A Little Better

How should Christians engage in a politically divided world? When the "other" we are supposed to love becomes the enemy we fight, something has to change.In this episode of A Little Better, host Calum Shaw is joined by Matt Sones to close out our series on Christians and Politics. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to political involvement, we dive into how to navigate today's landscape with humility, discernment, and a commitment to doing good for others.In this episode, we cover:Moving past the "us vs. them" political mentality to love well.The importance of being humbly informed rather than reactively outraged.Practicing discernment in our media consumption and political engagement.LINKS & RESOURCESCompanion PDF Guide: pages | spreads

In a culture deeply divided along ideological lines, it’s easy for Christians to find themselves caught up in the same tribalism, anger, and anxiety that dominate the evening news. But is that how God intended public life to look? This week on A Little Better, Calum Shaw sits down with Matt Sones for Part 1 of a vital conversation: How Should Christians Be Involved in Politics? Together, they step away from the shouting matches of partisan platforms to examine what scripture actually commands of us as citizens of an earthly state who hold a primary allegiance to the Kingdom of God.In this episode, they unpack the first of six principles for a healthy political engagement as a Christian. Chances are, they aren’t what you’d expect. If you want to move past the anxiety of modern politics and step into a lifestyle of unshakable hope and love for your neighbor, this episode is for you.LINKS & RESOURCESCompanion PDF Guide: pages | spreadsSubmit a Question: Got a question you want answered on the show? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/faT1hp7kngFv1NkA6

What happens when your faith collides with your passport?As believers, we live with a unique tension: we are residents of an earthly nation, but our ultimate allegiance belongs to the Kingdom of God. So how do we navigate the messy world of politics, voting, and cultural division without compromising our higher calling?In this episode of Christians and Politics, Calum Shaw and Matt Sones dive into what it truly means to be The Christian Citizen. We challenge the status quo, look at how our faith should inform our civic engagement, and discuss how to keep the Kingdom first in a deeply divided world.LINKS & RESOURCESCompanion PDF Guide: Single | SpreadsSubmit a Question: Got a question you want answered on the show? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/faT1hp7kngFv1NkA6

What is the true purpose of government, and how should Christians engage with political powers?In this second episode of the Christians and Politics series, Calum Shaw and Matt Sones dive into one of the most tension-filled topics of our time: the relationship between the Kingdom of God and earthly governments.Every day, we are pulled by competing loyalties. We pay taxes, follow laws, and participate in a political system, yet our ultimate allegiance belongs to a completely different Kingdom—one led by Jesus, whose blueprint for power and authority looks nothing like human politics. This creates a natural, ongoing struggle for believers: How do we live as faithful citizens of our country while keeping our hearts entirely devoted to the Kingdom of God?Is it possible to engage in politics without losing our way, or should we pull back entirely?In this episode, we tackle the big questions:The Purpose of the State: Why does government exist, and what is it fundamentally designed by God to do?The Temptation to Withdraw: Should Christians completely pull away from earthly politics to focus solely on God’s Kingdom?The Divine Order: What is the actual role of earthly governments within God’s grand, global design?The Breaking Point: How do Christians respond when a government becomes corrupt, evil, or fails to live up to its purpose?Whether you are trying to navigate your own political anxieties, feeling exhausted by the cultural divide, or simply looking for a grounded, biblical perspective on citizenship, this conversation will challenge you to re-examine where your ultimate loyalty lies.LINKS & RESOURCESCompanion PDF Guide: Single | SpreadsSubmit a Question: Got a question you want answered on the show? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/faT1hp7kngFv1NkA6

