Fellow Heirs

In this episode, Nick and Isaac sit down with two men from Christ the Word Church  — a CPA and a software engineer — for a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence and how it’s changing the way they work. From accounting to coding, they share firsthand experiences, practical insights, and some thought-provoking perspectives on where this technology is headed. This conversation was so good it ran over two hours, so we’re bringing it to you in two parts. Tune in next week for Part Two.Sam’s apps:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/good-soil-bible-memory/id6477922254https://apps.apple.com/us/app/christian-reader/id6755921023Videos mentioned:https://youtube.com/shorts/LhAi7YQ8LWs?si=2e7AlA2on6BdVOumhttps://youtube.com/shorts/4z3dFX0ec9M?si=4fMmT33IHcx6iL1KContact us! [email protected] to church! christtheword.comThank you for listening. 

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Jake Long to talk about conspiracy theories! What they are, why they’re so compelling, and how Christians should think about them. After walking through some of the most well-known conspiracies, we turn to the heart of the issue: a growing distrust of authority and a desire to be “in the know.”But beneath that, we ask a deeper question: what does this reveal about us? Is our attraction to conspiracy thinking rooted in pride? In a rejection of authority? Ultimately, we consider how a lack of trust in God’s fatherly rule can shape the way we see the world.Ask Pastor John episode on conspiracy theories mentioned:https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-should-we-respond-to-christian-conspiracy-theoriesAlbum cover mentioned:https://share.google/iSJ6RMzstGAPoKQg2Contact us! [email protected] to church! christtheword.comThank you for listening. 

Former senior pastor David Bayly joins us to reflect on the U.S.-Israel war with Iran — its causes, its consequences, and what Christians should be thinking and praying in times like these.Previous episode with David mentioned:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RUeB19FYOCiU1xPpsQDrx?si=6XCk-1YuQfqmuLg6oC8fPQApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fellow-heirs/id1714903585?i=1000723073227Contact us! [email protected] to church! christtheword.comThank you for listening. 

Back in the basement for Part 2 of our Basement Recordings. A large group of guys sit down and talk through Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway—a story where everything important is happening beneath the surface. We wrestle with what’s really going on and why it matters.Link to the short story:https://www.rvclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/May-Short-Stories.pdfVisual of the story:https://photos.app.goo.gl/mZQfpB3PP25Lwo8B8Ryan’s crude drawing:https://photos.app.goo.gl/gSxR1s8BGn8SPBm38Email us! [email protected] to church! More info here: christtheword.comThank you for listening. 

Gambling is everywhere and growing fast. You can bet on almost anything now, even real-world events. What’s happening, and how should Christians think about it?Podcast mentioned (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/episode/0KJxKzB1XUckU4ZFs3nUqC?si=SLeCmpWcSWOsMXPfy8XcgAApple link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-casino-ification-of-america/id1594471023?i=1000756308810Atlantic article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/04/online-sports-betting-app-addiction/686061/Contact us! [email protected] to church! Info here: christtheword.comThank you for listening.

This week’s Lit Hour is a packed one! Twelve guys in a basement talking through the short story Araby by James Joyce. You need not to have read the story to hear this episode, although it is helpful to read it yourself. In this episode, we discuss topics such as childhood crushes and the importance of fiction. A big goal with Lit Hour is to use good literature to push us toward truth. We hope you enjoy this conversation. Short stories mentioned, with links:"Araby" by James Joycehttps://www.rvclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/February-SS.pdf"Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingwayhttps://www.rvclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/May-Short-Stories.pdfQuestions/comments/criticisms/ideas? Email us! [email protected] to church! Info here: christtheword.comThank you for listening. 

In this episode, we sit down with one of the pastors here at CTW to talk about the true meaning of Easter; not just as a holiday, but as the foundation of the Christian faith.We walk through the story from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday to Resurrection Sunday, and discuss why the resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything. What do people often misunderstand about Easter? Why is the resurrection so essential to Christianity? And how should it shape the way we live the rest of the year?Whether you’ve heard the Easter story your whole life or are wrestling with doubts, this conversation aims to bring clarity, depth, and renewed awe for what Christ has done.Book recommendation by Andrew:Persecution in the Early Church by Herbert WorkmanQuestions/comments/criticisms/ideas? Email us! [email protected] to church! Join us for Easter. christtheword.comThank you for listening. 

