Digging Deeper Podcast - Perimeter Church

In this episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington reflect on the most impactful lessons from their conversations with guests throughout the season. From shaping our children’s hearts over chasing performance to modeling faith, managing anxiety, and embracing grace in our failures, this wrap-up brings together the core themes every parent needs to hear. Whether you’re in the early years or navigating adult children, this episode reminds us that God is at work in both our children and in us.

In this episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington sit down with Tim Elmore to explore the unique challenges of parenting Generation Z. Together, they unpack why relationships matter more than rules, how emotional intelligence shapes meaningful conversations, and what it looks like to shift from supervising your kids to guiding them as they grow into adulthood. Tim offers practical, encouraging insight to help parents navigate generational differences and build lasting connection with their children—especially in the transition to adulthood. About Today's Guest: Dr. Tim Elmore is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and founder of Growing Leaders, a nonprofit developing the next generation of leaders worldwide. With 40+ years of experience, 35+ books, and audiences in 50 countries, he's one of today's leading voices on generational diversity and young professionals in the workplace. His work has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and on CNN and Fox Business.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington sit down with Chris Ammen—children’s pastor, author, and founder of Kaleidoscope—to explore what it really means to disciple your children at home. Chris reframes discipleship as joining God in the work He is already doing in your child’s life—freeing parents from pressure and inviting them into everyday, grace-filled moments of intentionality. With practical wisdom and honest encouragement, this conversation reminds parents that faith formation doesn’t require perfection, but presence, humility, and a willingness to start small.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Laura Story Elvington and guest host Jimmy Kim are joined by Dr. Gary Chapman to explore how the five love languages shape not only marriages, but also the way we parent our children. Dr. Chapman shares how every child has an “emotional love tank” and how understanding your child’s primary love language can lead to deeper connection and emotional health. With practical insights and gospel-centered encouragement, this conversation equips parents to love their children more intentionally—and reminds us that learning to love well is a lifelong journey.

Anxiety is rising in both kids and parents—but how can families respond with wisdom, not fear? In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington are joined by authors Sissy Goff and David Thomas to discuss the root causes of childhood anxiety, the impact of technology and over-information, and how parents can unintentionally reinforce anxious patterns. With practical strategies and gospel-centered encouragement, this conversation equips you to raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids—and reminds you that it’s never too late to grow as a parent.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington are joined by digital wellness expert Joey Odom to talk about parenting in a world shaped by smartphones and constant digital connection. Joey shares how our phones are affecting our attention, relationships, and families, while also offering hope that we are not destined for failure when it comes to digital boundaries. This conversation helps parents think about modeling healthy technology habits, creating intentional environments for family connection, and using technology wisely rather than letting it control our lives.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington are joined by counselor and author Jonathan Holmes to talk about how parents can help their children build their identity in Christ rather than in performance or feelings. They discuss the cultural pressures shaping identity today, the importance of discipling children in the home, and how parents can model the gospel in everyday conversations and moments. Jonathan also offers encouragement for parents who feel like they are failing, reminding them that God meets us in our weakness and faithfully helps us as we seek to point our children to Him.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington sit down with pastor and author Cameron Cole to explore God’s design for parenting in today’s culture. Together they discuss cultural shifts shaping modern parenting, the importance of discipling children from an early age, and how families can prioritize faith and meaningful time together in the midst of busy schedules. Cameron offers encouragement for parents who may feel overwhelmed, reminding us that faithful parenting is less about perfection and more about modeling the grace and truth of Christ in everyday life.

In today's episode, Laura Story Elvington interviews Senior Pastor Jeff Norris and his wife Rachel to explore questions from you about the complexities of marriage. They discuss the purpose of marriage, emphasizing holiness over happiness, and share personal stories about their journeys through early marriage and infertility. Together, the Norrises highlight the importance of commitment, self-denial, and the pursuit of God in marriage, offering insights and encouragement for couples at various stages of their relationships.

