Centered | Where Faith Meets Everyday Life

In Season 2 Episode 17 of Centered, we explore the question 'what if we’re missing Jesus, not because He’s absent, but because we’re looking for something else'? In a culture that chases clarity, certainty, and big moments, how do we recognize God in the quiet, ordinary spaces of everyday life?This episode builds on the Emmaus Road story, where two disciples walk with Jesus without realizing it. We unpack the reality of spiritual blindness and how it often feels like confidence, not confusion. Through Scripture, we see how Jesus reframes everything, not by giving quick answers, but by revealing Himself as the center of the story. Instead of using the Bible for self-improvement or control, we’re invited to encounter a person and see how all of Scripture points to Him.Along the way, the conversation gets honest and personal. There’s reflection on how easily we chase the spectacular while missing God in the ordinary rhythms of life, and how hindsight often reveals what we couldn’t see in the moment. There are also lighter moments, including behind-the-scenes reflections from Sunday, a few jokes about sermon points left on the cutting room floor, and some playful banter about everyday life.

In this episode of Centered, Ben, David, and guest Tina Ferry pick up where Sunday's sermon left off — exploring what it actually looks like to see people the way Jesus did. In a cultural moment defined by quick judgments and tribal loyalties, the question isn't just theological. It's deeply personal: when we encounter someone who makes us uncomfortable, what drives our response?The conversation centers on John 4 and the woman at the well — a passage most churchgoers think they know. Tina unpacks how centuries of assumptions have shaped the way this woman has been read, and how those assumptions say more about us than they do about her. The disciples' shocked silence when they found Jesus talking to her isn't just a historical curiosity — it's a mirror. The instinct to manage appearances, avoid association, and protect reputation runs deep, and the gospel names it for what it is: image management dressed up as righteousness. Jesus modeled something entirely different. He moved toward people, stayed curious, and offered dignity before he offered correction.The table also gets personal. Tina shares the unexpected story of how she met her husband Chris at twelve years old and spent seven years in quiet, strategic pursuit. David recalls a first date at an underground jazz bar in Tempe, a deaf couple feeling the music through the table, and a conversation about God that lasted until four in the morning. Ben rounds it out with his own honest account of being a hot mess that somehow Lauren refused to give up on. The episode closes with three grounded, practical invitations — not formulas, but starting points for anyone who wants to actually practice seeing people differently.If you've ever caught yourself pulling back from someone because of how it might look, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Centered, we explore a question many of us wrestle with: what do we do when life feels out of control? In a world that values certainty, outcomes, and control, it’s easy to believe that peace comes from holding everything together—but what if true renewal begins when we finally let go?Building on the launch of The Walk series, this conversation unpacks how spiritual renewal doesn’t come from chasing better behavior, but from making God the goal. Through stories like Moses and the golden calf, we see how easily we replace God with things like control, success, or comfort—and how God gently invites us back to trust Him instead. Even in seasons of chaos or consequence, we’re reminded that God is not absent, but actively at work forming something deeper in us.Along the way, the team reflects on honest moments from the sermon, explores the tension between consequence and restoration, and shares both humor and real-life insight—from being called “idiots” to ranking chicken sandwiches. It’s a conversation that holds depth and levity together, making space for both reflection and laughter.If you’ve ever felt the need to control everything or wondered where God is in the middle of the mess, this episode is for you.

In Season 2 Episode 14 of Centered, we begin with a question many of us are quietly asking: what does it look like to trust God when life doesn’t make sense? What if resurrection hope is not just something we celebrate one day a year, but something we learn to live in the tension of everyday life?Building on the Easter message, this conversation reflects on the women who were last at the cross and first at the tomb. Their story reveals a deep truth: faith is often formed in the “in between,” where grief, confusion, and hope coexist. Through this lens, we explore how Jesus meets people personally, restores dignity, and remains present even when the outcome feels uncertain.Along the way, the conversation gets personal. The team shares how they process grief differently, what it means to walk through seasons of loss and identity shifts, and the challenge of letting go of things we’ve held onto for security. There are also lighter moments, from Easter traditions to creative outlets, spontaneous fun, and even a few unexpected stories that remind us we’re all still learning how to live this out.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the tension between what you believe and what you’re experiencing, this episode is for you.

