Wilderness Church

PODCAST · religion

Wilderness Church

Wilderness exists to help people follow Jesus. And we trust that as we do that; lives will be redeemed, repurposed and redirected for HIS glory. Wilderness is NOT a building, or even something to attend. Wilderness is something to be a part of. We want to see people connect to each other in friendship, prayer and service. We welcome people who are returning to church after years of being gone, and lots of people who have never been involved in church at all. You do not have to believe what we believe to belong at Wilderness. We pray that Wilderness will continue to be a community of people who welcome tough questions, doubts and struggles; because we know that God is big enough to handle all of those things.

  1. 158

    Endurance in Exile: The book of Daniel Week 3

    In Week 3 of the Endurance in Exile series, Travis Wright teaches through Daniel 3, reframing the fiery furnace as a real-world confrontation between allegiance to God and pressure to conform. This message challenges us to recognize how culture shapes our beliefs and behavior—often subtly—and asks a hard question: where are we going along with things not because we believe them, but because it’s easier? Through the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we’re reminded that faithfulness to God doesn’t keep you out of the fire—but it does mean you won’t face it alone. The call is simple and urgent: decide now who you will bow to—before the pressure comes.

  2. 157

    Endurance in Exile: The book of Daniel Week 2

    In Part 2 of the Exiled series, Travis Wright explores what it actually looks like to live faithfully under pressure. Walking through Daniel 1 and 2, we see how Daniel and his friends were trained in a system designed to reshape their identity—yet they drew clear lines early and remained faithful in private before being tested in public. When the moment came, Daniel didn’t rely on the system around him—he turned to God. This message challenges us to consider what’s forming us, what we’ve already resolved, and where we turn when pressure hits.

  3. 156

    Endurance in Exile: The Book of Daniel Week 1

    Before Daniel was ever a hero, he was a teenager ripped out of his home and dropped into a culture determined to redefine him. In this opening message of the Exiled series, Travis Wright walks through the fall of Jerusalem and the deeper question behind it—why would God allow this? Through Scripture, we see that exile wasn’t random; it was the result of misplaced trust, spiritual compromise, and God’s long patience reaching its limit. This message challenges us to face the patterns in our own world and reminds us that even in judgment, God is still in control and preparing something bigger.

  4. 155

    Before It Exist: The Vision for Camp - Nick Swinford

    This message casts a vision for camp as more than just a fun summer experience—it is a place where kids can belong, encounter God, and experience the kind of community we see in Acts 2. Through stories, Scripture, and personal history with camp ministry, the heart of the message is that Wilderness has the opportunity to help build something that reflects God’s character, invites people into real connection, and creates lasting spiritual impact in the lives of students and families.

  5. 154

    Rooted + Rescued: Easter in Ephesians

    In this Easter message from Ephesians, Lead Pastor Travis Wright walks through what he calls “The Redeeming Reversal of the Resurrection.” Instead of simply revisiting the resurrection story, this message explores what the resurrection actually does—how it changes everything in the life of a believer. Through Ephesians, we see six powerful reversals: death to life, far to near, strangers to family, darkness to light, defeat to victory, and meaninglessness to purpose. The resurrection isn’t just something to believe—it’s the foundation we build our lives on. This message challenges both believers and skeptics to wrestle with a simple but weighty question: If the resurrection is real, what are you going to do with it?

  6. 153

    Rooted + Rescued: PRAYER and People

    In this final message from Ephesians, Lead Pastor Travis Wright shows that Paul isn’t wrapping up with closing credits—he’s tying everything together. After unpacking the armor of God, Paul reveals what holds it all in place: prayer and people. Prayer isn’t just a habit—it’s communication in the middle of a spiritual battle, keeping us connected to God and alert in the fight. And we’re not meant to stand alone—God gives us each other to strengthen, support, and pray for one another. The letter closes with a reminder of who we are in Christ: rooted in His love, rescued by His grace, and called to stand together in victory.

  7. 152

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians 6:13-18) The Armor of God

    In this message from Ephesians 6:13–18, we explore what it really means to face a spiritual battle we can’t see—and why trying to fight it with natural tools will always leave us exposed. Paul doesn’t call believers to attack, but to stand—firm, prepared, and grounded in what God has already provided. The armor of God isn’t something we create; it’s something we put on daily: truth that holds everything together, righteousness that guards our lives, the gospel that steadies us, faith that extinguishes attacks, salvation that secures our identity, and God’s Word as our weapon. This message is a call to recognize where we’re vulnerable, stop fighting the wrong battles, and begin living with intentional, daily spiritual preparation—because we don’t rise to the moment of attack, we fall to our level of preparation.