What started as a life around church turned into a season of wandering. But by God’s grace, Greg Moore was brought to true repentance and faith. Now, he has a deep love for theology, the truths of Reformed doctrine, and living out his faith in both the church and the public square.Greg’s podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/71sWBtxe3dZ9M4CwDWvYuf?si=zU8NCIleRySe6Z1ht6tJ-QApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dead-men-walking-podcast/id1507591113Books mentioned:God and Government — Gary DeMarDebating Calvinism: Five Points, Two Views — Dave Hunt & James WhiteWhat We Believe: Understanding and Confessing the Apostles' Creed — R.C. SproulA Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs — David W. BercotEvangelism and the Sovereignty of God — J. I. PackerTheology Pugcast mentioned: https://open.spotify.com/show/1hwUP0FPYQtOWJvquNwz7I?si=ElED_8saTSGKRE8BsFs-rAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-theology-pugcast/id1452933071In the area? Come to church! Info here: christtheword.comQuestions/comments/criticisms? Contact us here: [email protected] you for listening.

How do you honor God with your money? Dominic and Kevin join us to talk about generosity, fighting financial worry, and learning to hold money with open hands. A practical, convicting conversation on trusting God with what you’ve been given.

What comes to mind when you hear the term “brainwashing”? Many think of manipulation and control, but what if it actually meant cleansing the mind? In a culture filled with spiritual and satanic pollution, Christians must intentionally renew their minds with truth. Join us as we explore what it really means to be “brainwashed” as followers of Christ.This episode is a talk that was given at our most recent men’s conference, the Builders Conference. For more teachings, follow the link below. https://open.spotify.com/show/5lwV5Nm2UpJepCssji3fp8?si=C8ymWoBdQlKJyDnBcGtakQShort stories mentioned, with links:"Araby" by James Joycehttps://www.rvclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/February-SS.pdf"Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingwayhttps://www.rvclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/May-Short-Stories.pdf

Sam Crisenbery was the typical college guy—sports, parties, and the occasional church visit to keep up appearances. But underneath, he was drowning. He joins us in this episode to share his raw, honest story of hitting rock bottom and how God made Himself known to Sam. If you’ve ever felt like you’re "too far gone" or struggling to find your place in the church, Sam’s story is the encouragement you need today.Run With Christ link:https://www.instagram.com/runwchristtol?igsh=MWF0ZXB2OTQxZXpxNA==Question/comment/criticism? Idea? Anything?? Email us: [email protected] to church! More info here: christtheword.comThank you for listening. 

In this episode we hear how Lucas Wilson got saved, how he went from engaged to married in 10 days, and how God worked in his life in many other ways. We are grateful for the time he gave us to discuss God’s goodness. The Sunday school series Lucas referenced can be found here (they are the episodes titled “The Fruitful Home”):https://open.spotify.com/episode/6uJxZxvokjDtR1JWt0WA8e?si=_hQu5mlETN61YVEnS3qwogQuestion/comment/criticism? Idea? Anything?? Email us: [email protected] to church! More info here: christtheword.comThank you for listening. 

As Christians, should we be using AI for emotional support? In this episode, we’re joined by clinical psychologist Jason Brouwer to discuss the implications of using AI for mental health and therapy, among various other topics of conversation. Books mentioned:- Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by Neil Postman- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtArticle mentioned by Isaac:https://shumer.dev/something-big-is-happeningPodcast episode mentioned by Nick:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6jpUIEA1zxefDf15wqXGLg?si=VjsbgnD-RXi-ieNEG3RvVQ&pi=3HDfj_lHQRGLU&t=23Come to church! More info here: christtheword.comThank you for listening. 

Video games are a normal part of modern life. But can Christians partake, or should they? In this episode, we sat down with one of our church staff members to ask whether Christians and video games can truly coexist, examining issues of time, self-control, distraction, and godliness through a biblical lens.

We are BACK for Season 3 of Fellow Heirs! Pastor David Bayly joins us on this episode to discuss the recent ICE incidents and the importance of how God works through the Church. Passages mentioned by David:“You shall not hand over to his master a slave who has escaped from his master to you. He shall live with you in your midst, in the place which he shall choose in one of your towns where it pleases him; you shall not mistreat him.” (Deuteronomy 23:15–16, NASB 1995)“Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with you falter, then you shall sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner, and he shall live with you.” (Leviticus 25:35, NASB 1995)Photo mentioned:https://photos.app.goo.gl/8HwZ2viEEdVmx3HG7Søren Kierkegaard book mentioned: https://share.google/Op1ZFuqQsSSXjM1IsIn the Toledo area? Come to church! Information about Christ the Word:christtheword.comQuestion/comment/criticism? Email us: [email protected] you for listening. 

