Companions

Isaiah doesn’t let us stay on the surface. In this episode of Companions, we walk through Isaiah 1–48—moving from confrontation in Jerusalem to comfort in exile. Along the way, we explore what it means to trust God in uncertain times, how worship and justice belong together, and why God’s promises still speak in the middle of disruption. If the prophets have been stretching you, this conversation will help you hear—and respond.

This week on Companions, we step into the Prophets—and discover they’re not nearly what we thought. Far from distant predictors of the future, the prophets speak directly into moments of drift, calling God’s people back to covenant faithfulness, justice, and true worship. We unpack some of the most common misconceptions that keep us from understanding these books and offer practical ways to read them with fresh eyes. If you’ve ever felt confused, intimidated, or disconnected from the prophets, this conversation will help you hear their message with clarity—and maybe even recognize how it’s speaking to your life today.

What happens when a people slowly drift from the God who formed them?In this episode of Companions, we walk through 1 & 2 Kings, tracing nearly 400 years of Israel’s history—from the height of Solomon’s temple to the devastation of exile. Along the way, we explore the division of the kingdom, the repeated failures of its leaders, and the prophetic voices that refuse to stay silent.Why does the phrase about “the sins of Jeroboam” keep showing up? What does it reveal about patterns we struggle to break? And how do moments like the divine council or Elisha’s vision remind us that there’s more happening than what we can see?We also unpack why the reading plan shifts after 2 Kings—helping us hear the prophets not as isolated voices, but as God’s word spoken right into the middle of collapse.This episode invites us to pay attention—to the warning signs, the patterns, and the ways God might still be speaking today.

This week, we hit another checkpoint in our Bible-in-a-year journey—and we’re slowing down to spend some time in the Psalms.Joined by a very special guest (and Pastor Becca's dad!), Paul Detterman, we explore what the Psalms actually are, why they show up alongside the rest of Scripture, and how they give voice to the full range of human experience—from joy and gratitude to grief, anger, and everything in between.Together, we talk through the different types of Psalms, the honesty they model in prayer, and why these ancient words still matter for our lives today. If you’ve ever struggled to find the words to pray—or wondered if you’re “allowed” to be fully honest with God—this conversation is for you.Because the Psalms don’t just teach us what to say…they remind us that nothing we bring before God is off-limits.

This week on Companions, we step into one of the messiest stretches of Scripture yet—where power is complicated, leadership is unpredictable, and the line between faithfulness and failure feels razor thin.From Saul’s unraveling to David’s rise (and fall), this episode wrestles with a central tension: What does it mean that God’s covenant continues through deeply flawed people?We talk about: • Why David’s story is both inspiring and unsettling • How sin doesn’t stay private—it ripples through families and communities • The kind of leadership that builds… and the kind that breaks • And the quiet, steady thread holding it all together: God’s hesed—steadfast, covenant loveThis story doesn’t give us clean heroes. It gives us something better—an honest one.If you’ve ever wondered how God works through broken people—or what it looks like to trust God when things fall apart—this conversation is for you.🎧 Listen now and join us as we keep reading the story together.

This week on Companions, we step into the story of 1 Samuel—a world filled with leadership failure, spiritual confusion, and people grasping for control. From Hannah’s quiet, costly faith to Israel’s demand for a king, we see what happens when trust in God gets replaced with the desire for something more predictable.Along the way, we wrestle with big questions: Why does God sometimes give people what they ask for—even when it’s not what they need? What does faithfulness look like when everything around you feels unstable? And how do we navigate the tension between Saul’s fear-driven leadership and David’s imperfect but trusting heart?This episode is a reminder that God’s work doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. Sometimes it looks like quiet obedience. Sometimes it looks like failure and second chances. But through it all, one truth remains: the lamp of God has not gone out (1 Samuel 3:3).If you’ve ever felt the pull to take control, or wondered whether your small acts of faithfulness really matter, this conversation is for you.

