Thrive Church Podcast

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our amazing moms!  Pamela Picard joins us to share a message about overcoming the adversities of life through Christs.  She is the director of Keep Growing Ministries and owner of House of Life, a counseling service.  We pray you are blessed by this message she shared! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

It’s the best promise of them all, God is with us.  The world may throw “joy” our way and what it is perceived to be, but this is what joy truly is; God is always with us.  Pastor Brian shares an awesome message this week that, even when we don’t feel it, even when the emotional high of a retreat ends, even when calamity comes our way, He is right there with us. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

This week special guest Pastor Billy Willis is joined by his wife Katy to preach a message about compassion on the people of our broken world.  They are missionaries with Youth Alive Ministry; if you feel led after this message, please reach out to them and donate to the amazing work they are doing for Christ! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

God promised the gift of faith.  It might not sound like a gift but it is something that becomes very tangible when we face difficult trials in our lives.  Pastor Brian shares an awesome message this week of what that can look like. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

On the same day as Easter, two of Jesus’ followers were on the road.  Jesus appeared to them after the resurrection, but He kept who He was from them.  They asked themselves, “didn’t our hearts burn with passion when He spoke the scripture to us?”  When was the last time our hearts were on fire for God?  Pastor Brian gives a message about our hearts being on fire for Christ. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

He is risen indeed!  Pastor Brian shares this year’s Easter message! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

What’s incredible about the betrayal of Jesus, is that He already knew it happened before the guards came for him.  Jesus still died on the cross for everyone, including Judas.  If Jesus is willing to go that far for someone who will betray Him, it’s a promise He will go that far for you too.  Pastor Brian preaches a POWERFUL message about the victory on the cross at this year’s Good Friday service. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

We might not always understand God’s promises that He makes to us, and that’s okay.  It can be a hidden promise; this week, our brothers Jeese and Chase give a great message about God’s hidden treasures and how exciting it can be to find those treasures. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

We serve a good God that keeps His promises.  Life can get difficult, and we may lose our focus at times.  We need to remember, don’t let the devil steal your song!  This week Pastor Gary Grogan, but we call him Papa G, shares a blessed message about enduring.  Remember, don’t quit! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

It’s easy to be impatient, trusting is difficult.  The good news is we have a God that we can trust.  We can trust God’s promises He makes, and even remind Him of these promises.  Pastor Brian shares a message about trusting God in hard times, or even silence in the second week of this series. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

God always fulfills His promises, but the catch is they are often conditional; though His Will isn’t.  Welcome to week 1 of our next series.  This week, Pastor Brian kicks it off with a message on how big God’s promises can be. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

The world is in so much need of the Church, the church is in so much need of the Church.  Pastor Brian shares a message on the importance of sharing the Gospel and how He can use all of us, even the Apostle Peter. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

In this week’s message, Pastor Brian shares a message about discipleship.  So, what is that?  It means to be a student, and in our case, a student of Jesus Christ. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

In this week’s message, Pastor Brian shares a message about our great commission; for us to share the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, to the entire world.  So, let’s all be the small woodland creature that removes the dirt of sin we are all covered in. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Discernment.  A topic the world seems to lack, or even modern mainstream Christianity at times.  In this episode of the podcast, Pastor Brian and A.P. delve into the subject of Godly Discernment, a gift from God that needs more attention brought to it. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

What is The Church?  Well, it’s God’s Bride, it’s Christ’s Body, it’s a great place to fellowship, it’s a place and who we are all at the same time.  What is it not?  Alone.  Pastor Brian shares a message about being plugged into a local church, not just the Big C church. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

It’s an interesting world we live in right now, but we serve a God that is bigger, and more loving, than it all.  In this episode, Pastor Brian and A.P. tackle the complexities of loving in a hostile world while still upholding the law, but trying to filter through God’s Law vs. the law of the land. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

This week, special guest Pastor Joel Labertew joins us to share a message and encourage us as part of the network of churches we are blessed to be a part of.  What does it mean to be on mission for God?  Also, God wants us to thrive, what does it mean to thrive?  Pastor Joel has a lot of great things to share with us about it! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