In this episode, Senior Pastor Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington welcome Will and Cathy Chang, members of Perimeter Church. They talk about the vital role of counseling and community in strengthening marriages. Together, they share honest insights on why seeking help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness, and how God uses His church to bring healing, growth, and lasting connection within marriage. Scripture References: Proverbs 11:14, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:2–3. Related Resources: Explore Perimeter Counseling for Christ-centered, clinically informed counseling (perimetercounseling.org).

In this episode, Senior Pastor Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington welcome authors Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn. They dive into the heart of marriage—unpacking how money, intimacy, and communication often reveal deeper emotional currents. They share how financial tension can mask unspoken hurt, how intimacy is more than physical connection, and how open conversation begins the healing process. With genuine transparency and gospel-rooted insight, they also explore how hidden trauma impacts relationships and how seeking support through counseling and community can lead couples into greater freedom and wholeness together. Related Resources: Learn more about Jeff and Shaunti's ministry, books, and courses at shaunti.com. Visit SecretsOfSexAndMarriage.com for referral resources to find trained Christian sex therapists (including telehealth options). Explore Perimeter Counseling (perimetercounseling.org) for Christ-centered, clinically informed counseling.

Senior Pastor Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington engage with Dave and Ann Wilson, renowned hosts of Family Life Today. The Wilsons share their journey of more than 45 years of marriage, including struggles, realizations, and the importance of faith. They discuss how to speak life into your spouse, the power of words, and the significance of a vertical relationship with God. We pray this conversation shares hope and encouragement for those facing challenges in their marriage. Additional Resources: Learn more about Ann and Dave’s ministry at FamilyLife (familylife.com). Do you need to reconnect with your spouse? Discover a Weekend to Remember and check out 2026 retreat dates across the US at familylife.com/weekend-to-remember.

Brad and Marilyn Rhoads join Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington to share how God’s grace transformed their marriage—from early struggles to renewed joy and intentionality. They talk about parenting, the shift to empty nesting, and how extending grace in everyday moments can bring healing and hope to your marriage and family. Learn more about Brad and Marilyn’s ministry, The Grace Marriage, at gracemarriage.com.

In this week’s episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington sit down with Ron and Nan Deal to talk about The Mindful Marriage and what it means to understand “me” for the sake of “us.” With honesty and wisdom, the Deals share how emotional baggage, self-reflection, and personal growth shape the health of a marriage. Together, they unpack the coping patterns that can disrupt relationships and offer transformative steps toward healing and connection—reminding us that the gospel brings renewal to both the individual and the marriage. Find full shownotes and resources on the episode page at perimeter.org/DiggingDeeper.

In this episode, Jeff and Laura engage with best-selling author Gary Thomas to uncover the deeper meaning of marriage—why holiness matters more than happiness. They discuss scriptural foundations, the role of accountability, and the refining power of marriage as a reflection of Christ’s union with the Church. With practical steps for navigating challenges and fostering growth, this conversation frames marriage as a sacred journey toward spiritual maturity. Related Resources: - Learn more about Gary Thomas’ writings and ministry at garythomas.com. - Check out Gary’s best-selling book, Sacred Marriage.

In this bonus episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura are joined by Andy Bannister, Director of Solas Centre for Public Christianity, to explore how evangelism can thrive in today’s complex cultural landscape. Together, they tackle common fears and misconceptions surrounding sharing the gospel. Andy offers practical strategies for overcoming barriers along with ways to spark meaningful spiritual conversations rooted in genuine curiosity. Whether you're new to evangelism or looking to grow in confidence, this episode offers actionable steps to help you share your faith with clarity and compassion. Whether you're new to evangelism or looking to grow in confidence, this episode offers actionable steps to help you share your faith with clarity and compassion.

