Morning Manna Podcast

S2, E38: In this episode we’re talking about why gathering matters, how consumer culture has shaped church, what we actually bring to worship, and how to recognize when the Holy Spirit is speaking.FEATURING: Anna Wiggins and Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E37: Join us for another episode of the Morning Manna Podcast as we begin our series entitled “Experiencing God” and discuss the topic of how I can experience God for myself. FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Pastor Todd Capen.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E36: In this episode of Morning Manna, we’re talking about parenting, authority, trust, discipline, letting our kids fail, raising future adults, and the difference between behavior modification and genuine discipleship. Plus, we’re putting our panel through a Marriage & Family Speed Round on arguing in front of your kids, allowance, grandparents breaking the rules, opposite-sex friendships, marriage advice, and more. FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Rae Fletcher, and Anna Wiggins. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E35: In this episode of Morning Manna, we’re talking about obedience, honor, boundaries, discipleship, parental regret, and what it means to ultimately trust God with our kids. Plus, we’re putting our panel through a Parenting Speed Round on smartphones, dating, sleepovers, tracking your teenagers, reading their texts, and more.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Dr. Carlo Serrano, and Jaemi Serrano. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E33: In this episode, we unpack where faith comes from, the relationship between faith and works, how to discern God’s voice, and why genuine trust eventually shows up in obedience. Because trusting God is easy when His plan makes sense. The real test comes when it doesn’t.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E32: After taking a two-month sabbatical, Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher is back on the podcast. In this episode, we dive into the ups and downs of Chris's sabbatical and ultimately seek principles we can apply in everyday life. Join us as we talk about it!FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Pastor James Lewis. Hosted by Pastor Todd Capen

S1, E31: Join us for another episode of the Morning Manna Podcast as we continue our NextGenn Takeover, and this time, we have the young adults around the table! FEATURING: Samuel Kim and Madyck Klinglesmith!Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E30: Join us for another episode of the Morning Manna Podcast as we continue our series entitled “What's going on with the next generation?” and discuss the topic of growing up TODAY as a young lady.FEATURING: Lucca Wood, Nathalia Ortiz, Leiriel Simeon, & Katelyn Fletcher.

S2, E29: Join us for another episode of the Morning Manna Podcast as we continue our series entitled “What's going on with the next generation?” and discuss the topic of growing up TODAY. FEATURING: Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E28: This week we finish our series Summer in the Psalms with Psalm 139. The idea that God knows everything about us can be intimidating, but it shouldn't be. Our natural tendency is to run and hide, but we discuss how David did the exact opposite. We also discuss how we should embrace God's love for us and surrender to his plan. FEATURING: Pastor Nick Ertel, Pastor Jeff Christensen, and Pastor Todd Capen. Hosted by Pastor Bryson Hopkins

S2, E27: In this episode, we continue our Summer in the Psalms with Psalm 119. We discuss the difference between compliance and obedience, as well as how to grow in intimacy with God through the study of Scripture.  FEATURING: Anna Wiggins, Jeff Christensen, and Andrew Sutton. Hosted by Bryson Hopkins.PREORDER Morning Manna Podcast Hoodie:https://merch.manna.church/shop/outerwear/hoodie-morning-manna-podcast-edition/

