Belay Church Podcast

In week six of the Colossians series, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through Colossians 3, where the Apostle Paul lays out what comes next after we've been raised with Christ. Using stories from hiking, camping, and a little dog named Perry, Paul unpacks four practical next steps every follower of Jesus can take: pursuing heaven's perspective, putting off old hindrances, putting on Christ's qualities, and practicing Christ-like relationships. This is a message about moving from the parking lot into the real beauty of life with Jesus—and discovering that how we treat others is really how we treat Him.

In this fifth message from the Book of Colossians, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through Colossians 2:8–23 and uncovers four sneaky "hijackers" that try to pull our faith away from Jesus. Using a memorable story of a bait-and-switch taxi ride in China, Paul reminds us that in Christ we already have fullness, newness, and forgiveness—and we don't need anything more added to that. He challenges us to spot godless philosophies, legalistic rule keeping, mystical experiences, and traditional wisdom that try to take us for a ride to places we don't want to go. The invitation is simple: keep your faith squarely rooted in Jesus.

In part two of his teaching on Christ-like maturity, Pastor Paul Durbin walks Belay'ers through Colossians 1:24–2:7 to unpack three more deliberate practices that grow us into spiritually mature followers of Jesus. He shows how spiritual discernment, continual growth, and overflowing thankfulness move us past fine-sounding arguments and shallow faith into a deeply rooted life in Christ. Using the picture of a pinyon pine sending its taproot deep into rocky ground, Paul invites us to stop spreading wide and start going down—anchored in Jesus, who is all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Pastor Paul Durbin explores what it means to pursue real spiritual maturity as a follower of Jesus, drawing from Colossians 1:24–2:7 and his own journey learning Mandarin in China. He challenges Belay’ers to move beyond surface-level faith by embracing four practical practices: joyful suffering, willing service, strenuous contending, and holding on to our hope in Jesus. With stories, honest wrestling, and encouragement, the message asks: how do we actually become mature—“telios”—in Christ? Pastor Paul shows it’s less about logging hours and more about deliberate, focused growth with Jesus at the center.

In this message from Colossians 1:15-23, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through what many scholars call the most Christ-centered passage in the New Testament. Paul unpacks eight powerful reasons Jesus insists on being the center of our lives—not a welcome guest, not an add-on, but the absolute nucleus around which everything else revolves. From Jesus being the visible image of the invisible God, to the Creator who holds all things together, to the One who reconciles us back to the Father through the cross, this teaching invites us to ask an honest question: Is Jesus truly at the center of my life?

In this opening message of a six-week series through Colossians, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through the first 14 verses of Paul's letter and asks a simple but powerful question: how does God's work keep growing in us after we've believed? Drawing from Paul's prayer for the Colossian church, Paul highlights five growth areas the Holy Spirit wants to develop in every follower of Jesus—clarity, strength, gratitude, awareness, and prayerfulness. With warmth, humor, and practical insight, Paul reminds us that spiritual maturity isn't about hard things going away; it's about being rooted deeply enough in Christ to bear more and more fruit, no matter the season.

Paul Durbin teaches from Psalm 119 and asks the same question David asked thousands of years ago: how can a person stay on the path of purity? Purity is not just about avoiding obvious sin; it is a life of honesty, integrity, holiness, and character, where we have nothing to hide and our lives honor God and people. Paul walks through six practical ways to stay on that path: prioritize the Word of God, unreservedly seek God, restrict your freedom, internalize Scripture, turn and keep turning, and ultimately yield to the lordship of Jesus. The message reminds us that we cannot walk this path in our own strength, but Jesus cleanses us, forgives us, and gives us resurrection life so we can live differently.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and uncovers six surprisingly practical standards for giving. Drawing from Paul's words to a self-absorbed Corinthian church, he shows how generosity pulls us out of ourselves and into God's mission. With honesty, humor, and stories from his own life, Paul invites Belay'ers to see giving not as a burden, but as a beautiful habit that breaks money's grip and shapes us into people who live "on belay."