This week, we step into one of the most unsettling sections of the Bible. The Book of Judges is raw, chaotic, and at times deeply troubling—so much so that listener discretion is advised. But beneath the violence and confusion, there’s a pattern worth paying attention to: a downward spiral where God’s people drift, cry out, are rescued, and then slowly forget again (Judges 2:16–19).Joined by our guest Dawson (St. Mark’s UMC, Raleigh), we explore what this cycle reveals about human nature, leadership, and the subtle compromises that pull us away from God over time. From Gideon’s doubt to Jephthah’s tragic vow to Samson’s unraveling life, we wrestle with a hard truth: just because God works through someone doesn’t mean God approves of everything they do.And yet—right in the middle of all that chaos—we find Ruth. A quiet, beautiful story of loyalty, faithfulness, and everyday obedience that reminds us God is still at work, even when everything else feels out of control.If Judges shows us the danger of drifting, Ruth shows us the power of staying rooted.Listen in and reflect with us. 🎧

This week on Companions, we journey through the book of Joshua and reflect on what courage really looks like in the life of faith. When God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous,” it turns out the courage he’s talking about isn’t primarily about winning battles—it’s about remaining faithful to God’s word. Along the way we explore unexpected characters like Rahab, difficult stories like Achan, the importance of remembering what God has done, and Joshua’s powerful challenge at the end of his life: Choose this day whom you will serve. As the story moves toward the chaos of Judges, we ask what it takes to stay faithful when the path forward isn’t easy. Join us as we keep reading the story together.

This week on Companions, we reach a major milestone: the end of the Torah. After journeying from Genesis through Deuteronomy, we pause to reflect on what this foundational part of Scripture is really trying to do. Along the way we explore how the end of Deuteronomy echoes the beginning of Genesis, wrestle with some of the most challenging laws in the Torah, and consider why, in Jesus’ day, some groups believed these five books were the only Scripture that mattered.As Moses’ final words call Israel to choose between life and death, blessing and curse, we’re reminded that Scripture is never just meant to be heard—it’s meant to shape the way we live. Join us as we reflect on the story so far and prepare to step with Israel into what comes next.

What does it really mean to listen to God? In this episode, we spend most of our time in Deuteronomy 6 and the Shema—exploring how, in the Hebrew imagination, listening and obedience are inseparable. We talk about the difference between hearing words and responding with our lives, and why Scripture keeps pushing us from passive awareness to embodied faithfulness. If you’ve ever known what’s right but struggled to live it, this conversation is for you.

This week on Companions, we journey through Numbers 14–32 and Psalms 44–50—a stretch of Scripture filled with rebellion, accusation, ritual, and worship. From the wilderness sentence in Numbers 14 to Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16, from the intensity of Sabbath laws to the mystery of an “eternal covenant of salt,” we wrestle honestly with what feels heavy and confusing.Along the way, we explore embodied Hebrew language (“slow to anger” as “long of nose”), the emotional weight of holiness, the rhythms of Israel’s festivals, and the surprising legacy of the sons of Korah—whose line did not die out.What do we do when understanding feels out of reach? How do cycles of worship and covenant sustain faith in the wilderness?Join us as we look for mercy that lingers—and rhythms that preserve us.

What do we do with the intense language of Leviticus? How do we keep reading when the text feels repetitive or monotonous? In this episode of Companions, we explore Leviticus 20 through Numbers 13 and wrestle with the weighty warnings of Leviticus 26, the rhythms of festivals and census lists, and the purpose behind Israel’s wilderness storytelling. Along the way, we reflect on how the Psalms give voice to the journey, why Hebrew is such an embodied language, and how that shapes even Jesus’ conversation in John 3.If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsettled, or even bored in your Bible reading—this conversation is for you.

Leviticus doesn’t ease us in—and neither does faith when God feels distant. In this episode of Companions, Angelo and Becca wrestle with offerings, holiness, purity laws, and atonement, asking what the law was really for and how Jesus fulfills it. From sacrifice and anointing oil to clean and unclean bodies, they explore how God makes a way back into relationship when closeness feels impossible—and what it looks like to stay in the conversation when faith feels heavy or complicated.

