The Journey

This week on The Journey, we took some time to explore the remarkable journey of Ridgecrest Baptist Church through the eyes of someone who has witnessed decades of faithful ministry. From the old sanctuary with its eight-foot ceilings and supporting poles to our current worship center, from traditional committee structures to our current staff-led model, we traced how God has been faithful through...

This week on The Journey, we welcome Mitch Lucky to the show to help us explore the reality of being a witness for Christ outside the church walls, particularly in secular workplaces where people knew us before our transformation in Christ. Mitch shared his compelling story of how God has used his past struggles and current faithfulness to open doors for ministry among coworkers who watched him ch...

This week on The Journey, we explored the tension between feeling called by God and feeling equipped for that calling. We encourage each other (sorta) to step out in faith, even when we’re uncertain, trusting that the Holy Spirit works through our obedience rather than our perfection. Takeaways: * Obedience over comfort : God often calls us to serve in ways that stretch us beyond our comfort zones...

This week on The Journey, we returned from our staff retreat with a wide-ranging discussion that touched on something we all face daily: how do we discern what content is worth our time and attention? What started as a conversation about A.W. Tozer’s book turned into a deeper exploration of creativity, storytelling, and the importance of being careful about what we allow to shape our thinking. Tak...

This week on The Journey, we explored the tension between extending grace to those struggling and enabling destructive patterns. We discussed how the church often falls into two camps—those who emphasize repentance without restoration, and those who walk alongside people through the messy journey of redemption. The discussion challenged us to consider: How long do we help someone before we’re simp...

This week on The Journey, we explored the challenges we face in discerning truth amidst the prevalence of conspiracy theories. We discussed the importance of biblical wisdom in evaluating information, the dangers of uncritically accepting sensationalized claims, and the need for Christians to be grounded in God’s truth rather than speculative theories. Takeaways: * Be discerning: Not everything we...

This week on The Journey, we’re joined by one of our most loyal listeners: Curt Vance. We explored the concept of being the church beyond our Sunday gatherings. Our journey doesn’t begin and end within the church walls, but rather starts when we leave the building. Takeaways: * Our Christian witness extends beyond church attendance: We are called to be the church in our everyday lives, not just ch...

This week on The Journey, we explored the nature of faith, the challenges of fully embracing Christianity, and the ongoing process of spiritual growth. We discussed how both non-believers and long-time church members can struggle with fully surrendering to Christ, often due to the personal discomfort and life changes total submission requires. The discussion emphasized that salvation is not the en...

This week on The Journey, we continue discussing the profound impact of Charlie Kirk’s life and tragic assassination, focusing especially on how this moment can inspire us to deepen our faith and live more intentionally. We discussed the power of forgiveness, as demonstrated by Charlie’s wife, Erika, and the importance of being prepared spiritually for life’s challenges. Takeaways: * Long obedienc...

This week on The Journey, we talked about the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and its implications for our faith and culture. We discussed the challenges of processing such events as Christians, the importance of standing firm in our convictions, and the need for respectful dialogue in an increasingly polarized world. Takeaways: * As Christians, we must be deeply convicted in our beliefs whil...

This week on The Journey, we explored the complexities of hearing God's voice and discerning His will in our lives. We discussed how God communicates with us differently and the importance of patience on the journey. The sermon emphasized that while we may not always understand God's timeline or methods, He is always faithful and hears our prayers. Takeaways: * God speaks to each of us uniquely: T...

This week on The Journey, college football is back so we discussed how easily sports can become an idol in our lives. It’s easy to allow it to affect our moods, our schedules, and our priorities. We talk about the importance of keeping our passion for sports in perspective and not allowing it to overshadow our spiritual lives or relationships. Takeaways: * Recognize when sports become an idol: Be...

This week on The Journey, we explored how Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) might be approaching faith and church involvement differently than previous generations. We discussed the importance of authenticity, the desire for deeper theological understanding, and the shift away from celebrity culture in the Church. These changes have implications for how we approach ministry and engage with...

This week on The Journey, we explore awareness of the spiritual realm and how God protects us from so many little things that could harm us each day. Does the Lord allow us to see more of what’s happening in the spiritual realm if we ask Him? Here are a few takeaways: * God's protection is often unseen but ever-present in our lives. We may not always recognize it, but He is constantly working for...

Sometimes it’s really hard to find a spiritual home. This week on The Journey, we talked about the importance of discernment and perseverance in finding the right church family. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejourneypodcast.substack.com

This week on The Journey, we talk about the challenging topic of discerning God's voice concerning major life decisions. How do you know that you’re sensing God closing one door to open another and how do you navigate these transitions with both faith and wisdom? Takeaways: * God's Word is our foundation, but He may also speak through circumstances and Godly counsel. Always ensure any perceived gu...

This week on The Journey, we explore the importance of surrendering our wills to God, emphasizing the transition from merely seeking answers in scripture to experiencing God through truly seeking Him . It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t see the Bible as a tool for all of our questions, but as a pathway to deepening our relationship Jesus. Let us know what you think! Write to us at thejourney@rbcdot...

This week on The Journey, we talk about the concept of servanthood. What does it truly mean to be a servant of Christ? Does that mean you’re supposed to be a doormat? Let us know what you think! You can join the Journey Chat on Substack or email us at thejourney@rbcdothan.org . Thanks for listening to The Journey! Share the episode with someone you know. This is a public episode. If you would like...

This week on The Journey, we talk about the importance of genuine connection in the life of our church, the role of accountability in our spiritual lives, and the ongoing journey of faith. We discussed how these elements are crucial for fostering a deeper relationship with God and with each other. Takeaways: * Connection is vital: We think our church has a lot of great options for discipleship and...

Welcome back to The Journey! After a week (plus a couple days) off, we talk about how we often encounter moments where we struggle to see God's work in our lives. This episode reminds us that even when we can't visibly perceive His actions, the Holy Spirit is constantly interceding on our behalf. Romans 8:27 illustrates this, showing us that the Spirit pleads for believers in harmony with God's wi...

This week on The Journey, we explore the challenges of ministry in the American Church and what it truly means to serve God's purpose. We discussed how easy it is to get caught up in comparison, cultural influences, and the desire to do what seems successful, rather than focusing on what God is calling us to do. we talk about the importance of simplifying our approach to ministry and returning to...

This week on The Journey, we talk about standing before the judgment seat of Christ. As believers, how do we balance the awareness of future accountability with living in God's grace and love? We explore the tension between striving to please God and resting in His unconditional acceptance. We encourage each other to examine our motivations: Are we driven by fear of judgment or by a desire to fait...

Sorry for being a couple days late! This week on The Journey, we talk about some future plans for the show and the summer ahead. What about you? Are you allowing the busyness of your summer to overshadow your relationship with Jesus, or are you finding creative ways to stay connected to Him? Let us know what you think! Email us at thejourney@rbcdothan.org This is a public episode. If you would lik...

This week on The Journey, we explored the significance of being deliberate about who we want to become and the convictions we hold. We discussed the challenge of living out our convictions in a world full of distractions. This has profound implications for our own journey, as it calls us to be more thoughtful about our beliefs and more intentional about our actions. Takeaways: * Convictions are th...

This week on The Journey, we spend some time recapping our most recent prayer summit. It was a powerful demonstration of our church coming together in unity before the Lord. The event was marked by intentional prayer, enhanced by worship that created a reverent atmosphere, and culminated in a spontaneous moment of corporate prayer at the altar. This reminded each of us the importance of prayer in...