New Work Fellowship Podcast

This week on the Beyond Sunday podcast, Michael Shearon, Josh Hensley, and special guests Wendy Westerfield, Noell Robinson, and Tressy Wells share heartfelt and hilarious stories from the front lines of foster care. From kids eating chicken bones and discovering sweat for the first time to touching conversations about reunification, adoption, and opening your home, the episode balances laughter with powerful reminders of what it means to care for others in tangible ways. The conversation also highlights how foster care impacts the entire family and how God uses those experiences to shape compassion, patience, and perspective.

Altared: God’s Design in Life and Relationship Walking the Aisle - Where It All Begins Genesis 15:8-21 Wedding ceremonies are filled with moments we recognize, but many of them carry deeper biblical meaning than we realize. From covenant to relationships, these traditions often point to something greater than themselves. One of the most iconic moments in any wedding is the walk down the aisle and it carries a far deeper meaning than most people realize.

This week’s episode of Beyond Sunday starts with hilarious stories about siblings, childhood memories, and the random things people refuse to throw away. From old Nintendo systems to mysterious keys and worn-out keepsakes, the conversation naturally shifts into a deeper discussion about forgiveness and why some hurts are much harder to release than others. Using the story of Hosea and Gomer, the team reflects on God’s relentless love and the challenge of choosing forgiveness even when it costs something deeply personal.   The second half of the episode dives into what it means to truly forgive, receive forgiveness, and choose love again. The hosts talk about bitterness, relationships, worship, and how God’s forgiveness toward us changes the way we treat others. There are heartfelt moments, honest reflections, and somehow a story about Josh dressing up as a giant foam tongue in a children’s musical. It’s meaningful, funny, and full of reminders that grace changes everything.

Forgiveness is a journey. We fear it because it costs so much, but grace wins when we keep choosing it. Forgiveness is not a moment; it’s a lifestyle. Grace Wins - Over Fear Hosea 3:1-3

This week on Beyond Sunday, Josh, Michael, Evan, and special guest Lorin Borntrager follow up on week two of Grace Wins with a conversation about bitterness, forgiveness, and the freedom God wants for us. After a very memorable taste-test game full of bitter foods and drinks, the conversation turns to Joseph’s story and the challenge of forgiving even when the apology is weak, the hurt is real, and bitterness feels justified. The episode also gets practical about boundaries, reconciliation, family patterns, anger, and what it looks like to keep choosing forgiveness without pretending the hurt never happened. It is a thoughtful and honest reminder that forgiveness does not always happen overnight, but it does open the door to healing, freedom, and a heart ready to love again.

Grace Wins - Over Bitterness Genesis 50:14-21 Forgiveness is the hard work of releasing bitterness. Grace wins when we choose release over revenge, even while keeping wisdom and boundaries.

ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US This week’s episode starts with a fun, laid-back vibe, featuring stories and a “Forgiveness Scale” game, but quickly turns into a meaningful conversation about the reality of forgiveness in everyday life. As the team works through lighthearted scenarios, it becomes clear how differently we respond to being wronged and how much harder it gets when the situation hits closer to home. The discussion naturally shifts toward the deeper truth behind the Grace Wins series: forgiveness isn’t just about what others have done to us, but what we continue to hold against ourselves. The heart of the episode centers on Peter’s story and the powerful reminder that failure is real, but it’s not final. The group unpacks the difference between guilt and shame—one drawing us back to God, the other trying to redefine who we are—and highlights how often we live under condemnation that Christ has already removed. Forgiving yourself is not a one-time moment but a daily decision to believe what God says over what you feel. Grace doesn’t just restore... it moves you forward, calling you into what’s next rather than leaving you stuck in what was.

Grace Wins - “Forgiving Ourselves” -John 21:15-19 The journey begins by receiving Christ’s forgiveness and letting go of guilt and shame. If we cannot forgive ourselves, we will remain stuck in failure rather than walking in resurrection life.