What do we do when Scripture feels heavy, repetitive, or even troubling? In this episode of Companions, Angelo and Becca reflect on Exodus 19–40 and the Psalms, naming resistance where it shows up—in the text, in the people, and in ourselves. From laws about bulls and bribes to the beauty of the tabernacle, from the Golden Calf to God’s self-revelation as merciful and faithful, this conversation explores how law, worship, failure, and grace shape a people who are learning what it means to live with a holy God. If you’ve ever skimmed a Bible reading or wondered what all these details are really for, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Companions, Angelo and Becca return to last week’s lingering question—what feels unresolved?—as they step into the book of Exodus. Together, they explore what happens after salvation: the freedom, the fear, the frustration, and the formation that follows. From Pharaoh’s grip to Israel’s constant complaining, from Sabbath before commandments to shared leadership through Jethro’s wisdom, this conversation names an uncomfortable truth—we can be rescued by God and still struggle to trust. Along the way, they reflect on prayerful honesty in the Psalms, the patience of God, and why formation takes far longer than deliverance. If you’ve ever felt saved but unsettled, this episode is for you.

Genesis doesn’t always give us clear heroes—and this episode leans into that discomfort. Angelo and Becca reflect on Jacob, Joseph, deception, power, and grace, asking what it means to read stories where God is present but the people are deeply flawed. Rather than offering easy answers, this conversation creates space for complexity, invites listeners to pay attention to their reactions, and reminds us that Scripture often forms us by refusing to resolve everything neatly.

What do we do when Scripture feels confusing, uncomfortable, or even troubling? In this episode of Companions, Pastors Angelo and Becca reflect on the early chapters of Genesis and explore why the Bible’s complexity isn’t a flaw—it’s part of how Scripture forms us. From genealogies and altars to disturbing stories and honest questions, they talk about what we bring with us when we read, why there’s no such thing as a neutral reader, and how God meets us even in the messiness of the text. Along the way, Becca introduces the idea of a hermeneutical self-inventory, offering a helpful tool for reading the Bible with greater awareness, humility, and hope.

A new year, a new season, and a shared journey begins. In this opening episode of Companions, Pastors Angelo and Becca introduce a refreshed podcast and invite listeners into a year-long practice of reading the Bible together using One Story That Leads to Jesus. With an encouraging and grace-filled tone, they talk about how long-form Scripture reading is different from close study, how to stay grounded when life gets busy, and why perfection isn’t the goal—faithful presence is. Reflecting on Genesis 1–3 and Psalm 1, this conversation sets the foundation for a year of intention, rooting ourselves in God’s story so it can shape us, sustain us, and bear fruit in our lives. Whether you’re brand new to Bible reading or returning with fresh eyes, this episode offers a hopeful beginning and an open invitation to walk the journey together.

A special BONUS Christmas Episode! Today, we are talking about our favorite sermons and series from this past year, the words and themes that have held it all together, and previewing 2026! Listen now

What happens when joy shows up where we least expect it—right in the middle of waiting, grief, or uncertainty? In this episode of Companions, Pastors Angelo and Becca reflect on the kind of joy that doesn’t ignore pain but meets us within it. Drawing from scripture, lived experience, and the realities of the Advent season, this conversation explores how joy can surprise us, sustain us, and gently reorient our hearts toward hope. If you’ve ever wondered whether joy is still possible when life feels heavy, this episode is for you. Listen in and join the journey.

In this week’s episode, Pastors Angelo and Becca sit down with Rev. Julia Hayes to talk Advent peace, John the Baptist’s challenging call to prepare, and how real repentance makes room for joy. We also look ahead to Sunday’s theme of Unexpected Joy and the promise of Jubilee. Tune in and journey with us.

Pastors Angelo and Becca dive into the heart of Advent—what it is, why it matters, and how this season invites us to slow down, tell the truth about our lives, and make room for Christ with honesty and hope. Join us for a grounded, thoughtful conversation on approaching Advent authentically this year.

In this episode, Pastors Angelo and Becca reflect on Becca’s recent sermon, Grieving with Hope, exploring what it means to name our pain without losing sight of resurrection. They also turn to Psalm 13 to talk about the role of solitude in grief — not isolation, but the kind of sacred space where we meet God in our sorrow. Together they ask: how can grief become a place where hope takes root?