  8. 151

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians 6:12) The Patterns of Dark Cosmic Powers

    In this message from Ephesians 6:12, Travis Wright reveals the unseen spiritual battle behind the world we see, exposing three recurring patterns of darkness: corrupted authority, distorted sexuality, and devalued human life. Ultimately, the message points to the hope of the gospel—Jesus has already defeated these powers, and where darkness distorts, He restores.

  9. 150

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians 6:12) Not Against Flesh & Blood

    In Part 22 of the Rooted + Rescued series, Lead Pastor Travis Wright explores Ephesians 6:12 and Paul’s statement that our struggle is “not against flesh and blood.” This message uncovers the deeper spiritual battle behind the conflicts we see and explains the unseen hierarchy of opposition Paul describes. Most importantly, it reminds believers that Christ is already seated above every power, and the church stands in His victory.

  10. 149

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians 6:10-11) Strong in the Lord

    Lead Pastor Travis Wright begins unpacking Ephesians 6:10–11 and Paul’s powerful shift into spiritual warfare. After months of walking verse-by-verse through identity, unity, holiness, marriage, parenting, and work, this message marks the turning point: learning how to stand. In a cultural moment marked by chaos, corruption, fear, and confusion, this sermon brings biblical clarity—not speculation or hysteria. Paul reminds the church that our struggle is not merely human and that our strength is not self-generated. We are not called to panic, obsess over darkness, or fight flesh and blood. We are called to be strengthened in the Lord and stand firm in resurrection power. This message sets the foundation for understanding the armor of God and reframes how we see conflict, culture, and spiritual resistance. You are in a battle—but you are not alone, underpowered, or defenseless. You are called to stand.

  11. 148

    Stories of Freedom

    This Sunday’s message was a powerful and honest morning as Chance Feagin, Chip Foster, Troy Coleman, and Preston Pittinger shared their testimonies following Men’s Freedom Weekend. Each story reflected the courage it takes to step into the light — moments of surrender, healing, and the ongoing process of walking in freedom. Through their vulnerability, we were reminded that breakthrough often begins where honesty does, and that no one walks this journey alone. We pray these testimonies encourage you, strengthen your faith, and remind you that freedom is possible for every story.

  12. 147

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians 6:5–9) For Slaves & Masters

    In this message, Lead Pastor Travis Wright walks through one of the most misunderstood passages in the New Testament. Addressing the cultural tension surrounding the word “slave,” Travis clarifies the historical context of Roman slavery and shows how Scripture does not endorse race-based slave trade, but instead condemns its foundation and plants gospel seeds that ultimately undermine every system built on exploitation. From there, the focus shifts to Paul’s bigger point: authority isn’t removed — it’s redirected under Christ. In Ephesians 6:5–9, Paul reframes obedience and leadership around the lordship of Jesus. Obedience becomes worship. Work becomes meaningful. Leadership becomes stewardship. Whether under authority or in authority, believers serve the same Lord, receive the same evaluation, and stand under the same accountability. This sermon challenges us to examine how we work, how we lead, and how we respond to authority. If Christ evaluated your work week as worship — what would He say? Work like Christ sees it. Lead like Christ delegated it. Obey like Christ is worth it.

  13. 146

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians 6:1-4) For Children & Parents

    In this message from Ephesians 6:1–4, Lead Pastor Travis Wright continues the Rooted + Rescued series by exploring how the gospel reshapes the everyday relationships between children and parents. Paul’s instructions reveal a radically Christ-centered vision of family life—one where children are treated as disciples, honor extends beyond childhood, and parental authority is defined by formation rather than control. The sermon confronts the ways our past experiences shape how we parent and relate to our parents, calling both children and adults to obedience, honor, and humility under Christ’s lordship. At the same time, fathers are challenged to lead with restraint, presence, and love, recognizing that their authority is borrowed and their influence shapes how children understand God. Ultimately, this passage invites the church to become a community where families are not perfected, but redeemed by the life-giving leadership of Jesus.

