Hope Church Memphis Podcast

What if spiritual growth is more like growing up than leveling up?In this episode, Pastor Rufus Smith and the Hope Church Memphis team discuss the four phases of spiritual maturity and why every believer starts with the “milk” of simple gospel truths before growing into deeper faith.Through honest stories about parenting, identity, struggle, and community, the conversation explores how God forms people over time — and why maturity in faith isn’t about perfection, but transformation.If you’re exploring Christianity, recovering from church hurt, newly following Jesus, or trying to grow spiritually without overcomplicating faith, this episode will meet you where you are.New episodes weekly from Hope Now, Not Only Weekends — real hope lived out right now.

Rev. Rufus Smith teaches us about honoring our parents and explains that because Americans are living longer, a growing percentage of children are parenting aging parents for an extended time—a unique situation for which the Fifth Commandment offers both a wonderful promise and a caution.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

What if church wasn’t what you expected—but exactly what you needed?In this episode of Hope Now, we talk about building a church for people who don’t trust church, feel disconnected from faith, or aren’t sure they belong.Through real stories and honest conversation, we explore:Why church can feel unfamiliar (and why that’s okay)How people find faith in unexpected waysWhat it looks like to come as you are—questions, doubts and allIf you’ve ever said “church isn’t for me”… this episode might change your mind.

Rev. Chad Johnson teaches on I Corinthians 1-6:8. Most people say Jesus is their standard, but live by something else. This message will challenge you to stop mixing standards and start letting His truth shape every part of your life.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

What does it mean to be unchurched—and why are so many people walking away from church?In this episode of Hope Now, Not Only Weekends, we explore the heart behind Hope Church’s mission to be Jesus-centered and unchurched-friendly. From personal stories of church hurt and cultural faith to powerful moments of rediscovery, this conversation unpacks the real reasons people disconnect—and what can help rebuild trust.We talk about how intentional hospitality, authentic relationships, and clear, accessible teaching can create a space where anyone feels welcome—no matter their background or past experience with church.Whether you’ve never stepped into a church, walked away years ago, or are just figuring out your faith, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what church can be.Because hope isn’t just for weekends—it’s for right now.Topics Covered:Dechurched vs. unchurched vs. cultural ChristianityChurch hurt and rebuilding trustCreating a “come as you are” environmentWhy language and relatability matter in faithThe role of community in following Jesus🔔 Follow for more conversations about real faith in real life.

Rev. Vincent Joplin teaches from I Corinthians 6:1-8. Church conflict isn’t the problem, how we handle it is, and when we choose pride, revenge, or public drama, we damage our witness and reflect the world instead of Christ. This message calls us higher: handle it in the house, choose mercy over being right, and trust God to bring real justice and healing.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

What does it really take to prepare a sermon, and why do some churches use a preaching team instead of one voice?In this episode of Hope Now, Not Only Weekends, the team at Hope Church Memphis breaks down the heart, process, and purpose behind their preaching model. From 15-hour prep weeks to different teaching styles and real-life application, this conversation reveals how sermons are crafted to connect with people beyond Sunday.You’ll also hear how shared leadership:Creates accountability and supportPrevents burnout in ministryAllows pastors to be present with their familiesBrings diverse voices and experiences to the churchIf you’ve ever felt disconnected from church, or just curious how it all works, this episode gives you a real, human look behind the message.New episodes weekly. Follow and share with someone who needs hope beyond the weekend.

Rev. Rufus Smith continues to teach on human sexuality with grace and truthfulness. The Church is a divine institution created by God the Father to stand in contrast to the world’s system, including how we caringly confront and hold each other accountable.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

What does it really take to communicate truth in a way people actually understand?In this episode of Hope Now, Not Only Weekends, the team from Hope Church Memphis unpacks the purpose and power of a preaching team—and why one voice isn’t enough to reach a diverse church.Through honest stories, practical insight, and moments of humor, they explore:How different perspectives help the message of Scripture connectWhy illustrations can miss (and how to fix that)The role of feedback, humility, and growth in teachingWhat sermon preparation actually looks like behind the scenesHow community shapes better communication and deeper faithThis conversation is a reminder that faith isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither is how it’s taught.Real hope. Right now. Not just weekends.