In this message, Kevan Ho walks us through a sweeping survey of the first half of the book of Acts, showing how the early church was born, shaped, and scattered—all in the rhythm of God's mission. From the confrontation of the gospel to a community marked by devotion, from facing real problems to being sent out by unnamed everyday people, Kevan invites us to find ourselves in this ongoing story. The book of Acts ends mid-sentence on purpose, because the story of Jesus at work through His people is still being written—and we're part of it.

In this message, Rudolf Kabutz invites Belay’ers to see global missions not as something far away or only for “missionaries,” but as a calling Jesus brings right into our everyday lives. Through stories from South Africa, the Horn of Africa, Trans World Radio, and John 4, Rudolf shows how Jesus crosses boundaries to meet the Samaritan woman with living water—and then sends her back into her own community as a witness. The heart of the message is simple and challenging: God’s mission is global, but it becomes real and personal wherever God has placed us, with the people right in front of us.

In this heartfelt message from Matthew 11:28–30, Pastor Favour Ibom invites us to lay down the heavy backpacks we've been hauling through life—regrets, fears, expectations, and pressures—and accept Jesus' invitation to true rest. Using the picture of a hiker who keeps picking up "souvenirs" along the trail until the journey becomes a burden, Pastor Favour walks us through four simple steps using the acronym R.E.S.T.: Respond to Jesus' invitation, Exchange your burden for His yoke, Sit under His way and learn from Him, and Trust that His way leads to real rest. This isn't a call to quit what you're doing—it's a call to live aligned with the leadership of Jesus, who carries most of the load while we simply walk with Him.

In this Resurrection Sunday message, Pastor Paul Durbin explores the Chinese character for righteousnessand how it beautifully illustrates the gospel story. Drawing from his years in China, Paul shows how this ancient picture language reveals the heart of the Easter story—a lamb (Jesus) covering “me” (the sinner). Through Scripture and story, we see that righteousness isn’t something we earn or make—it’s something we receive when the Lamb-King covers and transforms us.

In this Easter message, Pastor Paul Durbin teaches from Matthew 28 and reminds us that the resurrection is more than a moment—it’s proof that Jesus can be trusted. He keeps His promises just as He said. He welcomes our doubts because some still doubted. And He never leaves us for He is with us always. Even when faith feels shaky, Jesus remains faithful, powerful, and present.

In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Paul Durbin reminds Belay’ers that Jesus didn’t just enter Jerusalem as a teacher or miracle worker—He entered as King. Much like a soldier reporting for duty, Jesus fully stepped into His role, knowing what was ahead. Pastor Paul explores how we respond to King Jesus today: by surrendering our stuff, giving our worship, and fixing our eyes on Him. Jesus doesn’t want to control us—He invites us to willingly surrender everything because He’s a different kind of King. The question isn’t just “Is Jesus your Savior?” but “Is He your King?”

In this message, Christian Braly explores the intersection of apologetics and suffering—not as an abstract debate, but as an invitation into deeper relationship with God and others. He argues that the question "Why does a loving God allow suffering?" actually assumes inherent value, which points us back to the God who created us with dignity and worth. Christian reminds us that Jesus doesn't explain suffering away—He transforms it. And as Christ-followers, we are called to enter into the suffering of others, declaring their worth by our presence. This is the heart of a lived apologetic: not winning arguments, but reflecting the God who chose sacrificial love from the very beginning.

Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through the "Anchored Stages"—an eight-stage journey that spells out the word ANCHORED. Using the life of the Apostle Paul as the primary example, Paul shows how each of us moves from being against God all the way to becoming a discipler of others. Whether you're just starting to ask questions about faith or you've been following Jesus for decades, this message invites you to honestly assess where you are—and take your next step forward.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin opens Luke 11 and shows that the disciples do not ask Jesus how to impress people, draw crowds, or do miracles—they ask Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Pastor Paul calls Belay to grow in two simple but powerful kinds of prayer: direct prayer, where we come to God with praise, our needs, and the needs of others; and declarative prayer, where we rise from fellowship with God and speak His peace, provision, authority, and blessing into a broken world. The big idea is this: prayer is not just a private habit—it is a life of faith that brings us close to God and sends us out on mission.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin wraps up Belay’s “Relationship Ready” series with a compelling call into covenant love. Instead of settling for convenient or contractual relationships, he invites Belay’ers to embrace the high-risk, high-reward adventure of gritty, accountable community—modeled after Jesus’ unwavering faithfulness. Paul uses honest stories and real-life Scripture to show that covenant love isn’t just for marriages, but is the backbone of everyday Christian relationships. When we receive God’s faithful love, we’re set free to give it—especially when things get tough.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin walks through one of the most honest and hopeful topics in all of relationships — reconciliation. Using Romans 12:18 as the foundation, Paul defines reconciliation as moving toward an alienated relationship in gentleness and humility, hoping for peace, but knowing you cannot control the outcome. Through a short animated film and a simple but powerful matrix, Paul explores three tempting alternatives to real reconciliation — becoming cold, manipulative, or controlling — and calls Belay'ers back to the Jesus way: reaching out with an open hand. Because that's exactly what Jesus did for us.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through Jesus’s clear, practical steps for Christlike conflict resolution—and lovingly dismantles our excuses for avoiding tough conversations. Whether you’re the one who caused harm or the one who’s hurting, Scripture calls us to be the peacemakers. Pulling from Matthew 5 and Matthew 18, Paul outlines Jesus’ four-step process and contrasts it with how the world typically handles conflict (hint: we tend to do it backwards). Through humor, wisdom, and even a personal story about someone who went from critic to biggest supporter, this message is a timely call to courage, reconciliation, and living differently in a culture that cancels far too quickly.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin challenges us to speak with “Christ-like candor”—where our words carry both truth and love. Pulling from Ephesians 4:15, we’re reminded that real growth happens when we communicate with kind clarity. In a world where people swing between coddling, cruelty, and caustic comments, Jesus invites us to be different. This teaching gives us a blueprint for having hard conversations well—including how to speak up when it would be easier to stay silent, and how to speak kindly when it would be easier to just “drop the truth.” It’s part of our Relationship Repair series, and it’s all about becoming people who bless others with our words.

In this powerful testimony message, Paul and Patty Durbin share the remarkable story of how God called them from Beijing, China to Boulder, Colorado to start a church. From unexpected dreams to middle-of-the-night confirmations, to TV movies, kid’s drawings, and even a talking fish—this message is filled with moments that reveal just how personal and persistent God can be when He's leading us into something new. Through it all, Paul and Patty remind us that when we delight in the Lord, He not only gives us new desires—He plants them inside us. And when we follow His lead, He takes care of the details.

This week at Belay, Pastor Paul Durbin continues our “Relationship Repair” series by unpacking the power of repentance. Building on last week’s message on forgiveness, Paul tackles what it means to take ownership when we’re the ones who messed up. Using stories like Zacchaeus, the Corinthians, King Saul, and the Prodigal Son, we’re reminded that true repentance isn’t just about feeling bad—it’s heartfelt sorrow that leads to real change. Whether we’ve been sitting in shame, living defensively, or just quietly complying to avoid conflict, God invites us to come clean and come close—to Him and to each other. Real healing starts with real repentance.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin explores the deep, messy work of forgiveness through the lens of Jesus’ parable in Matthew 18. Using real-life stories, biblical teaching, and a practical heart-posture matrix, Paul reminds us that forgiveness isn’t about keeping tally—it’s about living free. Forgiveness means canceling the debt and keeping our hearts open, even when trust is broken or repayment never comes. It’s not easy, but it reflects the massive mercy God has shown us. Whether you’re ready to forgive or still healing, this teaching will help you take your next step toward peace and freedom.

In this message, guest Michi Sigloch shares a powerful and personal story of how God guided his family through a season of major life decisions—leaving a job, coming to Boulder, and stepping into the unknown. Through Scripture and story, Michi shows that God is always speaking and leading, even when the way forward isn't clear. From Israel's pillar of cloud, to the voice of the Good Shepherd, to the quiet nudging of the Holy Spirit, God's guidance is available to every believer willing to pause, listen, and trust. This is a message for anyone standing at a crossroads and wanting to know: how do I follow God here?