This week, special guest Ted Gerry joins us to share a message.  What good news does he bring?  A message about the fact that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God.  Stand firm.  Stay encouraged.  Walk boldly in His love. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Welcome to week 3 of the series about the Mosaic tabernacle, this is our final week here.  Pastor Brian explores the depths of intimacy in what is called the Holy of Holies.  Sometimes, people bounce from church to church, experiencing the weekly Holy Place.  God calls us to enter the Holy of Holies with Him, in our own lives.  God has gifted us with the blessing of no need to do this in a building; wherever we are with Christ, that is our tabernacle. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Welcome to week 2 of the series about the Mosaic tabernacle.  This week, the Holy Place which is also called the inner courts.  This is where we are cleansed in the pool before we enter the Holy of Holies. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Welcome back and Happy New Year!  This is week 1 of a new series about the tabernacle, the Israelites mobile church (something Thrive sure can appreciate).  There are three main areas to it; on this first week, we explore the outer court yard. Kutless has a great song about this called Take Me In from their first worship album called Strong Tower, it’s a great listen! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

“Something is happening and we are going!”  Have you felt God call you?  Have you ever felt compelled to do something?  A lot of us have; it’s big, it can be scary, it can be confusing, but God will lead the way on the adventure He has for our lives.  Are you ready for the journey?  Pastor Brian shares a message about the “Wise Men” that went to see Jesus after he was born, Merry Christmas everyone! Important reminder!  There will be no service this upcoming weekend (Sunday, December 28th, 2025).  We look forward to seeing you all again Sunday, January 4th, 2026! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Have you ever felt looked over?  Just strong enough that people think you don’t need help?  Just weak enough to stay put and never exceed?  So average it makes like difficult?  Joseph sure could have.  What a good God we have to know that He will always see, always be proud of us when we succeed, always there to pick us back up again when we need that help; praise God.  Pastor Brian shares a message of hope at this year’s Christmas Extravaganza! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Sometimes it’s hard to trust God, especially when we are let down by those who are supposed to love us.  Don’t worry, God’s got this.  Let’s hear about what Pastor Brian has to share with us! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

It’s the first week of our new series!  Were you ever caught off guard?  Well, going from the book of Malachi to Matthew, God seemed to be silent for about 400 years; but then he spoke again.  Let’s hear about what Pastor Brian has to share with us! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Sermon series wrap up?!  Sweet!  On this episode of the podcast we discuss the sermon series Pastor Brian just finished about family and how it relates to our last sermon series on the Fruits of the Spirit.  Family can be messy, and at time we let find it easiest to be "ourselves" around our family, but we are still there to be fruitful.  Pastor Brian and AP are here to share!

It’s the final week of the Family Reset sermon series!  Have you ever heard from your parents, “because I said so”?  It can be a surprisingly loving thing to hear from them, why do they say it?  Because your parents have your best interest at heart.  Pastor Brian shares a great message about these parallels to God. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

If you want a Godly family culture, it starts with you in your home.  Last week we learned about the tone of our home, now we learn about the culture of our home.  Pastor Brian shares a great message about how that culture can change the world by letting love abound in our homes.  Let’s dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Are you reading the room?  In our homes, we need to set the tone.  A tone of grace, of love, of security, of Godliness.  Pastor Brian shares a wonderful message about making our homes a place of peace, we God’s love abounds.  Let’s dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Family is such a blessing from God, it isn’t always as depicted though.  For some of us, it can be difficult; others, the best thing ever.  One thing that makes is good?  Being present.  Pastor Brian shares a great message about being present in the lives of the ones we love.  Let’s dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

We sure do compartmentalize things in lives, don’t we?  If God is only a part of your life, we are missing something.  God can’t be one part of our life; He needs to be the foundation of our lives.  Pastor Nate shares a great message about putting God first.  Let’s dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving We sure do compartmentalize things in lives, don’t we?  If God is only a part of your life, we are missing something.  God can’t be one part of our life; He needs to be the foundation of our lives.  Pastor Nate shares a great message about putting God first.  Let’s dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

The 80’s and 90’s was a unique time to grow up in the Church, it was such a special era of togetherness.  This is what God desires for us, it is Holy to be together.  Pastor Brian shares a message about this blessing God has made for us.  Let’s dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Scripture may have been physically written by man’s hands, but it is inspired and written by God Himself.  The word Nooma means “the breath of God.”  Man was the pen, but God was the author.  How incredible is it we get to communicate right with God?!  Pastor Brian shares something incredible this message.  Let’s dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Episode 3!?  What!?  On this podcast, Pastor Brian and AP talk about the series that has just been wrapped up, Being a Servant.  It may be difficult in our day and age, but what a good God that we serve! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