LISTENER ENGAGEMENT- ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US This week on Beyond Sunday, the conversation starts with some unbelievable stories—massive pumpkins, oversized watermelons, and gardens producing way more than expected. But what begins as lighthearted fun quickly turns into a deeper question: if your life were a garden, what would it be producing right now? From honest reflections on things that didn’t grow the way we hoped to meaningful encouragement around relationships, leadership, and faith, this episode challenges us to take a closer look at what we’re cultivating. Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it takes care, consistency, and trust in what God is doing beneath the surface. And as the team looks ahead, there’s a powerful reminder that grace meets us right where we are and leads us forward.

IF LIFE WERE A GARDEN - The City Garden of God—Where Death Will Die - Revelation 22:1-5 The final City Garden of God is the place where everything broken is fully restored and God dwells with His people forever. Prepared from before the foundation of the world, it is a perfect and eternal home that far surpasses anything we know. Our story is not ending in loss, but in victory, moving toward complete restoration, renewed creation, and life with Him that we were made for.

Hosted by Steve Buttram with Kevin Lee, Michael Shearon, and Paxton Redd, this week’s episode brings a fun, honest look at Easter traditions—from egg hunts and Reese’s eggs to family moments that make the day special—but it quickly shifts into something deeper. As the team reflects on Easter at The Bruce and across both campuses, they unpack the powerful message of “The Garden of the Skull,” where death gives way to life and God meets us in our darkest moments. With stories of spontaneous baptisms and real-life transformation, the conversation highlights how Easter isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we’re invited into. The discussion moves into a meaningful reflection on “graves into gardens,” exploring how seasons of hardship often feel like endings but are actually places where God is quietly at work. Through personal stories and biblical insight, the team reminds us that even when life feels silent or uncertain, God is preparing something greater—both in us and around us. It’s a hopeful, faith-building reminder to trust Him in every season and live with eternity in mind as we walk forward.

The garden of Golgotha is a strange place where death somehow becomes life. On that skull-shaped hill, Jesus stepped right into the darkest reality we all face and planted Himself there like a seed in the ground. What looked like the end… wasn’t the end at all. God was at work, even in the silence, bringing life out of death. The empty tomb proves there’s more to the story. And just like He called Mary by name, He still calls ours today, inviting us to step out of death and into new life. Because even in the hardest places, God is still working- turning graves into gardens and offering life to anyone who will receive it.

This week’s episode brings a fun and honest conversation as the crew kicks things off with some alliteration-filled introductions before diving into a thought-provoking segment called “Whose Will Is It Anyway?” Through real-life scenarios—group chats, big opportunities, Sunday morning stress, and even those quiet moments no one sees—they wrestle with a powerful question: Is this God’s will… or mine? The discussion is both lighthearted and deeply challenging, reminding us that obedience—not success, recognition, or comfort—is the true marker of walking with God. The conversation then turns toward prayer and preparation, drawing from Jesus’ example in the Garden of Gethsemane. Instead of praying after problems arise, we’re called to pray before they come—anchoring our hearts in God’s will ahead of time. As Easter approaches, the team encourages listeners to lean into intentional prayer, invite others, and trust that God is working even when we don’t see immediate results. It’s a timely reminder that faithfulness matters, seeds are being planted, and God’s purposes are always bigger than what we can measure.

If Life Were a Garden - "The Garden of Gethsemane - Where Life Was Won" - Matthew 26:36-46 The garden of Gethsemane is a place of both beauty and deep sorrow—the very ground where the battle for our salvation was fought and won. On that heavy night, Jesus chose not to walk away, but to draw near to the Father in honest, agonizing prayer. Even in overwhelming grief, betrayal, and pressure, He remained rooted in God’s presence. This powerful reflection invites us to become “garden people”—those who pray deeply, stay close to God in every season, and trust Him even in life’s hardest moments. Because it is often in the darkest gardens that God is doing His greatest work.

ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US This week’s conversation with Hannah Buttram, Josh Hensley, Paxton Redd, and Michael Shearon brings a fresh look at the beginning—walking through the Garden of Eden and how something that didn’t seem dangerous became irresistible. Through a fun (and surprisingly revealing) food game, the team highlights how small additions can transform something ordinary into something hard to resist—mirroring how temptation often works in our lives. Sin rarely appears destructive; instead, it appears appealing, subtle, and justifiable. The discussion unpacks how sin is greedy, contagious, and ultimately separates us from God, while also reminding us that the enemy often tempts us with things God has already promised—just twisted or mistimed. The conversation moves deeper into how sin spreads—not just through actions, but through relationships, habits, and even family patterns. From gossip to comparison to hidden struggles, the group reflects on how easily we drift when we’re tired, isolated, or trying to carry things alone. Yet even in the weight of sin’s reality, there is a strong thread of hope: God’s mercy is woven into the story from the very beginning. What may feel like consequence can actually be protection, and what feels like defeat has already been overcome through Jesus. As Easter approaches, the invitation is clear—step out of the cycle of sin and into the life and freedom that Christ has already secured.