In this episode, Isaac sits down with church elder Josh DeSonne to talk about the importance of Christmas. Then, a Christmas short story. Have a thought, idea, or criticism? Email us [email protected] you for listening, and Merry Christmas!

In this second episode of a two-part series, we talk about how God provided a building of our own and how He used seasons of change to refine and grow the body. We reflect on people leaving, new members joining, the development of our worship over the years, and the importance of biblical eldership in shaping the life and future of Christ the Word Church.Brochure mentioned:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HEIwYbZxibrgOknn210ZV3-jk0JR9Mh8/view?usp=drivesdkAlbum with photos mentioned as well as various other media of the early days of CTW:https://photos.app.goo.gl/RZ7iv9Zxdo2g2cKB8Have a thought you’d like to share? Maybe a disagreement or criticism, idea for another episode, or something else? Email us [email protected] you for listening. 

Fellow Heirs was created here at Christ the Word Church, but how did the church begin? What events and decisions, both seen and unseen, led us to where we are today? In this first episode of a two-part series, we sit down with our former senior pastor David Bayly and current elder Matt Miklovic to recount the story of Christ the Word Church; how it came to exist, the convictions that shaped its foundation, and the Lord’s providential hand at work through each step along the way. This two-part conversation preserves the living memory of our church’s beginnings and reflects on God’s faithfulness in building our congregation here at CTW. Have a question or comment about the episode? Maybe an idea, an issue or criticism, or a piece of advice? Email us and let us know your thoughts at [email protected] you for listening.

How do we stay Christlike when family conflict rises, especially around the holidays? In this episode, Isaac sits down with Mike Ahrendt and Ken Wegrzyn to talk about biblical principles for peacemaking, humility, forgiveness, and navigating hard conversations.Thank you for listening.

In this episode, I sit down with my dad, Tim Speweik, for a conversation on true gratitude—rooted in Christ, shaped through life, and central to the Thanksgiving season. We read an excerpt from something he wrote years ago, look at the real history behind Thanksgiving, and talk about why Christians should lead the way in thankfulness. A simple, encouraging reminder to see God’s goodness and give Him praise.Tim’s testimonial episode (Spotify):https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lqjZ2Tb08qghnhY5eWZbd?si=Wx7_YDnsSRaY8v9R2BcO5QTim’s article:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hYBXAr3va1aa608EwwiCSq3Fg01n1ONi/view?usp=drivesdkVideo referenced:https://youtu.be/IqQuG_JUqhg?si=RhiZ5GnO7x9RefyOThank you for listening.

Why does writing matter? Why should Christians be readers and writers? And why is poetry something men need to reclaim?In this episode, we’re joined by Noah Wing and Ryan Baechle, two well-read literature guys who teach writing and think deeply about the power of words. Together, we talk about why good writing shapes us, why consuming well-written books strengthens our minds and our faith, and why Christians should make writing a regular practice in their lives.Whether you already love reading or you’re trying to grow in this area, we hope this conversation encourages you to pick up a pen, open a book, and use your words for the glory of God.The links to the media mentioned in the episode are below.Noah’s article on the Michigan sulfur spring:https://enjoyer.com/stinking-spring-hidden-in-rural-michigan/Video of the spring:https://youtu.be/cNBFsPwiY7I?si=QRhrDQHJmGYWQOkPJordan Peterson on Writing:https://youtu.be/Kwjw2J6ByJoJordan Peterson writing guide:https://jordanbpeterson.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Essay_Writing_Guide.docxTim Bayly’s substack:https://bayly.substack.com/Out of Our Minds Podcast mentioned:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-our-minds/id1571137041?i=1000734487015Seamus Heaney reading ‘Digging’:https://youtu.be/61zlSYgFwmk?si=Au1lvaMRy1bfG7eWThank you for listening.

In this episode, Jason Wilson shares how he got saved. Growing up in the projects, Jason dealt with pride and arrogance, trying to make life work on his own strength and intellect. He became a husband and father at a young age and faced years of instability and struggle—then he found Christ. Jason and his wife both came to faith, and through God’s patient guidance and merciful hand, he learned God’s purpose for his life. Today, Jason serves as a dean and athletic director, using the skills he’s developed to connect with young people and point them to Jesus Christ.The correct term that I was referencing is not “oughts,” it is “aughts,” which refers to the decade from 2000 to 2009.Thank you for listening. 

Nick and Isaac sit down with Jordan Daugherty, an elder here at Christ the Word Church, to discuss what effeminacy is, how to fight it, and what biblical manhood should look like. The Jerry Clower “New Bull” joke that Jordan retells can be found here: https://youtu.be/0Gmw6j6eCCY?si=CQEBFu2dyOunQTgiThank you for listening. 