In Season 2 Episode 13 of Centered, we continue the conversation on suffering, grief, and resilience. What if sadness is not something to avoid or fix, but something that can actually lead us to deeper hope?Building on this week’s sermon, the episode explores the biblical idea of lament as a pathway to healing rather than despair. Drawing from passages like Ephesians 2 and 2 Corinthians 4, the conversation reframes suffering through the lens of eternity, showing how the gospel offers a grounded, confident hope even in the middle of pain. Instead of a thin, wishful optimism, we’re invited into a resilient faith rooted in the finished work of Jesus and the promise of restoration.Along the way, the team reflects on how many of us were never taught how to process sadness, shares personal stories about learning to face grief instead of suppressing it, and wrestles with how comfort and comparison can distort our perspective. There’s also a lighter moment debating whether words like “rad” and “dope” should make a comeback, adding some humor to an otherwise weighty conversation.If you’ve ever struggled to understand what to do with pain or how to hold onto hope when life feels heavy, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we explore a question that sits underneath so much of the human experience: what if our struggles are not primarily about information or behavior, but about love? In a culture that tells us to follow our hearts, what happens when the heart itself becomes disordered?Building on this week’s sermon, David and Ben unpack the ancient Christian idea that sin is not simply rule-breaking but disordered love. Drawing from Romans 12, Augustine, and the language of the heart as the “command center” of our lives, the conversation explores how our affections shape our choices, how the world subtly forms our desires, and why transformation requires more than knowledge or religious practices. Instead, true change happens as our loves are reordered by beholding the beauty of Christ.  Along the way, the conversation touches on attachment theory, trauma, and the shaping of our desires, the difference between healthy self-awareness and self-absorption, and why simply removing unhealthy loves rarely works without replacing them with a greater love. There is also a lighthearted round of “Worth the Risk,” inspired by David’s Haiti story and Ben’s straight-razor haircut in Honduras.If you’ve ever wondered why knowing the right things does not always change the way we live, or why our hearts feel pulled in so many directions, this episode invites you to consider a deeper path of transformation.

In Season 2 Episode 11 of Centered, we continue the conversation on repentance. What if repentance is not about proving you’re sorry, but about returning to a God who already wants you? In a culture shaped by performance, shame, and self-improvement, it can be hard to imagine that real change begins with being fully known and still fully loved.Building on this week’s sermon, the conversation reframes repentance through the lens of relationship, not obligation. Instead of swinging between pride and shame, we explore how the gospel invites us into something deeper: honest confession, restored connection, and freedom. With a clearer picture of God’s heart, repentance becomes less about earning forgiveness and more about walking back into a relationship that was never closed.Along the way, we get to know Meghan’s story, from a formative season of hardship to creating simple rhythms like Sabbath dinners with her family. The conversation is both thoughtful and personal, with moments of humor, honesty, and practical insight into what it looks like to stop hiding and start living in the light.If you’ve ever struggled with shame, performance, or feeling like you have to earn your way back to God, this episode is for you.

In Season 2 Episode 10 of Centered, we explore a tension many people feel but rarely name. What if lament is not the opposite of faith but one of its deepest expressions? In a culture that rushes past grief and discomfort, how do we learn to sit honestly before God while still holding onto hope?Building on the themes from Sunday’s message, this conversation reflects on how Scripture makes space for sorrow, confusion, and longing. From the Psalms of lament to the wilderness experiences of God’s people, the Bible presents faith as something more honest and resilient than simple positivity. Instead of avoiding pain, the gospel invites us to bring our whole lives before God and trust that resurrection hope is still at work.Along the way, the hosts reflect on why modern culture struggles with grief, how churches sometimes unintentionally skip over lament, and why seasons like Lent help recover a deeper rhythm of faith. The conversation moves between theology and everyday life, including personal stories, moments of humor, and reflections on how community helps carry both joy and sorrow.If you’ve ever wondered how faith makes space for both grief and hope, this episode is for you.

