Cabin Conversations

Join Dave Bondeson and Whitney Swenson as they process Sunday's sermon with a guest. Each week we have a fun, casual conversation through that week's biblical text and try to apply what we heard on Sunday in a conversational, comfortable setting. We'll nerd out a bit on the Bible, laugh a lot, and also try to find things to do over the weekend in the community of Central Wisconsin!

River Rocks and Community: A Cabin Conversations Farewell 05/20/2026

River Rocks and Community: A Cabin Conversations Farewell Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug celebrate the final episode of Cabin Conversations by reflecting on Whitney's 12+ year journey at Woodlands Church and the transformative power of Christ-centered community. They explore how relationships shape us slowly over time, why we need community before trials come, and what makes Woodlands such a healthy church culture. The conversation touches on upcoming changes at the church, the importance of small groups (while acknowledging they're not the only path to community), and favorite moments from five seasons of podcasting. Whether you're in vocational ministry or simply seeking deeper connections, they remind us that gathering around Scripture with people isn't complicated—it just takes intentionality. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/41368710

Building Bridges When You'd Rather Build Walls 05/14/2026

Building Bridges When You'd Rather Build Walls Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea dig into Brian's sermon on Revelation's first church—the one that got the doctrine right but lost their first love. They explore what it means to build bridges instead of walls, why moral renovation isn't the same as relational revelation, and how a church can be healthy precisely because it doesn't avoid conflict Between celebrating Baby Theo's arrival, processing upcoming staff transitions, and previewing Serve Sunday, they tackle the beautiful inefficiency of God's plan to use imperfect people to build His kingdom. Plus: an impassioned defense of Raising Cane's leadership structure and the revelation that soda taste tests are shockingly difficult. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/41293640

Why Prophecy Isn't Just Prediction 04/29/2026

Why Prophecy Isn't Just Prediction Where Dave, Whitney, and Justin dive into honest conversation about the soul's seasons during times of transition. They discuss the gift and challenges of sabbatical in ministry, explore Revelation's rich symbolism of clouds as God's presence, and reframe prophecy as God's powerful declaration rather than mere prediction. The conversation touches on practical spiritual rhythms—praying before conversations, family mealtime liturgies, and the transformative practice of Friday forgiveness. Justin shares insights about rest when your work is people, while they all wrestle with grief, gratitude, and growth. This episode invites us into the mess and beauty of intentional spiritual formation, honest processing, and the power of regular rhythms that shape us and our families toward Christ. Books mentioned: From Genesis to Junia, God's Homecoming /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/41061560

Equipping Saints and Multiplying Dots 04/22/2026

Equipping Saints and Multiplying Dots Where Dave, Whitney, and soon-to-be-retired executive pastor David Hansen process what it means to finish well after a decade of faithful service. They explore David's journey from AECOM to Woodlands, the gift of equipping saints for service (Ephesians 4), and why he knew it was time to step away—not from discouragement, but from wisdom about energy and calling. The conversation digs into Woodlands' church multiplication vision, emphasizing that it's not just about planting buildings but mobilizing the entire church to be "dots" of Jesus' presence wherever God has placed them. David shares why he's excited to step into retirement while remaining part of the congregation, and they discuss the importance of grace-filled transitions, knowing people's names, and actually listening to their stories. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/40973865

When Everyone Knows Your Name 04/15/2026

When Everyone Knows Your Name Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea process the church's bold new vision for multiplication and what happened when everyone wore name tags. They explore the difference between artificial connection and authentic community, discuss what "parish ministry" looks like in central Wisconsin, and explain why leadership is inviting feedback on a vision that's still forming. Whitney shares her transition off staff, the team reflects on mission trips that shaped their thinking, and they answer the question: "How do we get to a place where week five, we still remember names?" This isn't about building bigger—it's about going deeper and wider across the region. Books Mentioned: - Dwell by Dr. Barry Jones /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/40887305

Dead Then Alive Now 04/08/2026

Dead Then Alive Now Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon help us process Easter at Woodlands Church through Ephesians 2:1–10. They walk with us from “dead in sin” to the hope-filled words “but God,” reminding us that salvation is by grace and that God is rich in mercy. They also reflect on Good Friday, the turtle illustration that got everyone’s attention, and how faithfulness over time nourishes us like a steady meal. Together, they point us to our identity as God’s workmanship—each of us a story made for His glory. Books mentioned: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction — Eugene Peterson Everything Is Never Enough (on Ecclesiastes) /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/40773160

