The District Life Podcast

True or false: Your circumstances define you.  In today's devotion, we take a look at how faith is more formational than circumstances. Look with us today at Romans 4 and Psalm 62. Let's learn to "live by faith" not just understand it. 

This week the guys discuss the two-sided nature of faith. How does Paul discuss justification by faith alone while James makes it very clear that works are a central part of faith? Is this a contradiction or a paradox?  We pray that this discussion will inform you and encourage your heart! If you make it all the way to the end, you will hear Travis' newest dad joke... "What is a DJ's favorite...

The District Church established our first elders on Sunday, February 5th, 2023. Having interviewed Derek Surdez a few weeks ago (listen here) and Jason Lavendar a week later (listen here), the guys had the opportunity to sit down with Mark Cathey. Did you know that Mark was in the Navy? Were you aware that Harolyn is a prankster? We pray that this would open a door to get to know the Catheys bette...

This episode is part one of two short devotionals on the question, How do I walk the Extraordinary Path of following Jesus as an Ordinary Christian? The first attribute that Matt will expose is faithfulness ! As you attempt to follow Jesus are you better described as friendly or a faithful friend ? Our capacity to love and influence others for Jesus is amplified exponentially if we are able to be...

This episode is part one of two short devotionals on the question, How do I walk the Extraordinary Path of following Jesus as an Ordinary Christian? The first attribute that Matt will expose is willingness !  As you try to follow Jesus can you be described as willing? Isaiah volunteered to be sent when God was looking for a mouthpiece... are you looking for ways to be sent?

Let's try something different! Matt walks us through a couple of Psalms to ask one primary question: What is the thing(s) in your life that is keeping others from seeing Jesus? Psalm 19:12-14 Psalm 139:23-24 Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson

The District Church established our first elders on Sunday, February 5th, 2023. Having interviewed Derek Surdez last week (listen here), the guys were blessed to bring Jason Lavendar into Matt's basement to get to know him a little better.  This conversation has it all: Jason's testimony of faith, soccer comments and questions from two people that don't know anything about soccer, and comments on...

The District Church established our first elders on Sunday, February 5th, 2023. The guys thought that this would be an awesome opportunity to sit down with Dr. Derek Surdez. If you have not met him before, we pray that this unscripted conversation would be the first step in a relationship with Derek. If you have met Derek, we pray that this short interview would lead to the next steps in your deep...

At the District Church we believe that God is calling us to focus on being a people of the Word and a people of prayer in 2023. That is always our goal, but we feel the conviction to hone in on these two identifiers this year. What will that look like? What has led to this decision? We hope this unscripted conversation will encourage you and help to push you in your walk with Jesus!  BONUS PO...

This week, the guys sat down with our Worship Leader, Hannah Harden, to learn more about the person who helps us sing to Jesus each week and the heart behind that time. Prepare yourself to learn more about Hannah and feel the palpable tension between two KU Basketball fans and a Wildcat.  Will Hannah yell at Travis? Will Matt sing? You will have to listen to find out!

As we practice our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting the guys sit down to discuss fasting. Why does God call us to fast? What does it look like to fast, Biblically? Is all fasting spiritual? We pray that this conversation will be an encouragement as you pursue Jesus through everyday practices!

Happy New Year! The guys take some time to answer a few questions this week: 1. What did God teach you last year? 2. What do you suspect God is going to be teaching you this year? 3. What are you reading this year? We hope you enjoy this unscripted conversation and pray that it would encourage you to reflect on these questions for yourself!

The District Church Podcast is giving you the Christmas gift that you didn't know you needed. One of the first things we tried to record for the pod turned into a silly conversation about geography.  We hope you enjoy this incredibly unscripted conversation!

The guys get a chance to sit down with Justus Kauffman to discuss his journey in faith and what it looks like to start following Jesus. This refreshing discussion is replete with humility, exercise analogies, and bookending dad jokes.  Tired of hearing Travis talking about running his half marathon? That's why there is a button that lets you skip 30 seconds forward!  If you want to know more about...

Everybody seems to have an issue with the Bible. Is it reliable? Trustworthy?  How do we know that the Bible is God's Word and we should place our trust in what it says? This week the guys dig a little deeper into some numbers and facts, take a look at this chart for some extra guidance!

On the heels of our sermon series on the Holy Spirit, the guys took some time to discuss what it looks like to walk in intimacy with God. Have you trapped yourself into thinking that following a formula will bring you closer to God? Do you know how to practice the presence of God? Have you grown discouraged in your attempts to grow closer to God? Intimacy with God is one of the deepest gifts of Je...

The guys were blessed to add a third voice to answer a listener question this week. Welcome to the pod, Eli Bayless. Strap in as these three sit in for a longer, unscripted conversation on what Biblical friendship looks like. How do we understand how to depend upon God and people, rather than being co-dependent upon others and independent of God?  Make it all the way to the end and you will l...

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the guys took the opportunity to slow down and discuss what it looks like to celebrate this holiday every day . Our Lord calls us to be perpetually thankful, but what does that look like? How does an attitude of thankfulness lend itself to growing in our discipleship? Why is walking in thankfulness a practice of defiance against the world around us? What are...

This week, the guys answer a question sent in: "how do we build a biblical culture in our homes?" How do we implement formal and informal discipleship in our homes? As mentioned, attached are the books listed: Family Discipleship by Adam Griffin and Matt Chandler Families where Grace is in Place by Jeff VanVonderen Family on Mission by Mike and Sally Breen The Shepherd Leader at Home  by Timo...

The guys take a break from heavier-hitting topics and sermon discussions to give you a more full introduction to Matt. Who is that guy?  As always, please send any questions or requests for topics to travis@thedistrictchurchwichita.com!

Within the Church we tend to fall on one of two sides of the fence: ignore the third person of the Trinity, or let our imagination take us beyond Scripture's scope.  At The District Church, we want to fight against both of those urges and have a Biblically informed perspective of the Holy Spirit that drives us to follow Him and walk according to His ways.  This week, Travis and Matt talk...

Responding to the first listener question, the guys address how they interact with the Halloween festivities. What is its origin? Should we receive, reject or redeem Halloween? As Christians, it is our job to have thoughtfully arrived at convictions and a continually clarifying worldview.  Enjoy this bonus episode and please send in your questions or suggestions for topics to travis@thedistri...

Halloween is a spooky month. This week, the guys discuss what they are most afraid of. Snakes. Failure. Planting a church?  Fear can be a deterrent, a motivator, and a gracious gift from God. 

Travis learned about the newest social media app on Saturday Night Live this last weekend. After 53 million people installed the app, the guys decided to ask some deeper questions about the itch that the company BeReal is attempting to scratch with its slogan, "Not another social network."  Further questions to be answered: How old is Matt really? If there is no camera to catch Travis on his...

The 5-year anniversary of The District Church's planting is October 15th. To celebrate we got the original planters (Travis, Nichole, Brady and Nicole Roberts) in a room to tell some stories and reflect upon the last 5 years.