Against the Grain

Mistakes don’t have to define you. They can transform you. Men of Nehemiah is a faith-based recovery program for men, dedicated to defeating addiction, transforming families, and restoring communities. In this episode, Eric, Randy, and Rand share what Men of Nehemiah is, the life-changing work happening inside the program, and how you can get involved in the mission, whether you’re seeking recover...

Living a Christ-centered life means living a life of service, and you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to do it. Right here in our own backyard, neighbors are hurting and need a helping hand. Texans on Mission mobilizes volunteers to help rebuild communities after floods and other natural disasters. In this episode, Eric, Randy, and Ron share stories of how the organization has served...

God is doing incredible things in our city, and there are more ways than ever to be part of it. But with so many areas to serve and so many volunteer opportunities, it’s easy to focus on the tasks and lose sight of the real people on the other side of them. Serving opens the door to relationships we may never have otherwise, and gives us the chance to connect with our neighbors on a deeper level....

"Missions" isn't just what happens in foreign countries across the globe. Missions is a life calling to make disciples and share the hope of Christ with everyone in our path, from your neighbor to your coworker to the stranger in line at the coffee shop. In this episode, Eric, Amy, and Kevin explore what it looks like to live on mission right where you are. They dig into local mission opportunitie...

In a culture that glorifies busyness, taking one intentional day of rest each week feels almost countercultural. We fill our "off days" with grocery runs, house chores, and errands, chasing productivity even when we're supposed to be resting. But what if we were never meant to live that way? In this episode, Eric, Andrew, and Beth unpack the importance and value of the Sabbath like w...

More Than a Song: Redefining True Worship Worship isn't confined to the opening set before the sermon. It's a lifestyle, a posture, and a practice that stretches far beyond the stage. In this episode, Eric, Cam, and Caleb dig into what worship really means, why it matters more than we often realize, and practical ways to grow in how we praise the Lord. Whether you've sung worship songs your whole...

You have skills and gifts. Are you using them with kingdom purpose? Your position on the corporate ladder doesn't determine your impact. You don't have to be the boss to be a leader, and your influence on the people around you may be far greater than you realize. In this episode, Eric sits down with Jim Greenwood and Payton Mayes, CEOs and business leaders, to talk about how the book of Ne...

Unlocking the Bible: A Practical Guide to Reading Scripture with Confidence The Word of God is alive and powerful—but let's be honest, opening the Bible can feel overwhelming, whether you're a lifelong believer or just starting your faith journey. The truth is, every time you dive into scripture, there's something new waiting to be discovered. As Christians, engaging deeply with the Bi...

Your Neighborhood Is Bigger Than You Think In this episode, Eric, Jhejuda, and Kevin dig into the incredible ministry happening right in our own backyard — from cross-cultural friendships to pick-up soccer games that are becoming powerful tools for reaching people well. Loving your neighbor doesn't stop at the house next door. It reaches the person you sit beside at a soccer tournament, the pe...

"I Can't Believe in a God Who Allows Evil" — Wrestling With Suffering & Faith "I can't believe in a God who allows evil." Ever thought that? Most of us have! When life gets dark, staying convinced that God is good isn't always easy, and that's okay to admit. No matter what you believe, we can all agree on one thing: evil is real. So how do we as Christians a...

Is Christian faith a blind leap, or is there evidence pointing to a Creator? In this episode, Eric, Rick, Brian and Jason explore the evidence for design throughout nature, the human body, and the universe. From DNA and biological complexity to the fine-tuning of the cosmos, we consider why the order and purpose we see in creation point beyond chance and toward an intelligent Designer. We also dis...

Has science really disproved God or the Bible's account of creation?  It's a common claim, but is the evidence as clear-cut as many believe? In this episode, Eric, Rick, Jason & Brian explore the relationship between faith and science, tackling questions about evolution, the origin of life, the Big Bang, and the fine-tuning of the universe. They discuss why scientific debates are often...

