Well Said

If something feels hard, does that mean something is wrong? We live in a world that avoids discomfort at all costs, but what if that instinct is forming us in the wrong ways? In this episode, Tory and Mary explore the difference between comfort and formation, and how Scripture reframes suffering, endurance, and obedience.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What really happened the night Jesus was born, and how did we end up with donkeys, drummers, and a jolly man in red? In this episode, Tory and Mary look at the historical and biblical truth behind Christmas traditions. From St. Nicholas to the Nativity, they explore what’s real, what’s legend, and how recovering the truth deepens our worship of Christ.Season 3 Survey https://thewell.questionpro.com/wellsaidHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Eschatology isn’t just about how the world ends, it’s about how we live now. In this episode, Tory and Mary explore what Scripture teaches about Christ’s return, the new creation, and the final judgment. Together they discuss how a right view of the end deepens our discipleship, strengthens endurance in suffering, and restores hope in what’s to come.Season 3 Survey https://thewell.questionpro.com/wellsaidHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Biblical theology traces God’s story; systematic theology gathers God’s truths. But what happens when we separate them, give one too much weight, or get them in the wrong order? In this episode, Tory and Mary unpack how these should shape our holistic theology, our discipleship, and our worship, and why ordering them rightly matters.If you’d like a written companion to this episode, check out our article, “Understanding the Bible: A Simple Guide to Biblical & Systematic Theology.”Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why is forgiveness so hard, and does it really matter? In this episode, Tory and Mary explore what it means to forgive as people who have been forgiven, how withholding forgiveness distorts God’s image in us, and why extending grace, like we’ve received in Christ, leads to true freedom, healing, and restored relationship with God and others.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Confession is more than admitting guilt—it’s agreeing with God, its praise, believe it or not,  and stepping into freedom. In this episode, Tory and Mary unpack the weight of sin, the biblical meaning and beauty of confession, and how this grace-filled practice helps restore what sin has broken. Learn what it means to confess up to God, down to those we’ve wronged, and across to trusted believers—and discover how confession becomes the very place God’s mercy meets our need.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Fasting is so much more than giving up food! In this episode, Tory and Mary explore examples of fasting throughout Scripture to uncover why we are called to it and share practical guidance for how to do it today. Join us as we seek deeper intimacy with Christ through the grace of fasting. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We all do it, but why is it so important? How do we overcome feelings like our job is pointless? Or maybe to see what we are doing as worship and mission? How do you prevent work from becoming an idol? How do you work hard and serve the church well? Should you stay in the marketplace or work in ministry? Join Tory, Mary, Krys, Yusuf, and Jenna as they discuss work.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Tory and Mary explore the influence media has on our lives and the idea that we all have varying sensitivities—or “allergies”—to it. How can you recognize and assess your own “media allergy,” and what are the risks of letting it go unchecked—and the joys of managing it wisely? How is media shaping your relationship with Christ, and what boundaries can help you use it in faith (Romans 14:23)?Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

All of us are called to be ministers of the gospel, but why is ministry so hard? Whether it's your full time job or in addition to it, it comes with unique challenges. How do we deal with these difficulties and endure? Join Tory and Mary on this week’s episode.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As a church, we’ve covered 1 Corinthians 11:33b-40 and 14:2-16 and see that neither passage addresses women in leadership. So where in Scripture is this topic addressed? Why is it often difficult to understand and therefore apply? Why is this truly something to debate about? How can we pray and press in as we seek to submit to Scripture? Join Tory and Mary as they discuss.Sermons Referenced1 Corinthians 11 | Head Coverings: The Angels are Watching | Tory Mayo 1 Corinthians 14 | Women: Leading with Gospel Integrity | Tory Mayo Other Helpful Podcasts from Well Said Why is it so hard to read my bible?Why do most of us misinterpret the Bible? How do we tackle different theological views among Christians?Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do we learn and grow in using our spiritual gifts individually and corporately? When we engage in discovering, identifying, and humbly submitting the operation of the gifts to the Lord we have greater intimacy with Him. We receive more of Jesus and we rightly employ these gifts in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God (1 Peter 4:10). Empowered: The Power of the Gifts (1 Corinthians 14)Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Journey with Tory and Mary through a theological theory on this more Bible Project like episode of Well Said. Tory walks Mary through his theory on possibly needing to see or hear Jesus directly to be saved.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do these two theological concepts co-exist? Does God's sovereignty mean human choices are mere illusions? If God is sovereign and controls everything, why does He allow evil and suffering? Are evangelistic efforts futile if His will cannot be thwarted? Join Tory and Mary as they answer these questions and many more around freewill and sovereignty.