In this special episode, Jeff and Laura take a thoughtful pause to look back on this season, The Mission of the Church. They discuss the deep conversations, surprising revelations, and unforgettable guests and share their favorite moments. With ten compelling interviews behind them, they revisit the moments that challenged their perspectives, sparked big ideas, and lingered long after the recording stopped. Jeff and Laura share personal takeaways and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Whether you’ve been along for every episode or are just joining in, this is a heartfelt, inspiring close to a season that aimed to explore the core of The Mission of the Church.

Today’s guest is Sandy Willson—pastor, author, and former interim president of The Gospel Coalition. Join us for a rich conversation about the mission of the church in today’s world. Drawing from decades of leadership and pastoral experience, Sandy offers wisdom on the vital balance between local ministry and global engagement. This episode is both an encouragement and a challenge to resist the pull of secularism and materialism and to live with gospel intentionality across generations. Whether you're a church leader, a parent, or simply seeking to live more faithfully, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger, live bolder, and dig deeper into God’s global mission. Listen now and be stirred to live on mission—locally, globally, and generationally.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington dive into the mission of the church and God’s heart for His people with special guests Carl and K.A. Ellis. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of living out a mission-driven life, sharing wisdom, personal stories, and biblical insights that inspire and equip believers to make an impact. Listen as they unpack what it means to live with purpose, walk in faith, and engage in the work God has called us to. We hope this conversation will encourage you to step boldly into God's calling.

In this conversation, Jeff and Laura sit down with Katie Davis Majors, founder of Amazima Ministries, and discuss her journey from Nashville to Uganda, her experiences in orphan care, and the importance of community and education in transforming lives. Katie shares her insights on the realities of family dynamics in Uganda and the mission of her ministry to support children and families. In this conversation, Katie shares her journey of faith, adoption, and global missions, emphasizing the beauty of connecting with others and the challenges faced while serving in Uganda. She talks about the hardships of living in a different culture, and the lessons learned about God's faithfulness and dependence. The discussion encourages believers in the call to serve locally and globally.

In this episode, host Laura Story Elvington is joined by Jimmy Kim to talk with author Rebecca DeYoung. Together they explore her new book, Glittering Vices. They discuss how these vices are not just historical concepts but are relevant to modern life, emphasizing the importance of self-examination and community in spiritual growth. The conversation delves into specific vices like greed and sloth, highlighting their impact on personal and communal life, and the necessity of grace in the journey of faith.

In this episode, Jeff and Laura are joined in the studio by Russ Ramsey—author, pastor, and storyteller—who reminds us of the deep significance of seeing and honoring people’s life stories. Together, they explore how we engage with others as whole people, teaching and relating in ways that reflect the beauty of their unfolding narratives. Russ challenges us to embrace transparency, recognizing our own need for a Savior as we share the hope we have in Christ. Through authenticity and vulnerability, we embody the true mission of the Church—living as a community that extends grace, compassion, and truth. Listen to this powerful conversation on faith, storytelling, and what it means to be the body of Christ in the world today.

The mission of the church is to make disciples. In today’s episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with two Perimeter staff members: Ryan Brown, Executive Director of Life on Life Ministries, and Kelli Means, Women's Discipleship Director. Together, they explore how God works through discipleship to transform lives. The conversation focuses on the biblical model of discipleship that Jesus demonstrated, revealing a pattern woven throughout Scripture—God’s presence with His people and His sending of His people. Ryan and Kelli emphasize that the most significant spiritual growth happens when believers walk alongside one another, helping each other deepen their relationship with Christ.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura talk with Paul Miller—author and director of See Jesus Ministry—about the vital role of prayer in the church’s mission. Paul shares practical insights on overcoming prayer struggles, embracing honesty with God, and understanding His promises, especially in disappointment. He also reflects on his family’s journey with disability, the fight against cynicism, and the power of love, faith, and hope. Together, they explore the J-curve—how suffering leads to resurrection—and offer practical ways to overcome prayer fatigue and foster radical dependence on God. Additional Resources: Learn more about Paul’s ministry at seejesus.net Read (or gift) Paul’s book, A Praying Life

In today’s conversation on Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura talk with J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church, about the mission of the church and church planting. They discuss the need for churches to equip members for mission rather than catering to consumerism.  J.D. discusses the importance of recognizing the call to mission. It’s not about if you’re called, but where and how God leads you to be on mission for Him. Together, the three discuss the challenges of sustaining passion for their mission in the face of personal struggles and sufferings. They emphasize the significance of the Christian community in providing support and guidance during these times. We hope this episode encourages you to seek opportunities for evangelism in everyday life, being confident that even in times of personal struggle, God can use you to impact others.