S2, E26: In this episode, we continue our Summer in the Psalms series by looking at Psalm 2 and asking a question every generation has wrestled with: “Is everything falling apart?” We talk about why humanity resists God’s authority, what it means that Jesus is King, how God’s sovereignty should shape our response to the chaos around us, and why our ultimate hope is not found in governments, leaders, or circumstances — but in Christ.FEATURING: Pastor Jeff Christensen, Pastor James Lewis, and Anna Wiggins. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E25: In this episode, we continue our Summer in the Psalms series by looking at Psalm 103 and the Father Heart of God. Is God angry? Is He compassionate? Does grace mean there are no consequences? David reminds us that our Father is merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.FEATURING: Dr. Carlo Serrano, Pastor James Lewis, and Pastor Todd Capen. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E24: In this episode we talk about why comparison is stealing our peace, how the voices we listen to shape the way we see the world, and why staying close to Jesus changes our perspective. Psalm 73 reminds us that even faithful people wrestle with frustration, disappointment, and moments where life just feels unfair. Asaph’s circumstances didn’t change, but everything shifted when he got back into the presence of God. Join us as we talk about what it looks like to stop looking sideways, audit our inputs, and stay close to Jesus.FEATURING: Dr. Carlo Serrano, Anna Wiggins, and Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E23: In this episode we begin our journey this summer through the Psalms by looking at Psalm 20 and what it means to truly be blessed by God. We discuss why the Psalms still matter today, the difference between blessing and positive thinking, and how to trust in the Name of the Lord instead of the “chariots and horses” of our own lives.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Dr. Carlo Serrano, and Pastor Andrew Sutton. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E21: In this episode, we discuss why multiplication is not just a church growth strategy - it’s a biblical pattern woven throughout Scripture. We unpack the vision behind the Multiply Movement, the Military Highway, and how ordinary believers can help multiply disciples, leaders, and churches for the kingdom of God.FEATURING: Pastor Chris Fletcher (Manna Church Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg), Pastor Riley Halliday (Manna Church VA), and Pastor Joshua Ray (Manna Church Capitol Area). Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E20: In this episode, we discuss Philippians 1 and wrestle with one difficult question: What if the thing you’ve been calling a problem is actually part of God’s purpose? Paul writes about joy, confidence, and the advancement of the gospel while sitting in prison awaiting trial and possible execution. Together, we explore suffering, perspective, purpose, ego, comparison, and what it really means for something to be “working” in the Kingdom of God.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Dr. Carlo Serrano, and Anna Wiggins. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E19: In this episode, we explore The Blessing of Leah and what it looks like to trust God when life doesn’t meet your expectations. From comparison and disappointment to redefining what “blessing” really means, this conversation gets honest about how to find joy and purpose—even in seasons that feel overlooked or unfair.

S2, E17: In this episode we tackle one of the most talked-about (and most misunderstood) topics in Christianity... the end times. As Paul addresses the concerns of the Thessalonian church, he shifts the focus away from speculation and toward something far more important - how we live right now. If you’ve ever been caught up trying to figure out when Jesus is coming back, this conversation will challenge you to ask a better question.ResourcesFour Views of the Millennium by College Courses at manna.eduFEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Dr. Carlo Serrano, and Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E16: In this episode, we continue our series in the book of Thessalonians and discuss why Paul makes such a bold, countercultural call to purity, holiness, and integrity. In a culture that says “follow your desires,” Scripture calls us to something higher.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Dr. Carlo Serrano. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E15: This week, we begin our series studying 1 Thessalonians. This week, we will do a deep dive into the cultural and historical background of this letter. We then discuss how the faith of the Thessalonians should be commended and is also encouraging in our modern context. Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E14: Join us for this special episode of the Morning Manna Podcast as we answer YOUR questions from the Manna Mailbag! You asked it - so we are answering questions about life, leadership, relationships, theology, and more.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Dr. Carlo Serrano, and Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Referenced BooksBaptism Three Views- Bruce A. Ware and Sinclair FergusonLeading From the Second Chair- Mike Bonem and Roger PattersonHow to Lead When You're Not in Charge- Clay Scroggins

S2, E13: In this episode, we walk through the most pivotal week in human history—from expectation to confusion, from suffering to victory—and unpack why God’s plan didn’t look the way anyone expected.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Dr. Carlo Serrano, and Anna Wiggins. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E12: In this episode, we finish the Principle of First series by tackling one of Jesus’ most uncomfortable statements: "You cannot serve two masters." Is money really the issue… or is it something deeper in the human heart? We explore why every person serves something, how modern idols hide in plain sight, and what it actually means to follow Jesus with your whole life.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Dr. Carlo Serrano. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E11: In this episode, we explore Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 about the “healthy eye” and how generosity reveals the true condition of our hearts. If generosity is the spiritual dashboard light of the Christian life, what does it mean when that light starts flashing? We discuss how undivided loyalty to God shapes the way we hold our time, talent, and treasure.

S2, E10: In this episode, we discuss how to align our hearts and our finances. We cover topics like debt, budgeting, and building a financial legacy. As Christians, we do not want to be slaves to money; we want to make money a slave to us. FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Bryson Hopkins.