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Tory and Mary continue their conversation on identity. Where do we struggle with this and how does the gospel help us overcome it? How does the beauty and importance of diversity coincide with a unified static identity? Join us for the implication and application of living from our identity in Christ.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How does culture define identity and does that differ from Christianity? What actually creates and shapes who we are? Is it our relationships, experiences, roles, choices, religion, philosophy, biology, etc? Is identity ever evolving or unchanging? Join Tory and Mary as they begin a discussion on identity.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do we go about understanding and applying passages about parapets in Deuteronomy and women being ceremonially unclean due to menstrual cycles in Leviticus 15? Do these still apply to us today? We know we need to understand what the bible says, but too often we don’t meditate to determine WHY the bible says what it says. Join Tory and Mary as they discuss the importance of biblical ethics.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. James 3 warns us that it can set a forest on fire, and Jesus tells us we will give an account for every word spoken. Where are we sowing seeds of death with our tongue? How do we surrender our tongue to sow seeds of life?Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As Christians, we believe that the bible is without a doubt absolute truth. However, the interpretations we make of the text lead us at times to differing theological conclusions, such as Calvinism vs. Arminianism or even women's leadership roles within the church. So how do we wrestle with different theological views, many of which occur within our own body? How do we recognize which theological issues are worth dying for? Which ones are worth leaving a church for? Is there any that are okay just to debate? Scripture puts an extremely high emphasis on unity. How do we then love one another with different theological views? Join Tory and Mary as we discuss in this season's finale. Survey Link:https://thewell.questionpro.com/t/AYP1MZ39zmHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Well Said, Tory and Mary put each other in the hot seat! Neither one of us knows what the other will ask... will there be ridiculous questions, deeply personal ones, theological, or spiritual, there's no telling. Join us to see what happens! (PLEASE INCLUDE THE SURVEY LINKED BELOW)https://thewell.questionpro.com/t/AYP1MZ39zmHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jesus is the fulfillment and embodiment of sabbath. So, what does that then mean for us as Christians? How do we see and experience Christ as our sabbath rest? What does it look like to work hard, rest well, and avoid the foolish toiling proverbs taught about? How do we victoriously achieve versus restlessly strive and receive Christ in abundance through it all? Join us as we discuss.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

2 Corinthians 2:10 says, “He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” God throughout scripture is portrayed not just as A deliverer, but THE deliverer. So, what does that make us? How do we receive and experience God as deliverer and live in our identity and response to that as broken slaves? How do we positively become slaves to Christ and live in the already but not yet of deliverance? Join us as we discuss.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

At times reading the scriptures can feel rich and intimate and at other times dry and distant. Why is this? Is it a confusion of genres, language, culture, context, purpose, etc. Do we struggle with how to read or why to read? How do we overcome this to allow the bible to be a spring of life for our thirsty souls? How do we engage so we know more of God himself and transform our lives? Join Tory and Mary as we discuss.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Tory and Mary continue their “Who should I vote for?” conversation discussing Jesus’s interaction with Pilot and getting practical. How do we actually choose who to vote for? Who are we voting for? What is our witness as Christians in the realm of politics? Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Engaging with politics as a Christian presents challenges. We are called to participate in a system that doesn’t align with Kingdom values. How do we do this in a way that strives for things to be on earth as it is in heaven? What guidance is given in scripture and how do we honor the Lord as we vote? Can we actually make a difference?Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to The Well Family Frank! Join us for an interview with our new Worship Director Frank Katalayi. Listen in to hear his story, his heart, and hope for worship and our people. Frank is an answer to many prayers and we are so grateful to have this man of God lead us in exalting our King Jesus.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What do Christians mean when they talk about discernment? How do I actually hear from God? How do I know it's His voice when He speaks and not my flesh or the world? What if He doesn’t answer? How do I hear from God more and grow in discernment? If you’ve ever pondered these questions or ones like them, join Mary and Tory for this episode's discussion on how to hear from God.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