What does it mean to be spiritually formed? In this episode of Digging Deeper, hosts Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington are joined by Dr. Jim Wilhoit, author and retired Wheaton College professor, to explore how spiritual formation is central to the mission of the church. Together, they unpack how transformation happens not just through personal devotion but within the context of community. From Jesus’ own formation to the role of suffering in shaping our faith, this conversation challenges the modern tendency toward isolated spirituality. Whether you're a new believer or have walked with Jesus for years, this episode will encourage you to engage more deeply with the church and embrace the lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ.

In this episode, Jeff and Laura reconnect with Dr. Michael Reeves to explore the mission of the church, its biblical foundation, and its connection to union with Christ. Michael emphasizes that mission isn’t an optional add-on but an essential part of the Christian life, rooted in a deep relationship with God. They discuss how delighting in God naturally fuels a life on mission, making gospel-sharing a joyful overflow rather than a duty. Tune in for a rich conversation on how true mission stems from a heart that enjoys God.

In this episode of the Digging Deeper podcast, Jeff and Laura wrap up our series on ‘Kingdom People’ with a look at how the Christian grieves with hope. Today’s guest is Sandra McCracken, a singer/songwriter and worship leader. She shares her experience with grief, resilience, and maintaining hope as a follower of Christ. The conversation digs into what lament looks like and how lament allows believers to acknowledge pain while still holding on to hope in Christ. Sandra shares her personal experience of what a gift communal lament is and how faith communities can support each other through structured services of lament. This episode offers comforting insights and practical encouragement for anyone seeking to understand how faith sustains us in times of grief.

Prayer is a vital characteristic of Kingdom People, and the Holy Spirit instills a desire to pray in believers. In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura engage with Dr. Don Whitney, professor at Midwestern Theological Seminary, to explore the significance of prayer in the life of a believer. The three discuss common struggles Christians face in prayer and the transformative practice of praying through Scripture, particularly the Psalms. The conversation also touches on how to hear God through His Word and the importance of praying in alignment with God's will, especially in the context of cultural moments like elections. Learn more about Dr. Whitney’s work and ministry at mbts.edu/whitney.

Friendship is a deep, felt need for everyone and requires work and commitment, which is hard to maintain in the busyness of life. Jeff Norris and Laura Elvington sit down with Pastor Bryan Loritts to explore the theme of enduring friendships within the context of faith and community. In this conversation, Dr. Loritts walks through major themes of friendship, emphasizing the importance of deep, meaningful relationships in a world that often prioritizes superficial connections. Listen as they delve into the challenges of maintaining long-term friendships, the lessons learned from the book of Philemon, and the distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. You’ll learn how investing in relationships reflects the heart of the gospel and God's desire for community among His people. Learn more about Dr. Loritts’ work on his website, bryanloritts.com. You can purchase his new book, Enduring Friendships, from the Perimeter Bookstore or other retailers.