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin presses pause on our relationship series to ask a simple but deeply spiritual question: “Is it okay if I get some rest?” Drawing from Genesis, Exodus, the Gospels, and Acts, Paul shows that rest isn’t just allowed—it’s actually the first spiritual discipline God teaches His people. From Adam’s very first day on Earth to the early Church in Acts, rest is a rhythm that reveals trust, identity, and God’s invitation for deeper connection. You’ll walk away with practical ways to make rest a regular rhythm this year—and be reminded that you are not a slave, but a son or daughter who can truly trust your Father.

In this powerful message, Pastor Paul Durbin unpacks one of the most underrated gifts we can give in relationships: mercy. Using a birthday-ticket story that turned into an unexpected encounter with grace, Paul guides Belay’ers through a biblical lens of undeserved kindness. Mercy isn't earned or deserved—and yet it's what God extends toward every single one of us through Jesus. This teaching looks at how we can reflect that same mercy in our closest relationships, even when it's hard. Through Scripture, real-life honesty, and a quadrant model, we learn to avoid manipulation, punishment, and bribery—and instead become people defined by compassion. Mercy changes everything.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin continues the series “Relationship Gifts” by exploring the second gift: listening. Drawing from Scripture and the Christmas story, Paul describes listening as showing up with full presence and genuine curiosity in our relationships—with others and with God. Through examples like Mary and Martha, Simeon, Anna, and even King Herod, we see how powerful—or absent—listening can be. Listening isn’t just a skill; it’s a gift that communicates love, connection, and honor. And the same God who listens to us, invites us to tune in to His voice and the people He’s placed in our lives.

Pastor Paul Durbin kicks off a new teaching series called “Relationship Gifts.” Each message will focus on a practical, biblical skill that can become a powerful gift we give others. This week, we start with honor. Pastor Paul unpacks what honor means through Scripture, a beloved Christmas song (“Little Drummer Boy”), and a powerful framework exploring how we value and act toward others. He challenges us to recognize God's assigned value in every person—and to align our actions with that value. True honor is costly, but it reflects the heart of Jesus, who honored us with His very life.

As we step into the Christmas season, Christian Braly opens a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation around one of life’s hardest questions: If God is good, why is there suffering? Drawing from his personal story, Scripture, and a deep understanding of value and meaning, Christian invites Belay’ers to see suffering not as a contradiction to God’s goodness, but as something that actually reveals our deep need for Him. This message builds a foundation rooted in the truth that God does not ignore pain—He enters it. And when we choose to be present with those who suffer, we reflect the light and love of Jesus more than clever answers ever could.

In this powerful message drawn from the final chapters of his book, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through the radical generosity of the Good Samaritan and a call to spiritual multiplication. Using six practical resources—testimony, temperature, talent, time, treasure, and ties—Paul challenges us to create space in our everyday lives to help others become more like Christ. But it doesn’t end there. In the final chapter, we see that the journey of transformation is only complete when we help someone else take the same path. This is what it means to live "on belay"—to not only grow in Christ, but guide others to do the same.

In this powerful message drawn from the final chapters of his book, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through the radical generosity of the Good Samaritan and a call to spiritual multiplication. Using six practical resources—testimony, temperature, talent, time, treasure, and ties—Paul challenges us to create space in our everyday lives to help others become more like Christ. But it doesn’t end there. In the final chapter, we see that the journey of transformation is only complete when we help someone else take the same path. This is what it means to live "on belay"—to not only grow in Christ, but guide others to do the same.

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin unpacks what it means to create “space at the table” as part of following Jesus and living On Belay. By looking at three tables—His table, our table, and their table—we're invited to see how meals are more than just food. They are ministry. Jesus used meals as a way to express belonging, connection, and transformation, and we're called to do the same. Whether we're receiving what He offers, inviting people into our home, or accepting an invitation into someone else’s life, there’s power in simply showing up and sharing a meal. This message is an invitation to imitate Jesus in the way we gather, serve, and love others—right at the table.