So often this question is simply answered, “for our good,” but what if theres more to it? If it was just for our good, why does Jesus teach us to pray to NOT be led into testing? Join Tory and Mary in the discussion as they tease apart the tension and complexity looking at 8 common tests found in scripture and in our lives. We pray this conversation helps change our perspectives and points us to the love and kindness found within the answer to why does God test us.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with The Well's first national church planter, Josh Guerrero, who is the Lead Pastor of Refuge Community Church in South East Austin. At The Well, we want to see what the city could be. We believe that like Israel, the church isn’t meant to be a blessing for itself but for everyone around them. We want to bless Austin so much that if our church were to disappear, we would be greatly missed because of the impact we have on this city. Join us in the laughter and significance as we check in with Refuge Community Church, and talk with Josh about serving the city. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Tory and Mary uncover the spiritual beneath the material. What’s really going on in baptism, worship, preaching, etc.? Why is manna in the wilderness called food for the angels in Psalm 78:25? How about priestly garments, land, food, and anointing oil? There are so many ways in which God is desiring to interact with us through physical and material means if we’d only see.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most of us are comfortable with the spiritual gifts of teaching, preaching, hospitality, serving, faith, etc. But, what about the charismatic (or power) gifts? For some, you might be ready and desirous to see more of these in our church; for others, it may bring painful memories, fear, or confusion. So, what does scripture say about all of this? What could this look like for The Well?Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Holy Spirit imparts to believers one or more spiritual blessings for the building up of the body. But, what are they? Why can’t we seem to find a definitive list everyone can agree on? How do we distinguish between natural talents and those spiritually imparted to us? How do we grow in these gifts and use them rightly?Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/gifts/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Well’s vision is to see 100 churches planted nationally and internationally in the first 50 years of its existence. Join us as we interview our Church Planting Resident, Travis DeLuna, about the necessity of church planting, his calling, and the mission and vision of The Well’s next church plant, Valle Community Church.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We are emotional beings because God is an emotional being. He therefore desires us to experience a full range of emotions rightly. But are there right and wrong emotions? Is it our response to them that matters most? How do we learn to feel, process, and respond to emotions as image bearers of God in the way He’s designed us to?Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/emotions/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever thought about the emphasis placed on clothing in scripture? Why are there so many details communicated about clothing? It starts at the beginning with Adam and Eve, naked and unashamed, then after the fall, hiding in shame behind leaves. God, in His kindness, then covers their nakedness. As the story of scripture continues, more and more unfolds. We see specific mentions of a coat of many colors bestowed on Joshua, garments specific to priests, and even in Jesus’ life and death, clothes tell a unique and beautiful story. But are they good even though they followed the fall? What does the theology of clothing teach us about our God? Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/clothes/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In our first episode back, Tory and Mary discuss biblical wisdom in dating, including the beauty, burden, and ultimate blessing of singleness and marriage. We answer questions like, how do we date in Christian Community? What do we do when it doesn’t work out? What should we be looking for? How do I prepare for dating? And so much more. Welcome back, Well Said, family!Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/dating/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength…’” Isaiah 30:15. Each year The Well purposefully sets aside one Sunday a year to reset. We desire to stop, slow down, and personally remember the works of the Lord over the past year. We intentionally look forward and anticipate how He will move in the year to come. Why is this rhythm important? How do we thoughtfully engage with the Lord to reset? Join Tory and Mary for season one’s last episode.Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/reset/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” But, why?! What actually happens when we gather? Why is it so important? Join Mary and Tory as they discuss on this episode of Well Said.Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/sunday/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode we have a special guest, Carlos Jones, discussing why we tend to not share the gospel. Although tools, methods, Biblical reasoning, etc. are all helpful, the biggest motivator towards sharing our faith is not found in methods, but in our relationship with Jesus. If we love him, if we frequently encounter Him, we’ll share not out of duty or obligation, we’ll share out of joy and for more joy. Join us as a meditate on the goodness of Jesus together!Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/gospel/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Tory and Mary do live discipleship… there’s no pre-planning or structure, just one simple question, “what is the Lord teaching you?” Join us as we vulnerably share and intentionally point one another towards Christ, ultimately finding truth in hard places.Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/truth/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What is discipleship? How does this belief influence and shape our relationships with the opposite sex? Can men and women disciple each other? Does this glorify God? What does it actually look like? What about boundaries and convictions? Join us as we answer these questions and explore loving, following, and serving Jesus together.Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/discipleship/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Tory and Mary continue their conversation on lament. How do we move from sorrow to laughter? How do we receive good in the midst of loss, disappointment, anger, etc.? Can you hold sorrow and joy? How do we learn to trust Him? How do we see suffering as a good gift from our loving Lord? For truly, “the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning (Ecc. 7:4).”Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/lament/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Wait what?! How is sorrow better than laughter? What is grief? Is it different than lament? What makes lament inherently Christian? Why should we lament and what do we even lament in the first place? Join us as Tory and Mary dive into the gift of sorrow and how God invites us to turn to to him and confront the brokenness in and around us.Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/sorrow/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As shepherds and overseers of a local church, elders are entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping and caring for the corporate church body and her individual members. In this episode, Daniel, a current elder, and his wife Marina Lentz join Tory and Mary to discuss eldering and share their wisdom and experiences from their last 4 years of faithful service.Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/eldering/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You asked and we answered! In this episode of Well Said, Mary and Tory answer listeners' submitted questions on spiritual warfare. Can believers be possessed? Why does spiritual warfare seem more “obvious” in other countries compared to America? We walk through passages such as Saul raising Samuel from the dead and discuss why the disciples couldn’t drive out the demon in Mark 9. Listen in for these and many more. We hope you enjoy our first Q&A episode!Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/spiritual-qa/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Acts 17:24-25 says, “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” Why does God, who owns everything and can control everything, call for our generosity? What are we called to be generous with? Scripture is clear that God commands us to be generous people, but why? What if generosity was actually designed for our benefit? What if God wants something for us, not from us? Join us as we answer these questions and more on this episode of Well Said.Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/generosity/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “for we are his (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God has graciously given us characteristics of Himself and a part to play in His grand plan to reconcile and redeem all things. But, how do we know we are living in the giftings and calling that God has for us? What does calling look like in the bible? Do natural and spiritual gifts matter? How about our unique passions and desires? What about the words of those in our community? If we don’t know what are gifting and calling is are we missing out? Join us as we discuss finding and living into our gifting and calling.Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/gifting/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In The Unseen Realm, by Michael Heiser, he says, “When an enemy wants nothing, but your defeat and annihilation, neutrality means choosing death.” We believe that there is no neutrality. We can’t and don’t sit on the sidelines. We are loyal to God, or we are loyal to something else. Although Christ has won the ultimate and final victory, we live in the already but not yet defeat of Satan and his followers. What does this mean then? What do we do? How do we fight in the spiritual war? In this episode, Mary and Tory continue the spiritual warfare conversation and get practical as we discuss what it means to push back darknessVisit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/darknessHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We believe in the spiritual realm. The Bible is explicitly clear, that there are spiritual forces at war with God and those loyal to Him. You don’t have to get far in reading the scriptures to see it. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are deceived by a serpent. The father of lies and those who rebelled against God along with him, continue to assault, oppress, and attempt to thwart God’s plans and his people throughout the bible's pages. When things are awry is it physical or is it spiritual? The Bible at times intentionally blurs the lines between the physical world and the spiritual one to help us see there is an overlap. What if things are way more spiritual than we think? What is idolatry really? What does Timothy mean when he says “God did not give us a spirit of fear”? Join us as we begin to unpack spiritual warfare.Visit our website for show notes and more information: thewellaustin.com/podcast/warfareHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We believe in multiplication. From God’s commission in Genesis 1, “be fruitful and multiply,” to its echo in Matthew 28, “make disciples of all nations,” we see that we are all called to be spiritual mothers and fathers. On this episode of Well Said, Mary and Tory talk about one relationship we didn’t talk about in our Loved to Death sermon series, parenting. Join us as we discuss the impact, the struggles, and the cost, but the immense beauty and privilege we have in making disciplesVisit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/love/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.