In this episode of Companions on the Journey, Pastor Becca sits down with long-time friend and mentor Dan Stokes for an honest and hope-filled conversation about ministry, grief, and the practice of grieving as people shaped by Resurrection hope. Together, they reflect on what it means to walk with others through loss, the ways grief changes us, and how the promise of new life reshapes even our deepest sorrows.Whether you’re a pastor, caregiver, or someone walking your own path of loss, this conversation offers gentle wisdom, grounded faith, and a reminder that resurrection is not just something we believe in—it’s something we live into.Listen in and journey with us as we learn what it means to grieve with hope.

In this episode, Pastors Angelo and Becca dive into the realities of grief and what it means to truly bear one another’s burdens—without becoming overbearing in the process. It’s an honest, hopeful conversation about showing up for each other in love and humility. Plus, we lighten things up with some fun reflections on Christians and Halloween.

In this episode, Pastors Angelo and Becca wrap up their conversation on the Fault Lines series—reflecting on what we’ve learned about sin, grace, and God’s work of restoration. They also look ahead to the new series, Grieving Together, exploring why community matters in seasons of loss. And since both pastors are celebrating birthdays this week, things get a little lighter with some fun rapid-fire birthday questions you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Pastors Angelo and Becca reflect on Acts 5:1–11 and the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Together, they wrestle with what it means to live with an authentic faith—one that values honesty over appearance and grace over pretense. They also look ahead to the hope of salvation and what it means to live faithfully in response.

In this episode, Pastors Angelo and Becca reflect on last Sunday’s sermon, taking a deeper look at the lies we tell ourselves and how those inner distortions can quietly shape the way we see God, others, and ourselves. Together they unpack what it means to discern the greater truth — the truth that grounds us in grace, reminds us who we are, and reorients us toward the life God desires for us to live.

"Who’s your Nathan? 👀 In this week’s podcast, Pastors Angelo & Becca talk about why we all need truth-tellers in our lives—those friends who love us enough to call us back when we’ve gone off track.And because it’s us…yes, there are plenty of West Wing references along the way. (Turns out Nathan would’ve made a pretty good member of President Bartlet’s staff.) 🇺🇸

In this episode, Pastor Angelo guides you through the Ignatian Examen—a prayerful practice of reflecting on the day that has passed and preparing for the day ahead. This simple but profound method offers a way to quiet our cluttered minds and draw closer to God in the midst of life’s busyness. Listen and pray along—you may find this rhythm of prayer becomes a grounding habit for your own journey.

Season 2, Episode 2 of Companions on the Journey is all about navigating crisis, division, and hope. Pastors Angelo and Becca reflect on last week’s sermon on the order of love and look ahead to friendship as resistance. Together they wrestle with how Christians can respond to one another in times of upheaval, and what it means to find common ground even with those we see as enemies. If you’ve been wondering how faith speaks into the tensions of our world today, this conversation is for you.

Season 2 opens with a hard but hopeful conversation. Pastor Becca and Pastor Angelo wrestle with sin—not just as broken rules but as ruptured relationship—ask how the church can respond to violence, and share honestly how they grieve, pray, and prepare to shepherd their community. They revisit themes from Sunday’s sermon, engage the week’s daily Bible readings, and preview what’s ahead this season. Honest, pastoral, and practical.

As we wrap up our summer journey through Paul’s letters, we step back to see the bigger picture. Why does context matter when we read Paul? How do we make sense of difficult passages like 1 Timothy 2:11–15, where Paul seems to restrict women, alongside his affirmations of women leaders throughout the church? And what did Paul mean when he said, “All Scripture is God-breathed”? In this episode, Pastor Angelo and Pastor Becca explore how understanding Paul’s context — both local and global — helps us read his words faithfully, avoid prooftexting, and see how his letters still point us to Christ today.