  14. 145

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians 5:31-33) Why Marriage Exists

    In this message, Lead Pastor Travis Wright concludes a three-week marriage mini-series by asking the deeper question: Why does marriage exist at all? Drawing from Ephesians 5:31–33, he explains that marriage was never meant to be an end in itself, but a signpost pointing to something greater—Christ and the Church. By examining ancient household codes, Genesis 3, and God’s original design in Genesis 2, this sermon shows how marriage has been distorted by sin and cultural lies, yet redeemed through the gospel. Travis addresses common misconceptions about authority, submission, and hierarchy, emphasizing that biblical order does not imply inequality but reflects Christ’s self-giving love. Ultimately, the message reveals that marriage exists to tell the truth about Jesus, and when that truth is lost, people lose their way. The sermon closes by inviting listeners to realign their lives not around marriage itself, but around Christ, the One marriage was always meant to point to.

  15. 144

    Rooted + Rescue (Ephesians 5: 25-30) Men's Role in Marriage

    In this message, Lead Pastor Travis Wright continues the Rooted + Rescued series through Ephesians with a focus on biblical headship in marriage. Teaching from Ephesians 5:25–30, this sermon challenges cultural assumptions about leadership and redefines headship through the example of Christ. Pastor Wright unpacks the call for husbands to love their wives with cruciform love—love shaped by the cross—marked by sacrifice, sanctification, and sustained care. This message calls men to reject passive or self-protective leadership and instead embrace the weighty, Christ-centered responsibility God designed for marriage.

  16. 143

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians 5:22-24) Marriage/Submission

    In this message, Travis Wright begins a three-week teaching on marriage from Ephesians 5 by carefully unpacking what Scripture means—and does not mean—by submission. Rather than rushing a culturally loaded passage, the message traces the tension back to Genesis 3, showing how sin distorted both submission and leadership, and how the gospel redeems what the Fall broke. Drawing from Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3, Travis explains that biblical submission is not rooted in fear, personality, or a husband’s perfection, but in faith, posture, and trust in God’s sovereignty. This teaching reframes submission as an act of obedience to Christ and sets the foundation for understanding sacrificial headship and gospel-centered marriage in the weeks ahead.

  17. 142

    Vision Sunday 2026

    In this Vision Sunday message, Travis Wright invites the church to pause at the start of a new year and consider where God may be calling each person to take a next step. Rather than focusing on resolutions or pressure, the message highlights how God often uses small, obedient decisions to change direction over time. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, Travis affirms seasons of anonymity and healing while gently challenging the idea that faith was ever meant to be lived in isolation. Tracing a consistent biblical pattern—rescue, gather, and send—the sermon shows that God saves individuals but always forms them into a people. From Israel in Exodus to Jesus and the early church in Acts, belonging precedes maturity, but growth requires participation. The message emphasizes that every believer has a role to play, not out of obligation, but as a response to grace. As Wilderness Church looks ahead to 2026, listeners are encouraged to prayerfully ask: Where has God placed me, and what is He inviting me to carry?

  18. 141

    Christmas Message

    In this Christmas message, Lead Pastor Travis Wright challenges the common assumption that peace is something we feelrather than something God has done. While Christmas often brings warmth, tradition, and a temporary sense of calm, Scripture reveals that true peace is not atmosphere management—it is reconciliation. Walking through Ephesians 2, the message shows that peace with God was accomplished through the body and blood of Jesus, who did not ignore hostility but absorbed and ended it at the cross. Connecting the angelic announcement of “peace on earth” to the gospel and Communion, this message invites listeners to consider whether they are merely enjoying the season or truly at peace with God. The service concludes by remembering that peace did not arrive as a mood—it arrived as a person, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

  19. 140

    Rooted + Rescued (Careless)

    In this message, Lead Pastor Travis Wright walks through Ephesians 5:15–21, exposing how many of our biggest regrets don’t come from intentional rebellion—but from quiet carelessness. Paul’s call to “walk carefully” confronts the subtle drift that happens when we stop paying attention to our time, our thinking, what fills and controls us, and how we relate to one another. This sermon explores the sharp contrasts Paul lays out in Ephesians: wisdom vs. foolishness, careful living vs. careless drift, drunkenness vs. Spirit-filling, and self-centered living vs. Spirit-shaped community. Travis shows how carelessness is the default—but wisdom is always a choice. As the final message of 2025 in the Rooted + Rescued series, this teaching challenges listeners to examine where carelessness may have crept in and invites the church to step into 2026 walking intentionally—filled with the Spirit, rooted in Christ, marked by worship, gratitude, humility, and mutual submission.

