Impact the World

Tara sat down with several leaders from the Re|engage marriage ministry to discuss this impactful 16-week Equipping Class designed to help couples grow closer to God and one another. In this conversation, they share what a typical class is like, the topics covered, when and where the group meets, and how to get involved. Whether your marriage is facing challenges or you're simply looking to st...

This summer, West Park is offering one Equipping Class during both worship hours: Devoted: What It Means to Be the Church. In this episode, Tara sits down with Don Lewis, who is leading the first two weeks of the class focused on church membership. Together, they discuss what makes a church truly a church, why church membership matters, and how belonging to a local body of believers is an essentia...

Pastor Sam and Sue recently traveled to Egypt to spend time with several of our Global Partners, gaining a firsthand look at the opportunities and challenges of gospel ministry in a very different cultural context. In this episode, they share stories from their trip, provide insight into what daily life is like for our national partners, and discuss the unique realities of living and serving Chris...

This week, West Park began a new sermon series through The Book of Acts. In this episode, Tara and Matthew discuss why the preaching team chose to walk through Acts, how much of the book will be covered, the historical context, and some of the major themes we’ll see throughout the series. As we study Acts together, our prayer is that we would not simply gain more knowledge, but that we would be ch...

As a church, we have just finished studying the model of The Lord’s Prayer. This episode of  Impact the World  is designed to help guide you into a deeper, more intentional time of prayer with your heavenly Father.  Over the next 60 minutes, Tara will lead you through 10 different topics and forms of prayer, creating space for reflection, worship, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession. Whethe...

Tara sits down with Lisa to unpack her recent trip to Cuba—sharing powerful stories of what God is doing in the lives of the Cuban people and how the experience transformed her own faith. Tune in to hear firsthand moments from the journey and discover how you can come alongside Cuban churches as they lead Vacation Bible School in their communities.  Resources Contact Lisa Newsome

On January 4, 2026, West Park launches an 11-week journey through Ecclesiastes. Tara and Matthew explore how this ancient, often surprising book speaks powerfully into our modern world—offering wisdom, honesty, and hope for life today.  RESOURCES  Everything Is Never Enough: Ecclesiastes' Surprising Path to Resilient Happiness  by Bobby Jamieson 

Tara sits down with West Park partner Lisa Newsome for an inspiring look inside the ministries of CedarBrook—from what a typical week holds to incredible stories of how God is at work in our community. If CedarBrook is new to you, this conversation is the perfect introduction!  RESOURCES  Contact Lisa Newsome   cedarbrookourtreach.org  

Don’t miss this episode of the podcast as Tara Hayes sits down with Pastor James Lynch to talk about his Sunday morning class, Going Deeper. Pastor James shares what sets this class apart—its intentional focus on spiritual growth, conversation, and practical application of Scripture. If you have never had the opportunity to visit Going Deeper, this episode offers a glimpse into the heart behind th...

Tara and Matthew break down what Community Groups at West Park are all about — why they matter, what they actually look like, and how they’re different from a typical Bible study.    RESOURCES  Contact Matthew Goldstine   More information about Community Groups   I would like to join a group!  

Tara sits down for a meaningful conversation with one of West Park’s own young adults, Rebecca Robinson, fresh off her return from a second summer in Japan. They dive into what ministry looked like overseas, how West Park helped make it possible, and what exciting steps lie ahead in Rebecca’s journey. Spoiler alert, she’s a published author!  RESOURCES  Penelope Panda's Peculiar Family by Rebe...

Have you ever wondered why our pastors chose to focus on the parables—or maybe you’re not even sure what a parable is? Tara sits down with Matthew Goldstine to explore what parables are and why they matter to our church community.

Tara and Matthew dive into a thoughtful conversation about the current state of Young Adult Ministry, exploring how the ministry is evolving, growing, and how they intentionally structure their time to foster meaningful community and spiritual development. RESOURCES  Contact Matthew Goldstine   More about the Young Adults Ministry  

The Impact the World Podcast is back after a long-awaited break! In this episode, Tara sits down with Matthew Goldstine to explore the world of college ministry—how he found his calling in it and what this exciting ministry looks like at West Park.  RESOURCES  Contact Matthew Goldstine   More about the College Ministry  

Tara takes the opportunity to join Pastor James Lynch and Roger and Kathy McIntyre for a heartfelt discussion about Kathy’s journey through cancer. They explore her hopeful outlook and emphasize the vital role of their church family in providing support and connection during this challenging time.

Throughout July, Family Ministries has been a prominent topic of discussion. Tara engages in a conversation with Chris and Audra, exploring the structure, objectives, and diverse approaches to family ministry. They also delve into the details of Crew45, a newly established class tailored for 4th and 5th graders.

Every summer during the Equipping Classes, we host "Christians You Should Know." Tara engages in a conversation with Matthew Goldstine to explore Perpetua, delving into her identity and significance in the history of our faith.

Every summer during our Equipping Classes, we feature "Christians You Should Know." This year, Tara and Pastor Sam delve into the life and legacy of Irenaeus, often hailed as "The Father of Theology." They explore his profound contributions to theological thought and its impact on our understanding today. They also reflect on the significance of learning from the lives of Chris...

Starting August 4, 2024, West Park will implement new service times! In today's episode, Tara discusses these changes with Pastor Sam and Jake Bishop, exploring their implications across various ministries. They also highlight the introduction of new Equipping Classes aimed at fostering deeper spiritual growth and congregation engagement.

As West Park begins walking through The Book of James for the summer, Pastor Joe and Tara highlight historical information about the authorship and structure of this timeless book. While exploring its practical implications in the lives of believers, they also spend time highlighting some of their favorite passages, offering insights and wisdom. Pastor Joe shares ideas and study tools to deepen ou...

Join Tara Hayes as she sits down with Susan, Elaine and Matthew to discuss the Training Program led by Jake Bishop. They will share ways they’ve grown spiritually and how all people in the church can benefit from this program. You can apply for the fall program through May 26, 2024, that will begin on September 10, 2024. Resources Apply Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitne...

Tara sits down with Al Cage, Executive Director of Knox Haven and April Timko, Director of Street Hope Tennessee, along with Carletta Scarberry to discuss Street Hope Tennessee and the work they are doing to combat human trafficking. The problem of human trafficking may be more prevalent than you know - listen to find out how you can be aware and be part of the solution!  Resources  Street Hope Te...

During this special episode of Impact the World, Tara focuses on scriptures that reflect on the events of Holy week and Jesus' sacrificial work that brings us redemption. You are encouraged to use this guided mediation by following the prompts to help you reflect, rejoice, and commune with God as you prepare your heart for Easter. Music is provided by Max Horsewood.

With the new year comes new deacons! Tara and Pastor James have a conversation about our deacons, their biblical role, and how they serve the body at West Park.   Resources  www.wpbc.link/Deacons2024 benevolence@westparkbaptist.org  

Tara sits down with Jack Underwood, Lisa Newsome and Pastor Sam Polson to talk about the formation of CedarBrook Outreach and how it has grown over the past several years. Also, Jack and Lisa share the vision for the surrounding community and how CedarBrook partners with West Park to accomplish their goals. Resources www.westparkbaptist.org/cedarbrookoutreach