Crosswinds Unleashed
by Crosswinds Church
Crosswinds Unleashed is a weekly podcast dedicated to bringing the best stories and biblical life principles from authentic believers. This podcast breaks down the Christian life through interviews and practical instruction in a fun and accessible way. From culture to personal disciplines to family life to ministry and mission, every episode offers powerful insights with an uncomplicated and approachable style.
Episodes
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Episode 265: Let's Read Common Ground! [Chapter 9]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill continue in chapter 9 of Keith Drury's book, Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. By reading Keith's book, we unpack the Apostles' Creed, explore the shared beliefs that have united...
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Episode 264: Praying Over Others [Part 2]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill wrap up their discussion of the six practical things we can pray over people, going over the last three and learning how intentional prayer can strengthen our faith and help us care for others. Join us as we…
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Episode 263: Praying Over Others [Part 1]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill begin exploring six practical things we can pray over others, walking through the first three and discovering how intentional prayer can strengthen our faith, and help us care for one another in a deeper way....
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Episode 262: Each Day a Gift
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore the importance of gratitude, presence, and making the most of the time God has entrusted to us. Discover how seeing each day as a gift can change the way we live, love, and follow Jesus. Visit us…
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Episode 261: Being Uniquely You
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore what it means to embrace who God has made us to be, resist the pressure to compare ourselves to others, and faithfully live out our calling. Discover the freedom and purpose found in being uniquely you,...
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Episode 260: Let's Read Common Ground! [Chapter 8]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill continue in chapter 8 of Keith Drury's book, Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. By reading Keith's book, we unpack the Apostles' Creed, explore the shared beliefs that have united...
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Episode 259: Harvest of Hope Series Preview
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill preview our upcoming fall series, Harvest of Hope, and talk about what God might have in store for us as we step into a new ministry year at Crosswinds! Visit us online: crosswinds.church
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Episode 258: Feeding Two Wolves
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore the familiar story of the two wolves and ask a deeper question: Which one are we feeding? Discover how our daily choices, habits, and attention shape our hearts and how we can intentionally feed what...
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Episode 257: The Fox and the Tortoise
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill ask the question what can a fox and a tortoise teach us about following Jesus? Let's explore the tension between the pressure to move fast and the faithfulness of simply keeping pace with God. Discover how...
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Episode 256: Let's Read Common Ground! [Chapter 7]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill continue in chapter 7 of Keith Drury's book, Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. By reading Keith's book, we unpack the Apostles' Creed, explore the shared beliefs that have united...
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Episode 255: Helping a Fellow Believer Through Difficulty
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore what it looks like to come alongside a fellow believer going through difficulty with compassion, prayer, encouragement, and support. Discover how we can faithfully reflect the love of Christ by helping...
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Episode 254: Faith and Fear
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore how fear is part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to define our lives. Together, they discuss how trusting in God’s presence and promises can transform the way we face uncertainty…
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Episode 253: Your Value
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore what Scripture says about your true value. Not your value because of what you do, but because of whose you are. Discover how embracing your identity in Christ can free you from comparison, insecurity…
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Episode 252: What Part Do We Play in Miracles?
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore the relationship between God's power and our obedience, asking: What part do we play in miracles? Together, we'll discover how faith, prayer, compassion, and simple acts of obedience often become the…
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Episode 251: Let's Read Common Ground! [Chapter 6]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill continue in chapter 6 of Keith Drury's book, Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. Through reading Keith's book, we unpack the Apostles Creed and explore the shared beliefs that have...
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Episode 250: David and Bathsheba
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill take an honest look at the story of David and Bathsheba, exploring the dangers of unchecked sin, the importance of repentance, and the incredible depth of God's mercy. No matter where you've been or what you've...
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Episode 249: Happy Birthday America!
In this special episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill Celebrate America's 250th birthday and explore what it means to be grateful for the freedoms we've been given while remembering that our ultimate hope and citizenship are found in Christ. Join us for a...
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Episode 248: The Most Underrated Skill
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore why consistency matters, how God often works through ordinary faithfulness, and the quiet impact of being present day after day. Whether in your walk with Christ, your relationships, your ministry, or...
