Sharing Life Changing Lives

What happens when God’s people become more than a place you attend… and truly become your family?In this episode of Sharing Life Changing Lives, Robert Hatfield and Bill Wade sit down with Alan Urda to talk about the powerful role God’s people have played in his life and faith. Alan shares how the love, encouragement, correction, and consistency of fellow Christians helped shape his walk with Jesus—and why the church is far more than a Sunday gathering.Together, they explore the beauty of spiritual family, the importance of belonging, and how Jesus is the reason His people matter so deeply.

What if God is working… even when you can’t see it?In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Philly Nong, a student at Freed-Hardeman University whose journey to Christ spans continents, cultures, and questions. Growing up in South Africa in a religious environment shaped by spiritual ritualism and Old Testament sacrificial practices, Philly’s understanding of God was sincere—but incomplete.What followed was a journey he couldn’t have scripted.From traveling to the United States for school, to eventually finding his way—seemingly providentially—to Freed-Hardeman University, Philly’s story is a powerful reminder that God is always at work behind the scenes. It was there, through the influence of the Henderson church of Christ Campus Ministry and a pivotal retreat, that Philly encountered the gospel clearly and responded in faith, being baptized into Christ just over a year ago.This episode is about more than a journey—it’s about learning to trust God’s timing.Philly shares how seasons of waiting, uncertainty, and searching were all part of a bigger picture that only God could see. His story will encourage you to trust that even when life feels delayed or unclear, God is never late.

What does it take to change direction—especially when it means stepping away from everything you’ve always known?In this episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, Robert Hatfield and Bill Wade sit down with Vincent Meninno to hear his powerful story of faith, courage, and transformation. Raised in Catholicism, Vincent’s spiritual foundation was deeply shaped by tradition and family. But during his college years, he began asking deeper questions about Scripture, truth, and his personal relationship with God.Those questions led him on a journey that wasn’t easy—but it was worth it.Vincent shares how studying the Bible challenged his assumptions, how he wrestled with what it meant to follow Jesus fully, and how he ultimately found the courage to change direction.

What does it look like to trust God… when it’s your child?In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Ethan and Kara Darety share their journey as parents walking through the reality of their daughter’s diagnosis with cystic fibrosis. With honesty, vulnerability, and deep faith, they open their hearts about the fears, questions, and prayers that have shaped their family’s story.But more than anything, this is a story about trusting Jesus in the middle of uncertainty.Ethan and Kara remind us that faith isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live, especially when life feels fragile. Through every doctor’s visit, every unknown, and every long day, they are learning what it means to place what they love most into the hands of a faithful God.This episode will encourage parents, strengthen your trust in God, and remind you that you are not walking alone.

Depression can shake the foundations of faith. For some, it raises painful questions about God’s nearness, goodness, and care. In this deeply honest and hope-filled episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, Robert Hatfield and Bill Wade sit down with Emily Hatfield to talk about why her faith endured—even through seasons of profound emotional darkness.Emily shares her personal journey through postpartum depression and anxiety, the lingering effects that followed, and the grief of losing her mother. Rather than offering clichés or easy answers, she opens up about the real struggles, doubts, prayers, and spiritual wrestling that marked those seasons.Throughout the conversation, Emily reflects on how Jesus met her in her suffering—not by removing every burden immediately, but by sustaining her, strengthening her faith, and anchoring her hope when she felt weakest. This episode offers encouragement to anyone who has battled depression, walked with someone who has, or wondered how faith and mental health intersect.

In this episode, we welcome Josh Wade, who grew up in our congregation and now serves as the youth minister at the 9th Avenue church of Christ in Haleyville, Alabama. Josh joins his dad, Bill Wade, and Robert Hatfield for a warm, honest conversation about what it was like growing up in a loving church family — and how that experience continues to shape his faith, his ministry, and his gratitude for Christian community today.