Chris is a husband, father, and firefighter paramedic. He joins us on this episode to discuss how he became a Christian. As mentioned in the episode, here is the data on male suicide:According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the overall age-adjusted suicide rate in the United States remained nearly the same, at 14.21 per 100,000 in 2022 and 14.12 per 100,000 in 2023. In 2023, men died by suicide 3.8 times more than women.White males accounted for 68.13% of suicide deaths in 2023. Citation: https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/The book Chris mentions is called Dirty Glory: Go Where Your Best Prayers Take You by Pete Greig. Thank you for listening. 

Zach Warner is husband to Anna and the father of one son; he also has a daughter due next month. Zach and his family have been attending Christ the Word for about 2 years. We are very grateful for the time Zach gave us, as well as the openness and vulnerability he exemplified during our conversation. The section of the Westminster Confession of Faith that Zach references is Chapter 10, paragraph 3 (“Of Effectual Calling”), which says:“Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated, and saved by Christ through the Spirit, who worketh when, and where, and how He pleaseth. So also are all other elect persons who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.”Stay tuned for more episodes coming soon. Thank you for listening. 

This is our final episode of our summer series with David, as well as our final episode with cohost Reese Foulke. We expect that God will bless Reese as he moves on from the show and are grateful for his work in getting it up and running. In this episode, we discuss AI as we know it today and how we as Christians should consider it and interact with it.The recent teachings that David has been giving on idolatry can be found here (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/5MQwxLDtBJFIx4W47rPQgs?si=mEkiYyLOQ-ydmbSCiqXJnAThank you for listening.

Justin Amburgey is a member here at Christ the Word. He is also a husband, father, and operator of two Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Toledo area. He joins me on this episode to discuss how he got saved and how God brought him to work as a restaurant operator. Justin’s go-to Chick-fil-A order is a chicken wrap with cheese sauce on the side. The book Justin references is Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight. Thank you for listening. 

Tanner Ruiz is a 29-year-old husband, father, and the leader of our children’s ministry here at Christ the Word Church. We enjoyed our time with him as he spoke about how he got saved. The books Tanner mentions are: The Pilgrim’s Progress by John BunyanOf the Mortification of Sin in Believers by John OwenThe Doctrine of Justification by James BuchananRespectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate by Jerry BridgesAlso, for those wondering, Tanner did in fact pass his ordination exam! Praise God. Thank you for listening. 

Our former senior pastor here at Christ the Word Church joins us again to discuss Israel as we know it today and how we should think about the nation and its people. The passages read by David are from Romans 10 and 11. The book David mentions is titled Jerusalem: The BiographyBook by Simon Sebag Montefiore. More testimonial episodes coming soon!Thank you for listening. 

Pastor David Bayly joins us again to discuss complementarianism and egalitarianism. David is the former senior pastor of Christ the Word Church here in Sylvania, Ohio. It’s Reese’s last month! We are extremely grateful for the input and presence Reese has brought to the show and we look forward to seeing how God will use him in the future as he moves on. Have a thought about the show you’d like to share? Leave us a comment on Spotify! Thank you for listening. 

David Bayly was the senior pastor at Christ the Word Church until a couple years ago when his son Nathan took the role. David joins us again to discuss politics within the church, focusing much on Christian Nationalism as we know it in today’s age. If you enjoyed this episode or are enjoying the show in general, please share it! Let others know about it, give us a review, leave us a comment. Thank you for listening. 

David Bayly joins us again to discuss how we are to be Christlike to those who are in the LGBTQ+ crowd. Thank you for listening and have a wonderful day.  

Ken Wegrzyn has been attending Christ the Word for about 10 years. He is a husband, father, and avid cookie-eater. We enjoyed having him on the show to discuss how he got saved. Thank you for listening. 

This episode begins our summer series discussing various Biblical topics with our former Senior Pastor, David Bayly. David helped establish Christ the Word Church over 20 years ago. He was the church’s Senior Pastor until a few years ago when his son, Nathan, took his place. We are grateful for David taking the time to join us and discuss this important topic. Thank you for listening. 

On this episode, Mario Dominguez joins us to give his testimony. Mario is a husband, father, and local business owner. He has been attending Christ the Word for about 20 years. Stay tuned for more episodes coming soon!Thank you for listening.

In this episode, we sat down with Micah Bellas to discuss how he got saved and how being excommunicated played a major role in his walk with God. Micah is married to his wife, Janay, and they have 6 children. He began attending Christ the Word Church when it was founded. Thank you for listening. 