Made New Not Upgraded 04/03/2026

Made New Not Upgraded Where Dave, Whitney, and Logan help us process Sunday’s Woodlands Church sermon on being made new in Christ—not a spiritual upgrade, but real transformation. They talk through new motive, new focus, new authority, and new purpose, and why so much of discipleship feels like living in the in-between. Together, they invite us to resist individualism, lean into Scripture, and pursue life-giving community where we can be known and shaped “from one degree of glory to another” as Easter approaches. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/40726050

Freedom When You Still Feel Stuck 03/26/2026

Freedom When You Still Feel Stuck Where Dave, Whitney, and Justin reflect on Woodlands Church’s No Longer message and what it means to be no longer slaves but free. They walk through Romans 7 in light of Romans 6–8, talk about spiritual identity vs. feelings, and why temptation doesn’t mean we’re defeated. Together, they call us toward freedom through confession, community, and honesty—especially in a culture marked by loneliness, anxiety, and feeling stuck. They also preview what’s coming next in the series and invite us to share how Jesus is transforming us right now. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/40630540

Quiet Faithfulness and Bold Obedience 03/11/2026

Quiet Faithfulness and Bold Obedience Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea celebrate Baptism Sunday at Woodlands Church—22 stories of God’s faithfulness, real community, and courageous testimony. They reflect on baptism as a step of obedience and a powerful public declaration, then look back on our long walk through Acts, especially how the Holy Spirit leads the Church in both extraordinary and ordinary moments. They also preview the next series on gospel transformation—No Longer—and invite us to grab the study resources and keep processing together. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/40388100

Breaking Free from Echo Chambers 02/04/2026

Breaking Free from Echo Chambers Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon revisit Sunday’s Woodlands Church message from Acts 23 and talk about “the conspiracy” against Paul—and how the enemy still uses deception today. They help us spot echo chambers, avoid demonizing labels, and choose curiosity over judgment. We also wrestle with facts vs feelings and learn to trust God’s Word when protection doesn’t feel real. Finally, they remind us why genuine biblical community matters—so we can be known, challenged in love, and formed into Christ together. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/39993875

Take Courage in the Chaos 01/29/2026

Take Courage in the Chaos Where Dave, Whitney, and Logan look back at Sunday’s sermon from Acts 22–23 at Woodlands Church and ask what courage looks like when life feels chaotic. They talk about calling as faithful obedience (not a perfect plan we can “miss”), speaking truth with love, and how God’s sovereignty protects His mission in Paul’s story. We’ll also reflect on how Jesus’ words “take courage” meet Paul in loneliness—and how we can encourage one another the same way in our homes, workplaces, and daily rhythms. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/39923220

Building Bridges Not Walls 01/22/2026

Building Bridges Not Walls Where Dave, Whitney, and Laura Woods unpack Pastor Jon's sermon on Paul's approach to a difficult conversation with a complicated audience, exploring how we can share our faith in an often-antagonistic world. They discuss responding with grace, building bridges, resisting judgment, and talking about what Jesus has done. We delve into the critical "us vs. them" mindset, learning how to overcome it by finding common ground and truly seeing others as image-bearers. They share personal insights on the challenges of applying grace to ourselves before extending it to others, and the profound impact of prayer on our hearts. Join us as we reflect on these vital steps for engaging with our community and world, trusting God's leading. Books mentioned: * Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute * The Prodigal Sister by John Piper * Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt * Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson * The Stormlight Archives by Brandon Sanderson * Lycanus trilogy by James Islington /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/39827465

Stop the Spread 01/14/2026

Stop the Spread Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug unpack Sunday's sermon from Acts 21, discussing how easily misunderstandings and rumors spread—even in the early church! They explore how James's approach with Paul, seemingly to quell rumors, highlights the challenges of navigating conflict and tribalism within the Christian community. Join us as they discuss practical ways we can guard our hearts against judgmentalism and gossip, drawing parallels to modern challenges like political discourse and social media. They emphasize humility, asking questions to truly understand others, and applying a biblical filter to information. This conversation reminds us to trust God with the consequences, focusing on loving one another and building healthy, Christ-centered relationships. They also encourage us to join our church's life groups or classes like Bible 101 or Faithful Habits to foster deeper community and develop spiritual discernment. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/39732060

Unwavering Resolve 01/07/2026

Unwavering Resolve Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon jump back into Cabin Conversations with a mix of personal stories, New Year reflections, and a deep dive into the latest sermon! They discuss Paul’s incredible resolve and dependence on God as he faces hardship in Acts 20-21, reminding us that a clear vision of Jesus anchors our faith. We explore how to approach spiritual disciplines not as rigid resolutions, but as intentional "directions and targets" for growth. From Sabbath keeping to understanding Scripture's true purpose (not just an "answer book"), they encourage us to embrace slow change and learn from the early church's relatable journey. Join us as we uncover how surrendering everything can lead to true survival and fruitfulness in our walk with God. Books Mentioned: * The Last Christmas in Paris * Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/39648925