Rev. Rufus Smith teaches on human sexuality with grace and truthfulness. The presenting issue is sexual immorality, but the primary issue is caring confrontation to redeem the offending party and protect the peace of the church. The word of God will offend someone, but it will also liberate someone.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

What if church was never meant to be led by just one voice?In this episode of Hope Now, Not Only Weekends, the Preaching & Teaching team from Hope Church Memphis breaks down the why behind their preaching & teaching model and how it’s rooted in Scripture, not strategy.From different backgrounds, personalities, and life experiences, this conversation reveals how multiple voices don’t dilute the message… they strengthen it. You’ll hear how diversity in age, ethnicity, gender, and perspective helps people feel seen, breaks down barriers, and brings the Bible to life in a deeper way.If you’ve ever wondered:Why some churches have multiple pastorsHow representation impacts faithOr how God uses different personalities to reach peopleThis episode will challenge what you thought church leadership had to look like.Because real hope isn’t one voice, it’s a full story.

Rev. Rufus Smith teaches from Ezekiel 27, encouraging you to examine if there is an area of life in which you need to "come live" again.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Dr. Eli Morris walks us through I Corinthians 4:9-21 on Palm Sunday. He reminds us how easy it is to look like we follow Jesus without actually living like Him. In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul confronts a prideful church, warning that the Kingdom of God is not just talk—it’s power.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith helps us examine I Corinthians 4:1-8. He challenges us to seriously consider if we care too much about what others think about us?Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

“Don’t you know by now” is a statement designed to motivate the Corinthian Church from infantile thinking and activate their new identity in Christ.

Rev. Rufus Smith takes us to the timeless passage of I Corinthians 3:9-10 & 3:12-13. The Lord is not only judging what you do but also why you do it.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Why does the church feel so divided? And why do so many people get hurt by it? Rev. Chad Johnson confronts celebrity Christianity, spiritual stagnation, and cultural identity confusion, and calls us back to a faith built on Jesus alone, not personalities, politics, or preferences.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith continues our series, Dear Corinth. Together, we examine 1 Corinthians 2:14-15a and 16b. Natural people routinely react by worldly standards, placing God on the back burner of their lives; however, spiritual people routinely react by biblical standards, placing God in the forefront of their lives.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith continues our series, Dear Corinth. He reminds us if we could make total sense of God, he would not be God; so I must trust HE knows more about living than I do.

