Poplar Ridge Christian Church

What does it look like to live with faith when life gets difficult? In the final chapter of James, we're challenged to live with integrity, remain patient in suffering, pray in every season, care for one another, and keep bringing people back to the truth. James 5 gives us a picture of a faith that doesn't quit. A faith that stays faithful when we're hurting, keeps praying when we'...

We only get one life, and none of us knows how much time we have. James challenges us to stop living as if tomorrow is guaranteed and start living with purpose today. Our plans, our time, and our opportunities all belong to God. The question isn’t simply what we want to do with our lives, but whether we’re using the life God has given us for what actually matters. 📖 Scripture: James 4:13-17

What happens when our faith collides with our pride, our desires, and the way we want to live? James gets personal. He challenges us to take an honest look at what is really driving us, why we so often fight for our own way, and what happens when we allow our desires to take the place of God. But James doesn’t leave us there. He calls us to humble ourselves, submit to God, resist the things pullin...

Your words matter. Yesterday, we looked at James 3:1–12 and talked about the incredible power of our words. A few words can encourage someone, destroy someone's confidence, heal a relationship, or create a wound that lasts for years. James challenges us to ask:  What are my words revealing about my heart? Let's be people whose words bring life. 📖 James 3:1–12 Go back and watch yesterday&#...

Can someone have faith without action? James challenges us to examine whether our faith is alive and active. Discover what genuine faith looks like and why it changes the way we live. Scripture: James 2:14-26

What’s happening at Poplar Ridge right now and where are we headed? In this episode, Matt and Brad sit down for a behind-the-scenes look at the current state of the church. They talk about the growth we’ve experienced, the story behind the overflow service that's starting this week, conversations happening around future construction and space, upcoming ministry opportunities, and what we belie...

We all have a tendency to rank people, to decide who matters, who belongs, and who deserves our attention. But James reminds us that the world's ranking system has no place in the church. Jesus gives us a different standard:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Because we've received God's mercy, we're called to extend that same mercy to others. Stop ranking people. Start seeing peop...

Faith isn't just about hearing God's Word—it's about living it. This message explores where temptation comes from, how to overcome it, and what authentic faith looks like in everyday life.

Why does God allow trials? James doesn’t promise an easy life, but he does promise that God can use every challenge to grow our faith. Discover how God meets us in difficult seasons and produces perseverance, maturity, and hope. 📖 Scripture: James 1:1-12

Jesus didn’t come to build an audience. He came to build a family. In the final message of our Find Your People series, we explore God’s design for biblical community through the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur in Exodus 17. In a world where loneliness is growing and connection often replaces true belonging, Jesus invites us into something better, a church where everyone has someone, because no one...

Casey Blevins has called Poplar Ridge home for most of her life. She grew up here, was shaped by this church, served as a teacher for years, and now leads the next generation as our Children’s Minister. In this episode of the  Let’s Talk Podcast , Casey shares what it was like growing up at Poplar Ridge, how God led her into ministry, and why investing in kids matters so much. We also talk about w...

The world teaches us to look out for ourselves. Jesus calls us to look out for one another. Join us as we discover how the early church became known for their generosity, unity, and love and why those same qualities should define followers of Jesus today.

In a world that moves faster than ever, it’s easy to miss the people right in front of us. In Week 6 of  Find Your People  at Poplar Ridge Christian Church, we look at the story of the woman who reached out and touched Jesus’ garment. While everyone else saw a crowd, Jesus saw a person. He stopped, listened, and gave her the attention and compassion she needed. This message challenges us to slow d...

Life gets heavy. The question is: who’s walking with you through it? In Week 5 of  Find Your People , at Poplar Ridge Christian Church, we look at the friends who carried a paralyzed man to Jesus and are reminded why we all need people who will show up when life gets hard.

We were never meant to simply attend church—we were meant to share life together. In the story of Zacchaeus in Luke19:1–10, we see how one invitation around a table changed everything. Real community isn’t built through perfect people; it’s built through open homes, honest conversations, and lives that make room for others. If you’re longing for deeper friendships and a place to truly belong, this...

In this episode of  Let’s Talk , Lead Minister Brad Perry shares the story of how God led him to Poplar Ridge and reflects on 28 years of ministry. From the unexpected path that brought him here to the lessons, challenges, and victories along the way, Brad looks back on God’s faithfulness and the incredible work He has done through the church over nearly three decades.

Have you ever wondered,  “If people really knew me, would they still love me?” Most of us long for deep relationships, but we’re afraid of being fully known. So we hide behind busy schedules, social media, accomplishments, or the version of ourselves we think others will accept. But what if the very things we’re hiding are the things God wants to heal? In this message from our  Find Your People  s...

We all want deep friendships and meaningful community, but what if finding your people starts with becoming the kind of person who shows up for others? In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan and challenges us to move beyond convenience, comfort, and proximity into a life of compassion and intentional neighbor-love. This message explores what it means to become the kind of fr...

We have a role to impact the next generation. Join us as we dive into how to do that.

Welcome back to the  Let’s Talk Podcast . In this episode, we’re talking about a brand new ministry season at Poplar Ridge Christian Church. Matt shares about stepping into a new associate pastor role focused on groups, connections, and helping people move from simply attending church to truly finding community and belonging. We also spend time reflecting on the last several years in student minis...

Yesterday, we looked at Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:24–27 and were reminded that every home is built on something. The storms of life will come, but homes built on the foundation of Christ can stand strong. Our prayer is that our homes would become the safest places on earth—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re filled with the love, grace, peace, and truth of Jesus. When we build our mar...

In 2 Timothy 2:1–2, Paul the Apostle reminds Timothy that faith is meant to be passed on. The greatest legacy we leave may not be money, success, or accomplishments but what happens inside our homes. The conversations around the table, the prayers whispered at night, the example we set, and the faith we model all shape the next generation. This message is about building a home where faith lasts lo...

Happy Mother's Day! Today we talk about how to lead faithfully in your home.

Paul tells timothy to put more wood on the fire. His faith has ben passed down from grandmother, to his mother, and now to him. He has a gift to preach but he has to fan the flame by practicing the gift God has given him.

Join us to listen in to our new youth minister, Elijah Grubbs, as he speaks about returning to Poplar Ridge and stepping into a new role.