Shalom in a World of Anxiety 12/10/2025

Shalom in a World of Anxiety Where Dave, Keelea, and Gabby wrestle with Jon’s Advent sermon on peace and what shalom really means for us. They talk through “Mary, Did You Know?”, anxiety, control, and why Jesus’ peace is more than the absence of stress. They share how they’re learning to keep showing up at church even when their hearts feel anxious, and how God uses community, gratitude, Scripture, and honest prayer to make them more whole as they wait for Jesus to restore all things. Books mentioned: The Princess Bride – William Goldman The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/39358975

Finding Hope This Christmas 12/03/2025

Finding Hope This Christmas Where Dave, Whitney, and Pastor Jon explore the significance of Advent, particularly the theme of hope, as it relates to our lives and the Woodlands Church community. They discuss how Advent invites us to reflect on Christ's first coming, anticipate His second coming, and recognize His presence in our lives today. Listen in as they share personal experiences and practical ways to create space for reflection, extend hospitality, and engage in missional living during this busy season. How can we live expectantly? What does it look like to show up and show the Love of Christ in your everyday life? Join us as we explore these questions together. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/39251320

The Weight of Forgiveness 11/19/2025

The Weight of Forgiveness Where Dave, Whitney, and Colton unpack the complexities of forgiveness from Sunday's service at Woodlands Church. Inspired by the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18), they discuss the weight of our sin, the cost of true forgiveness, and how to extend grace even when wounded repeatedly. Join them as they explore the difference between forgiveness, amends, and reconciliation, and how community and prayer can guide us on this journey. Is social media interfering with your daily life? The team shares their experiences with taking breaks from apps and being more present with family. What's your go-to comfort movie? Let us know! Books mentioned: * The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/39101340

Unpacking Relationships 11/12/2025

Unpacking Relationships Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea dig into the latest sermon series, "Known and Unashamed," from Woodlands Church. Join them as they explore the highs and lows of relationships and discuss how to cultivate authentic connection by confronting shame and embracing vulnerability. What does it truly mean to be known and loved, both by God and by those around us? The team discusses how our families of origin shape us and how to extend compassion to one another. They also explore practical tools like the "sharing withholdings" exercise for healthier communication and the importance of actively seeking the good in others. Finally, they consider the power of forgiveness and remember that our enemy is not each other, but spiritual forces of darkness. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/39008780

Seeing Beyond Sight 10/15/2025

Seeing Beyond Sight Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea explore the profound implications of the healing of the man born blind! They unpack Sunday's sermon, diving into the disorientation of losing senses and the joy of gaining sight—both physically and spiritually. Join them as they discuss the cultural context surrounding the story, the compassion of Jesus, and the importance of seeing people as God sees them. They also ask the question: what does it cost to follow Jesus? And what "cultures" or traditions do we need to leave behind in order to follow Him well? The trio also answer a listener question about life theme songs. Are you ready to see with new eyes? Join them for a conversation that will challenge and inspire you to seek a deeper relationship with Christ. Books Mentioned: * Love Walked Among Us by Paul Miller /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/38594310

Walking Away From Faith 10/08/2025

Walking Away From Faith Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon get real about the challenging truths in John 6. They explore why people walked away from Jesus, and how we can guard our own hearts against similar pitfalls. Is our relationship with Jesus, or with the good things He provides? Join them as they discuss dissatisfaction, the importance of community, and practical ways to stay rooted in faith. Plus, hear a hilarious story about Jon getting kicked out of an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil! You don't want to miss their thoughts on how we can stay in relationship with the brothers and sisters who walked away from the Lord. Mentioned book: Hungering for God by John Piper /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/38502880

Marinating in Jesus 09/24/2025

Marinating in Jesus Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug dive deeper into Sunday's message! They unpack the idea of "The Truth Will Set You Free" from John 8. Join them as they explore the deceptive nature of sin, the freedom found in Christ, and practical ways to "marinate" in God's Word daily. Want to know how to apply Sunday's sermon to your life? They talk about how we can cultivate real life conversations in organic ways. They encourage us to intentionally engage with the message throughout the week, in our families and DLG groups. Come join the conversation and discover how to truly abide in Jesus! Books Mentioned: The Smell of Sin A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/38339085

The Power of Story 09/17/2025

The Power of Story Where Dave, Whitney, and Justin dive deep into last Sunday's sermon, unpacking key themes and offering fresh perspectives. They explore the balance between preparation and the Spirit's leading, examining the stories of the early church and challenging conventional thinking. This week, they ask the question "If you could give a TED Talk, what would it be about?" And the answers they provide will open your mind to the way you see faith playing out in your everyday life. Join them as they also discuss moral frameworks and how they influence your decision-making. This conversation will leave you with plenty to ponder as you navigate life between Sundays! They also delve into the creative process behind the storytelling segments in the church service, as well as discuss if it is OK to use allegory when reading the bible. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/38251825