In this powerful message, guest speaker Ben Brown invites Belay'ers to embrace “Living Color Worship”—a deeper, more vibrant way of connecting with God. Drawing from Revelation 4 and 5, Ben paints a stunning picture of worship in heaven, where unity, intimacy, and endurance define the ongoing response to who God is and what He’s done. Worship isn’t just a moment—it’s a posture, a lifestyle, a lifeline. Whether you’re musically gifted or not, God wants your voice, your heart, and your presence in worship. You'll come away inspired to step beyond a black-and-white experience of worship into the full color of heaven’s song.

Pastor Paul Durbin invites us into the final movement of spiritual formation: Belay—living on mission with Jesus. In this message, we explore how the Holy Spirit speaks today, not only through Scripture, but personally and powerfully in our lives. Paul shares a personal story of inner healing and shows how listening prayer can transform even our most painful memories. We learn that the Spirit and the Word always work together—bringing both comfort and calling. The shape of Belaying takes form as a dove (the Spirit), an open Bible (the Word), and an arrow (being sent). This message calls us to listen, heal, and step boldly into the mission God has for us

In this powerful message, Pastor Paul Durbin unpacks what it truly means to be “raised with Christ.” Using the final word in our four-part journey (Repent, Faith, Buried, and now Raised), Paul walks us through a personal and deeply scriptural understanding of our new identity in Christ. Through heartfelt stories and solid Bible truth, we explore each letter in the word RAISED: Relationship, Authority, Inheritance, Sainthood, Embark on Mission, and Disciple Others. You weren’t just saved from something—you’ve been raised for something.

Pastor Paul Durbin began a study of the Becoming anchor of our Belong → Believe → Become → Belay series by focusing on baptism—a sacred act that marks the moment we go under with Christ in death and rise with Him into new life. This week’s teaching, drawn from Chapters 11 and 12 of Paul’s upcoming book, paints baptism not as a water event, but as a burial. Every time someone is baptized—whether in a Chinese mountain stream or a modest apartment bathroom—they’re declaring that brokenness, unforgiveness, sin, shame, and deception are being buried in the tomb of Christ. This message will challenge you to look at what needs to stay buried… so you can fully become who God has made you to be.

In this week’s message, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through what it really means to believe in Jesus—more than just head knowledge, but a transformational and embodied faith. Using the acronym FAITH, we explores how true faith is Factual, Actual, If you confess, Together with actions, and Habitual. Real faith moves from our head to our heart, flows out of our mouths, shows up in our hands, and carries us forward with our feet. Drawing on powerful imagery from the coffee roasting process, Paul reminded us that while roasting and grinding may not be pleasant, it’s all part of the transformation toward something beautiful. The question for each of us is: Has our belief moved beyond facts into full-bodied faith?

In this message, Paul Durbin walks through Chapter 7 & 8 of his upcoming book, inviting us to understand biblical belief—not just as agreeing with spiritual facts, but as a surrendering of the heart. Through a story about a young couple in China and the “Four Spiritual Truths,” we see how belief begins with relationship, is built on Jesus’ sacrifice, and calls us to respond with real repentance and active trust. This teaching helps us slow down and consider: where am I in the journey—and what’s holding me back from believing?

In this week’s reading of Paul’s book, he takes us deeper into what it really means to belong—not as a reward for our behavior or beliefs, but as a starting point. Through stories of the rich young ruler, the woman at the well, and Nicodemus, we see how Jesus consistently led with love before challenge. Belonging isn’t just a strategy—it’s God’s original design. And it’s not vague and sentimental either. It’s table-shaped and rooted in Scripture—from the prodigal son to a late-night Pharisee meeting. Jesus invites us into a love that goes first, that looks us in the eyes, and that sets the table long before we’ve cleaned ourselves up.

What if church hasn’t just lost people—but lost the rhythm of Jesus? In this unique and personal message, Pastor Paul Durbin shares the first chapters of a book he’s begun writing, challenging the flawed rhythm many churches have followed for years: “Believe, Behave, Belong, Be Seated.” Instead, he invites us to rediscover the life-giving rhythm we see in Jesus: “Belong, Believe, Become, Belay.” With stories from his own life—and from Scripture—Paul urges us to wake up to the love of God that started before we even noticed. It’s a love that says, “You belong right where you are”—not after you’ve got it all figured out.

