Connections

Kyle Young grew up in the Graymere congregation and is preparing for optometry school. For the last several months, he has served in a missions internship and he joins us to discuss how that has impacted his faith. Relevant Links: www.graymere.com

Ben and Rebecca Farris are members at Graymere who recently participated in our mission trip to Lima, Peru. They share details about the work there and what they learned through participating in the trip as a family. 🔗 graymeremissions.com

Scott Ballard, preacher for the Spring Hill Church of Christ, sits down with us to discuss what we can learn from Biblical examples about our own mental health challenges. He shares what he has learned both from personal experience and from the shared experiences of others. Relevant Links: https://www.springhillcofc.com/

David Morris preaches for the Highland Church of Christ in Columbia, and he shares a conversation about what scripture teaches about the spiritual realm, specifically what we can know about angelic beings and what common misconceptions exist.

In this recording from a Kingdom Focus Wednesday, Andrew Phillips shares some important facts to remember about faith and reflects on ways we can better relate to people when having spiritual conversations. Relevant Links: www.graymere.com

Jody Pigg shares his experiences in college, on the mission field, in the workplace, and through his journey of discovering how to best use his gifts in service to God. He also provides an update on the Sara Walker Foundation. Relevant Links: https://sarawalkerfoundation.org

Chris McCurley, preacher for the Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, joins us to share his journey of becoming a Christian and later becoming a minister. Relevant Links: https://www.wscoc.com, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEg49Piowm2jfO3rsPXyOA

Jacob Evans, preacher for the Pulaski Street Church of Christ in Lawrenceburg, TN, joins us to discuss the predominant ways people talk about Jesus today and how we can engage in conversations that point people to Christ. Relevant Links: https://pulaskistreet.org

Andrew, Chad, Jonathan and JD all sit down to talk about the new Sunday night format at Graymere, and we highlight the work that is already being done in our Sunday night ministries. Check this out to hear what is coming our way beginning April 12th!

Kirk Brothers, President of Heritage Christian University, joins us to talk about the history and mission of the school, as well as some current updates about the campus. Relevant Links: www.hcu.edu

In this episode, recorded during one of our Kingdom Focus Wednesdays, FHU Bible Professor Matt Sokoloski shares insights about apologetics, reflecting on how we can embody our faith, anchor it in the text of scripture, and present it to the world around us. Relevant Links: www.fhu.edu

JD Schwartz, Graymere Youth Minister, joins us to talk about what parents can do to help their child once High School graduation is over. How can we help them find spiritual success if they go to college? How can we help them have a good spiritual foundation if they enter the workforce? Relevant Links: [graymere.com](graymerestudentministry.com)

Barry England, the Family Minister for the West 7th Church of Christ, joins us to reflect on what husbands and wives can do to grow in their relationships with each other. Relevant Links: https://w7church.org

Russell Smith, preacher for the Culleoka Church of Christ and Bible teacher at Columbia Academy joins us to talk about the journey that led him into ministry and what he has learned along the way about faith. No matter what your vocation, this conversation explores valuable insights for serving God. 🔗https://culleokachurchofchrist.my.canva.site 🔗https://www.thejenkinsinstitute.com/on-preaching-ministry/2025/12/the-journal-december-2025-from-youth-ministry-to-the-pulpit

James Hayes, preacher for the Liberty Hill Church of Christ in Fairview, reflects on how we can pursue wisdom in a world today that usually focuses on short-sighted issues rather than delayed gratification. 🔗 www.libertyhillcoc.com

James Hayes, preacher for the Liberty Hill Church of Christ in Fairview, explores ways that faithful people can relate to our culture, and how we can reach others with the message of Jesus. 🔗 www.libertyhillcoc.com

John Allen sits down with Andrew to discuss what young adults are searching for spiritually, and how we can encourage them. He also shares about the Tuesday Night Bible study Northview Church of Christ hosts for young adults. Relevant Links: northviewchurchofchrist.com

Andrew and Chad sit down to talk about the challenges for ministers in using AI well - it is possible for it to use it effectively to strengthen our ministries, but it can also be misused to make us lazy. What should we remember when considering AI? Relevant Links: www.graymere.com

