What's for Lunch and Other Spiritual Questions

Join Gary and Faith as they talk about Job and how we handle conflict. They ask the question - who is God to you? Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and produced at New Hope Christian Community in Round Lake Heights, IL.

This Week, Gary and Faith talk about Christian relationships and community: the importance of it, how to get it, and how to keep it. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and produced at New Hope Christian Community in Round Lake Heights, IL.

Join Faith and Gary for another episode of What’s for Lunch where they talk about taking accountability for your actions, realizing that humans are basically bad and in need of a savior, and what to do if you struggle with thinking that your sin is ‘small enough’ to not need to be dealt with. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhop...

This Week Gary and Faith talk Sin, Anger, and Humility. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and produced at New Hope Christian Community in Round Lake Heights, IL.

This week, Gary and Faith discuss how Christians can respond to litmus test questions on politics and theology, ending up in a broader conversation about what the church should be all about and how Christians are called to live. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and produced at New Hope Christian...

Join Gary, Faith, and guest John Ricci as they talk 90 second deep conversations, hot ham and cheese, and defining the relationship after your children become adults. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and produced at New Hope Christian Community in Round Lake Heights, IL.

This week, contest winner Jon Tanner joins Gary and Faith for a fascinating discussion about deconstruction, doubts, and what it all boils down to. They talk sexuality, Biblical confidence, the old earth debate, and hot sauce. We mentioned: The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundla...

Join Gary as he talks natural medicine, chakras, and chi with Haakon Fiedler, a chiropractic student interested in how faith intersects with the world of natural medicine—what Christians should consider, question, and explore. They also talk about making your faith your own, life when you feel like you don’t fit in, and the everyday miracle of the human body. We mentioned: Ephesians 4:6 Colossians...

Join Gary and Faith as they talk with Gary's cousin, Steve, a certified financial planner who became interested in Jesus and Christianity after a life of nominal Catholicism. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and produced at New Hope Christian Community in Round Lake Heights, IL.

This Week, Gary and Faith both return from weddings and are talking legacy, ending well, and conflict resolution. They talk deathbed confessions, owning up to your mistakes, and how to think about the 2nd coming in light of the decisions you're making now. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and pr...

Join Gary and Faith for another fun episode of What's for Lunch and Other Spiritual Questions, where they unpack the difference between just wanting to receive help vs. being courageous enough to choose change. They also discuss questions like 'How do you train yourself to turn to God instead of your phone?', 'Is it our job to chase people in the church?' and 'Is the gospel just the salvation mess...

Why are 70% of teens turning to AI for companionship? Why is a mother holding AI responsible for her son taking his own life? Join Dean, Gary, and Faith as they unpack why AI might be more of a human problem than we think and why rising user levels indicate that people are searching for purpose, meaning, and connection. We also talk Brisket sandwiches and the upcoming season of the NFL! We mention...

This week on What’s for Lunch and Other Spiritual Questions , Gary returns from Mexico with stories that spark a bigger conversation: how do we recognize spiritual realities in our own lives, and why do younger generations seem more open about them than previous generations? We talk about prayer (from the big miracles to the everyday weather ones), the reality of the gospel versus what’s just cult...

This week, Faith and Gary swap wedding and funeral stories. Faith shares about Chris officiating his first-ever wedding, Gary talks about reading the room when sharing the gospel, and they both reflect on what people actually remember from big life moments. There’s also a solid case made for bacon-wrapped dates and why the “Tanner Sandwich” deserves a spot in the hall of fame. Questions for WFL or...

This week on What’s for Lunch and Other Spiritual Questions , we’re joined by Gary’s oldest daughter Grace, coming in hot from Austin, TX! We talk woo girls, Santa cowboy hats, special education, ministry outside the church, and what it's like to come home after you've moved out. Grace opens up about what it means to be called to something that doesn’t look like traditional ministry, growing up as...

In this episode of What's for Lunch and Other Spiritual Questions , Gary and Faith welcome their friend Meghan Johnson — a recent Moody grad, barista, and part-time ministry worker with Decision Point. They dive into what happens to your faith after college, how deconstruction can be both faithful and painful, and what it’s like raising support while also serving coffee. Plus, Meghan brings a sand...

In this episode, Gary, Faith, and returning guest Steve Neilson dive deep into calling, character, and what it really takes to step into ministry—whether you’re behind a pulpit or behind a camera. We talk about: What it really takes to be an associate pastor Why your character matters more than your gifting Steve’s journey from the gutter to mentoring teens We Mentioned: Ephesians 2:10 Ignite Impa...

In this episode, Gary sits down with entrepreneur and communicator Steve Neilson to talk about business, burnout, redemption, and how walking with Jesus transforms everything... even your sense of humor. We also explore how community shapes our growth, why Biblical truth has to be practical, and what happens when you know you shouldn’t say the joke... but say it anyway. Questions for WFL or want t...

This week, Gary and Faith wander into a wide-open conversation about the future...both earthly and eternal. From the promise of flying cars to the mystery of what heaven actually looks like, we ask the big questions: Will we still learn and grow in heaven? Will we work, rest, explore, or mow the lawn? Also, yes, there’s an entire section on bagel regret and breakfast sandwich triumph. Along the wa...

Join Gary, Faith, and Chris for a fascinating conversation about the historical credibility of the Bible — and why it matters. This episode dives deep into how we know the New Testament is one of the most well-preserved documents from the ancient world, how it compares to other historical texts like Caesar’s Wars , and why that might change the way you think about Jesus. From Roman history to manu...

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion with Gary and Faith this week! This episode explores the human tendency to follow the crowd, the search for meaning, and how Christians can discern truth. Recognizing "Five McChicken" moments in life. The human need to worship and follow. Testing truth against scripture, counsel, and life experience. God's unwavering love and the intrinsic worth of every in...

In this episode, we dive deep into a question many believers wrestle with: Does knowing more about God actually bring you closer to Him? We explore the difference between knowledge and relationship, unpack common misconceptions, and share practical ways to cultivate a closer, more authentic connection with God beyond just information. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. n...

Join Gary and Faith as they discuss if you can actually go 'all in' with God, and what that even means! They also discuss the truth about dental hygiene and if you can 'fake' a sermon or a worship set. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and produced at New Hope Christian Community in Round Lake He...

Join Gary Ricci and Desmond Steed as they discuss social anxiety, online church, and the Minecraft movie. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and produced at New Hope Christian Community in Round Lake Heights, IL.

Join Gary and Faith as they discuss God, Pain, and Purpose. They also talk mothers day throughout the years. Questions for WFL or want to support the ministry? Visit www. newhoperoundlake.com/WFL or email WFL@newhoperoundlake.com WFL is recorded and produced at New Hope Christian Community in Round Lake Heights, IL.