With cultural tribalism, division, and anxiety at an all-time high, public life has become incredibly fraught. Too often, the Christian witness is tarnished when the allure of power and the desire to be on the "winning team" overshadow our primary allegiance to Jesus.In this first episode, Calum Shaw and Matt Sones launch a new stand-alone series aimed at evaluating what a mature political witness looks like for a Christian. Together, they break down a working definition of politics, address the paradigms of pursuing change through law or love, and introduce the 7 Layers of Political Discourse to help us have healthier, more humble conversationsIn this episode:What is “politics”? Moving past simple voting to understand how communities organize power, resources and rules.Law and Love: The paradigm of how change happens and our tendency to misplace our expectations.7 Layers of political discourse: Why political conversations collapse when we view complex issues through a single, reductionistic lens.LINKS & RESOURCESCompanion PDF Guide: Single Page, SpreadsSubmit a Question: Got a question you want answered on the show? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/faT1hp7kngFv1NkA6

In our final bonus episode of The Deliverer, Nate Bantle and Drew Kaschner reflect on the highs, lows, and everything in between from the Egypt trip. Tune in to hear the tense moments, the unexpected lessons, and how they learned the lessons of the series they were about to teach on.Sunday’s Message

What happens after you’re finally free?In this episode of the Deliverer series, host Calum Shaw and Drew Karschner dive into the complex reality of life after liberation. We often think of freedom as a destination, but the transition can be overwhelming, confusing, and even harder to embrace than the struggle itself.Drawing from the journey of the Israelites leaving Egypt, we explore:The Muscle Memory of Sin: Why our minds and bodies often cling to old patterns even after the chains are broken.The "Other Side" of Deliverance: Navigating the instability and regression that can happen on the road to redemption.Finding Jesus in the Mess: Understanding that the path to true freedom is rarely a straight line.Sunday’s Message

Less than half of Americans have a passport. Much less travel transatlantically. For Javi, this was his first time out of the country. How does someone who hasn’t experienced a foreign country’s culture and food do on an intense filming trip? Let’s just say hummus is a takeaway. Sunday’s Message

Is God still "flexing" today, or have we just stopped paying attention? In this episode of A Little Better, Drew and Calum dive into one of the most intense showdowns in history: God vs. Pharaoh.We often think of the ten plagues as random natural disasters, but they were actually a calculated, direct assault on the false gods of Egypt. We’re asking the hard questions: If the plagues struck modern-day America, what would those "gods" look like? How do we know if we are accidentally playing the role of Pharaoh in our own lives by ignoring God’s wake-up calls?In this episode, we discuss:The Collision of Power: Why God appeared to be "toying" with the most powerful man on earth.The Hardened Heart: How to identify when you’re ignoring God and what Moses teaches us about interacting with difficult people.The Firstborn Plague: Wrestling with the "meanness" of the final plague and seeing it through the lens of eternity.Freedom’s Cost: How a 430-year wait ended in a release that foreshadowed the ultimate Passover Lamb—Jesus.Whether you’re in a season of waiting for your own "430-year" relief or you’re trying to understand the character of God in the Old Testament, this conversation explores how the God of the Exodus is the same God pursuing your heart today.Sunday’s Message

Can God really use a cat? In this episode, videographers Drew and Meg share their take on their trip to Egypt. What did it take to capture the beautiful scenery of The Deliverer?Sunday’s Message

We often think God only uses the young, talented, or perfect but the story of Moses being called by God tells a different story. We’re digging into the complex moments when God calls us–those often long stretches where you feel sidelined, forgotten, or "past your prime." Why does God wait until we feel least capable to give us our biggest assignments?If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and follow the podcast to stay updated on new episodes!Sunday’s Message

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a "holding pattern," waiting for a breakthrough that feels like it’s never coming?In this episode of the A Little Better podcast, host Calum Shaw and Nate Miller dive into the uncomfortable reality of the wilderness season. You know those moments where you don’t have the answers, but somehow, things resolve in the most unexpected way.Together, they explore:The Theology of Waiting: Why does God often use wilderness seasons to prepare us?The Meaning of 40: From Moses to Jesus, why does Scripture use this number to signify a full period of preparation?Finding Purpose in the Pain: How God uses our most difficult circumstances to shape our character and prepare us for what’s next.Faithfulness in Limbo: Practical ways to maintain your faith when you are in a situation that feels like it’s going nowhere."God often teaches us the things we need to learn in the place we don’t want to be." Whether you are currently facing a "visceral, real wilderness" or looking back at how past struggles prepared you for your present, this conversation will offer perspective on trusting God’s timing.Sunday’s Message