  20. 139

    Be the Light

    In this message, Lead Pastor Travis Wright walks through Ephesians 5:1–14, where Paul calls believers to “walk in love” and “live as children of light.” Using a headlamp-in-the-dark illustration, Travis highlights the contrast between the darkness of our culture and the identity believers now carry in Christ. The sermon explores how counterfeit love, deceptive words, secret sin, and spiritual drift dim the light God has placed within us — and how the gospel awakens us to a new way of seeing, living, and loving. Paul’s invitation rings out clearly: “Awake, O sleeper… and Christ will shine on you.” This message challenges listeners to step out of the shadows, embrace their identity as God’s beloved children, and take the next faithful step in the light of Christ.

  21. 138

    To be Well - Ken Brumley

    In this episode our guest speaker, and friend, Ken Brumley points out the story in scripture on the man laying beside the Pool of Bethesda trying to be healed. The interesting this about this story isn't the folklore or the fairytale belief on the power of the pool, but instead the emphasis in this story comes from a simple question that Jesus asks the man. "Do you want to be well?" This question usually wouldn't require deep thought or contemplation, but if we allow it these words of Jesus can reveal the layers of our heart and the ways that we try to fix ourselves.

  22. 137

    Intentional Gratitude

    In this Thanksgiving message, Lead Pastor Travis Wright revisits key themes from Ephesians 1–4 to show that gratitude is not a seasonal feeling but a transformational way of life for followers of Jesus. Drawing from the historical context of Thanksgiving being established during the Civil War, Travis highlights how gratitude has always been God’s remedy for divided nations and divided hearts. The sermon walks through Paul’s reminders of what God has already done for us—blessing, saving, uniting, strengthening, and transforming us—and shows how gratitude grows not from our circumstances but from our identity in Christ. This message invites listeners to slow down, refocus, and intentionally practice thankfulness as a pathway to peace and a powerful expression of worship.

  23. 136

    Feeding Faith, not Fear - Jarrod Hill

    Sometimes we become oblivious to the roles that certain emotions or feelings play in our life. We know that we feel them, but we miss how those emotions can become a driving force in how we act, respond, talk, and trust. In this episode Operations Pastor Jarrod Hill talks through how feeding into our emotions, especially fear, can cause us to sink in our faith. If you struggle with allowing fear to control the way you live, you are not alone! You can feed your faith and starve fear by choosing to act in faith, praise God despite your circumstance, and calling out to God in all situations.

  24. 135

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 11

    In Rooted + Rescued, Part 11: A New Way to Love, Lead Pastor Travis Wright walks through Ephesians 4:30–32, showing how following Jesus means taking off the old self—anger, bitterness, and rage—and putting on the new self of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Through a mix of humor, honesty, and real-life stories (including one from duck hunting season), Travis reminds us that bitterness doesn’t need a reason—it just needs a place to grow—and that even justified anger can grieve the Holy Spirit when it hardens our hearts. This message calls believers to live free from resentment and to reflect the forgiveness they’ve already received in Christ. A forgiving church, Travis explains, is a Spirit-filled church. Real transformation begins when we release old grudges, walk in grace, and let the Spirit fill our lives with compassion and love.

  25. 134

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 10

    In Rooted + Rescued, Part 10: A New Way to Talk, Lead Pastor Travis Wright unpacks Ephesians 4:25–29, showing that when grace transforms your heart, it should also transform your speech. Paul teaches that words reveal the condition of the heart—so followers of Jesus must learn to “talk like someone who’s been made new.” Travis explores how honesty builds trust, unresolved anger poisons relationships, and integrity gives our words weight. This message challenges listeners to use their words as tools for construction, not demolition—to speak life, not rot. In a culture driven by gossip, sarcasm, and outrage, the people of God should sound different. Transformation isn’t just visible—it’s audible. When we are truly rooted in grace and rescued by Christ, our conversations begin to echo His tone: full of grace, truth, and life.

