Connections

Barry shares what he and his family learned from the time his daughter Harper was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis 12 years ago. He reflects on how God guided them through these challenges and how brothers and sisters in Christ ministered to them. Their story can help all of us discover how to navigate uncertain times. Relevant Links: [mainstreetcoc.org](mainstreetcoc.org)

Parents already know how challenging it can be to help children make sense of today’s culture and how to use technology wisely. What they might not know is that there are tools and strategies available to help us hold onto spiritual values in the digital world. Relevant Links: chadl.co/dpw, [withtravis.com](withtravis.com)

Zack Martin has a passion for ministry and for church history, and he combines those to share some ways that we can learn from those who have studied scripture in previous generations. Even if you aren’t a history buff, there should be some insights here who could help. Relevant Links: hcu.edu

The stories behind the songs we sing can be instructive and inspirational. Mark Aaron Hilliard loves music and works as a full-time band director and music teacher. He also loves leading singing, and he has immersed himself in the history behind many of our most well-known songs. Relevant Links: graymere.com

What does it take to prepare ourselves to worship God, and what preparations are made by the person leading that worship? Jon David has a passion for worship, and he shares with us his process for preparing to lead worship. We also reflect on what we need to remember when worshipping, ways we can better participate in worship, and how to value worship songs which are meaningful to different people...

We have continued to focus on spiritual growth, and we are searching for practical ways to help ourselves and our children grow spiritually. Jonathan Jones has 20 years experience in full-time ministry, as well as time in the classroom teaching both 7th graders and High School seniors. He provides some insights into how we can help facilitate spiritual growth, with the understanding that God gives...

Episode Description: As a church, we intend to welcome everyone who might walk through our doors, but there are times we can unintentionally send the opposite message. Matt Miller, one of the ministers for the 109 Church of Christ, shares his personal experiences and provides a challenge for all of us to be more welcoming. Relevant Links: https://109.church

Grief is difficult in many ways, and we often don’t know what to do when we are experiencing it or how to help people we love who are walking through tragedy. Matt Collins shares his family’s experience with loss, and he also shares some insights into how we can better help people who are enduring a time of loss. Relevant Links: https://www.themagnoliafoundation.com/

There is an abundance of information available online and in our local bookstores, and when we want to find resources to help our faith grow, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. David joins us to share some insight into how we select resources in our study and some recommended books that can help us grow. Relevant Links: https://highland-coc.com

Ben Diles has taught, coached, and ministered to teenagers throughout his career in education. He preaches for the Cathey’s Creek Church of Christ, and we discuss what this generation needs from us as we help them grow spiritually. Relevant Links: [catheyscreek.com](catheyscreek.com)

A few years ago, Jeff and Kelly Loveless decided they wanted to step out on faith and try something new. That led to several mission trips over the next few years and some powerful, spiritual mountaintop experiences. What does it mean to make ourselves uncomfortable and try something new? How will that grow our faith?

If you have ever been on a short-term mission trip, you know how powerful those can be for everyone who participates. How do trips like these help our faith grow? What should we remember as we participate? Links: graymeremissions.com

There is no question that our world today can make anyone skeptical of something new. How can we share God’s message in a culture of skepticism? Links: [apologeticspress.org](apologeticpress.org)

There are challenges to spiritual growth at every age, but teenagers today face different circumstances than previous generations. How can we help them navigate those obstacles and grow in faith? [graymerestudentministry.com](graymerestudentministry.com)

Jason Hart is the youth minister for the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Arkansas. He shares the approach he takes in sharing the story of the Bible to the teens he teaches. He walks us through how to begin studying a scripture by asking key questions that help us see ourselves in the Biblical story.

Dewayne Bryant is a professor at Faulkner University. He has a passion for archaeology and shares how it relates to our faith. He also shares some of his experiences on an archaeological dig. Links for this episode: 🔗 https://faulkner.edu 🔗 https://dewaynebryant.wordpress.com 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6EMvvnZlck0bQpUsuMNjwg

Ed Gallagher is the Professor of Christian Scripture for Heritage Christian University in Florence, Alabama. He shares his perspective on how a deeper understanding of the Old Testament can enrich our faith in Christ and understanding of the New Testament.