Dear Church

In this episode of Dear Church, senior baseball player Collin Helms from Harding University joins the conversation to discuss what it means to live out your faith both on and off the field. College athletics can bring pressure, competition, distractions, and challenges to a Christian's character and priorities. This discussion explores how athletes can stay grounded in Christ while competing at a...

In this episode of Dear Church, Steve Minor returns to discuss the important responsibility of raising godly women in a culture that often pushes against biblical values.   This conversation explores the role of parents, the influence of faith in the home, and the importance of teaching young women to pursue Christ, wisdom, purity, strength, and compassion. The episode also looks at how the church...

In this episode of Dear Church, Ben Hayes and Travis Creasy join the conversation to discuss ministry, mental health, and the many ways Christians can serve beyond the pulpit.   Known together as Ben and Travis, the duo has built a wide-reaching ministry through preaching, podcasting, counseling, writing children's books, and encouraging Christians through humor and honest conversations. Ben serve...

In this episode of Dear Church, Adam Eades joins the conversation to discuss the struggle of addiction and the hope of overcoming it through Christ. Addiction affects countless lives and often leaves people feeling defeated, ashamed, and alone. This discussion looks at the spiritual and practical side of recovery, the importance of accountability, and the transforming power of the Gospel.        ...

Addiction can leave people feeling trapped, ashamed, isolated, and hopeless. In this episode of Dear Church, Kevin Turbeville joins the discussion to talk about the reality of addiction, the spiritual battle behind it, and the hope that is found in Christ. This conversation explores the struggles many Christians face in silence and how the Gospel offers forgiveness, strength, accountability, and f...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Stephen Sutton for a conversation about building a community-focused church. Together, they discuss how congregations can better engage the people around them and why being present and involved in the community is essential to effective ministry. Stephen serves as the preaching minister for the West Dyersburg Church of Christ and is also...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Steve Minor for a conversation about raising godly men in today's world. Together, they discuss the challenges facing young men, the importance of intentional leadership, and how families and churches can work together to shape men of faith and character. Steve has spent years in ministry working with families and equipping men to lead w...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Caleb Sams for a conversation about handling money with purpose from a Christian perspective. Together, they discuss how faith should shape the way we think about finances, stewardship, and generosity. Caleb is a financial advisor and host of the Purpose Filled Money podcast, where he shares a Christ-centered approach to managing money....

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by his friend and fellow church member, Tom Moss, for a heartfelt conversation about walking through grief. After experiencing the loss of two wives, Tom shares personal insight into the pain of loss and the journey of navigating life in its aftermath. Together, they reflect on how faith in Christ sustains us in seasons of sorrow, the impor...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Lonnie Jones for a conversation about reaching and guiding the next generation. Together, they discuss the biggest challenges facing young people today and how the church can help youth overcome those struggles with Christ at the center. Lonnie has spent decades working with young people through ministry, counseling, and speaking at yout...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Jason Hart for a conversation about the meaning and significance of the Lord's Table. Drawing from themes in Jason's book The Table in the Story of God , they explore how meals throughout Scripture help us better understand communion and its place in the life of the church. Jason has spent more than two decades in preaching and youth min...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Jay Powlas to discuss coaching, leadership, and the pursuit of winning the right way. Their conversation explores how lessons from athletics—discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and character—can shape leaders both on and off the court.   Jay Powlas is the head coach of the Dickson County Cougars basketball team. A long-time staff member...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Kathy Pollard and Carla Moore, hosts of the Looking Up! podcast, for a conversation about resources, encouragement, and practical tools for Christian women. Together, they discuss ways the church can better equip and support women in their spiritual growth, highlight helpful resources available today, and share insights into encouraging...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Justin Morris for Part 2 of the discussion on digital ministry. Together, they explore how Christians can use platforms like TikTok and livestreaming to share the gospel and engage people who may never step inside a church building. Justin works as a financial advisor while dedicating his free time to evangelizing through social media an...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Daniel Dalp for a conversation about digital ministry and the growing role of technology in Christian outreach. Together, they discuss podcasting, social media, and practical ways Christians can use digital tools to encourage, teach, and minister to others beyond the walls of the church building. Daniel Dalp is a bi-vocational preacher f...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Michael Whitworth for a thoughtful and honest conversation about second chances and returning to ministry after divorce. Together, they reflect on grace, restoration, and the challenges and responsibilities that come with stepping back into ministry following a difficult season of life. Michael Whitworth is a preacher and the author of m...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Matt James, preacher at the Church of Christ in Crosbyton, Texas, for a conversation about small town ministry. Together, they discuss the unique challenges and blessings that come with serving Christ in close-knit communities, where relationships are personal and ministry is deeply connected to everyday life. The discussion highlights t...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Robin Lampley, a mother of a child with special needs, for an important conversation about how the church can better serve and support members with special needs and their families. Together, they discuss what church life looks like for families navigating special needs, how individuals with special needs can meaningfully serve within th...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Matt Wallin for a discussion about the work and mission of House to House, Heart to Heart. They reflect on the ministry's beginnings in 1994 and its vision of churches of Christ cooperating to seek and save the lost through direct mail evangelism. Matt shares the role they play in 2026 and how churches can get involved.     Connect with...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Donovan Rillion for a thoughtful conversation through John 15 and Jesus' teaching on the vine and the branches. Together, they explore what it truly means to remain connected to Christ and why our connection to the Vine is essential for spiritual life, growth, and fruitfulness.   Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dear...

In this episode of the Dear Church Podcast , Chris McCurley is joined by Keith Lancaster , singer, songwriter, producer, and founder of The Acappella Company . Keith shares his journey in a cappella music, the heart behind Praise & Harmony , and why congregational singing plays such a vital role in Christian worship.     Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/ Fac...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by theologian and author Matthew Bates to discuss the gospel, faith, and allegiance to Jesus as King. Drawing from his book Salvation by Allegiance Alone , Bates challenges common assumptions about "faith alone" and invites Christians to rethink what Scripture teaches about salvation.     Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.co...

In this deeply moving episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley sits down with J. Tom Washburn , preaching minister at the Austin Avenue Church of Christ in Brownwood, Texas, for a powerful conversation about dying well . Now on hospice, J. Tom shares his personal story of faith in the midst of trial — reflecting on hope, trust in God, and what it means to finish life with confidence in Christ. This...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley is joined by Chandler Henderson and Chad Thies for a conversation about the unique challenges and blessings of rural ministry . Without formal ministry education or traditional training, both men have stepped into leadership roles simply because they saw a need — and answered God's call. Chandler and Chad share how everyday Christians can make a powe...

In this episode of Dear Church , Chris McCurley sits down with Dr. Josh Ketchum and his son Austin Ketchum , co-authors of the book At His Table: Weekly Reflections for the Lord's Supper . Together, they explore the heart behind communion and why this weekly practice continues to be central to Christian worship. Their book offers 53 short reflections designed to help worshippers engage in the Lord...