Welcome to Fellow Heirs: Literature Hour (Lit Hour for short). As of the most recent data (according to Pew Research and the National Endowment for the Arts), around 40–50% of men in the U.S. report that they haven’t read a book in the past year (this includes physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks). Studies suggest that:Roughly half of men may not have read a book since high school.Reading rates decline significantly after formal education ends, especially among men compared to women.Women consistently outread men across all age groups and formats.In this two-part series, Ryan Baechle and Noah Wing join us to discuss the importance of reading and why Christian men need to read books. Both Ryan and Noah have been attending Christ the Word Church with their families for over 15 years. They are well-read and are avid readers still today. An organized list containing all titles and authors mentioned in both parts of this series can be found here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-1LjbskvgeIG0QK5SuQQnLaySWZl1yUJqRrqtPM7h6A/edit?usp=drivesdkThis is part two of a two-part segment.Thank you for listening.

This episode was recorded at our most recent Men’s Breakfast held at Christ the Word Church in Sylvania, Ohio. Gary Knapp teaches on our battle against our flesh and what we as Christian men are called to live like. Thank you for listening. 

Welcome to Fellow Heirs: Literature Hour (Lit Hour for short). As of the most recent data (according to Pew Research and the National Endowment for the Arts), around 40–50% of men in the U.S. report that they haven’t read a book in the past year (this includes physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks). Studies suggest that:Roughly half of men may not have read a book since high school.Reading rates decline significantly after formal education ends, especially among men compared to women.Women consistently outread men across all age groups and formats.In this two-part series, Ryan Baechle and Noah Wing join us to discuss the importance of reading and why Christian men need to read books. Both Ryan and Noah have been attending Christ the Word Church with their families for over 15 years. They are well-read and are avid readers still today. An organized list containing all titles and authors mentioned in both parts of this series can be found here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-1LjbskvgeIG0QK5SuQQnLaySWZl1yUJqRrqtPM7h6A/edit?usp=drivesdkThis is part one of a two-part segment. Thank you for listening. 

Sam is a husband, father, and software developer. He is also a congregant here at Christ the Word and has been attending for about 4 years. We sat down with him to discuss how he came alive in his faith after leaving a megachurch he formerly attended in Cincinnati, Ohio. Thank you for listening. 

On this episode, Tim Speweik shares how he got saved. Tim and his family began attending Christ the Word in 2005. We are grateful for him giving us the time to share how God has worked in his life. The Scripture passage mentioned was Proverbs 3:5-6. The song Tim and his wife played for their first dance can be found here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDngeddZx48&pp=ygUZUmVuZWUgZ2FyY2lhIGlmIGkgaGF2ZSB0bw%3D%3DThank you for listening.

Jordan Daugherty is an elder here at Christ the Word Church. We appreciate the time he gave us to share his wisdom on this important topic. The scripture passages he references in this episode are:Proverbs 7Psalm 119Proverbs 31:3Thank you for listening. 

Gents — this bonus episode is a talk given by one of our pastors, David Bayly. It was recorded at our Men’s Breakfast held at Christ the Word Church on January 18th. Thanks for listening, have a wonderful day. 

Dominic is a deacon here at Christ the Word Church. He is also a husband, father, and project manager for an engineering company. On this episode, he gives us wisdom as to how to properly prepare for a wife. Thank you for listening. 

We’re Back! A Podcast’s Story  Season 2 of Fellow Heirs begins now. Many apologies for the obnoxious clipping in this one; we’re a little rusty but we’ll get it taken care of. Thank you for your time, folks. 

Matt Miklovic joins us on the show to discuss being disciplined and how we can grow in this quality. This is our final episode for Season 1 of Fellow Heirs! Thank you very much for listening and stay tuned for more. God bless!

This week our guest is CTW elder Josh DeSonne! We enjoyed our time with him on the show and our conversation about his life and how God saved him. Stay tuned for our final episode for this season, releasing next week!

This week on the show we’ve got Andrew Van Engen joining us! Andrew is an assistant pastor at Christ the Word Church; he also works for the Department of Justice full-time. We hope this episode is a blessing and encouragement to you. Stay tuned for more 2 more episodes as we close out the summer! God bless. 

This week’s episode is a testimonial! Josh joined us and shared with us how Jesus changed his life and brought him to Toledo. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for our next episode later this month!

Mike Ahrendt joins us for this episode! Thank you to those of you who’ve given us feedback on the show, we very much appreciate your support. Stay tuned for more episodes as the summer continues! God bless.