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Episode 247: Let's Read Common Ground! [Chapter 5]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill continue in chapter 5 of Keith Drury's book, Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. Through reading Keith's book, we unpack the Apostles Creed and explore the shared beliefs that have...
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Episode 246: The Lion Inside
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore the lion inside of us as believers. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Join us as we discover how faith awakens boldness, helps us overcome insecurity, and...
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Episode 245: Unless The Lord Builds The House
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore the powerful truth found in Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Whether it's our families, ministries, careers, or personal dreams, lasting impact is only found...
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Episode 244: Chinese Bamboo
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore a powerful lesson through the example of Chinese bamboo. A plant that spends years developing unseen roots before suddenly growing at an incredible rate. Through this illustration, we'll discuss faith,...
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Episode 243: The Man In The Arena
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill explore Theodore Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech and how its message connects to our walk with God. As followers of Christ, we are called to live boldly, serve faithfully, and keep moving forward...
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Episode 242: Let's Read Common Ground! [Chapter 4]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Pastor Craig Cooper and Pastor Elijah Merrill continue in chapter 4 of Keith Drury's book, Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. Through reading Keith's book, we unpack the Apostles Creed and explore the shared beliefs that have...
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Episode 241: What Is My Worth?
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we explore the staggering reality that your life is not an accident. It’s the result of countless moments, choices, and divine intention woven together by God. From the breath in your lungs to the purpose placed within your soul, your existence carries…
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Episode 240: All My Role Models Went To Prison
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we take an honest look at the lives of Paul, Peter, and even Jesus, exploring how faithfulness to God often led them not to comfort, but to chains. What does it mean when the people we’re called to imitate walked through suffering, rejection, and...
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Episode 239: Why Church?
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we ask, "Why church?" We discuss how the church is not just a building or a weekly obligation, but a living, breathing community designed by God. We’ll talk about why gathering together shapes our faith, how it challenges and encourages us, and what we…
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Episode 238: Let's Read Common Ground! [Chapter 3]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Craig Cooper and Elijah Merrill continue in chapter 3 of Keith Drury's book, Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. Through reading Keith's book, we unpack the Apostles Creed and explore the shared beliefs that have united…
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Episode 237: Combating Laziness
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we take an honest look at the quiet struggle of laziness and how it can slowly dull our spiritual lives. What does Scripture really say about diligence, discipline, and purpose? Let's discuss how we move from knowing what’s right to actually living it out....
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Episode 236: Passion Week
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we walk through Passion Week, tracing the road from celebration to sacrifice, from Palm Sunday to the cross. Together, we reflect on the tension, the heartbreak, and the overwhelming love displayed in Jesus’ final days. Whether you’re familiar with the…
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Episode 235: Let's Read Common Ground! [Chapter 2]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Craig Cooper and Elijah Merrill continue in chapter 2 of Keith Drury's book, Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. Through reading Keith's book, we unpack the Apostles Creed and explore the shared beliefs that have united…
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Episode 234: When Spring Is Late
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we talk about the weight of a long winter, both in the world around us and in our spiritual lives. Seasons of waiting, dryness, and discouragement can make it feel like renewal will never come. But God is always at work beneath the surface, even when…
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Episode 233: Rest In The Lord
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we explore what it truly means to rest in the Lord by trusting in His timing, releasing our burdens into His hands, and finding peace in His presence. Through Scripture and practical encouragement, we talk about how stepping away from the world's noise...
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Episode 232: Grief
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we talk honestly about the weight of grief and the hope that can still be found in the midst of it. Through a Christian perspective, we explore how God meets us in our sorrow, why lament is an important part of faith, and how the presence of Christ brings...
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Episode 231: Let's Read Common Ground! [Chapter 1]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, Craig Cooper and Elijah Merrill jump into chapter 1 of Keith Drury's book, Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. Through reading Keith's book, we unpack the Apostles Creed and explore the shared beliefs that have united Christians...
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Episode 230: Long Distance in the Same Direction
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we explore what it means to keep walking faithfully when growth feels slow, seasons feel long, and the finish line seems far away. Together, we’ll reflect on how God’s grace sustains us, as we take one obedient step in His direction at a time. This week,...