Releasing the day before Thanksgiving, this special episode brings you pure joy, energy, and heartfelt honesty as the kids of our congregation share what they’re thankful for this year. Their gratitude—simple, sincere, and often delightfully surprising—reminds us of Jesus’ invitation to receive the kingdom with childlike hearts.In this episode, you’ll enjoy:Thanksgiving gratitude lists from our children, full of sweetness, humor, and genuine appreciationEncouraging insights from our Kids Ministry, shared by coordinator Kara DaretyA look at the impact and purpose of our Kids Ministry, and how it helps shape young hearts for ChristAn uplifting reminder that thankfulness is often most powerful when heard through the voices of little onesAs you prepare for Thanksgiving, let this episode warm your heart and lift your spirit. The gratitude of our children—and the dedicated ministry that serves them—points us back to the goodness of God in beautiful ways.Thanks for listening, and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Henderson church of Christ!

It’s Thanksgiving season, and today’s episode is a special one! The college students and adults of the Henderson church family have joined together to share what they’re thankful for this year. Their heartfelt gratitude reminds us that God is working in countless ways—big and small—in the lives of His people.In this episode, you’ll hear:Real gratitude from real people—college students, young adults, and seasoned members of our congregationA wide range of blessings that our church family is celebrating this yearReflections from the Psalms with Robert and Bill, offering Scripture-centered reminders that cultivate thanksgiving in every seasonEncouragement to slow down and intentionally give thanks, even amid the busyness of lifeWhether you’re listening during your holiday travels or in a quiet moment at home, we hope this episode helps you pause, reflect, and remember the goodness of God.Thank you for listening, and Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Sharing Life, Changing Lives!

In this episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, Robert Hatfield and Bill Wade welcome Jason Pierce, who, along with his family, spent nearly a decade living and serving among the warm and faithful people of Fiji. Jason shares stories from their years of missionary work—what daily life and ministry looked like, the joys and challenges of cross-cultural service, and how God’s Word continues to grow and bear fruit in the Pacific Islands.Now back in the United States, Jason serves as Missionary in Residence at Freed-Hardeman University, helping equip and encourage the next generation of mission-minded Christians. In this conversation, he reflects on what he learned about faith, dependence, and community during his time overseas—and how those lessons continue to shape his ministry today.

In this episode, Robert sits down with Matt Wallace, a devoted husband, dad to two young children, and faithful Christian who worships with the Henderson church of Christ. Matt joins the conversation to talk about why the church still matters in a world that often questions its relevance.Drawing from his own faith journey, Matt shares how the church has shaped him, what to do when the church disappoints us, and why showing up—week after week—still makes all the difference. Together, Bill, Robert, and Matt reflect on how Jesus designed His church to be a family, a place of healing, and a launching point for serving the world.Episode Resource:[VIDEO] Matt's class: "Does the Church Matter?"Watch the video of this episode below.

How do we plant God’s Word deep in the hearts of children? In this episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, Robert Hatfield and Bill Wade sit down with Kim Scott, retired educator, longtime Bible class teacher, and current professor at Freed-Hardeman University, where she teaches Teaching the Bible to Children.With wisdom from both the classroom and the church, Mrs. Kim shares insights about how children learn, what makes Bible teaching powerful, and how both teachers and parents can partner to shape young hearts for a lifetime of faith.

On this episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, we’re joined by Wayne and Kristi Parker, missionaries currently serving on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Wayne and Kristi share stories of faith, perseverance, and cultural engagement as they discuss what it’s like to live and work in a part of the world where ancient history and modern challenges meet.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Barker to talk about youth ministry in times of transition—those moments when young people face major changes like moving up in school, navigating family challenges, or stepping into adulthood. As an associate professor of communications at Freed-Hardeman University, Radio Station Coordinator for 91.5 WFHU, a father of two teenagers, and a youth deacon at the Henderson church of Christ, Matt brings a unique blend of academic insight, parenting experience, and frontline ministry perspective.

