: Peace Through Presence: The Spirit in the Cockpit

Episode 290- Step 12. The Vocation: Helping Others

Episode 289- Step 11. The Connection: The with God-Life

Episode 288 - Step 10 . The Repetition: Continual Inventory

Episode 287 - Step 9 . The Preparation: Make Amends

Episode 286 - Step 8 . The Damage: Name Those We've Harmed

Episode 285 - Step 7 . The Petition: Humbly Asking

Episode 284 - Step 6 . The Preparation: Become Entirely Ready

Episode 283 - Step 5. The Confession: Into The Light

Episode 282 - Step 4. The Examination: A Fearless Inventory

Episode 279 - STEPS - The Steps Overview

Episode 281 - Step 3. The Decision: I think I'll Let Him

Episode 280 - Step 1. The Problem: I Can't

Episode 278 - Light: Wonderful Christmas Time

Episode 277 - Joy: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Episode 276 - The Christmas Playlist

Made for Mondays

Show overview

From the publisher

Latest Episodes

Episode 295 - Losing Myself: Hidden but Not Wasted

Episode 294 - Losing Myself: This Isn&apos;t the Life I Ordered.

Episode 293- Turbulence: Peace Through Connection: Staying Linked to the Source

Episode 291- Turbulence: Peace Through Trust: Flying by Instruments

Episode 292- Turbulence: Peace Through Presence: The Spirit in the Cockpit

Episode 290- Step 12. The Vocation: Helping Others

Episode 289- Step 11. The Connection: The with God-Life

Episode 288 - Step 10 . The Repetition: Continual Inventory

Episode 287 - Step 9 . The Preparation: Make Amends

Episode 286 - Step 8 . The Damage: Name Those We&apos;ve Harmed

Episode 285 - Step 7 . The Petition: Humbly Asking

Episode 284 - Step 6 . The Preparation: Become Entirely Ready

Episode 283 - Step 5. The Confession: Into The Light

Episode 282 - Step 4. The Examination: A Fearless Inventory

Episode 279 - STEPS - The Steps Overview

Episode 281 - Step 3. The Decision: I think I&apos;ll Let Him

Episode 280 - Step 1. The Problem: I Can&apos;t

Episode 278 - Light: Wonderful Christmas Time

Episode 277 - Joy: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Episode 276 - The Christmas Playlist

Episode 294 - Losing Myself: This Isn't the Life I Ordered.

Episode 286 - Step 8 . The Damage: Name Those We've Harmed

Episode 281 - Step 3. The Decision: I think I'll Let Him

Episode 280 - Step 1. The Problem: I Can't