In Season 2 Episode 9 of Centered, we continue the conversation on generosity by asking a deeper question: What does it mean to share good news in a culture overwhelmed by noise, distraction, and anxiety? What if witness is not about mastering a formula but about becoming the kind of person whose life speaks?Building on the final week of the Freely Given series, this episode explores the difference between evangelistic gifting and everyday witness. We unpack how humility and anticipation shape the way we move through our relationships and how the cross reshapes our identity, beliefs, practices, and community. Rather than seeing people as projects to fix, we explore what it means to be present, curious, and rooted in a received identity as a royal priesthood sent into the world.Along the way, we laugh about rainy mornings, forgotten wallets, John Mark Comer quotes, and tennis losses. But beneath the humor is a serious invitation: to pray with expectancy, to pay attention to how we live, and to let our words be seasoned with grace. We share simple, practical ways to begin — from meals to coffee shops to conversations on the sidelines of everyday life.If you’ve ever felt pressure to say the right thing or fear that you’re getting it wrong, this episode is for you.

In Season 2 Episode 8 of Centered, we continue the conversation on fear, division, and the way of Jesus by asking a deeper question: what if fear is not just an emotional issue, but a spiritual one?Building on the sermon about open hands and open hearts, David and Ben explore how hyper-individualism shapes the way we read Scripture, how “perfect love casts out fear” speaks to communities not just individuals, and why hostility is more than a political or ideological problem. It may be a spiritual contagion. From enemy love and empathy to the communal nature of the gospel, this episode challenges the idea that faith is private and invites us into a bigger, kingdom-shaped vision of life together.You’ll also hear a conversation about what it looks like to practice curiosity instead of combativeness, how fear reveals what we truly trust, and why following Jesus means stepping into relationships without needing to win. Plus, a lighthearted round of “Bible Verse or Fortune Cookie” and a practical challenge to create intentional rhythms of connection in your everyday life.If you’ve ever wrestled with division in culture, fear in your own heart, or how to live faithfully in a fractured world, this episode is for you.

Are you living with clenched fists or open hands?In Season 2, Episode 7 of the Centered Podcast, Ben and David unpack how the story you believe shapes the posture you live with. If your life is driven by scarcity, fear, or self-protection, generosity will feel reckless. But if you trust the agricultural reality of God’s kingdom, generosity becomes retraining for freedom.They explore Ananias and Sapphira, the danger of wanting resurrection reputation without cruciform trust, and why spending your life is not the same as investing it. You’ll also hear a powerful conversation about church distrust in our cultural moment and why institutions, though imperfect, still matter in God’s redemptive plan.If you’ve ever wondered whether generosity is foolish or faith-filled, this episode invites you to reconsider the story you’re living in and the future you’re sowing toward.Listen now to Centered Season 2, Episode 7.

What does it mean to live “East of Eden”? In this episode, Ben, David, and Michele explore the ache of exile... the deep longing for God’s presence we were made for but often live apart from. Through honest conversation and biblical reflection, they unpack how our attempts to cover ourselves, define our worth through performance, and manage our pain reveal just how far we’ve wandered from the garden life.You’ll hear personal stories and cultural insights that trace the themes of shame, scarcity, and spiritual hunger back to their origin in Genesis and forward to the invitation Jesus offers us today: to return, not by striving, but by surrender.

In this week’s episode of Centered, Ben and David explore how the earliest lie—“Did God really say?”—still echoes in our lives today. They unpack the subtle progression from delight to distortion, distrust, and desire, tracing how rebellion is often rooted not in defiance but in disordered attempts to find life apart from God.From pop culture’s fascination with antiheroes to our modern suspicion of boundaries, this episode examines how spiritual deception often begins with twisting what is true. They also reflect on the spiritual impact of shame, the longing to be “naked and unashamed,” and what it really means to trust God with our deepest insecurities.Whether you’ve questioned God’s goodness or just wondered why trust is so hard, this conversation reframes sin not as rule-breaking but as relational fracture—and offers hope for a better story.

What if rest isn’t the reward for a life well-lived, but the starting point for becoming fully human?In this episode, David and Ben unpack the radical invitation of Sabbath in Genesis 2. Together they explore the pressure to perform, the discomfort of embracing limits, and why we often resist the very rhythms that are meant to restore us. From cultural hustle to personal identity, they unpack how choosing rest isn’t laziness—it’s resistance. You’ll also hear about how grace disrupts hustle culture, and why “you are not what you produce” might be the most freeing thing you’ll hear this week.