What’s it like when you take a trip of a lifetime, but it doesn’t quite go as planned? This week, Drew and Taylor share the inside scoop from their trip to Egypt for the filming of the series, The Deliverer. Sunday’s Message

"Doing the right thing the wrong way is still the wrong thing."We’ve all been there—feeling like we’ve put in the time, done the work, and are ready for the next step, only to be met with silence or a roadblock. It’s easy to grow weary of waiting.In today’s episode of A Little Better, Calum Shaw, Drew Karschner, and Taylor Benedict explore the story of Moses—a man with a righteous cause but, at times, a reckless heart. We discuss why we rush to be "great" without embracing the preparation, how to distinguish between God’s strength and our own, and how to manage our desires when it feels like it’s just not our time... yet.Listen in as we learn how to wait well and discern God’s timing in our livesSunday’s Message

Yes…they had a run in with the police. A behind the scenes take from the team that shot the series, The Deliverer. This epsiode Drew Karschner and Katy Bantle share their highs, lows and impactful moments from the trip.Sunday’s Message

We often think of God’s deliverance as a booming voice or a parted sea, but the story of the Exodus begins in a much quieter way: with the courage of two midwives, a desperate mother, and a reed basket in the Nile.This week on A Little Better, host Calum Shaw, Drew Karschner and guest Katy Bantle dive into the opening chapters of the Moses story. We explore the archaeological mystery of the Pharaohs, the significance of the Tribe of Levi, and the profound "basket moments" every leader and parent eventually faces—that terrifying point where you must let go of what you love and trust the current of God’s providence.Sunday’s Message

He is risen… but who actually saw Him?In this episode of A Little Better, Calum Shaw is joined by Drew Karschner as we conclude the Four Days series and step into the most important day in history — Easter Sunday.From the empty tomb to the first eyewitness encounters, we unpack the real story of what happened when Jesus rose from the dead.Why is it significant that Jesus first appeared to women?Why didn’t the disciples believe it at first?And what does it mean for us that people didn’t immediately recognize Him?We walk through the powerful, surprising, and deeply human moments of resurrection morning — filled with confusion, doubt, wonder, and ultimately… belief.This episode explores:The first people who saw Jesus aliveWhy Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize Him at firstThe disbelief of the disciples and their eventual faithThe Road to Emmaus and missing what’s right in front of youThe tension between expectation and realityWhat it means to live in the victory of the resurrection todayBecause Easter isn’t just a moment to celebrate — it’s a reality to live from.Sunday’s Message

What happens in the silence between Good Friday and Easter Sunday?What were the disciples feeling while Jesus was in the tomb?And one of the biggest theological questions of all… did Jesus actually go to hell?In this episode of A Little Better, Calum Shaw is joined by Drew as we continue the Four Days series and step into the most overlooked day of the resurrection story — Saturday. It’s a day filled with grief, confusion, trauma, silence, and questions that still matter today.We talk honestly about loss, the weight of grief that doesn’t disappear overnight, and what Scripture actually says about where Jesus was while the world waitedSunday’s MessageJoseph of ArimatheaVirginia Tech on Bystanders PTSDGavin Ortlund video on Jesus going to hellGospel Coalition Article on The Apostle’s CreedJack’s PlaceGlitter by Patrick DroneyTruth in the Details: The Report of Pilate to Tiberius as an Authentic Forgery

This week, Calum Shaw and Pastor Drew Karshner unpack Good Friday—the day of Jesus’ crucifixion—and why it still matters today. As part of the Four Days series, this conversation explores the tension, injustice, and purpose behind the cross.From the religious leaders’ conspiracy to Pilate’s moral compromise… from the crowd’s sudden betrayal to the Romans’ brutality… every angle of the story reveals something deeply true about the human heart—and about God’s plan.But at the center stands Jesus: silent, steady, and willingly surrendering His life.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why Jesus’ death was in your place (2 Corinthians 5)How the cross offers freedom from sin (Romans 6)What it actually means to die to yourself (Galatians 2:20)Why death is often the pathway to real, lasting lifeSunday’s MessagePilate’s Letters