Dan Chambers, preacher for the Concord Road Church of Christ, joins us to discuss one of the subjects he treats in his book Churches in the Shape of Scripture, male spiritual leadership. We discuss how to understand God’s principles for leadership and how we can best communicate them in today’s culture. https://concordroad.org https://www.21stcc.com/store/Churches-in-the-Shape-of-Scripture-p690117203

Dan Chambers, preacher for the Concord Road Church of Christ, joins us to discuss one of the subjects he treats in his book Churches in the Shape of Scripture, a cappella worship. Dan explores our worship convictions and ways we can communicate why we believe what we believe. 🔗 Where Dan preaches: https://concordroad.org 🔗Get his book here: https://www.21stcc.com/store/Churches-in-the-Shape-of-Scripture-p690117203

Brian and Rebekah Coggins are Graymere members who tell us about the impact adoption had in the life of their family. As they share their story, they point out ways God was at work in their adoption journey. Relevant Links: www.graymere.com

Allison Clanton, a licensed counselor, joins us to share the stages of development that children experience, as well as some insights into how we can support children as they grow. Relevant Links: https://graymere.com/christian-counseling

Episode Description: James Thomas, the President of Columbia Academy, joins us to discuss how Columbia Academy began, the historical background of the campus, and the latest update on CA. Relevant Links: www.cabulldogs.org

Michael Miller joins us to talk about his journey in learning more about the Bible and some principles he has learned in digging deeper in the text of scripture. Relevant Links: www.graymere.com

Jacob Evans joins us again to discuss a topic that is often challenging to tackle - the work of the Holy Spirit. We talk about his presuppositions for this subject, as well as six ways the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Christians. Relevant Links: https://pulaskistreet.org/

Jacob Evans preaches for the Pulaski Street Church of Christ in Lawrenceburg, TN, and we discuss the challenges of idolatry in the western world. We consider the implications of idolatry in our lives and some questions we can ask ourselves to discern if we are making a blessing into an idol. Relevant Links: https://pulaskistreet.org/

Jesse Bates is the youth minister for the Southgate Church of Christ in Columbia, and he shares what he has learned in ministry about what teens need in ministry as well as what 20 somethings are often searching for spiritually. He provides insight into what we can do to reach that age group with the gospel. Relevant Links: southgatechurchofchrist.org

In this recording from our 2023 Summer Series, Andrew, Jody, and Mark join a roundtable to discuss ways Christians can maintain faith during difficult challenges. Relevant Links: graymere.com

In this recording from our 2023 Summer Series, Dwayne, Michael, and Dennis join a roundtable to discuss ways Christians can maintain faith during difficult challenges. Relevant Links: graymere.com

Jon David Schwartz has spent time with us before reflecting on the issues facing teenagers today, and here he shares his philosophy of youth ministry and how that impacts his work at Graymere. He also gives us some insight into what parents can do to help their children get ready for Graymere Student Ministry.

The Bible begins with God’s creation, and that serves as a reminder that He is the ultimate Creator. When we use our creativity, we are honoring the God who designed us in His image. Brad Blackman is an artist and member at Graymere, and he joins us to share his own life experience as an artist and what that has taught him about his faith in our Creator. 🔗 https://bradblackman.com

While this might not be a subject you have thought about often, scripture does give us some insights into the spiritual realm. Isaac Bourne, who preaches for the Chapel Hill Church of Christ, has done extensive research into what the Bible says about demons. He shares some of that research with us and we reflect on what that can teach us as Christians. Relevant Links: https://www.chapelhillcoc.com

This recording of one of our Kingdom Focus Wednesdays features an interview with Drew Kizer. Drew preaches for the Ashville Road Church of Christ in Leeds, Alabama, and he recently wrote the book Sufficient Grace: A Christian Perspective on Chronic Illness. He shares his perspective on his own battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Relevant Links: https://www.riddlecreekpublishing.com/drewkizer; https://www.arcoc.com

Demetrius Nelson has years of experience serving in ministry as well as working with a funeral home. He preaches for the Carmack Boulevard Church of Christ in Columbia, TN. He draws on his experiences to share some important principles to remember when we are grieving. Relevant Links: http://www.carmackchurch.org