This week, Ben and David are joined by special guest Freddy Williams to explore what Genesis 2 reveals about our identity, our dependence, and the struggle between freedom and control. Together, they dive into the beauty of being made in the image of God, the pain of forgetting who we are, and why we so often choose the comfort of slavery over the risk of hope.They also unpack the idea of Imago Dei, the way we reflect the Creator through our work, and how understanding pain is essential to living with purpose.From cultivating sacred space to confronting shame, this episode invites us to stop coping and start creating.

Genesis 2 gives us more than a story about the past. It offers a vision for what it means to be human in the present. In this episode, Ben and David explore how creation is not random space we occupy, but God’s kingdom. It is designed with purpose, governed by love, and filled with both spiritual and physical meaning.They reflect on what it means to be made of dust and breath, and how boundaries are not a punishment but part of God’s design for flourishing. They also dig into Moralistic Therapeutic Deism and why many modern spiritual beliefs feel thin or disconnected from real life.If you’ve ever felt tension between faith and your body, your work, or your limits, this conversation helps connect it all. Genesis still speaks today.Watch or listen to more episodes at welcometomosaic.com/centered

Genesis doesn’t open with rules, guilt, or commands—it opens with wonder. In this episode, Ben and David unpack what it means that the Bible begins with a God who forms and fills, who speaks beauty into chaos, and who defines what is good.They explore how our imaginations have been shrunk by performance and pressure—and how returning to the real beginning helps us live with clarity, trust, and purpose. If your life feels stuck, empty, or uncertain, this conversation invites you to ask: What if God is still forming you? And what might He be getting ready to fill?🎧 Watch or listen to more episodes at welcometomosaic.com/centered

As Centered wraps its first season, Ben and David look back at how God has been forming Mosaic — and look ahead to who we’re becoming as a church. From the growing vision of being a worshiping, Word-and-Spirit, missional community to the everyday ways God meets us in process, this episode reflects on transformation that happens slowly, honestly, and together.Then, the conversation turns to how the world is shaping us — through politics, news, and the media we consume. Drawing from Marshall McLuhan’s idea that “the medium is the message,” we explore how attention has become currency, how algorithms disciple our desires, and how followers of Jesus can resist a culture of outrage by living from peace instead of performance.🎙️ Watch or listen to more episodes at welcometomosaic.com/centered

Religion can be exhausting when it’s fueled by pride and self-sufficiency. But real rest begins when we surrender control. In this episode, Ben and David unpack Luke 20’s parable of the tenants and talk about what happens when God’s authority confronts our false ownership. We explore the difference between judgment and justice, the freedom of stewardship, and why falling on the cornerstone is the only way to truly live free.If you’ve ever wrestled with control, struggled to let go of outcomes, or wondered how God’s confrontation could actually lead to peace—this conversation will help you see how surrender leads to freedom, how humility brings rest, and how Jesus’ authority restores what pride tries to protect.🎙️ Watch or listen to more episodes at welcometomosaic.com/centered

Guest pastor Miguel Warren reminded us that Jesus’ authority doesn’t trap, it frees. In this episode, Ben is joined by Mosaic elder Andy Perlman to unpack how that kind of authority shows up in real life, where humility and confidence meet, where influence looks like service, and where grace makes room for everyone at the table.They also lighten things up with Just for Funsies: “Who’s Really in Charge at Home?” a look at the everyday “authority battles” we all face.🎙️ Watch or listen to more episodes at welcometomosaic.com/centered. 