Skeptic or Seeker? 09/10/2025

Skeptic or Seeker? Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea process the latest sermon, helping us apply it to our lives! This week, they're diving into "Jesus Says: Give Me a Drink" from John 4, exploring Jesus's interaction with the Samaritan woman and what it means for us to thirst no more. Join them as they discuss finding living water, remembering our first encounter with the Gospel, and resting in Christ's sufficiency. They also get real about personal highs, lows, and "buffalo" moments, reminding us to reflect with gratitude. Books Mentioned: Abiding in Christ by Andrew Murray /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/38157690

Eternal Hope and Daily Life 06/04/2025

Eternal Hope and Daily Life Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon look back on the "Chosen Exiles" series from 1 Peter, discuss the eternal perspective and living as "chosen exiles." They highlight memorizing Scripture and the blessing of deep biblical engagement. The conversation transitions to the new sermon series, "Next Right Thing," focusing on missions locally and globally. Plus, hear about their personal summer plans including camping and mission trips. Stay connected and inspired! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36864050

Trusting When It's Unclear 05/28/2025

Trusting When It's Unclear Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug explore the challenging but rewarding path of trusting God's leading, inspired by the sermon on 1 Peter 5. Join them as they discuss Peter's journey, the importance of humility in leadership, and how to respect those in authority even when we don't understand their decisions. Are you struggling to understand God's plan? This episode offers a refreshing perspective on faith, leadership, and the upside-down kingdom of Christ. It's not about climbing the ladder, but lowering ourselves to serve others, mirroring Christ's example. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36737980

Beyond the Open Door 05/14/2025

Beyond the Open Door Where Dave, Whitney, and Gabby explore the true meaning of hospitality based on the recent sermon from Woodlands Church, stemming from 1 Peter. They discuss how it goes beyond simply opening your home and extends to a posture of genuine love, unhurried presence, and a willingness to share your life with others. Has the culture of hospitality changed? Listen in as they discuss the difference between "known" and "stranger" hospitality, and the intimacy of sharing meals. Do you extend the same welcoming spirit to everyone? How can we cultivate this type of environment within our church community? They challenge us to consider hospitality as a reflection of Christ's love and witness, rather than just a task on our to-do list. They also discuss the benefit of memorizing scripture. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that might just leave you feeling convicted and inspired. Books Mentioned: Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosario Butterfield /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36563670

Carnival Night and Church Rhythms: Behind the Scenes at Woodlands 05/07/2025

Carnival Night and Church Rhythms: Behind the Scenes at Woodlands Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea provide a rich discussion revisiting last week's sermon, focusing on 1 Peter. They unpack how to live Christ-like lives in a hostile world, the importance of unity, dealing with difficult Bible passages, and the call to bless others. Tune in to hear insights from Keelea's seminary journey and discover practical takeaways for spiritual growth. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36487485

The Weight of the Cross 04/16/2025

The Weight of the Cross Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug unpack the meaning of the cross and its implications for our lives today. In this episode, they discuss preparing for Good Friday and the contrast between the despair felt by Jesus’s disciples and the hope of Easter. They dive into how God uses even our darkest moments for His glory. Join them as they explore the weightiness of sin, the brutality of the cross, and the incredible restoration offered through Jesus. They ask: What does it mean to be saved from our sins and saved to something? And don’t miss Doug's dream car reveal! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36183865

The Garden: Failure & Faith 04/09/2025

The Garden: Failure & Faith Where Dave, Whitney, and Jed dig deep into "The Garden" sermon from Woodlands Church! Join them as they explore the themes of failure, betrayal, and God's enduring faithfulness, connecting the dots from Genesis to the Gospels. They share how the message resonated with them personally and offer practical tips for applying its truths to your own life. This week they ask themselves how they can take the message of “One Day” and apply it to their lives today. Join them as they consider, "What junk do I have right now in between me and Jesus?" and how we can embrace God's grace as we prepare for Easter. Join us as we consider how we must remember that we are the monster, but we are forgiven. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36069845

Gather Around the Table 04/02/2025

Gather Around the Table Where Dave, Whitney, and Elizabeth delve into the powerful message of "The Table," exploring themes of betrayal, love, and unity presented in last Sunday's sermon at Woodlands Church. They examine the significance of the Last Supper, the act of foot washing, and the communal experience of communion. They discuss preparing their hearts for worship and reinforcing the tangible reminders that can go unnoticed. Join them as they share their personal reflections and challenge us to consider how we approach the table together as a church family. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/35969405

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