Can we really trust the Bible?  Has Scripture been changed over time, or is it reliable after thousands of years? Many people compare the Bible to a giant game of telephone, assuming its message has been distorted through centuries of copying and translation. But does the evidence support that claim? In this episode, Eric, Jason, Rick and Brian explore the historical reliability of the Bible, the...

Sharing your faith can feel intimidating. Many Christians want to talk about Jesus but hesitate because they don't feel knowledgeable enough, worry about being asked difficult theological questions, or fear coming across as pushy or judgmental. So how do you faithfully share the gospel while still being gracious, genuine, and inviting? In this episode, Eric, Brian, and Rick explore practical,...

Is Christianity supported by evidence, or is faith simply believing without proof? Many people struggle with questions about faith because so much of the Christian life requires trusting what we cannot see. Yet biblical faith is not blind faith. Christians can confidently embrace both faith and facts, knowing that the evidence surrounding the Christian faith is undeniable. In this episode, Eric, R...

As culture grows increasingly hostile to the Word of God, how do we stand firm in our convictions without wavering? What is the foundation of a boldness that would walk into the lion's den for the sake of truth? In this episode, Eric and Rachel explore the book of Daniel, unpacking its historical significance, the details we often overlook as modern readers, and how this ancient story is meant...

What if the spiritual hunger you feel is actually God's invitation to something greater? In this episode, Eric and Tyler unpack how broken young people struggling with isolation and hidden sins are finding real transformation through a "wide call, high call" approach: everyone is welcome, nothing is held back. Drawing from Luke 14's banquet parable, Tyler introduces his three A's framework for dis...

Exhort, Challenge, Grow: How Intentional Relationships Fuel Lasting Personal Growth Growth doesn't happen in isolation. Whether you're pursuing personal development, spiritual growth, or professional transformation, the relationships around you matter more than you might think. In this episode, Eric, Becky, and Brandon unpack what it really means to  exhort  one another, to speak truth, of...

Mother's Day gets one day, but motherhood is every day. The flowers fade and the brunch ends, but the calling of a mother never takes a day off. In this episode, Laura, Haley, and Holly pull back the curtain on the real, beautiful, and sometimes messy journey of motherhood — and how a living faith can anchor you through all of it. Whether you're in the thick of toddler tantrums, navigating the tee...

Graduation season is here! Whether you're the proud parent of a high school senior, a mentor, educator, or the graduate yourself, this episode is for YOU. The leap after graduation is real. While it's a season of excitement, it's also wrapped in confusion, unexpected pressure, and a level of independence most students have never navigated before. New city. New community. New identity....

"There are already churches everywhere, why would we need to start more?" If you've ever heard that question (or asked it yourself), this episode is for you. Church planting is one of the most powerful (and most misunderstood) aspects of Christianity. In this episode, Eric, Kevin and Tim break down exactly what church planting is, why it matters more than ever in a rapidly changing w...

From Hindu Priest to Christ Follower: A Story of Transformation Across Cultures What separates a religion from a relationship? And why does it matter for how you talk to your neighbors, coworkers, and friends? In this episode, Kevin sits down with Kamal, a former Hindu priest whose remarkable journey to faith in Christ offers a masterclass in cross-cultural connection. They unpack the foundational...

Welcome back to part 2 of the conversation! AI is an undeniable part of our culture today. But how should Christians think about AI? Is it a tool to embrace, a threat to fear, or something in between? In this episode, Eric and Justin explore how believers can engage with artificial intelligence thoughtfully, without either blindly accepting it or shutting it down out of fear. This episode discusse...

AI is an undeniable part of our culture today. But how should Christians think about AI? Is it a tool to embrace, a threat to fear, or something in between? In this episode, Eric and Justin explore how believers can engage with artificial intelligence thoughtfully, without either blindly accepting it or shutting it down out of fear. What does it mean to use AI wisely? Where does Scripture speak in...

Belief in the resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith.  And as we look back at what is recorded in scripture we see solid evidence that the events described that day really happened. The best part is that you don’t have to be a scholar or have a degree to understand it! The resurrection is a story of ultimate hope. We know how the story ends, but how did it happen? Why was it necessary? What...