Behind the Message

We look at ways to connect ourselves to the relationships and activities that fuel the soul. When we allow our souls to run on empty, we have little to offer those around us.

In his book, Soul Keeping, John Ortberg says that the key to a healthy soul is first to “ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life”. We sit down with Pastor Steve Mickel to discuss the hectic rhythms of life and how we can find a place of rest for our souls.

In a special 4 part live series, we look back on some of the most memorable messages of 2018 and discuss on stage at Westside Church.

In a special 4 part live series, we look back on some of the most memorable messages of 2018 and discuss on stage at Westside Church.

In a special 4 part live series, we look back on some of the most memorable messages of 2018 and discuss on stage at Westside Church.

In a special 4 part live series, we look back on some of the most memorable messages of 2018 and discuss on stage at Westside Church.

In a cultural moment when civility is rare and passionate opinions are everywhere, how do we communicate our views and beliefs without rudeness and arrogance?

The #metoo movement has changed the conversation around corporate culture, the entertainment industry and politics. Does the church need to speak out? Should Christian men in leadership be taking a stand, or the back seat? Pastor Bo Stern joins Ben and Evan to discuss these hot-button issues and what to make of it all in the context of church life.

Pastor Steve Mickel joins to discuss his teaching on 1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter), and why it’s those closest to us that usually require the most effort in our attempts to love like Jesus.

We’re back after a few weeks off with Casey Parnell to discuss the exit of the Parnell brothers from the staff of Westside Church.

The founder of Watercup counseling, Bill Mahnke, joins the podcast to discuss the intersection of faith and mental health with Evan and Pastor Steve Mickel.

Pastor Steve Mickel and Pastor Mike Alexander join Evan to discuss Steve’s controversial message on Christian ethics.

Bo Stern and Spencer Schaber join the podcast to discuss their message on worry and how Jesus introduced a whole new way to live: anxiety free.

Pastor Steve Mickel and Pastor Mike Alexander join to discuss the purpose Jesus had in teaching on things that were unclear, difficult and confusing.

Evan hosts Steve Mickel and Casey Parnell to discuss the subversive, challenging nature of Jesus’ life and teachings and if it is ever appropriate for Christians to be judgmental.

Randall Knight served on staff at Westside Church for many years. No longer working in the church world, Randall brings a different perspective to the conversation and discusses his critique of our “in-the-weeds” topics in previous Behind the Message episodes and his ideas of how to make the church more appealing to the uninitiated.

Pastor Steve Mickel joins the podcast to discuss how we handle the difficult teachings of Jesus and how God allows us to flourish even when we fall short of the ideal in our relationships.

We’re back for season 2 of Behind the Message, and begin this season with a live podcast recording with a panel of pastors discussing minorities and women in ministry. With Pastors Keith Jenkins, Steve Mickel and Bo Stern.

Bo Stern joins for the last episode of season 1 to discuss what we’ve learned through the parables of Jesus. We also discuss techniques to get the attention of distracted crowds.

Westside’s associate worship pastor Lindsay Parnell joins for a special live recording to discuss ways to overcome anxiety and depression and help those who are struggling.

Pastor Steve Mickel joins to discuss how Jesus uses individuals, not political parties to establish his way, and how his teachings and life should challenge us in how we think and live.

Bo Stern joins the podcast to discuss Jesus’ parable of the weeds, and why it was important to her not to over explain or draw too much out of what Jesus was teaching the crowds.

Steve Mickel is back to discuss the way of Jesus as taught through His parables. Also discussed: multisite churches, measuring health by counting people, and the pressure pastors feel on Easter Sunday.

Pastor Steve Mickel joins to discuss his vision message for 2018, and how he models his teaching after the format of Jesus.

Pastor Steve Mickel joins to discuss his message on fighting through suffering and why we can’t give into fear in times of trouble and grief.