  26. 133

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 9

    You can’t live a new life with your old mindset. In this message, Travis unpacks Paul’s challenge in Ephesians 4 to stop thinking like the old self and begin living with a renewed mind. Using vivid analogies—from muddy trails to highway habits—Travis illustrates how transformation begins internally before it ever shows up externally. This isn’t behavior modification; it’s heart renovation through the Holy Spirit. Learn how to put off the old, be renewed in your mind, and put on the new life created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

  27. 132

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 8

    In this message, Travis unpacks what it really means to grow up in Christ. Ephesians 4 shows that spiritual maturity isn’t automatic—it’s the destination of every believer and every church. Real growth leads to unity, stability, truth spoken with love, and a body where every part does its work. Through honest confession, real-life stories, and everyday analogies, this sermon explores the difference between simply growing older and actually growing up in faith. It challenges us to move from consuming to contributing, from attending to belonging, and from membership to partnership—living as a connected body that reflects the fullness of Christ.

  28. 131

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 7

    In this message from the Rooted + Rescued series, we look at how Christ designed His church to grow—not through hierarchy or performance, but through equipping and participation. Ephesians 4:7-12 reveals that every believer has received grace to serve, and that church leadership is one of the gifts Jesus gives to help the body mature. Travis walks through what these leadership gifts look like today, why they exist, and how unity is protected when we view leaders not as celebrities to idolize or critics to target, but as servants who equip others to lead, love, and build the church. It’s a practical, hopeful reminder that when the saints do the work of ministry, the church doesn’t just grow bigger—it grows stronger.

  29. 130

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 6

    In part six of the Rooted + Rescued series, Lead Pastor Travis Wright unpacks Ephesians 4:1–6 and Paul’s call to unity. Paul writes from prison, urging the church to “live a life worthy of the calling” by embodying humility, gentleness, patience, and love. This message confronts counterfeit unity—whether through shallow tolerance or rigid tribalism—and points us back to the seven “ones” that hold the church together: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. Unity is not built on preferences or culture but on Christ alone.

  30. 129

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 5

    In Part 5 of our Rooted + Rescued series, our Lead Pastor Travis Wright walks through Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21. At the hinge point of the letter, Paul stops to pray—not for easier circumstances, but for strength through the Spirit, deeper roots in Christ’s love, and the fullness of God experienced together as His people. This week’s message also includes a powerful personal testimony from one of our young men, Collin Crow, who shares what God is doing in his life and generation. Together, his story and Paul’s words remind us that this ancient prayer continues to be answered across generations—from the early church, to voices like Charlie Kirk, to our own Wilderness family. It’s a reminder that God is still able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,” and that the foundation for a life of faith is being rooted in prayer and love.

  31. 128

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 4

    In week four of our Rooted + Rescued series, Rooted in Mystery, our Lead Pastor Travis Wright takes us into Ephesians 3:1–13 and Acts 7 to unpack the mystery of God’s plan. Stephen proclaimed it before the Sanhedrin, Paul explained it from prison to the Gentiles, and now that same mystery has been handed to us — the church today. This message confronts the tension of freedom, confidence, and suffering in the Christian life, and points us to the boldness of Stephen, the perseverance of Paul, and the modern witness of Charlie Kirk. At the heart of it all is the invitation to approach God with freedom and confidence, and to live as carriers of the gospel in our generation.

  32. 127

    A Martyr's Message

    This message marks a pivotal moment in our nation, the global church, and our local family at Wilderness. In light of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Pastor Travis pauses our Rooted + Rescued series through Ephesians to address one of the defining moments of our lifetime. Drawing from Acts 7 and the martyrdom of Stephen, we remember Charlie Kirk as a Christian martyr who boldly proclaimed the gospel with conviction and clarity. This sermon walks through the grief, anger, and fear many are feeling while calling us to a distinctly biblical response—not fear, vengeance, or silence, but obedience, faithfulness, and bold witness. The legacy of martyrs has always advanced the gospel. Just as Stephen’s death propelled the mission of the early church, so too Charlie’s life and sacrifice call us to live louder, love bolder, and be rooted in the Word. The question left before us: Will we be found faithful?

  33. 126

    A Message Meant for You - Stek Steck

    This week you will hear from our friend Stek Steck. Stek serves as the Executive Director at Grace Place Properties in Duncanville, Tx where he and his team focus on reintegrating once incarcerated individuals into society. In this talk Stek digs into the cultural importances and original language context woven in the Ephesians text we have been studying. As we go through this text together we see that Paul is not only writing to encourage people, instead he is writing to an audience that desperately needs to repent and turn to Jesus.

