The Locker Room

We sit down with Shannon Popkin again as we dive into the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5—a powerful commander whose greatness couldn’t hide his deeper sickness of pride. Though Naaman wore the garments of success, his leprosy exposed his weakness and need. Redemption came not through his strength, but through the faith of a powerless slave girl and God’s simple call to humility. Behind it all, God...

We sit down with Ryan and Bri Conners as we journey through the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4 — a story that moves from the heartbreak of hope, to the distress of death, to the relentless fight for life. We sat down with Ryan and Bri to talk about the wrestle of their faith through Ryan’s brain cancer journey, and how their story echoes the defiant hope we see in Scripture. Along the...

In this episode, we sit down with  Isaac Teslaa , the newest addition to the Detroit Lions wide receiver room. Born and raised in Grand Rapid's Michigan, Isaac’s journey from local standout to NFL athlete is one marked by faith, family, and relentless perseverance. He shares about growing up in a Christ-centered home to being shaped by the community at Crossroads Bible Church, where his parents ha...

2 Kings 2:1–15 invites us into a powerful handoff moment. Elijah’s mantle—the symbol of prophetic authority—doesn’t just fall randomly; it falls on Elisha, who has counted the cost, surrendered comfort, and asked for a  double portion  of responsibility, not privilege. What does that mean for us today? Through places like Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan, we uncover deeper layers of spiritual inher...

We sit down with former Crossroads Pastor and church planter Gabe Hartfield (Visible Church) to discuss this Sunday's sermon. Is it possible that God's voice more often leads us into mystery than into safety? In this episode, we unpack Elisha’s radical response to God’s call—leaving behind wealth, family, and stability in a dramatic act of irreversible obedience. We reflect on Elijah’s fear in 1 K...

This episode unpacks how God meets people in seasons of burnout, anxiety, and global crisis with compassion, rest, and purpose. Centered on the story of Elijah and real-world ministry among Middle Eastern communities, it explores Christian hospitality, spiritual formation, and resilience through suffering. Listeners will gain insight into how the gospel continues to spread in regions like Jordan,...

Alton Hardy is an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church of America and the founding pastor of Urban Hope Community Church in Fairfield, Alabama. He also co-founded Urban Hope Development and launched the Urban Hope Leadership Initiative (UHLI), a discipleship and leadership program for African American college graduates preparing to serve in urban ministry. Through Alton’s leadership,...

We sit down with Beth Guckenberger to discuss her book Throw the First Punch: Defeating the Enemy Hell-Bent on Your Destruction. In this modern-day collection of our enemy’s activities, learn to anticipate how Satan will attack and discern powerful techniques to preemptively fight against him.   Through biblical examples and engaging stories from Beth Guckenberger’s own life experiences, become eq...

We sit down with our Young Adults Administrative Partner, Chloe Damron, to explore 1 Kings 17:17–24—a l story of desperation, death, and divine intervention. As drought and famine ravage Israel, a widow finds herself at the end of her resources. What does this account say to us today when we find ourselves emotionally, financially, relationally, or spiritually"running out?" Together we wrestle wit...

We sit down and chat about the Elijah's journey to meet an unlikely character. What do you do when you’ve reached the end—emotionally, spiritually, or even financially? In this episode, we look at the story of a desperate widow in 1 Kings 17:8–16, who had nothing left but a handful of flour and a drop of oil. Then God sends a prophet… and asks for  everything . Preacher: Jason Botbyl Passage: 1 Ki...

In this episode, we step into one of the darkest moments in Israel’s history and meet Elijah—a rugged nobody from Gilead who confronts the most powerful king in the land with nothing but a word from God. As Baal and Asherah worship spreads like wildfire under Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah steps onto the scene and declares a drought in the name of Yahweh. But before he becomes the fiery prophet of Mount...

We sit down with Community Life Pastor Brent Becker as we explore Joel 2:28–32, a powerful prophetic vision of God's Spirit being poured out on all people—sons and daughters, young and old, servants and leaders. We unpack how this ancient promise found fulfillment at Pentecost in Acts 2, signaling the dawn of a new era where God's presence is no longer reserved for the few, but available t...