When victory comes in… so does joy. But what if life still feels like a battle? In this episode, David and Ben unpack why joy is more than a feeling—it’s the evidence of real victory at work in your life.They explore what it means to crown Jesus as King instead of just admiring Him from a distance, why true power doesn’t ignore suffering but enters it, and how compassion—not control—is the mark of Kingdom strength.If you’ve ever struggled to find joy in the middle of pain, this conversation will help you see how Jesus redefines power, peace, and what victory really looks like.🎙️ Watch or listen to more episodes at welcometomosaic.com/centered

When does real sight begin—after the miracle, or before it? David and Ben walk through Luke 18’s thread of scenes (persistent prayer, humble posture, undivided loyalty, childlike trust) that culminates in a blind beggar who “sees” Jesus before his eyes work and drops his cloak in expectation. We talk about “small but not divided” faith, why believing first tunes our hearts to notice God at work, and the modern “cloaks” we cling to for safety and identity.In our Cultural Moment segment, we wade into AI and the loneliness epidemic—from frictionless “relationships” to why embodied community (with all its mess) still forms us best. We close with two practical invitations: ask Jesus for mercy and clarity this week, and name one cloak you need to leave on the ground.

When Jesus speaks, healing often happens “on the way.” This week Ben and David unpack why faith requires action, why grace isn’t earned by our gratitude, and why the gospel comforts and confronts us at the same time. We also process the national shock surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk , how followers of Jesus can mourn, reject political violence, and practice non-anxious, truth-filled presence in a moment that’s discipling all of us toward outrage.  We get practical about:Stepping out before you see the miracleLiving the tension: good news that offends our self-ruleGuarding our words and witness in a hyper-charged culture

This week David sits down with Freddy Williams, returning guest Michele Williams, and Tara Comstock to explore a simple but seismic shift: before we do for God, we receive who we are in God and then we join what He’s already doing in our everyday places. They unpack “identity before activity,” including the counter-cultural move from consume and produce to receive and rest that frees us from performative Christianity.    You’ll hear how the Spirit (the Paraclete, the One who comes alongside) is already at work in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools and why our call isn’t to be Jesus for people but to join Jesus and be good news right where we are.    Michele shares what it looks like to restore dignity and name the imago Dei in hard places like prisons, while Tara reflects on decades behind the salon chair, practicing presence, listening well, and honoring image-bearers in everyday conversations.    Practically, the team talks about serving (not saving), the freedom of ordinary faithfulness, and a grounding prayer you can carry into tough meetings, parenting moments, and neighborhood life: “God, help me see what You see and feel what You feel.”    If you’ve ever wondered how “mission” fits your actual Tuesday, this conversation will help you live your gospel identity with purpose no platform required.

What didn’t make Sunday’s sermon makes it into the pod. We pick up “episode 3” from David’s message—the part that hit the cutting room floor—and talk honestly about why community is hard and why the gospel still insists on we over me. We get practical about doing life with people who don’t share our politics or our theology (unity ≠ uniformity), the danger of idealistic expectations that implode real friendships, and why learning to navigate conflict is not a failure of community but one of its main engines for growth and healing. Plus, in Just for Funsies: the underrated spiritual significance of Life Group snacks (yes, snacks matter). If you’re longing for something deeper than bag-of-marbles proximity and want the Acts-2 kind of belonging, this one’s for you—real stories, workable practices, and a hopeful path toward a gospel-shaped community that can actually hold together when we disagree.

This week at Mosaic, guest speaker Robbie Halleen walked us through Titus 3—and a powerful sequence: Loved → Made New → Adopted → Overflowing. In this episode, Ben & Davidunpack why that order changes everything: how identity precedes effort, why “good works” are overflow rather than entry, and what it could look like to preach the gospel to yourself in everyday rhythms. We also reflect on Robbie’s memorable opener (wet shaving, grandfathers, and formation) to explore how small, repeatable habits quietly shape who we’re becoming. If you’ve ever treated the Bible like a checklist, this conversation invites you to see it as a story to live in—and to let grace reorder your life from the inside out.

If the Bible isn’t a rulebook to keep but a story to live in, how does that change the way we talk about sin, growth, and real freedom? This week, we unpack why “all brokenness is rooted in an identity issue,” how you can hold all the right positions yet miss the posture of love, joy, peace, and faith, and why a generation that loses its worth inevitably loses its way. We process the recent swirl around public tributes and complicated legacies—not to pile on or play politics, but to ask: how do we name harm and still point to Jesus as Redeemer without leveraging guilt and shame?From the Golden Rule and servant leadership to forgiveness and universal dignity, our culture loves the way of Jesus while often leaving Jesus out. We explore that tension, the spiritual curiosity we’re seeing in Gen Z, and practical steps to rebuild life on Scripture as a firm foundation when the storms hit—so discipleship moves from behavior modification to life transformation.