  34. 125

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 3

    In this message from Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians 2:1–10), we see Paul’s stunning clarity in describing the gospel: we weren’t bad people who needed to be better — we were dead people who needed to be made alive. This passage takes us from the graveyard of sin to the throne room of grace, showing the depth of our condition, the greatness of God’s intervention, and the purpose He has prepared for us. Through Christ, we are raised, seated, and re-created as God’s handiwork — living testimonies of His grace. The good news is simple but life-changing: God didn’t come to make you better. He came to make you alive.

  35. 124

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 2

    In part two of our Rooted + Rescued series, we walk through Ephesians 1:15–23 and Paul’s powerful prayer for the church. He reminds us that faith and love are the foundation of authentic Christianity, and that prayer connects us to the resurrection power already available in Christ. Too often we live like our spiritual battery is at 1%, forgetting to “plug in” to the Source. This message challenges us to pray with open eyes, deep gratitude, and full confidence that the King is listening.

  36. 123

    Rooted + Rescued (Ephesians) Pt. 1

    In Part 1 of our Rooted + Rescued series, Pastor Travis launches our verse-by-verse journey through the book of Ephesians. Using the vivid illustration of two puzzles — one with the box lid, one without — he shows us how life often feels like a pile of random pieces with no clear picture. But in Ephesians 1:1–14, Paul lifts the lid and reveals the big picture of God’s plan: the Father chose us before creation, the Son redeemed us through His blood, and the Spirit seals us as God’s own. This passage reminds us that our lives are not accidents, our stories are not random, and our salvation is part of something much bigger — the uniting of all things under Christ. The call is simple: stop forcing the pieces, lay them on the table, and trust the God who holds the box. Whether you’re a longtime believer or someone exploring faith, this message invites you to see your life in the light of God’s eternal plan and to respond with worship, surrender, and trust.

  37. 122

    Priorities

    Pastor Travis Wright closes out the summer with a message on how seasons change our priorities—and why God must remain our first love above even our own children. Using vivid illustrations and passages from Deuteronomy 6, Psalm 127, Luke 14, and Genesis 22, he challenges parents and the church to raise Kingdom-rooted kids who are strong in faith, resilient in character, and aimed at God’s purposes.

  38. 121

    Hear from our Youth

    In this episode you will hear from Wilderness Youth Pastor Jarrod Hill as well as youth students; Wyatt Martin, Kendall Kitchings, and Lawson Swinford. These three students will talk about different facets of our youth ministry and how those different areas have impacted their life. As a church, we believe that our children and youth are a vital part of not only our church, but The Kingdom of God and we ask that our church would support, pray, and encourage our students to grow in their faith and boldness.

  39. 120

    A Seat at the Table

    As we finish our series on "Killing the King" we are reminded that there isn't room for us to have any king other than King Jesus at the head of our table. In this episode, Travis talks about how Jesus invites everyone to have a seat at His table—no matter who they are or where they've been. Using the last supper and the rag tag bunch that had a seat at Jesus' table, he shows how God's love is open to all. It’s a reminder that we’re not gatekeepers—we’re inviters.

  40. 119

    Killing the King - Pt. 4 (Being in Control)

    This week, Travis continues the Killing the King series with a powerful message from Daniel 4 on The King of Being in Control. We look at the life of King Nebuchadnezzar—arguably the most powerful man on earth at the time—and watch what happens when pride convinces him that he's untouchable. But the real danger isn’t ancient—it’s internal. Most of us aren’t ruling empires, but we’re still trying to run the show in our own lives. This message confronts the illusion of control, the weight of pride, and the freedom found when we finally lift our eyes to heaven and surrender. As Travis reminds us: “You’ll trust God with your eternity—because you have no better option. But faith is trusting Him now, while your hands still work and your voice still has a say.”

  41. 118

    Killing the King - Pt. 3 (Being Right)

    In Part 3 of our Killing the King series, Travis unpacks the third face of pride—The King of Being Right. Drawing from James 1:19–21 and 4:6, this message challenges our obsession with winning arguments and proving our point, especially in marriage, leadership, and faith conversations. With insight from relational research, cultural trends, and a few painfully funny personal stories, we’re reminded that being right doesn’t make us righteous. Jesus didn’t come to be right—He came to make things right. And He’s still inviting us to lay down our pride and walk in humility.