In this episode, hosts Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington engage with social researcher and author Shaunti Feldhahn to explore the concept of kindness as a transformative force in relationships and society. They discuss the 30-Day Kindness Challenge, emphasizing how our treatment of others significantly impacts our own well-being and relationships. The conversation also delves into the importance of kindness in civic engagement, especially during politically-charged times, and encourages listeners to embrace kindness as a core aspect of the Christian life. Learn more about Shaunti's work on her website: shaunti.com, or take The 30-Day Kindness Challenge at https://www.jointhekindnesschallenge.com.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff continues to discuss the concept of 'Kingdom People' with Clay Smith, pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, and Dr. Crawford Loritts, founder of Beyond our Generation. Today’s conversation focuses on how Christians navigate dual citizenship in both the kingdom of heaven and the worldly kingdom here on earth. They explore the importance of the Beatitudes in parenting, the challenges modern parents face, and the role of the church in supporting families. In this pastor roundtable, the men discuss practical advice for both parents and grandparents on how to model faith and encourage spiritual growth in children.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris is joined by Clay Smith, pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, and Jason Cook, pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, to discuss the concept of being 'Kingdom People' amidst cultural pressures. They explore the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) and their implications for church unity and peacemaking, especially in a politically charged environment. Part one of this conversation emphasizes the active role of Christians in both the church and society, advocating for a balance between political engagement and spiritual integrity. This episode highlights the importance of community, humility, and the transformative power of the church in addressing societal issues.

Spiritual gifts are given by God for the glory of God and the edification of the Church. In this special episode of Digging Deeper, we continue our conversation about the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. Laura Story Elvington takes the host seat to interview senior pastor Jeff Norris and founding pastor Randy Pope, who offer additional thoughts beyond our recent Sunday morning sermon series. Jeff and Randy share their biblically-based insights on the spiritual gifts believers receive from the Holy Spirit upon putting their faith in Jesus. Covering topics not addressed during the Holy Spirit sermon series, this episode aims to enrich your understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in the life of believers and the Church.

In this week’s episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura continue the conversation around faith and the next generation with Raymond Chang, pastor, author and member of the Fuller Youth Institute. Raymond lays out what he is seeing the kids that aren’t leaving the faith and the common thread of relational discipleship radically centered around Jesus. We hope this last episode in this series, Believe, will be an encouragement to you as we, believers in Jesus, actively live out our faith in front of the next generation.

In this episode, Jeff and Laura are talking with Justin Whitmel Earley, a business lawyer, author, father, and husband. Our hearts tend to follow the habits we practice. Those habits sometimes convince us to believe the lie that we are limitless, omnipotent, and god of our days. Recounting his own experience with stress and anxiety, Justin shares that while we would never speak those untruths out loud, our actions and our habits often demonstrate what our hearts truly believe. Justin gives some practical applications around the habits we keep and how we can model them for the next generation.

Jeff and Laura sit down with a special guest, Peter Kasirivu, pastor of Gaba Community Church in Uganda. In this conversation, Pastor Peter shares God’s passion and heart for the nations he has seen firsthand through his church. While the church in America is experiencing a great dechurching, people in Uganda are hungry for God. The joy, excitement, and passion young people are experiencing in Uganda are encouraging and remind us that our heart longings are the same. God sees and hears them all, even though His work looks different in every country.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura are joined by Courtney Doctor as we continue this series, Believe. Courtney is the Director of Women’s Initiatives for The Gospel Coalition.  She is passionate about helping women in their local church around the world. In this episode, we take a look at where we see the theme of the book of John and why it is so important.

Join Jeff and Laura in today's podcast as they explore the basics of faith and belief with special guest, Gray Sutanto, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. In this discussion, we delve into the essential concepts of salvation and what truly anchors our beliefs to faith. Hear from Gray's educational perspective on how the younger generation grapples with belief, posing fundamental questions like "What does it mean to believe?".

In this first episode of this series, Believe, Jeff and Laura sit down with Michael Graham, Program Director for the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. Mike unpacks the findings of his latest book, "The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?" In it, he looks at the different profiles of Americans who are leaving or have already left the church. Their conversation sets up this series as we look at what it means to believe in the Christian faith, with a great reminder that belief is something we hold to, but it is also God holding on to us.