In this one, Ben and David zoom in on worship as the place where renewal actually begins—not as an add-on to life, but as a rebirth. We talk about living in the Acts 2 reality right now (the Spirit has been poured out), and why following Jesus is a package deal of faith and the Spirit’s power shaping our identity and freedom. Then we unpack Jesus’ “born again” language as a fresh start—no longer defined by our past but recreated in Christ.      We also get practical: what corporate worship does that private moments can’t (and why weekly confession historically functioned like a covenant-renewal reset), and two simple “IRL” steps—take inventory and take a risk. That risk might be as small as raising a hand, making an audible response, coming to the altar, or asking for prayer… and no one’s judging; it actually lifts the room and often changes your own heart.          Plus a light “Just for Funsies” detour on dreams—pizza or prophetic?—and how to pay attention without over-hyping it.   

David hosts while Ben (fresh from the pulpit) unpacks why being “after God’s own heart” isn’t about behavior modification—it’s about life transformation. We talk about the Holy Spirit’s role in reshaping our desires (not just our disciplines), how repentance opens us to real change, and why consequences in the Christian life aren’t payback but God protecting the beauty of His kingdom. If you’re stuck trying harder and feeling drier, this conversation reframes discipleship from sin-management to Spirit-led intimacy and growth.

Jonah’s journey has taken him from storm-tossed rebellion to Nineveh’s gates—but his greatest battle waits in chapter 4. Here, the prophet’s anger at God’s mercy exposes two hidden idols: a “small-God” scarcity mindset that treats divine love like a reward to earn, and a divided heart that elevates national identity above the Creator. In this episode, we weave through Jonah’s story to unearth the red-flag behaviors—self-reliance, pride, resentment—that reveal when we’ve bottled up God’s grace. We pivot to the promise of kingdom abundance: if your well feels dry, don’t settle for empty cisterns. Discover where to find the Living Water of Jesus, how to recognize “small-God syndrome,” and why embracing God’s unshakeable love reshapes our mission and mercy in everyday life.Listen now and learn to drink deeply from God’s limitless grace.

When we try to go it alone, we miss out on the very power God wants to show through our lives. In Episode 19, David sits down with returning guest Tina Ferry to unpack why our greatest breakthroughs often begin when we admit we’re not enough—and learn to lean on one another. They explore how vulnerability invites deeper dependence on Jesus, share real stories of community stepping in when we can’t stand on our own, reveal why God delights in using our weaknesses for His greater purposes, and offer simple rhythms to cultivate openness and mutual support. Tune in to discover how your weakness can become God’s showcase of strength.

We welcome back Michele Williams to discover how God’s grace reshapes us when we learn, unlearn, and relearn. From insights gleaned alongside therapy horses to the truth that “we’re all Jonah,” we explore what falling—and rising—through our own rock-bottoms really looks like.  Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at welcometomosaic.com/centered.

Feeling torn between your own plans and God’s? In this episode, we talk about how true repentance is much more than “turning from sin”—it’s an invitation to turn relationally back to God. Along the way, they unpack the dangerous myth of autonomy—why our drive for self-governance so often crowds out God’s calling—and explore what it looks like when a Sovereign, relational God cares more about our hearts than our outcomes. Join us for practical rhythms and heartfelt questions designed to help you hear God’s voice and step fully into the story you were made for.

When you dodge God’s call, you’re not just breaking a rule—you’re abandoning who you were created to be. In this episode of Centered, we unpack Jonah’s epic fish tale to show how every sin springs from an identity crisis. You’ll discover how chasing comfort or cultural approval rewrites your personal narrative and learn to shift from “What do I get?” to “Who am I becoming?” Drawing on GK Chesterton’s insight that faith is “difficult and left untried,” we’ll equip you with practical strategies to spot God’s goodness in everyday challenges and rewire your mindset so His will feels like your greatest good. Tune in and take your next step toward living the purpose you were born for.