What does it really mean to “rejoice in the Lord always” when life is messy, unpredictable, and often exhausting? In this conversation, Pastor Becca sits down with Rev. Elizabeth Villegas to reflect on Philippians 4 and the joy—and challenge—of living in Christian community with college students. From late-night conversations to moments of deep prayer, they explore how rejoicing becomes more than an emotion: it’s a shared practice of gratitude, encouragement, and trust in God’s presence. Whether you’re on a campus, in a congregation, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to discover joy that is rooted in Christ and strengthened in community.

Think of this episode as the SparkNotes for Ephesians—with a bonus detour into Philippians 3. We walk through the big themes, key passages, and why Paul’s words still matter today, touching on unity in Christ, life shaped by grace, and pressing on toward the goal. Along the way, we talk about how different Bible translations can shift our understanding, and why paying attention to the words we read can deepen our faith.

This week on Companions on the Journey, Pastor Angelo and Pastor Becca dive into Paul’s most urgent memo yet—Galatians. Why is Paul so fired up? Because a church he planted is trading the wide-open freedom of the gospel for the cramped confines of rule-keeping. In this conversation we unpack his bold defense of grace, explore the clash between law and Spirit, and trace how “faith working through love” still reframes our lives today. We’ll wrestle with identity, belonging, and what it really means to keep in step with the Spirit—plus a quick tour through the Fruit Stand (yes, those nine fruits).Whether you’re new to Galatians or looking to go deeper, join us for an honest, hope-filled chat that will leave you breathing easier and walking lighter. Hit play, grab your Bible, and let’s discover the freedom Christ has already signed, sealed, and delivered.

In this episode of Companions, we wrap up our journey through 2 Corinthians with a conversation on chapters 8–13. From Paul’s radical vision of generosity to his vulnerable self-defense and the challenge of managing expectations in ministry, we dig into what it means to lead with both grace and grit. Whether you’ve ever struggled with how to talk about money in church or felt the tension of living faithfully in the face of criticism, this conversation has something for you.

In this episode of The Companions Podcast, Pastors Angelo and Becca dive deep into Paul’s most personal letter—2 Corinthians. From the pain of conflict to the joy of reconciliation, this conversation explores how Paul leads with vulnerability, defends his ministry with integrity, and casts a vision for gospel-shaped community. Together, we’ll unpack what it means to be “living letters,” why God puts treasure in jars of clay, and how comfort in Christ becomes the foundation for comfort in crisis. If you've ever wrestled with weakness, leadership, or the messiness of church life, this episode is for you.

What if the church was never meant to be perfect—but instead a place where love is practiced in real time? In this episode of Companions, Pastor Angelo and Pastor Becca take a deep dive into the second half of 1 Corinthians, exploring big themes like freedom, worship, spiritual gifts, love, and resurrection.With 1 Corinthians 13 as our anchor, we’ll reframe the “Love Chapter” not as a wedding reading, but as Paul’s bold invitation to cruciform community. Along the way, we’ll talk about what it means to be a church that chooses love over ego, equity over status, and hope over cynicism—even when things get messy.Whether you’ve read 1 Corinthians a hundred times or you’re just curious what Paul has to say to a modern church, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Becca and Angelo dive into 1 Corinthians 2–6—a section of Paul’s letter that feels uncomfortably honest about the messiness of Christian community. From spiritual wisdom to personal conflict, from ego to accountability, Paul doesn’t hold back. But neither does he give up on the church.Join us for a conversation that explores: • Why real wisdom often looks like humility • How spiritual maturity shows up in community • What it means to confront with love—and be called back to who you really are • And how God might just be using your mess to grow something holyWhether you’re leading a church, finding your way back to one, or just trying to figure out how to be a better human in hard relationships—there’s something here for you.

