Dear Church

Chris sits down with Jody Apple to talk about tribalism, disunity, and the tendency for Christians to police one another. They discuss the importance of holding to what matters while keeping Jesus Christ at the center of our faith, relationships, and conversations..         Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6...

Chris sits down with Dr. Keith Harris, the 17th president of Freed-Hardeman University, to talk about his new role, Christian higher education, and the challenges and opportunities facing Christian universities today. Dr. Harris previously served as the preaching minister at Lewisville Church of Christ in Lewisville, Texas.         Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_p...

What does the book of Revelation actually mean—and why does the church need its message today?   Chris sits down with Dr. Garrett Best to explore Revelation, its meaning, and how its message still speaks to the church today. Dr. Best is Assistant Dean and Director of the Hazelip School of Theology at Lipscomb University.   Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/ F...

What does faith really mean—and how should it change the way we live? Chris sits down with Gantt Carter to look at faith   through the lens of the ancient world and how that perspective can reshape our understanding and response to faith today.   Gantt Carter is the preaching minister at 2nd & Adams Church of Christ in Elk City, Oklahoma.         Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...

  In this episode of Dear Church, Ryan Goodwin joins Chris for a conversation about something that sounds simple but may be one of the most important principles of Christian character: being nice.   Ryan is the preacher at Glen Springs Church in Gainesville, Florida. Together, they discuss why kindness, friendliness, and treating people well should be foundational qualities of a disciple of Jesus....

In this episode of Dear Church, Chris sits down with Billy McGuiggan, Preaching Minister at Three Chopt Church of Christ in Richmond, Virginia, for a conversation about Jesus, Scripture, and the power of story.   What if we changed the way we read the Bible by seeing the entire story of Scripture as leading us toward Jesus?   Billy and Chris discuss how understanding the larger story of Scripture...

In this episode of Dear Church, Boo Scott joins us for a conversation about worship, generosity, and what God really wants from us.   Boo Scott is the Lead Minister at National Park Church of Christ in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Together, they discuss why generosity isn't ultimately about what we give or how much we give, but about the heart behind it.   Everything we have is a blessing from God. Gene...

In this episode of Dear Church, Chris sits down with Trey Morgan, Lead Minister at Sunset Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas, to talk about the direction of the church and what it means to get back to what matters most.   Trey is a minister, author, speaker, and marriage coach who has spent years encouraging Christians to live out their faith in practical ways. In this conversation, Chris and Trey...

In this episode of Dear Church, Wes McAdams joins us for a thoughtful conversation about one of the most important questions a Christian can ask: Can I know that I am saved? Wes serves as the preacher for McDermott Road Church of Christ, hosts the Radically Christian and Post Sermon Notes (P.S.) podcasts, and is the author of several books. Together, we explore assurance of salvation, God's wrath,...

In this episode of Dear Church, senior baseball player Collin Helms from Harding University joins the conversation to discuss what it means to live out your faith both on and off the field. College athletics can bring pressure, competition, distractions, and challenges to a Christian's character and priorities. This discussion explores how athletes can stay grounded in Christ while competing at a...

In this episode of Dear Church, Steve Minor returns to discuss the important responsibility of raising godly women in a culture that often pushes against biblical values.   This conversation explores the role of parents, the influence of faith in the home, and the importance of teaching young women to pursue Christ, wisdom, purity, strength, and compassion. The episode also looks at how the church...

In this episode of Dear Church, Ben Hayes and Travis Creasy join the conversation to discuss ministry, mental health, and the many ways Christians can serve beyond the pulpit.   Known together as Ben and Travis, the duo has built a wide-reaching ministry through preaching, podcasting, counseling, writing children's books, and encouraging Christians through humor and honest conversations. Ben serve...

In this episode of Dear Church, Adam Eades joins the conversation to discuss the struggle of addiction and the hope of overcoming it through Christ. Addiction affects countless lives and often leaves people feeling defeated, ashamed, and alone. This discussion looks at the spiritual and practical side of recovery, the importance of accountability, and the transforming power of the Gospel.        ...

Addiction can leave people feeling trapped, ashamed, isolated, and hopeless. In this episode of Dear Church, Kevin Turbeville joins the discussion to talk about the reality of addiction, the spiritual battle behind it, and the hope that is found in Christ. This conversation explores the struggles many Christians face in silence and how the Gospel offers forgiveness, strength, accountability, and f...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Stephen Sutton for a conversation about building a community-focused church. Together, they discuss how congregations can better engage the people around them and why being present and involved in the community is essential to effective ministry. Stephen serves as the preaching minister for the West Dyersburg Church of Christ and is also...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Steve Minor for a conversation about raising godly men in today's world. Together, they discuss the challenges facing young men, the importance of intentional leadership, and how families and churches can work together to shape men of faith and character. Steve has spent years in ministry working with families and equipping men to lead w...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Caleb Sams for a conversation about handling money with purpose from a Christian perspective. Together, they discuss how faith should shape the way we think about finances, stewardship, and generosity. Caleb is a financial advisor and host of the Purpose Filled Money podcast, where he shares a Christ-centered approach to managing money....

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by his friend and fellow church member, Tom Moss, for a heartfelt conversation about walking through grief. After experiencing the loss of two wives, Tom shares personal insight into the pain of loss and the journey of navigating life in its aftermath. Together, they reflect on how faith in Christ sustains us in seasons of sorrow, the impor...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Lonnie Jones for a conversation about reaching and guiding the next generation. Together, they discuss the biggest challenges facing young people today and how the church can help youth overcome those struggles with Christ at the center. Lonnie has spent decades working with young people through ministry, counseling, and speaking at yout...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Jason Hart for a conversation about the meaning and significance of the Lord's Table. Drawing from themes in Jason's book The Table in the Story of God , they explore how meals throughout Scripture help us better understand communion and its place in the life of the church. Jason has spent more than two decades in preaching and youth min...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Jay Powlas to discuss coaching, leadership, and the pursuit of winning the right way. Their conversation explores how lessons from athletics—discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and character—can shape leaders both on and off the court.   Jay Powlas is the head coach of the Dickson County Cougars basketball team. A long-time staff member...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Kathy Pollard and Carla Moore, hosts of the Looking Up! podcast, for a conversation about resources, encouragement, and practical tools for Christian women. Together, they discuss ways the church can better equip and support women in their spiritual growth, highlight helpful resources available today, and share insights into encouraging...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Justin Morris for Part 2 of the discussion on digital ministry. Together, they explore how Christians can use platforms like TikTok and livestreaming to share the gospel and engage people who may never step inside a church building. Justin works as a financial advisor while dedicating his free time to evangelizing through social media an...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Daniel Dalp for a conversation about digital ministry and the growing role of technology in Christian outreach. Together, they discuss podcasting, social media, and practical ways Christians can use digital tools to encourage, teach, and minister to others beyond the walls of the church building. Daniel Dalp is a bi-vocational preacher f...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Michael Whitworth for a thoughtful and honest conversation about second chances and returning to ministry after divorce. Together, they reflect on grace, restoration, and the challenges and responsibilities that come with stepping back into ministry following a difficult season of life. Michael Whitworth is a preacher and the author of m...