Connections

Jesse Bates is the youth minister for the Southgate Church of Christ in Columbia, and he shares what he has learned in ministry about what teens need in ministry as well as what 20 somethings are often searching for spiritually. He provides insight into what we can do to reach that age group with the gospel. Relevant Links: southgatechurchofchrist.org

In this recording from our 2023 Summer Series, Andrew, Jody, and Mark join a roundtable to discuss ways Christians can maintain faith during difficult challenges. Relevant Links: graymere.com

In this recording from our 2023 Summer Series, Dwayne, Michael, and Dennis join a roundtable to discuss ways Christians can maintain faith during difficult challenges. Relevant Links: graymere.com

Jon David Schwartz has spent time with us before reflecting on the issues facing teenagers today, and here he shares his philosophy of youth ministry and how that impacts his work at Graymere. He also gives us some insight into what parents can do to help their children get ready for Graymere Student Ministry.

The Bible begins with God’s creation, and that serves as a reminder that He is the ultimate Creator. When we use our creativity, we are honoring the God who designed us in His image. Brad Blackman is an artist and member at Graymere, and he joins us to share his own life experience as an artist and what that has taught him about his faith in our Creator. 🔗 https://bradblackman.com

While this might not be a subject you have thought about often, scripture does give us some insights into the spiritual realm. Isaac Bourne, who preaches for the Chapel Hill Church of Christ, has done extensive research into what the Bible says about demons. He shares some of that research with us and we reflect on what that can teach us as Christians. Relevant Links: https://www.chapelhillcoc.com

This recording of one of our Kingdom Focus Wednesdays features an interview with Drew Kizer. Drew preaches for the Ashville Road Church of Christ in Leeds, Alabama, and he recently wrote the book Sufficient Grace: A Christian Perspective on Chronic Illness. He shares his perspective on his own battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Relevant Links: https://www.riddlecreekpublishing.com/drewkizer ; https:...

Demetrius Nelson has years of experience serving in ministry as well as working with a funeral home. He preaches for the Carmack Boulevard Church of Christ in Columbia, TN. He draws on his experiences to share some important principles to remember when we are grieving. Relevant Links: http://www.carmackchurch.org

Chuck Morris preaches for the Spring Meadows Church of Christ, and he has experience in youth ministry, education, and coaching. As he reflects on what those experiences have taught him about young people, he shares insights into how we can encourage teens in their spiritual growth. Relevant Links: https:/smcoc.net

Travis Hartle preaches for the Millview Church of Christ, and he also has a website dedicated to helping parents learn more about movies, TV shows, and books before they allow their children access to them. He talks about what reviewing these works has taught him and what we need to be aware of as we seek to guide our children. Relevant Links: withtravis.com

Robert is a Graymere member who works as an audio engineer in the music and TV industries. He gives us some insights into what it is like to share his faith and try to serve God in a place where that is not always popular. graymere.com

Chris gives us the latest from Tennessee Children’s Home, as well as the history behind that work. He also shares what he has learned in his work there. Relevant Links: https://www.tennesseechildrenshome.org

Nick shares his perspective as a missionary in Brazil, and how what he learned there informs his perspective on ministry in America. We think through some of the ways our American culture can provide challenges in our discipleship. Relevant Links: https://millcreekchurchofchrist.com

Episode Description: Each year, athletes gather for a 314 mile road race from Dorena Landing, MO to Castle Rock, GA. They race on the open road, relying on their wits to navigate a multi-day race. Jon Winchester recently participated, and he learned some powerful lessons from this significant challenge. We asked him to share insights and spiritual lessons he learned. Relevant Links: graymere.com

Craig shares some personal experiences and reflections on how we can grow a culture of evangelism in our congregations. He gives specific examples of what we can do and encourages us to find ways to grow our desire for reaching the lost. Relevant Links: mtjuliet.org

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)