We talk a lot about Good Friday and Easter Sunday, but what about Thursday and Saturday. This episode kicks off our Easter series, looking at the Four Days that changed the world. Drew Karschner and Calum Shaw look at the three times Jesus was betrayed by His closest friends on Maundy Thursday. What can we learn from the mistakes of the disciples and the long suffering of Jesus as he endures their denial and betrayal despite their best efforts?Sunday’s MessageResources:Adam Young Podcast on Attachment styles

This week on A Little Better, we wrap up our series on Titus. Drew Karschner joins Calum to discuss the power of kindness and doing good. They share personal stories about how the kindness of others changed them.Sunday’s MessageResources:Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (Louis Zamperini)Andy Young Podcast on Attunement

This week on A Little Better, Calum Shaw covers all the controversial topics in Titus 2 with Jason DeGraff. Does it condone slavery? Are women just to be stay-at-home mothers? Should we still listen to what a fallen pastor taught?Paul is underscoring the need for good teaching. More than just having good teaching on a Sunday morning by the pastor, we all need to be teaching one another. Specifically, we need to remind people of the grace we have received from Jesus.Sunday's MessageResources:Kevin Spacey InterviewSlavery in the Bible: Answering Atheist CritiquesWhat does the Bible say about women pastors?What does the Bible say about women and ministryShould Wives Submit to Their Husbands? (Part I) | Ephesians 5:22-24Why and How Should a Wife Submit to her Husband? (Part II) | Eph. 5:22-23Should a Wife Submit to Her Husband EVEN When He's Not Treating Her Right? | Ephesians 5:22

This week on A Little Better, Calum Shaw and Luan Souza tackle the topic of corruption. We’re in week two of a series on Titus, where Paul addresses the spiritual drift and corruption in the Cretan church. There is division, conflict, and theological disagreement—sounds an awful lot like the Church today. Get to know Luan, our Brighton Campus Director, a little better, and explore Paul’s instructions to Titus.

This week on A Little Better, we start a new series on the book of Titus. A small letter in the New Testament written by Paul to his “fixer”, Titus. The church Paul planted is in some trouble–it started to drift theologically. The question is, how do they fix it? How do you motivate a congregation back to the sound teaching Paul left them with? The answer isn’t fearmongering. Calum is joined by Nate Miller, our Webster Campus Pastor, as they discuss eldership, leadership, accountability, and most importantly, grace.Why Motivating People Doesn't Work…and What Does by Susan FowlerDesigning Experiences by J. Robert Rossman, Mathew D. Duerden

Fear can get in the way of a lot of things. It can cloud our judgment, halt progress, and become a barrier to the very mission we have been called to. You’d think that of all the things we’d be unafraid to talk about is the wonderful relationship we have with Jesus. But for some reason, we can so easily lock up and hold back. In the final episode of our fear series, Drew Karschner is back to share some practical ways that we can share our faith with others without overcomplicating it or coming across as being weird. And no, it doesn’t require standing on top of a soapbox with a bullhorn.

Benjamin Franlkin’s famous quote, “Only two things are certain: death and taxes,” continues to ring true. While some people evade taxes, noone can bypass death. This week on A Little Better, Calum talks with Noah Bixby as they unpack our fear of death. It could be fearing the moment of death itself, fearing the provision and security of your loved ones, or fearing the concept of eternity, our existential wrestling can lead down a path of more anxiety. Is that really what God wants for us?Noah shares his personal experience of exposure to death and how that has shaped how he lives. He also outlines what the bible reveals about death, and how we ought to live.Sunday’s Message: https://youtu.be/WyBEiF_SSjMResources:Surprised by Hope by NT Wright Imagine Heaven by John Burke