Rev. Vincent Joplin continues our series, Dear Corinth. Together, we examined 1 Corinthians 2:1-8. He reminds us that Paul’s lessons for the Corinthians were timeless and still relatable today. He cautions listeners never to believe we know so much that we miss God at work.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Guest pastor, Rev. Beth Hannah, continues our series Dear Corinth. Together, we examine 1 Corinthians 1:25-31. She encourages us to take time to examine who's wisdom we are following: our own, or God's perfect wisdom.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comIInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @TheStirringAtHopeFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Like many of us in 2026, The Corinthian church lived beneath their potential, but the Apostle Paul’s tender but tough letter woke them up and pushed them forward. Rev. Rufus Smith continues our Corinthians series with commentary on todays negative use of cliques and splits.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comIInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @TheStirringAtHopeFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith starts of the Corinthians series with a review of why Corinthians is so deeply relatable to us today. Like many of us in 2026, the Corinthian church lived beneath their potential, but the Apostle Paul’s tender but tough letter woke them up and pushed them forward.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comIInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @TheStirringAtHopeFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Chad Johnson challenges each individual and the church as a whole to embrace 20 seconds of courageous, faith-filled obedience in 2026. He teaches us to overcome fear to take intentional steps that invite others to experience Jesus and allow God to work powerfully through their lives.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Hope Church Ruling Elders Misty Eddleman and Teresa Hargrove deliver a word to prepare our hearts for the new year remembering that God sustains us and is interwoven in every part of our story.—Stay connected with Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith teaches as we prepare for Christmas. Baby Jesus (the reason for the season) was God’s best gift to us, and your commitment to Him is your best gift to give back to God.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Vincent Joplin continues the Advent season with a message on "Peace". We know there is peace is because God promises us his peace through His son Jesus, and we know this because He tells us no other kings are worthy enough to lead us than Himself. Eternal peace requires and eternal king. —Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comIInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @TheStirringAtHopeFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith continues the Advent season with a message on "Love", "Why We Know How to Love." God’s radical love towards us teaches us to relentlessly love others.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comIInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @TheStirringAtHopeFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Dr. Eli Morris continues the Advent season with a message on "Joy", "Small Town Messiah." He reminds us that the true miracle of Christmas isn’t just that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as foretold, but that God chose to step into our world at all, initiating, invading, and identifying with humanity. In Jesus, God became one of us so we would know God, understand God's love, and see that God is with us in every part of our lives.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comIInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @TheStirringAtHopeFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Vincent Joplin moves us from our "ProphoSEE" sermon series into "Advent" at Hope with a powerful Advent message reminding us to imagine a better world and place our hope in the only King who carries every burden: Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace and bringer of Hope.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comIInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @TheStirringAtHopeFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith concluded our sermon series “PropheSEE: Visions of the Coming Savior”. The assurance of the new heaven and the new earth consoles us in the face of suffering and death.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith continues our sermon "Prophesee: Visions of the Coming Savior" taking us to the time of Moses, explaining the difference between Jesus' spiritual government, Moses' physical government, and what that means for us as stewards of the kingdom of Heaven.

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Chad Johnson continues the sermon series, "PropheSEE: Visions of a Coming Savior. He reminds us that life is not about elevating ourselves but about pointing others to Jesus, especially in their “wilderness," by being witnesses who extend a helping hand to those who are hurting, asking, new, or disconnected.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith continues the sermon series, "PropheSEE: Visions of a Coming Savior. He teaches us that Pentecost was the precise “moment" used by the Holy Spirit to glorify God the Father and unify all Jesus Followers.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.This series is for anyone seeking authentic faith, honest conversations, and a deeper understanding of God’s word—whether you’re deconstructing, in recovery, or just searching for real answers in a divided world.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Rufus Smith continues the sermon series, "PropheSEE: Visions of a Coming Savior." He teaches us that the pictures of the Old Testament and the principles in the New Testament are one covenant, meant to embolden our lives in a fallen world.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. Chad Johnson begins our new series "PropheSEE: Visions of the Coming Savior". He explains that there is hope in the prophecies about Jesus and we should look to them to learn more about Him. Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Rev. David Morris concludes the "Swipe Left" sermon series unpacking Jesus’ radical command to love your enemies, showing that real strength comes through surrender, prayer, and choosing love over hate, even when it feels impossible. It’s a raw reminder that boundaries, grace, and forgiveness are how we heal, reflect God’s heart, and break cycles of bitterness.The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.This series is for anyone seeking authentic faith, honest conversations, and a deeper understanding of God’s word—whether you’re deconstructing, in recovery, or just searching for real answers in a divided world.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @TheStirringAtHopeFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Prayer

Rev. Rufus Smith preaches on "Why Did Jesus Weep?" He teaches us there were three kinds of tears Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died but one will surprise you.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

The Stirring meets at 5:30 pm on Sundays.This series is for anyone seeking authentic faith, honest conversations, and a deeper understanding of God’s word—whether you’re deconstructing, in recovery, or just searching for real answers in a divided world.—Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give