In today's episode, we experience a role reversal! Jeff is joined by his wife Rachel, while Laura Story Elvington steps into the role of the interviewee, accompanied by her husband Martin. Together, they delve into a deeply personal narrative of steadfast faith amidst an unexpected medical diagnosis. This heartfelt conversation aims to stand as a testament to the unwavering strength found in Christ. It's a reminder that despite life's most jarring challenges, followers are invited to embrace the stability of an unshakable God and the enduring reality of His kingdom, even amidst the most tumultuous of times.

In this episode, we discuss the ever-present topic of anxiety with speaker, author, mother and wife, Rebekah Lyons. Rebekah has been vulnerable in sharing her story of her struggle with anxiety and panic attacks across multiple platforms. Today, she gives hope and encouragement as she explains the holistic way of God’s healing through the redemptive work of what we know and understand about the brain and how it all works together with our faith journey.

Jeff and Laura chat with longtime Braves player and childhood sweethearts, Jeff and Catie Francoeur. The Francoeurs share their amazing testimony and how they had to trust God through difficult things from miscarriages, to dreams of a baseball career coming to an end, all while navigating the outcomes in the public spotlight. We pray this episode will be an encouragement to you in seasons where you experience the unshakable reality of the kingdom of God amid the shaken reality of life.

In this episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with author, speaker, and Bible study teacher Jennifer Rothschild. If you’re in the throes of something that is shaking you to the core, we encourage you to listen to this episode. You’ll be encouraged by Jennifer's story of dependency upon our unshakable God!

We wrap our series, Love Rules, around the 10 commandments and how God’s love is a pathway to freedom rather than a restriction on our life. Jeff and Laura sit down with longtime friend, Crawford Loritts, to examine the last three commandments and look at them through the lenses of humility and contentment. We hope this conversation is a blessing to you as you listen and believe that you are truly loved by God the Father, that He is enough and giving you what’s best for your life.

In today's episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Elvington continue to walk through the 10 commandments, camping out around commandments six and seven. They are joined by Erin Smalley, Licensed Professional Counselor and strategic spokesperson for Focus on the Family. Together they explore God’s heart for the covenant of marriage and how we can guard our hearts from bitterness and anger. She gives practical ways to show up for your spouse and resist the drift that comes with the pressures of everyday life.

In this episode, longtime friends David and Meg Robbins sit down with Jeff and Laura to discuss parenting and what that looks like through the lens of radical dependence upon the Lord. David and Meg share how we, as believers, face challenges and joys in marriage. Raising children helps build a bridge to share the gospel with an unbelieving world. The conversation also looks at the covenant of marriage and how it relates to the seventh commandment.

We’ve seen how the first five commandments are vertical in nature (how we honor the Lord). Now we pivot to discuss the last five commandments which are horizontal in nature (how we interact with each other). In today’s episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with a longtime friend, Tim Elmore, to share insights on how parents can create a home environment that reflects the kingdom of God. As Christians, we are called to love and honor our parents (Exodus 20:12). This not only applies to our relationship with our biological parents but also in how we parent our own children. Tim highlights the importance of building strong relationships with our kids, as it mirrors the heart of God and promotes human flourishing.

Perimeter Church’s founding pastor, Randy Pope, joins the conversation with Jeff and Laura to look at the 10 Commandments as a marriage covenant between God and His people. Randy gives a beautiful illustration of a covenant of grace as the reason behind the law. He focuses on commandment four where the Lord calls us to the keep the Sabbath day—a day of rest. This conversation helps us transform our way of thinking about a commandment that many see as restrictive to instead view it as renewing. Randy draws a connection of how the law is what enables us to love and enhances our love for others and for God Himself.

In today’s episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with author, professor and Bible teacher, Kelly Kapic. They discuss the connection between our human limitations and God’s fourth commandment of honoring the Sabbath. Kelly explains that, as Christ followers, we need to view the commandments as grounded in God’s character and the goodness of how He made the world. We pray this episode prompts you to experience the Sabbath as not just a restful day off, but the practice of entering God's rest.