Fear seems to stem back to the same place–the unknown. More specifically, the things we can’t control. This week on A Little Better, Drew Karschner is back talking with Calum Shaw on how we should deal with the fear of the unknown. We look at the practical ways that we can mature in our relationship with fear. While faith is an antidote, it’s not as simple as just having more faith. How do we turn the dial down on fear while turning up faith?Resources:Relational Spirituality - Todd HallThrough Gates of Splendor - Elisabeth Elliot

This week on A Little Better, we talk about the fear of being known. Calum Shaw and Matt Sones get personal as they explore what it really means to be known and how our fear holds us back from belonging. The mask, or armor, we put up to protect us, only prevents us from being known. Our fear writes a narrative that easily warps our perspective and holds us back. It’s time to drop the mask.Resources:Being Human Podcast with Adam Young and Steve CussThe Meaning Of Marriage by Tim KellerScary Close by Donald Miller

This week on A Little Better, we talk about something no one really wants to talk about…fear. Calum is joined by Drew Karschner as they kick off the first week of a new series called “In The Face Of Fear.” What does it mean to have a healthy response to fear? What is an unhealthy, negative, or even sinful response to fear? These are the questions we need to ask ourselves if we’re going to face and address what is holding us back in our spiritual maturity.Sunday’s Message: https://youtu.be/VRLzodE00IcResources:Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others by Dr Scott Lyons

This week on A Little Better, Calum Shaw and Michelle Gerringer conclude the series on spiritual maturation by discussing practice. In the context of our relationship with God, others, creation, and self, what are the things we do that foster and express spiritual maturity? They outline some practices for each stage of the spiritual journey. If you’re feeling stuck or at a plateau, you might find something that will move you forward.Resources:Insane for the Light by Roland RolheiserThe Critical Journey by Janet Hagberg and Robert A. GuelichPracticing the Way by John Mark ComerThe Promise of Paradox by Parker J. PalmerLoneliness study in seniors Willow Creek Reveal Study Federal Reserve Wealth by Age

This week on A Little Better, we explore how presence is a maker and marker of spiritual maturity. Showing up is one thing, but is it the same as being present? Calum is joined by Matt Sones and Michelle Gerringer to unpack a theology of presence and what being present looks like with out relationship with God, other, creation and self.Resources:The Practice of the Presence of God By Brother Lawrence https://a.co/d/afUkvW5 Faithful Presence: Seven Disciplines That Shape the Church for Mission by David E. Fitch https://a.co/d/ho0dvjj Move: What 1,000 Churches Reveal About Spiritual Growth by Greg L. Hawkins and Cally Parkinson https://a.co/d/5X1KoYb Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young https://a.co/d/gWvAhUu Strange Situation Study https://www.simplypsychology.org/mary-ainsworth.html The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer https://a.co/d/20A0vtd Practicing the Way: Be With Jesus. Become Like Him. Do As He Did by John Mark Comer https://a.co/d/03T1LWf Journal of Happiness Studies, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2020Science Advances, Vol. 5, No. 7, 2019

This week on A Little Better, explore how purpose is a maker and marker of spiritual maturity. Calum Shaw hosts Matt Sones and Carlie Shaw as they explore Purpose, Calling, and Assignment. Existential questions like “why are we alive?” or “what is my purpose?” can weigh heavily on minds. So why are we here? What about knowing and living out our true, God-given purpose, is a sign of maturity?Resources:Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human. https://a.co/d/24p1Yml Find Your Leadership Voice In 90 Days: How to show up, speak up, and stand out with confidence by Kadi Cole https://a.co/d/bLMDqmo The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It by Warren Farrell https://a.co/d/90Rx6vS Purpose, Calling, Assignment - Terrella Omaña https://a.co/d/dU6HjFZ NT Wright on Theology in The Raw Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-in-the-raw/id1018952191?i=1000736559223 Dan Fagin on Monarch Butterflieshttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/science/monarch-butterfly-migration-tracking-sensor.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