Chuck Morris preaches for the Spring Meadows Church of Christ, and he has experience in youth ministry, education, and coaching. As he reflects on what those experiences have taught him about young people, he shares insights into how we can encourage teens in their spiritual growth. Relevant Links: https:/smcoc.net

Travis Hartle preaches for the Millview Church of Christ, and he also has a website dedicated to helping parents learn more about movies, TV shows, and books before they allow their children access to them. He talks about what reviewing these works has taught him and what we need to be aware of as we seek to guide our children. Relevant Links: withtravis.com

Robert is a Graymere member who works as an audio engineer in the music and TV industries. He gives us some insights into what it is like to share his faith and try to serve God in a place where that is not always popular. graymere.com

Chris gives us the latest from Tennessee Children’s Home, as well as the history behind that work. He also shares what he has learned in his work there. Relevant Links: https://www.tennesseechildrenshome.org

Nick shares his perspective as a missionary in Brazil, and how what he learned there informs his perspective on ministry in America. We think through some of the ways our American culture can provide challenges in our discipleship. Relevant Links: https://millcreekchurchofchrist.com

Craig shares some personal experiences and reflections on how we can grow a culture of evangelism in our congregations. He gives specific examples of what we can do and encourages us to find ways to grow our desire for reaching the lost. Relevant Links: mtjuliet.org

Episode Description: Each year, athletes gather for a 314 mile road race from Dorena Landing, MO to Castle Rock, GA. They race on the open road, relying on their wits to navigate a multi-day race. Jon Winchester recently participated, and he learned some powerful lessons from this significant challenge. We asked him to share insights and spiritual lessons he learned. Relevant Links: graymere.com

Barry shares what he and his family learned from the time his daughter Harper was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis 12 years ago. He reflects on how God guided them through these challenges and how brothers and sisters in Christ ministered to them. Their story can help all of us discover how to navigate uncertain times. Relevant Links: [mainstreetcoc.org](mainstreetcoc.org)

Parents already know how challenging it can be to help children make sense of today’s culture and how to use technology wisely. What they might not know is that there are tools and strategies available to help us hold onto spiritual values in the digital world. Relevant Links: chadl.co/dpw, [withtravis.com](withtravis.com)

Zack Martin has a passion for ministry and for church history, and he combines those to share some ways that we can learn from those who have studied scripture in previous generations. Even if you aren’t a history buff, there should be some insights here who could help. Relevant Links: hcu.edu

The stories behind the songs we sing can be instructive and inspirational. Mark Aaron Hilliard loves music and works as a full-time band director and music teacher. He also loves leading singing, and he has immersed himself in the history behind many of our most well-known songs. Relevant Links: graymere.com

What does it take to prepare ourselves to worship God, and what preparations are made by the person leading that worship? Jon David has a passion for worship, and he shares with us his process for preparing to lead worship. We also reflect on what we need to remember when worshipping, ways we can better participate in worship, and how to value worship songs which are meaningful to different people in the congregation. Relevant Links: graymere.com

We have continued to focus on spiritual growth, and we are searching for practical ways to help ourselves and our children grow spiritually. Jonathan Jones has 20 years experience in full-time ministry, as well as time in the classroom teaching both 7th graders and High School seniors. He provides some insights into how we can help facilitate spiritual growth, with the understanding that God gives the increase. Relevant Links: catheyscreek.com

Episode Description: As a church, we intend to welcome everyone who might walk through our doors, but there are times we can unintentionally send the opposite message. Matt Miller, one of the ministers for the 109 Church of Christ, shares his personal experiences and provides a challenge for all of us to be more welcoming. Relevant Links: https://109.church

Grief is difficult in many ways, and we often don’t know what to do when we are experiencing it or how to help people we love who are walking through tragedy. Matt Collins shares his family’s experience with loss, and he also shares some insights into how we can better help people who are enduring a time of loss. Relevant Links: https://www.themagnoliafoundation.com/

There is an abundance of information available online and in our local bookstores, and when we want to find resources to help our faith grow, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. David joins us to share some insight into how we select resources in our study and some recommended books that can help us grow. Relevant Links: https://highland-coc.com