This episode features a rich roundtable discussion with Erin, Hannah, Bri, and Ally, on the importance and practice of Sabbath, particularly in the context of family life. Each woman reflects on her personal journey of embracing rest amidst the busyness of parenting, work, and modern culture. The conversation highlights practical, creative ways to honor the Sabbath—such as shared meals, intentiona...

In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Riva as we reflect on the powerful imagery of Ezekiel 37 and the valley of dry bones. What does it mean for God to breathe life into what feels dead? How does this connect to the wind and fire of Pentecost, the heartbreak of idolatry, and the deep love God has for His people? Join us as we explore how God revives, restores, and raises up an army—not just...

We sit down with longtime Crossroads member Brian Sikma to explore what happens when the presence of God is reduced to a good luck charm and how that challenges our understanding of calling, holiness, and the weight of God’s glory. Israel, though in the Promised Land, has lost its sense of vocation, treating God as an accessory rather than the center of life. Meanwhile, even the Philistines recogn...

In this episode of The Locker Room, we unpack the powerful themes found in the Book of Ruth, exploring how God meets us in our emptiness and redeems our brokenness. Through rich discussion, they highlight the significance of sacred rhythms, the meaning of biblical feasts like Pentecost, and the concept of the "whole Megillah." The conversation moves through the four key scenes of Ruth—em...

In this episode, we step into the sacred rhythms of Scripture to uncover the rich meaning behind Pentecost, or Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks. Far more than a date on the calendar or a historical church event, Pentecost is a divine appointment — one of God’s moedim , sacred times designed not only to remember but to participate in His unfolding story. Why were Jews from every corner of...

In this episode kicking off our  Promise of Pentecost  series, we explore the truth that God didn’t just rescue His people from slavery—He brought them to  Himself . From Exodus 19 to Acts 2, we trace the storyline of a God who is both deeply loving and utterly holy. His love calls us close; His holiness reminds us we cannot come casually. And yet, He makes a way. Through the pouring out of the Ho...

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” The same basic principle applies to missions work. Too many churches and other missions organizations over-emphasize Relief Aid―no-strings-attached, handouts of vital supplies given in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. While necessary and lifesaving, Rel...

In this episode we sit down with our new Resident College Pastor Jackson Brown and Middle School Director Cayden Kregel to discuss the Road to Emmaus story from Luke's gospel. In a world marked by quiet desperation, disappointment, and confusion, the Emmaus Road story offers a picture of what it means to find hope again. We explore how the resurrection of Jesus reframes our lives, giving us mo...

How do you define the Kingdom of God? In Luke 13, Jesus doesn’t offer a tidy definition—He gives us two surprising images: a tiny mustard seed and a hidden bit of leaven. In this episode, we dig into the earthy, upside-down, and unstoppable nature of God’s Kingdom. It begins in the smallest, humblest places—a barren womb, a poor village, a crucified King—and yet it grows into something expansive a...

In this week’s episode, we dive into the Parable of the Wise & Foolish Builders and explore what it means to set your foundation of your life on Jesus and obeying his teaching. We’ll discuss the importance of true obedience, digging deep, the importance of chaverim, and more. Preacher: Jason Botbyl Passage: Luke 6:47-49 Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this thought-provoking 1-week "Crossroads U" class, we dive deep into the Bible, examining its content through the lens of archaeology and historical context. By exploring the physical and cultural backdrop of the scriptures, we uncover fascinating surprises that offer fresh perspectives, especially on the life of Jesus during the week leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. Through arc...

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Bartlett, Director of Crossroads Adoption and Foster Care, and Stephanie Teslaa, Community Care Pastor, to dive into the message of Matthew 21, where Jesus challenges empty religiosity and calls for true repentance. Together, we explore how outward religious actions can sometimes obscure genuine heart change and discuss how, in both our marriages and service...

We sit down with Rod and Libby as we dive deep into the journey of becoming and making disciples, exploring the powerful invitation Jesus gives to His followers:  "Come"  and  "Go."  Jesus' first words to His disciples invite them to come and follow Him, but His last command sends them out to make disciples of all nations. But here's the key—before we can  go , we must...