In this special message, Paul and Patty Durbin reflect on a powerful three-week sabbatical they spent at Alongside—a retreat for pastors and missionaries. Together, they share honest, heartfelt takeaways about emotional health, God’s presence in pain, the power of attunement, and the freedom we have in how we respond to our past. Pastor Paul emphasizes that while we don’t always get answers, God always gives us a response—His face turned toward us in love, peace, and comfort. This message reminds us that transformation comes through awareness, connection, and choosing health even in hardship.

In this week’s message, Pastor Paul Durbin wraps up our journey through Ephesians by asking a powerful question: If Christ is really transforming me, where will it start to show? Just like Clint Eastwood’s character in Gran Torino went from bitter and hateful to selfless and sacrificial, the Apostle Paul went from persecuting Christians to championing the Church. That’s what real transformation looks like. In Ephesians 6, Paul outlines three specific areas where Jesus-centered change begins to show up in our lives: our relationships with others, our spiritual walk, and our prayer life. This message is a practical, clear invitation to live a Spirit-empowered life where transformation becomes visible, not just internal.

In this message, Christian Braly walks us through one of the most theologically rich and culture-confronting chapters in Ephesians. With humility and clarity, Christian unpacks what it really means to walk in love, walk in light, and walk in reverence. He contrasts biblical love with cultural definitions and challenges us to live as children of light—imitating Christ, embracing holiness, and letting our lives bear witness to the power and presence of God. Whether you’re single or married, wrestling or strong in faith, this is an invitation to live our true identity in Christ...without shame, but with intentional grace.

Kevan Ho continues our Rooted in Christ series with a deep dive into Ephesians 4, unpacking how the “alive” church in Ephesus started, and what Paul’s instruction to that church means for us today. He lays out a clear picture: we are called not just to individual salvation, but to maturity and transformation in Christ—together. We grow when we speak the truth in love, walk in grace-filled obedience, and commit to building up the body of Christ. This message invites Belay’ers to reflect on areas of spiritual immaturity and to reframe transformation as something we pursue, not just receive.

In this week’s message, Christian Braly walked us through Ephesians 3, showing how Paul’s letter confronts the false powers of a spiritually confused world—starting with the cult of Artemis in ancient Ephesus and landing in our own lives today. Paul reminds us that all authority, identity, and power are found in Jesus alone. We aren’t just spectators; we are the very ones God has chosen to show His wisdom to the world—and even to the spiritual powers beyond it. The church (that’s us!) is the expression of God’s victory over darkness. So the big question becomes: What are you rooted in? And is Christ really enough?

When you look at your life, do you ever wonder what God sees? In this message from Belay’s “Rooted in Christ” series, Greg Seymour walks us through Ephesians 2 and gives us both the hard truth and the stunning hope of the gospel. We were dead in sin. But God, rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ—and not just as individuals, but as a new family. Greg unpacks what it means to go from spiritual death to life, from outsider to insider, from rebellion to purpose. This message will leave you humbled, grateful, and re-centered on who you are in Jesus.

In this kickoff message to our “Ephesians: Rooted in Christ” series, Daniel Ziesing draws a connection between spiritual growth and plant growth—from photosynthesis and germination to pruning and purpose. Teaching from Ephesians 1, Daniel helps us see the “wealth” of blessings we have in Christ: forgiveness, the Spirit, and the hope of eternity. Using sun, soil, and water as a parable for faith, Scripture, and community, he challenges us not to become complacent in these gifts—but to stay rooted in God’s love and continue growing as individuals and as a church.

In this final week of the Philippians series, Pastor Paul Durbin walked us through the last chapter of Paul's letter—and showed us five “joy activators” that help joy stick in our lives. Much like epoxy resin needs an activator to become strong, unshakable joy requires certain relational and spiritual postures to hold together. Paul highlights five: relational unity, genuine trust, selective focus, letting others in, and confident faith. When we live these out, our lives become stabilized by the joy of Jesus—no matter what our circumstances look like.