S2, E9: In this episode we explore why Jesus talks about money in His most famous sermon and what it reveals about lordship, trust, and the order of our hearts. Is this really about finances—or about who comes first? We unpack the principle of first, the meaning of the tithe, and why you cannot serve both God and money.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Pastor James Lewis. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E8: In this episode, we unpack the most important question Jesus ever asked: “Who do YOU say that I am?” From the pagan backdrop of Caesarea Philippi to Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Christ, we explore what it means to call Jesus Savior and King—and how that answer shapes your worldview, marriage, parenting, money, time, and mission.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Dr. Carlo Serrano, and Jaemi Serrano. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E7: In this episode, we wrestle with Jesus’ haunting question in Mark 14 — “Could you not watch one hour?” We explore the different types of prayer, why prayer is directly tied to resisting temptation, and what Peter’s very public failure teaches us about preparation, consequences, and grace. This conversation challenges the idea that good intentions are enough and calls us to become people — and a church — who actually watch, pray, and prepare for the tests ahead.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Rachel Fletcher, and Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E6: In this episode, we wrestle with one of Jesus’ most uncomfortable questions: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10). As James and John chase greatness, Jesus flips the script - exposing our honesty with God, our understanding of discipleship, our frustration with God’s plan, and our vision of the Kingdom. This conversation challenges the motives beneath our prayers and asks whether we want Jesus… or just what Jesus can give us.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Pastor Jonathan Fletcher (Lead Pastor of Manna Church - Killeen, TX), and Anna Wiggins. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E5: Join us for another episode of the Morning Manna Podcast as we kick off our series entitled “Questions” and discuss the topic of FREEDOM.

S2, E4: In this episode, we turn our attention outwards. We discuss how the Church should be without walls and the role that each of us plays as individuals to advance God's Kingdom. If we want to be obedient to Jesus, we have to evangelize, serve others, and give. Following Jesus is more than an inward spiritual journey; it's a lifestyle of sacrifice and service. FEATURING: Dr. Carlo Serrano and Anna Wiggins. Hosted by Pastor Bryson Hopkins. Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S2, E3: In this episode, we talk about why spiritual growth was never meant to be done alone. We revisit worship as more than music, unpack why fellowship is essential (not optional), explore how accountability leads to healing instead of shame, and confront the hard reality of forgiveness—especially when the hurt comes from inside the church. This conversation challenges individualistic faith and calls us back to a biblical vision of following Jesus together.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Pastor James Lewis. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E2: In this episode, we unpack the Big Three spiritual habits - Bible, prayer, and worship - and why your habits, not your intentions, determine the direction, pace, and peace of your life. We talk about measuring gains instead of gaps, starting from the beginning, and why showing up today matters more than spiritual perfection.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Dr. Carlo Serrano. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S2, E1: In this episode, we launch Season 2 of the Morning Manna Podcast with "Firm Foundations" and ask the question: How do you actually start well? We walk through Jesus’ Great Commandment and Great Commission as the load-bearing framework of the Christian life — loving God, loving others, and living on mission. We unpack why habits don’t work without love, why faith is both personal and communal, and why starting right matters more than trying harder later. This episode sets the theological and practical foundation for the entire series.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher & Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Pastor Nick ErtelWelcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S1, E43: BONUS EPISODE - In this special outdoor conversation, three Lead Pastors from across the Military Highway — Chris Fletcher (Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg), Jon Fletcher (Killeen, TX), and Riley Halliday (Newport News, VA) — join Pastor Nick Ertel around a fire pit to reflect on how we can connect with God through His Presence, Power, and Promises.Recorded in the beauty of God’s creation and airing the week after Christmas, this episode invites you to pause, breathe, and start 2026 with a renewed rhythm of walking with God.

S1, E42: In this Christmas episode, we explore why the birth of Jesus defies every expectation of royalty - and what that reveals about God’s Kingdom. From ancient coronations to shepherds, censuses, swaddling cloths, and a manger, we unpack how the arrival of Jesus wasn’t just humble… it was intentionally different. And that difference is the heart of the gospel.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Rae Fletcher, and Dr. Carlo Serrano. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

Bonus Episode: This week, we have a special Manna Mailbag AMA (ask me anything) episode. We collected comments submitted over the past couple of months and have decided to answer them all in one episode. We cover topics like personal accountability, evangelism to family members, and the modern uses of Mosaic Law.