“The greatest among us are the ones who aren’t even trying to be great, they’re just trying to serve.”  It’s difficult to not be offended, isn’t it?  This message is a “we” message, not a “you” message.  This message is for ALL of us, and one God wants us to hear.  Pastor Brian shares something incredible this message.  Let’s dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Often times, we tell ourselves that life isn't fair.  Well, we're not entirely wrong, are we?  The reality is, everything stopped being fair when God stopped being first in our lives.  Let's dive into this great message from Pastor Brian together! "The beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair." ~ Reliant K Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

We live in a cutler, even a modern Christian one, where there is so much emphasis on “leadership.”  Well, in the New Testament the word leader is used only 2 times, the work servant is used over 200!  A true leader serves those they are around, Jesus was the perfect example of this.  Who else is excited to start this series on being a servant?!  Let’s dive in! Also, this Sunday is Pack the Place Sunday!  Please feel free to invite all of your friends and family you believe you are led by God to invite! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Here it is!  Episode 2!  On this podcast, Pastor Brian and AP discuss the current happenings of today's culture and how it all relates to the Fruits of the Spirit.  What a great way to wrap our current sermon series up and prepare our hearts for what God will be sharing with us next at Thrive! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

There is a saying that a lot of counselors have, "feelings are information, not direction."  Grief makes us irrational, but the Holy Spirit can convict us to guide our actions.  Let us all display self-control in the gentleness that we treat others with.  Pastor Brian share a powerful message that the whole world needs to hear right now. R.I.P. Charlie Kirk (1993-2025) Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Live to give, strong words from a faithful man of God.  It is made clear in Scripture that the world will know us by the fruits we produce which is a reflection of our heart.  What is a true sign of this?  Our ability to be good to one another, even those who wrong us, and the consistency to which we do it (faithfulness).  We hope this message blesses you this week. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Welcome to the Thrive Church Podcast!  This is Episode 1 - As a prelude to Pastor Brian's Message on the fruit of the spirit, kindness, he sits down with AP to discuss. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

We may not have service this Sunday but Pastor Brian has a very special announcement to share! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

It sure is difficult to realize that you lack patience for others but expect it from them at the same time; I know I, as the one writing this, have this realization of myself almost daily.  Sometimes God has to hit the brakes in our own lives.  God, who loves us, is not in a hurry.  God knows what He’s doing, when He’s doing it, and why He’s doing it.  Let’s dive into the fruit of patience with Pastor Brian. Also, an important message to our kind listeners, there will be no service Sunday, August 31st, 2025, we’ll be back to our regular schedule the week after. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Peace, something that tends to elude those of us who live in and near big cities.  This week, we have the opportunity to learn how important peace truly is for us.  Pastor Brian explains the difference between having gifts of the spirit, versus fruits of the spirit, which extends from a peace that surpasses all understanding.  We hope this message blesses you this week. Also, an important message to our kind listeners: there will be no service Sunday, August 31st, 2025, we’ll be back to our regular schedule the week after. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Joy is something that can grow out, it’s contagious among people.  It’s hard to really lean into and experience that joy sometimes in this fallen world we live in.  Some days we’re feeling it, some days it feels impossible.  So how do we live out that joy the Holy Spirit bestows upon us?  Let’s dive into this with Pastor Brian! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

The podcast is back Thrive!  Sorry for the absence, we had some technical difficulties that have been worked out.  What a week to be back too, we are in a new series on the Fruits of the Spirit.  Has anyone ever told you judging someone is wrong if you are a Christian?  Well Jesus says we can judge a tree by its fruit?  How can those two ideas line up?  Let’s dive into this with Pastor Brian! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Have you ever been humbled my something rather minor?  Have you ever had an idea that people just were not on board with?  Well don’t worry, we serve the most humble King ever, and he’s here to be with you.  Welcome to Palm Sunday, we hope to see you all on Easter! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Life cycles and routines.  Monday, mundane; that might not be a coincidence.  Sometimes life isn’t very exciting or just plain difficult, and that’s okay!  Often, the life of a believer can be described in mountain tops and slow walks through the wilderness.  We don’t always want to go through the wilderness, but we get to go through that with Christ. Let’s dive into the story of when Christ was tempted in the wilderness together. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Our final week in Nehemiah!  We might go through cycles of highs and lows in our lives, that’s okay.  Not everything is awesome all of the time, but we do live in a fallen world, though things are always surrounded with despair.  We have a God that is bigger than all of that and can help us break these cycles and help us truly live our lives, especially for Him! Learn about us at encounterthrive.com