  42. 117

    Killing the King - Pt. 2 (Feeling Good)

    Last week we began our series titled "Killing the King." This series of talks is designed to identify and tackle the problem of pride. Last week we discussed the face of Pride we call 'Looking Good.' This week we talk about the face of pride we like to call 'Feeling Good.' This face of pride may seem harmless, enjoyable, and even sometimes justified but when we allow feeling good to become the basis of our decision-making we could be in jeopardy of trading out what God will provide for what brings instant gratification.

  43. 116

    Killing the King - Pt. 1 (Looking Good)

    In today's episode we begin a new 4 week series about "Killing the King." With the headlines on the news, and the rhetoric being passed around the political system we may be tempted to think of an individual or a group when we mention "The King." Instead of looking at an individual, in this series we are looking at Pride, which often acts as a king in our life and tries to dictate our every move.

  44. 115

    Dangerous and Good (Father's Day 2025)

    On one of the most culturally overlooked Sundays of the year, Pastor Travis delivers a powerful message to the men of Wilderness Church—calling them to become the kind of men who are dangerous in all the right ways and good in all the ways that matter. Rooted in Exodus 20:5–6, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, and Psalm 133:1, this message speaks to men across every generation—especially those carrying a father wound or wondering if it's too late to change their story. From generational legacy to spiritual surrender to brotherhood through shared experience, Travis invites every man to follow the ultimate model of strength and sacrifice—Jesus. This is more than a Father's Day sermon. It's a call to become who you were made to be.

  45. 114

    Don't Waste your Summer

    In this summer kickoff message, Travis challenges us to resist spiritual drift and embrace the margin of the season with purpose. Drawing from Ephesians 5:15–17, we’re reminded to live wisely, make the most of every opportunity, and stay spiritually engaged even when schedules loosen. With stories, Scripture, and practical application, this message invites us to rest with purpose, reinvest in relationships, refocus spiritually, and respond to the everyday opportunities God places in our path. Don’t just enjoy this summer—steward it.

  46. 113

    Lord and Savior - Jarrod Hill

    We often recognize or know people by their attributes or our limited experiences with them. The same is true for our relationship with God. We read about, hear about, and sing about the different attributes of God but what about the wholeness of who He is? What about the person of Jesus and the characteristics of god that He holds? In this talk Jarrod Hill emphasizes how we can often fixate on Jesus as our Savior and forget to let Him lead our life as Lord.

  47. 112

    Telling your Story (With Special Guest Yogi)

    No matter what your life has looked like, if you are a born again believer in Jesus you have a story to tell. Often times we believe the lie that our story isn't useful, but no matter what your journey to faith looks like God can use the story that He's given you to encourage or convict others. In this episode you will hear from our dear friend Yogi Dalge. Yogi was born in Ethiopia and realized at a young age that he would be disabled. As Yogi shares His story it is evident that God worked continuously in His life.

  48. 111

    Intentional Legacy

    On this Mother’s Day, Travis unpacks the power of legacy—not just for moms, but for anyone who wants to live a life that points others to Jesus. Drawing from the story of Timothy and the quiet faithfulness of his mother and grandmother, we’re reminded that legacy is not built through fame, but through everyday faith. Whether you’re a parent, mentor, or spiritual leader, your life leaves a mark—and God promises that the seeds you plant today will produce fruit in His time.

  49. 110

    Intentional Identity

    You don’t have to achieve your identity—you can receive it in Christ. This message unpacks five truths about who you are in Him: Adopted. Made new. United with Christ. Deeply loved. Sent as His ambassador. When you know who you are, everything changes.

  50. 109

    Intentional Belief - Easter

    Many people today are open to faith, but hesitant to fully follow Jesus. In this Easter message, Pastor Travis Wright challenges us to move beyond curiosity and into commitment—to make an intentional decision to believe in the resurrection, the identity, and the purpose offered through Jesus Christ. Whether you’re full of questions, dealing with disappointment, or discouraged by life, this message points to the hope found in the risen Savior and invites you into a new life, new identity, new family, and new purpose.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Wilderness exists to help people follow Jesus. And we trust that as we do that; lives will be redeemed, repurposed and redirected for HIS glory. Wilderness is NOT a building, or even something to attend. Wilderness is something to be a part of. We want to see people connect to each other in friendship, prayer and service. We welcome people who are returning to church after years of being gone, and lots of people who have never been involved in church at all. You do not have to believe what we believe to belong at Wilderness. We pray that Wilderness will continue to be a community of people who welcome tough questions, doubts and struggles; because we know that God is big enough to handle all of those things.

HOSTED BY

Wilderness Church

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