BONUS EPISODE: In this episode, we sit down with Brad Lomenick—author of H3 Leadership, former president of the Catalyst Leadership Conference, and host of the H3 Leadership Podcast—to talk humble, hungry, hustle; identity vs. assignment; and the state of the Church in America.FEATURING: Special Guest Brad Lomenick, Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, and Rae Fletcher. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S1, E39: In this episode we explore how Thanksgiving — and every holiday — can drift into empty routines unless we rebuild them the way God designed. Drawing from Leviticus 23, we unpack how biblical feasts shaped identity, centered families on God, and testified to His redemption. This conversation dives into how we can reset our modern traditions and rebuild rhythms that put Jesus at the center of every season.FEATURING: Pastor Jonathan Fletcher & Dr. Carlo Serrano. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S1, E38: In this episode, we spotlight two of our international ministry partners — Clayton Butler from Agape International Missions (AIM) and Pastor Rafal Piekarski from PROEM Ministries in Poland — organizations on the front lines of rescue, restoration, evangelism, and discipleship. Together we unpack their stories, their mission, and how Manna Church is partnering with them to push darkness back around the world.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Clayton Butler (AIM), and Pastor Rafal Piekarski (PROEM – Poland). Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S1, E37: We're in the midst of our ROC25 series, and we’re talking about what it means to "GO" to the ends of the earth — and how Manna Church partners globally to reach the nations. FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Pastor Gary Bolton (Ireland For Jesus), and Pastor Jordan Gill. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S1, E36: In this episode, we continue our ROC25: GO series by focusing on what it means to plant churches across the "Multiply Movement" — our strategy to plant an expression of Manna Church next to every U.S. military base in the world. This week we are joined by Pastor Josh Clarke, who is preparing to launch Manna Church Clarksville (Tennessee) in 2026! Hear his powerful story of calling, preparation, and faith — and learn how you can be part of the mission.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher and Pastor Josh Clarke. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.

S1, E35: In this special edition of the Morning Manna Podcast, we’re kicking off our "ROC25: GO” series by focusing on what it means to live the Great Commission right where you are. From feeding the hungry and serving our military community to sharing the Gospel across Fayetteville, this episode highlights how the church moves when we decide - it starts here.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Dr. Carlos Sanchez (Fayetteville Cares), and Tonya Baker Nelson (Hand of Hope). Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S1, E34: In this double-episode finale of the Acts series, we follow Paul through shipwreck, snakebite, and house arrest—and watch the unstoppable Kingdom of God keep advancing. From chaos in the storm (Acts 27) to courage in captivity (Acts 28), this conversation unpacks how God’s purposes never fail, even when everything else falls apart.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Dr. Carlo Serrano, and Pastor Jeff Christensen. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S1, E33: In this episode, we dive into Acts 26, where Paul gives his most powerful defense — not to secure his freedom, but to showcase his hope.This is the kind of hope that doesn’t crack under pressure, doesn’t fade in disappointment, and doesn’t quit when life gets hard. It’s the Unshakable Hope that looks back on God’s faithfulness and forward to His promises.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Anna Wiggins, and Pastor Jordan Gill. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S1, E32: In this episode we look at Acts 25, where Paul stands trial before Festus and appeals to Caesar. The courtroom drama highlights corruption, politics, and Paul’s unshakable commitment to the Gospel. FEATURING: Dr. Carlo Serrano, Pastor Jeff Christensen, and Anna Wiggins. Hosted by Pastor Nick Ertel.Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.

S1, E31: In this episode we are in Acts 24 where Paul shows us that true worship is a life rooted in Scripture, anchored in hope in Jesus, and lived with integrity. Discover how worship can shape your world — one faithful step at a time.FEATURING: Lead Pastor Chris Fletcher, Pastor Jeff Christensen, and Pastor Todd Capen. Hosted By Pastor Andrew SuttonWelcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. You’re invited to the table for real conversations about faith, culture, and the everyday pursuit of loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us.