In this episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, Robert and Bill sit down with Jared Gott, one of the youth ministers at the Henderson church of Christ in Henderson, Tennessee. Together, they explore important truths that every congregation—elders, parents, and members alike—should understand about their young people.Jared shares from his experience working with teens and families, offering insights into the challenges young people face today, what they need from the church, and how intergenerational relationships can help faith grow. Whether you’re a church leader, a parent, or someone passionate about building up the next generation, this conversation will encourage you to invest more intentionally in your youth group.

What happens when life throws you into a storm you never saw coming? In this powerful episode, Greg and Dawn Hollamon open up about the unexpected journey they faced last year when Greg underwent open heart surgery. From the initial diagnosis to the long days of recovery, they walk us through the lessons they learned—and how their faith anchored them every step of the way.With honesty and hope, the Hollamons share how God’s peace carried them through fear, uncertainty, and healing. Their story is a testimony to the sustaining power of prayer, community, and trust in God’s plan—even when it looks different than expected.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Robert and Bill sit down with Jerry Campbell to reflect on the personal significance of the cross of Christ. For Jerry, the cross isn’t just a symbol—it’s a daily reminder of hope, forgiveness, and the sacrificial love that changed everything.Jerry shares from his own life experiences, opening up about the moments when the cross became most real to him—through heartache, redemption, and spiritual renewal. This conversation reminds us that the message of the cross is not just about what happened two thousand years ago—it’s about what God is still doing today in the lives of His people.

In this episode, we sit down with three impressive young men — Sawyer, Asher, and Jace Carpenter — who are actively involved in the Lads to Leaders program. These 11- and 12-year-old brothers share how the program has shaped their faith, strengthened their skills, and brought them closer together as a family.From speech and song leading to puppets and Bible Bowl, the Carpenter boys open up about what it’s like to participate in Lads to Leaders, what they’ve learned, and why they love it.

In this heartfelt episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, we sit down with Rick Hepler, a faithful Christian, husband, and caretaker, who shares his powerful testimony of walking through life’s valleys. Rick opens up about his wife, Debbie’s, ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease and the challenges and blessings of serving as her full-time caretaker.Whether you are currently facing a valley or supporting someone who is, Rick’s perspective will inspire you to lean into the promises of God and trust His presence even when the road is hard.

What is peace, and how can we experience it in our daily lives? In this episode, Robert Hatfield and Bill Wade sit down with Taylor Bell, a deacon for the Henderson church of Christ and a licensed counselor, to explore the biblical and practical aspects of peace. They discuss the difference between worldly peace and the peace that comes from God, common obstacles that hinder our sense of peace, and practical ways to cultivate true peace in our hearts and homes.

In this episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, Bill Wade and Robert Hatfield sit down with Connie Pritchard, a seasoned traveler and devoted servant in mission work. Having visited numerous countries on mission trips, Connie shares powerful lessons she’s learned about faith, culture, and the universal need for Christ. Through heartfelt stories and special memories, she reminds us that no matter where we go, people share common struggles, hopes, and a longing for the gospel.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, a new podcast from the Henderson church of Christ! Join hosts Robert Hatfield and Bill Wade as they sit down with two of our elders, Mark Barber and Paul Johnson. Together, they share stories of faith, hope, and love, while offering a glimpse into the heart of leadership at Henderson.In this episode, Mark and Paul discuss what motivates them to serve as elders, how they’ve witnessed God working in the congregation, and the importance of building a church family that embodies Christ’s love. This heartfelt conversation will encourage, inspire, and remind you of the joy of walking in God’s grace.What you'll learn in this episode: What motivates Mark and Paul to serve as shepherds of the Henderson church of Christ.The unique joys and challenges of being an elder in a congregation.How faith, hope, and love guide leadership and foster unity in the church.Words of wisdom for anyone seeking to grow in their walk with Christ.