Navigating the Complexity of Church Relationships
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
Release Date: 05/05/2025
Loneliness: How to Find Connection in a Disconnected World
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the different ways we can experience loneliness, particularly within church community. They explore the importance of recognizing and addressing these emotions, as well as finding ways to move toward those on the margins. They consider some helpful practices and insights on how to navigate loneliness, such as viewing others as family, taking one step at a time, moving outward, and being honesty before the Lord. Related resources: | Conference session by Cecelia Bernhardt | Book by Ed Welch | Blog post by Darby Strickland
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Navigating the Complexity of Church Relationships
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the challenges and expectations that come with church relationships. They discuss the importance of clear communication, understanding different personalities, and the role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful connections. They emphasize how our future hope and the steadfast friendship of Jesus are a source of comfort and strength in navigating these relationships. Related resources: - | Book by Ed Welch - | Blog post by Darby Strickland - | Blog post by Ed Welch
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Finding Ways to Engage with the Bible
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the common struggle of engaging with Scripture, especially during difficult seasons. They consider God's patience and gracious intent for our Scripture reading, what it means to engage with the Word even when we don't hunger for it, and creative ways to engage with Scripture, such as through art or memorization. The conversation emphasizes the long-term nature of engaging with the Bible and the significance of community in fostering a deeper connection with God's Word. Related resources: | Podcast episode by Alasdair Groves | Conference talk by Darby...
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Overcoming Discouragement: The Role of Scripture, Community & Endurance
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss discouragement and its various dimensions. They emphasize the importance of language in articulating discouragement and how honest expression can lead to deeper conversations with God. The conversation also delves into scriptural insights that provide hope and encouragement, highlighting the role of endurance and prayer. Mentioned in this episode: Looking for biblical counseling training? Check out Westminster Theological Seminary's Master of Arts in Counseling, offered in collaboration with CCEF faculty. You can learn more at Related resources: - |...
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Anxiety & the Body: Understanding the Physical Aspects of Anxiety
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the interplay between anxiety and the body, discussing personal experiences and insights. They consider the impact of past experiences on anxiety responses, the significance of community, and practical strategies for navigating anxiety in the moment. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about our upcoming conference: To Live Is Christ: The Life & Ministry of Paul, where we'll consider not so much the content of Paul's theology, but rather how he did ministry. We'll ask the question, What does it look like when someone does ministry with Jesus at the...
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God & Anxiety: Turning to Him for a Deeper Connection
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
In this episode, CCEF faculty share personal experiences of anxiety and consider how it manifests in many different ways. They share insights from Scripture and talk about how anxiety is a continual opportunity for conversation with the Lord. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the CCEF Blogcast, where CCEF authors read their own blogs. Find it on your favorite podcast app: | | | Related resources: - - | Book by Ed Welch - | Book by Ed Welch -
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Finding Hope in Psalms of Lament
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
In this episode, CCEF faculty share personal experiences and insights on how psalms of lament provide a framework for expressing sorrow and confusion, emphasizing the importance of honesty in prayer. The conversation explores the difference between lamenting and grumbling, highlighting the relational aspect of lamenting to God, who is compassionate and welcomes us to bring our suffering to him. Related resources: | Blog by Ed Welch | Podcast episode by Mike Emlet & Alasdair Groves | Conference session by Mark Vroegop | JBC article by Todd Stryd
info_outline![[NEW] Navigating Conflict: Insights from Biblical Counseling show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/35103835?height=50&width=50)
[NEW] Navigating Conflict: Insights from Biblical Counseling
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
We’re excited to be back with a new edition of the podcast! Join Alasdair Groves, Esther Liu, Gunner Gundersen, and Darby Strickland twice a month, on every 1st and 3rd Monday, as they discuss various topics, always seeking to bring the riches of Scripture to bear on the complexities of life. In today’s episode, “Navigating Conflict: Insights from Biblical Counseling,” CCEF faculty discuss the complexities of conflict, exploring its emotional toll, the normalcy of it a broken world, and how the Lord speaks into and transforms our experience. They conclude with some practical...
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Replay: When You Can't Sleep
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
“We have a God who loves, cares, and knows, and I can rest utterly in the hope that he will be with me, he will walk with me, and he will provide. He will care for every last moment of my day tomorrow as I am exhausted.” Do you ever have nights where you can’t sleep? Whatever the reason may be, struggling to sleep is a form of suffering. In this rerun of an episode originally released in 2022, Alasdair Groves explores what it looks like to lean on the Lord when we can’t sleep, assured that he is near and he cares.
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Daily Bread: Today’s Strength for Anxious People
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
Would you consider donating to CCEF to help us continue to provide the church with resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life? You can give at . Today’s episode is a session from our national conference a few years ago on anxiety. This session is by Ed Welch and is titled “Daily Bread: Today’s Strength for Anxious People.” Ed talks about God’s invitation in anxiety to come to him and find strength for today.
info_outlineIn this episode, CCEF faculty explore the challenges and expectations that come with church relationships. They discuss the importance of clear communication, understanding different personalities, and the role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful connections. They emphasize how our future hope and the steadfast friendship of Jesus are a source of comfort and strength in navigating these relationships.
Related resources:
- Caring for One Another: 8 Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships | Book by Ed Welch
- Community: A Struggle to Fit | Blog post by Darby Strickland
- Expecting Less from Church | Blog post by Ed Welch