A healthy Church needs more than charismatic leaders and gifted speakers. True growth happens when we celebrate the unseen “ligaments” — resilience, compassion, and integrity — that bind bones, brains, and brawn into one body. We explore how to guard against overvaluing flashy gifts at the expense of quiet character, cultivate emotional flexibility and moral courage, and follow God’s agenda instead of our own. Plus, discover practical ways to build deep relationships right here in Littleton: from taking an interest in a neighbor’s hobbies to asking the hard questions that foster genuine empathy and lasting connection.

In this episode, we unpack how hidden choices and secret failures shape our identity and calling. We dive into Samson’s epic saga, and along the way, we explore how sin always costs more than you think, rippling out to impact our relationships, and how cultural cravings can crowd out the calling God has for us. Whether you’re wrestling with secret struggles, craving purpose, or simply love a good biblical hair story, this conversation will challenge and encourage your faith journey.

What if the gospel you believed was incomplete? What if the idols you’ve welcomed in are quietly writing your identity?This episode explores what it means to be spiritually left-handed — underestimated, unexpected, and yet perfectly positioned for God to use. We unpack David’s first salvation story and a surprising definition of the gospel that moves beyond rescue and into relationship.We talk identity, idolatry, and why syncretism (blending God with the culture) is more dangerous than we think. From false masters to fake identities, this conversation is a reminder:You don’t have to prove your worth — you just have to cry out. Jesus breaks the cycle. And He uses left-handed people.

In this episode, we unpack what it looks like when the Church acts like the Church — not in theory, but in real life. From Jael’s unexpected tent-peg moment to the calling of women in leadership, this conversation explores how God works through ordinary people with extraordinary courage.We also wrestle with how to understand the Old Testament today — especially when it feels messy, violent, or confusing — and what to do with miracles, healing, and the gifts of the Spirit in a skeptical world. Whether you're curious about spiritual gifts or wondering if your life actually matters in God's story, this episode is a reminder:You’re already equipped.You’re meant to participate.And yes, miracles still matter.

In this episode of Centered, we sit down with Michele Williams to hear the other side of a powerful story. While her husband Freddy shared about his season of suffering and burnout from the stage, Michele lived it — up close, in real time. She opens up about the deep challenges of walking through crisis in marriage, parenting, and faith, and how patience and hope grow slowly through pain. This honest and hope-filled conversation reminds us that real growth often happens in the hardest seasons — and that we’re not alone in the waiting.Note: This episode includes brief mention of sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.

Real talk: dating today is hard. In this bonus episode of the Centered Podcast, we sit down with our producer, Courtney, to get an honest, unfiltered perspective on hookup culture, dating apps, purity culture, and what it’s like navigating singleness in today’s world.We unpack the disconnect between what the church teaches and what culture pressures us to accept, especially around sexuality, relationships, and what it means to be truly known. From awkward dates to the weight of expectations, we explore what faith has to say about romance, identity, and real connection.

Grace isn’t just how we get into heaven – it’s how we grow into the image of Jesus. In this episode, we dig into the power of grace to transform our real lives, moving us from sin management to true freedom. We talk about the difference between our stated beliefs and our real ones, how our need for image, success, safety, and control shapes our behavior, and how grace invites us into a better way. From helicopter parenting to group texts and the surprising ways our true beliefs show up in everyday life, this conversation dives deep into what it really means to live counterculturally.

Words can build up or tear down – and sometimes they’re a little too powerful. In this episode, David and Ben are joined by Paul Church as they dive into the chaos of controlling our tongues, share about our personal battle with the tongue, and reflect on what it means to use our words for good. Plus, David and Paul face off in a TV mom trivia showdown in honor of Mother’s Day. If you’re looking to speak life, tame your tongue, and maybe have a few laughs along the way, this episode is for you.

We all want to be seen, celebrated, and included — but what happens when our craving for status overshadows our calling to follow Jesus?In this episode of Centered, we explore how the gospel confronts our obsession with image, platform, and approval. From inner rings and platform temptation to glazing and brainrot, we dig into what it means to carry the cross in a culture chasing clout.Whether you're leading on a platform or just trying to stay grounded in a noisy world, this one’s for you.