This week on A Little Better, we’re talking about the first maker and marker of spiritual maturity–Pain. No one likes difficult, painful experiences, but in God’s redemptive process, rupture and repair are inevitable in a broken world. Special guest Christine Jean-Jacques, an experienced Christian psychologist, joins Calum Shaw and Matt Sones. Together, they talk through some of the reasons we react to pain differently, stemming back to our childhood experiences. They discuss how we can heal and redeem those painful experiences so we don’t allow them to stunt our maturation.Resources:Be Mature by Warren Wierrsbehttps://a.co/d/19UUid5Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Sufferinghttps://a.co/d/6KFicowGood Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are by Lysa TerKeurst https://a.co/d/0rKKBzIRelational Spirituality: A Psychological-Theological Paradigm for Transformation by Todd Hallhttps://a.co/d/hxVPg79Maturity: Growing Up and Going on in the Christian Life by Sinclair Fergusonhttps://a.co/d/dF5Fybq

Continuing in our In The Making series, Calum Shaw, Matt Sones, and Michelle Geringer explore the importance of reciprocal relationships. Spiritual and emotional maturity don’t happen in isolation; God designed us for connection. One of the key reasons is that relationships are essential for our spiritual growth.We also see that God’s Kingdom is full of paradox. Growth often happens through the mystery and beauty of mutual, give-and-take relationships. Listen in as we unpack what it means to both give and receive in community.Resources:The Expectation Gap: The Tiny, Vast Space between Our Beliefs and Experience of God by Steve Cuss https://a.co/d/7JRj1zk NYT Article Lord Acton’s Famous Remark by Sydney E Ahistrom (1974) https://www.nytimes.com/1974/03/13/archives/lord-actons-famous-remark.html?smid=url-share Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies by Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller https://a.co/d/bTi1oWu Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty Isn't the American Dream by Brian Fikkert and Kelly M Kapic https://a.co/d/0nig2fX You're Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God's Design and Why That's Good News by Kelly Kapichttps://a.co/d/6LsUDWH

No one wants to be or perceived as immature, but many seem to be stuck in their journey of maturation. We’re launching a new series that shares the biblical framework for spiritual growth and maturation. It’s time to take a look at where we’re at on our journey and what it means to be mature. There are so many reasons why we can get stuck at a stage. Many are stuck deconstructing because of how the church treated them. Some are comfortable being ok with being ok. Others think they are more mature than they actually are because they have been a Christian for a long time, give a lot of time or money, or just know more. It’s time to take an honest look at whether we are growing up or not. Mentioned resources:The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith by Janet O. Hagberg, Robert A. Guelich https://a.co/d/hdW7Vh1 The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality by Ronald Rolheiser https://a.co/d/572x0Of Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. By John Mark Comer https://a.co/d/e7bj4iN Be Mature: Growing Up In Christ by Warren W. Wiersbe https://a.co/d/hoh2BiP Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland https://a.co/d/aToKRR2 A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene Peterson https://a.co/d/3UzCMCl

This week on A Little Better…Calum hosts Jason Degraaff as they unpack Jonah 4. We shift our perspective on Jonah from a failed prophet to someone who was trying their best. But, because of his anger, he acted in a way that wasn’t good for the mission or his well-being. Follow along as the conversation explores what defines an enemy, how we deal with anger, and the balance of holding justice and mercy at the same time.Mentioned resources:The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom https://a.co/d/dOuVn4RThe Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield https://a.co/d/c2ThlcpUndeceptions Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/undeceptions-with-john-dickson/id1478239058?i=1000731480378Sunday’s Message: https://youtu.be/YfLvN-aJF8o 

This week on A Little Better, Calum and Drew talk second chances. Jonah was given a second chance and preached to Nineveh. Nineveh was given a second chance as God relented from destroying them. Does that mean we can rely on a second chance?Somehow, it only took five Hebrew words to turn the whole city of Nineveh to God. One could say it was either the best or the worst message ever preached. What does that mean for us when, as Christians, we’re to bring a message of truth and grace to others?Sunday’s Message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSTmTY_m04c