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Episode 229: Love That Will Never Ghost You
In this special Valentine’s Day episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we discuss how, in a world where messages go unanswered and relationships can feel uncertain, there's only one love that never disappears. Rediscover the steady, pursuing, and faithful love of God that sees you fully, stays with you...
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Episode 228: Living From Identity
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we talk about what it really means to live from our identity as who God says we are, rather than from the way the world defines us. When our identity is rooted in being loved, chosen, and redeemed, obedience becomes a response to grace and not a desperate...
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Episode 227: Let's Read Common Ground! [Introduction]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we kick off a new series by diving into Keith Drury's book Common Ground: What All Christians Believe and Why It Matters. This book walks through the Apostles’ Creed, unpacking the core beliefs of the Christian faith that all believers share, in a way that...
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Episode 226: The Sanctity Of Life & The Believer's Response
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we explore what Scripture teaches about the value of every human life and how that truth shapes the way followers of Jesus live, speak, and act. Through honest conversation and biblical reflection, we wrestle with difficult realities, cultural tensions…
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Episode 225: Sitting Down With John Baker [Part 2]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we conclude our follow-up conversation with Pastor John Baker, Lead Pastor of LifeSpring Community Church in Valley City, Ohio. After first sitting down with us in 2024 to share his journey through cancer, Pastor John joins us again in 2026 to reflect on...
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Episode 224: Sitting Down With John Baker [Part 1]
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we have the privilege of sitting down once again with Pastor John Baker, Lead Pastor of LifeSpring Community Church in Valley City, Ohio. After first sitting down with us in 2024 to share his journey through cancer, Pastor John joins us again in 2026 to...
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Episode 223: New Year, New You
In our first episode of Crosswinds Unleashed in 2026, we’re taking an honest look at fresh starts through a Christian lens. What does real change look like when it’s rooted not in willpower alone, but in God’s grace? We’ll talk about spiritual renewal, letting go of what no longer gives life, and...
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Episode 222: The Christmas Story Re-told
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we dive into the Christmas Story! Christmas is a story we think we know, but sometimes the familiar needs to be heard again, slowly and honestly. In this episode, we revisit the birth of Jesus. We talk about the people, the interruptions, the quiet faith,...
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Episode 221: The Incarnation and Peace
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we take a look at how Jesus stepping into our world through the incarnation brings peace we cannot find anywhere else. From the quiet places of our hearts to the relationships we’re navigating, the Incarnation reminds us that God came close so peace could,...
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Episode 220: The Light of Christmas Joy
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we reflect on the light Christ brings into the world at Christmas. From the hope that breaks through darkness, to the joy that steadies our hearts, join us as we explore how His light continues to guide, comfort, and transform our everyday lives. This…
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Episode 219: The Humility of Christmas
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we reflect on how Jesus’ arrival in a manger reveals the true heart of God, marked by gentleness, surrender, and deep humility. Join us as we reflect on how Christ’s humility invites us to live with the same grace, gentleness, and surrender this Christmas...
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Episode 218: It's Advent Season Again!
In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, as we step into the Advent season once again, we're invited to slow down, breathe deep, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Over the next few weeks, we’ll journey through the rich themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—and discover how…
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Episode 217: The Power of Gratitude
In this week's episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we explore how practicing gratitude reshapes the way we see God, ourselves, and the world around us. We discuss why Scripture calls us to give thanks in all circumstances, how gratitude strengthens our faith, and the subtle ways it reorients our...
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Episode 216: Living for an Audience of One
In this week's episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, we explore what it truly means to live with our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than the shifting opinions of people. We discuss the quiet freedom that comes when we root our identity in Christ, the daily choice to seek His approval above all else, and…
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About this show
Crosswinds Unleashed is a weekly podcast dedicated to bringing the best stories and biblical life principles from authentic believers. This podcast breaks down the Christian life through interviews and practical instruction in a fun and accessible way. From culture to personal disciplines to family life to ministry and mission, every episode offers powerful insights with an uncomplicated and approachable style.
Hosted by
Crosswinds Church
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