When life gets messy, it’s easy to let our feelings lead the way. But what if difficulty isn’t a dead end — it’s a doorway? In this episode, we dive into building a faith that stands firm when life gets hard. We explore how real growth happens through trials, why God is still good and involved even when it hurts, and how His wisdom (not the world's) transforms us from the inside out. If you're tired of surface-level faith and ready for something deeper, this conversation is for you.

What do we do when church doesn’t feel like a safe place? In this episode of Centered, we talk about the painful disconnect between the beauty of Jesus and the brokenness of His people. From hypocrisy and gossip to disappointment and unresolved conflict, we unpack why church hurt is real—and why it doesn’t get the final word.With honest reflections, dramatic one-star reviews, and a vision for a more beautiful Church, this episode invites you to wrestle, reflect, and rediscover the God who heals even our deepest spiritual wounds.

Romance, desire, and yes — sex. In this honest episode, we unpack why the church must talk about topics like intimacy, longing, and vulnerability. From purity culture baggage to “sex is bad” theology, we trace how distorted views of romance have shaped our expectations and our shame. But when rooted in God’s design, romance is a sacred reflection of His love. Whether you’re married, dating, or single — this conversation explores how desire can draw us toward God, not away from Him.

In this episode of Centered, we’re joined by Paul Church, Associate Pastor of Mosaic Youth, as we dive into the messy beauty of parenting. We talk about the power of simply talking to our kids, normalizing awkward moments, and why releasing control is one of the most loving (and difficult) things we can do as parents.We reflect on the tension between two important parenting instincts — talking to our kids versus releasing control. Most of us fall into one of two traps: we either let go by not talking, or we only talk in order to maintain control. But what if neither is healthy? What if faithful parenting invites us to talk honestly while still letting our kids experience responsibility, risk, and even failure? This conversation explores how to hold both of these practices together.Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or someone investing in the next generation, this conversation will help you connect faith to real life — right where you live, work, and parent.

Is it possible that your hobbies are holy ground? What if your hobbies weren’t a break from God—but a way to enjoy Him more deeply? In this episode of Centered, we explore how leisure and joy can become spiritual practices—not as tools to boost productivity, but as sacred spaces where we encounter God. We unpack the difference between duty and delight in our relationship with Him, and consider how joy might actually be one of the clearest signs of spiritual health. From Josef Pieper’s philosophy of leisure to the danger of compartmentalizing our lives, Ben and David unpack how delight can deepen our discipleship.We also talk about the show Severance and the appeal of separating work from the rest of life. Is it possible that many of us are already living a "severed life"? And what would it look like to live whole, integrated lives where even our hobbies help us make room for God?Whether you’re on a mountain bike or holding a crochet hook, the question remains: Do you enjoy God in the everyday stuff of life?

Is consumerism shaping your faith more than you realize? In this episode of Centered, we uncover "The Hidden Cost of Consumerism"—how our spending habits, convenience culture, and pursuit of more impact our hearts, relationships, and spiritual lives. We explore the deforming powers of consumerism, why money gives us the illusion of control, and how a Jesus-centered approach can break the cycle. Plus, we ask: If a brand had to sponsor your life, who would it be? Join us as we talk faith, money, and true peace in a world obsessed with more.🔹 Topics Covered:✔ Retail Therapy & Why We Buy✔ How Consumerism Conditions Us for Convenience✔ The Spiritual Impact of Materialism✔ Practical Steps to Find True Peace

March 12th, 2025David Comstock & Ben ToddLife is full of distractions—especially from our phones, social media, and digital noise. In this episode of Centered, we explore how technology shapes your identity, beliefs, and spiritual habits—often without you realizing it. Are you using technology, or is it using you?What You’ll Learn:✔ The hidden impact of social media and screen time on your faith and mental health✔ Why what you behold, you become—and how to reclaim your focus✔ Practical ways to set boundaries with technology and make room for Jesus✔ The power of identity: How to stop striving and start living from who God says you areJoin hosts David and Ben as they dive into faith, digital habits, consumer culture, and the unseen ways technology is forming us. Plus, a fun segment: If you could delete one app from existence, which would it be?Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help others discover Centered.