Calum Shaw hosts  Webster Campus Pastor, Nate Miller, as they take a deeper look into Jonah’s downward spiral and eventual deliverance. Despite how it appears, it was God’s grace that appointed a fish to swallow Jonah, and we see Jonah eventually turn to God, but did his heart change, or was it just perspective? His prayer seems to say all the right things, but at closer inspection, it reveals more about Jonah than perhaps he’d like to admit.Let’s be honest, we just want to know if it was a real fish. Listen in and find out. Mentioned resources:Charles Spurgeon’s Comments: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/spe/jonah-2.html Sunday’s Message: https://youtu.be/GaBuHyj0JXI

Calum and Drew kick off a new series called Nineveh. Follow along as we learn from Jonah, an obscure prophet who repeatedly circumvented God's clear call to share a message of grace and truth with the Ninevites.  In reality, we are a lot like Jonah; we can so easily turn a blind eye on the call on all Christians, to proclaim the gospel, even to those who we don’t think deserve it, and choose to go in our own, more comfortable direction. Mentioned resources:Three Mile An Hour God - Kosuke Koyama https://a.co/d/3HREXlTArt Of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door - Jay Pathak, Dave Runyon  https://a.co/d/4fG1U7nGodspeed Video: https://www.livegodspeed.org/watchgodspeedSunday’s Message:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VabA1RgvFA

On this episode of A Little Better, Calum and Lead Pastor, Drew Karschner, talk with Christian psychologist and therapist Dr. Andy Hartman. While suffering is inevitable, healing from it can take time and work. We dive deep into our backgrounds and how key relationships can shape our response to hardship, some practical tools to help start the healing process, and grappling with the concept of embracing a life of struggle. What do we do with the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual toll from suffering? Listen in.Mentioned resources:The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma - Dr Bessel van der Kolk https://a.co/d/2nfFvwNBoundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies - Alison Cook, Kimberly Miller https://a.co/d/5lf4qvxThe Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope - Dr Curt Thompson https://a.co/d/24xbYSVMan’s Search For Meaning - Viktor E. Frankl https://a.co/d/cP13uMQSunday’s Message:https://youtu.be/VQs3FAkP_G8

On this episode of A Little Better, Calum is joined by Drew Karschner, Northridge’s Lead Pastor, and Matt Sones, Ministries Lead. They talk through the suffering we deal with as a result of the sin and brokenness in our world. Mentioned resources:The Gulag Archipelago (Abridged Edition) - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn https://a.co/d/j8Fc3liHarvard Human Flourishing Project:https://globalflourishingstudy.com/https://globalflourishingstudy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GFS_Report-1.pdfSubmit your questions on suffering: https://forms.gle/V7nYtZPkLYi8fiNd8Sunday’s Message:https://youtu.be/YPnhplSgBMk

Today on A Little Better, host, Calum and Lead Pastor, Drew are joined by Michelle Geringer, Executive Director of Groups and Outreach at Northridge. This episode navigates the consequences of our own choices.Listen to the conversation as they discuss:Sinful choicesSilly choicesSincere choicesRepentance and ConfessionMentioned resources:Counterfeit Gods - Tim Keller https://a.co/d/8WJn4WlWhat The Bible Says About Healthy Living - Rex Russel (Drew’s reference)  https://a.co/d/4BmJhfFSubmit your questions on suffering: https://forms.gle/V7nYtZPkLYi8fiNd8Sunday’s Message:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK9hiy-bjKk

Today on A Little Better, host, Calum and Lead Pastor, Drew are joined by the Director of 441 Ministries, Josh Horn. Together, they wrestle through suffering as a result of doing the right thing. Just because you endure pain as a consequence for doing right, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.Listen to the conversation as they discuss:The difference between persecution and affliction.Are Christians being persecuted in the USA today?The discomfort of losing your life to find Jesus and follow His way.Doing the right thing the wrong way is still wrong.What is it like facing that decision of potential suffering when it’s the right thing to do?Mentioned resources:441 Ministries: https://www.441ministries.org/Sunday’s sermon: https://youtu.be/gGwygg_A7fU A Long Obedience In The Same Direction - Eugene Peterson: https://a.co/d/8Xr0znb Submit your questions on suffering: https://forms.gle/V7nYtZPkLYi8fiNd8