In this week’s Companions Podcast, Pastor Angelo and Pastor Becca pick up right where Paul does—at the big therefore of Romans 12. Together they unpack how “living sacrifices” looks in daily life, why Junia’s cameo in Romans 16 matters for today’s church, and how a mercy-shaped community becomes a launchpad for mission.Then we sail east to Corinth—Rome’s flashy, status-obsessed port city—setting the stage for our next congregational reading. Hear how trade routes, athletic games, and social pecking orders created the perfect storm for church conflict, and why Paul’s opening pages (1 Cor 1-4) still speak to our own divisions.Whether you’re a Bible-study veteran or opening these letters for the first time, this hour-long conversation keeps things grounded, practical, and full of real-life stories. Grab your Bible, cue up Romans 12-16, and read 1 Cor 1-4 with us this week. Questions or insights? Drop us a note—we’d love to hear from you!

Why do we keep doing the very things we don't want to do? In this episode, Pastor Angelo and Pastor Becca dive deep into the tension of Romans 7—the inner battle between desire and action—and how it speaks to our everyday experience of struggling with sin and self. But the story doesn’t end there. Romans 8 breaks through with breathtaking hope: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”Join us as we explore the movement from captivity to freedom, from law to Spirit, and from shame to adoption. This conversation is honest, pastoral, and filled with good news for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in the struggle.

In this episode of Companions on the Journey, Pastors Angelo and Becca kick off our summer daily reading plan through Paul’s letters with an engaging conversation on Romans 1–3 (and a little bit of chapter 5). Together, they explore Paul’s foundational thoughts on sin, grace, and the human condition—and they don’t shy away from tough topics. From honest reflections on the nature of sin to a thoughtful conversation around human sexuality, this episode invites listeners into a posture of curiosity, humility, and faithfulness as we read together.

Pastors Becca Detterman & Angelo Sanchez close out our Resurrection Life series by diving into Acts 26 & 28. Tune in as they unpack Paul’s bold witness before Agrippa, marvel at the gospel’s unstoppable advance all the way to Rome, and reflect on what this whirlwind journey through Acts means for our own faith and friendships today.Then stay for a sneak peek at where we’re headed next: a summer-long walk through Paul’s letters that will help us live out resurrection hope in everyday life. Grab your Bible, your coffee, and a friend, and join the conversation!

In this episode of Companions, Pastors Angelo and Becca dive into Acts 17:1-9 and reflect on Becca’s sermon from Sunday. Together, they unpack what it means to live in a way that turns the world upside down — starting with transformation from the inside out. From the courage of the early church to the call for compassionate conviction today, this episode invites listeners to consider how the gospel disrupts, heals, and reorients our lives. Tune in for thoughtful insights, honest conversation, and encouragement for the journey.

In this week’s episode of Companions on the Journey, Pastor Becca is joined by Rev. Lucas Nelson (Pastor at Pittsboro UMC) for a thoughtful and spirited conversation rooted in Acts 17:1–9. Together, they explore what it means to turn the world upside down through faithful ministry, the gift and challenge of church community, and how the gospel continues to disrupt the status quo in surprising ways.Whether you're leading in the church or simply seeking to live more fully into the resurrection life, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a reminder that we’re never in it alone.

New episode alert! 🎧 Join Pastors Becca and Angelo as they reflect on last week’s sermon from Acts 8–10 and look ahead to this Sunday’s message on Acts 13. It’s all about how the early church broke down barriers and welcomed new people into God’s family—and how we’re called to do the same today. Don’t miss this encouraging and challenging conversation!Listen now and join the journey! ✨

🎧 Episode 2 is live! In this week’s episode of Companions on the Journey, Pastors Angelo and Becca dive into the heart of Christian community, reflecting on last Sunday’s message from Acts 4:32–37 and previewing what’s ahead in Acts 8–10.Along the way, they explore big questions about sin, freedom, and accountability — not just for individuals, but for the church as a whole. It’s honest, insightful, and full of the kind of conversation that helps us grow deeper in faith and friendship.Whether you’re up to date on the readings or just tuning in, this episode is a great way to stay connected to our Resurrection Life series.📱 Tune in today — and invite a friend to listen with you!#CompanionsOnTheJourney #ResurrectionLife #WesleyMemorialUMC #Acts #FaithAndFreedom

On this episode, Pastors Angelo and Becca reflect on the first two weeks of our daily Acts readings as well as the previous and upcoming sermon in that Resurrection Life sermon series.