Today on A Little Better, host Calum, Drew, the Lead Pastor, and Brit, the Rochester Worship Director, discuss how to prepare for and embrace suffering. We can all expect suffering to come, but it’s what we do with it that matters. They discuss the five ways we should prepare for suffering:Expect sufferingEmbrace sufferingEvaluate past sufferingEmploy God’s WordEnvironment of communityMentioned Resources:The Deepest Place - Curt Thompson https://a.co/d/8fm9AFnFor The Glory - Duncan Hamilton https://a.co/d/ipvb5cF Who’s on your team - Nate Miller - https://northridgechurch.subspla.sh/r79kjw7 Rachael and Taylor’s story - https://youtu.be/bFv5UP3Uv4c

Today on A Little Better, Calum is joined by Webster Campus Pastor, Nate Miller, and Rochester Worship Director, Brittany McCracken, to discuss the last of the ten commandments - coveting.When does desiring become wanting?How do you wrestle with the tension between trusting and trying in the waiting?What does it look like to desire God the most?

Today on A Little Better, Brad is joined by Bill Sones, a long-time member of Northridge and mentor to many, and Jason DeGraff, Webster Campus Director, to discuss the heart and implications of the 9th commandment: “you shall not bear false witness”.Is lying always wrong? Does God ever allow it?How can we prepare for those times when we are tempted to bear false witness?My words have done a lot of harm. What now?Additional Resources:Thou Shalt Not Slanderhttps://www.desiringgod.org/articles/thou-shalt-not-slander

Today on A Little Better, host Luan Souza, our Brighton Campus Director, is joined by Nate Miller, Webster Campus Pastor, and Jason DeGraff, Webster Campus Director, to discuss the heart and implications of the 8th commandment—“you shall not steal.”What are subtle ways we often steal but don’t realize that we are stealing? Why do you think we steal in those ways?How do we make it right with those we have stolen from?

Today on A Little Better, host Kristin Shughart, our Kids Ministry Executive Director, is joined by Mark and Jaime, two of our Storytellers, to discuss how to honor our fathers and mothers and how we teach kids about Jesus.What does Kids Ministry look like at Northridge? Why do we do it the way we do?What does honoring our parents look like when we become adults?How can we make it easier for our kids to honor us as parents?How does our relationship with our parents influence, for good or bad, our relationship with God?Additional Resources:northridgerochester.com/kids

Today on A Little Better, host Brit Catlin, our Communications Director, is joined by Drew and Ashley Karschner to discuss the following questions on the commandment of adultery.What strategies have you used to both protect your marriage and strengthen your relationship? How can these strategies apply to those who are dating?How does this command apply to single people? What about the broader truth of this command, not just faithfulness horizontally, but faithfulness vertically with God?What if I've blown it? Is there help or hope for me?

Today on A Little Better, host Brad is joined by Matt, Ministries Lead, and Bailey, NYM Director, to discuss the following questions:Am I really guilty of violating the command not to kill?Does the Bible ever say killing is OK?How should we support women who are wrestling with abortion?Why is having contempt for someone such a serious issue?Additional Resources:Wisdom Within Laws About Murder, Adultery, and Divorce from The Bible Projecthttps://bibleproject.com/videos/wisdom-underneath-laws/Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality by Nancy R. Pearceyhttps://www.amazon.com/Love-Thy-Body-Answering-Questions/dp/0801075726Why Pro-Life?: Caring for the Unborn and Their Mothers by Randy Alcornhttps://a.co/d/jm1Pd0tCompassCare - Supports women considering or pursuing abortion with comprehensive medical services and support.“Turn your fear into confidence. CompassCare is your best first step for unplanned pregnancy and sexual health needs.” –from the websitehttps://www.compasscare.info/Caring Choices - A Beyond partner walking with women through pregnancy, and offering support and recovery after an abortion.“No shame, no judgment, no cost - just the support you need from people who care.” –from the websitehttps://www.caringchoicesphc.com/War: Four Christian Views edited by Robert G. Clousehttps://www.amazon.com/War-Christian-Edited-published-September/dp/B018M3DWXS