If Life Were a Garden - "The Garden of Eden - First Life" - Genesis 2:4-15 From the very beginning, God chose a garden as the place where life would begin—a space full of beauty, purpose, and His presence. Adam and Eve had everything they needed, and most importantly, they walked closely with God. But sin disrupted that perfection, bringing brokenness not only to humanity but to all of creation. Still, the story doesn’t end in ruin. Though sin damages every “garden” it touches, God—the true Gardener—never abandons His creation. Even in the midst of our mess, He is at work, restoring, redeeming, and bringing life again.

ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US This week’s episode brings a long-awaited guest to the table—Tammy Witty, one of the podcast’s most faithful listeners, finally stepping into the conversation. After some fun (including a Disney vs. Scripture game that keeps everyone guessing), the tone shifts into something deeper as the team reflects on what it truly means for love to endure. Through laughter, stories, and honest moments, the conversation builds around the idea that real love isn’t just felt—it’s proven over time through perseverance, sacrifice, and intentional daily choice. Tammy shares a powerful and personal testimony of walking through hardship with her husband’s health crisis, offering a living picture of love that endures disappointment, difficulty, and requires intentional faith. Her story becomes a reminder that enduring love is rooted in a strong foundation with Christ, and that even in seasons of struggle, God is at work shaping something meaningful. The episode closes with encouragement for anyone feeling weary or ready to give up—pointing back to Jesus as the perfect example of love that never quits and always makes a way forward.

Living on Purpose - "Be Loyal...to the End" - 1 Corinthians 13:7; John 13:1-5, 12-17 Love that truly lasts doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention. In a world that often drifts toward convenience and self-interest, followers of Jesus are called to something deeper. If we want love to endure, we must choose it daily by following the way of Jesus. This means loving God wholeheartedly and loving others faithfully, just as He did. Real discipleship isn’t passive; it’s a lifelong commitment to live and love like Christ—faithfully and fully, all the way to the end.

This week on Beyond Sunday, Josh Hensley is joined by Michael Shearon, Brandon Tubbs, and Justin Eshenbaugh for a lively conversation centered on truth, honesty, and the cultural confusion surrounding absolute truth. The episode kicks off with a fun game called “Absolute Truth?”, setting the tone for a discussion about how culture often blurs the lines between personal opinion and objective truth. From humorous takes to deeper reflections, the group explores how quickly conversations about truth can shift depending on perspective. As the conversation deepens, the team reflects on the biblical claim that truth ultimately has a source—Jesus Himself—and how that reality challenges the modern belief that everyone gets to define truth for themselves. They talk about how lies shape behavior, why culture often resists the idea of absolute truth, and why Jesus’ bold declaration of who He is demands a response from every person. With a mix of humor and thoughtful discussion, the episode invites listeners to consider whether their beliefs are rooted in opinion or anchored in the truth revealed through Christ.

Living on Purpose - "Just Be Honest" - 1 Corinthians 13:6; John 8:31-59 In John 8:31–59 we encounter a powerful “truth conflict.” Jesus boldly speaks truth, yet those around Him reject it because it doesn’t fit their version of truth. The tension feels strikingly familiar in our culture today. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we truth tellers? Does the truth shape the way we live? Or is there a gap between what we say and how we live? In the end, this story calls us to lives of integrity and fidelity—letting the truth of Christ win out in us and through us.

ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US   This week on the Beyond Sunday podcast, Josh Hensley is joined by Steve Buttram, Michael Shearon, and special guest Keion Brown to unpack Paxton Redd’s sermon on forgiveness. The conversation opens with a fun segment called “The Scoreboard,” where the hosts confess the petty and often humorous ways people keep score in everyday life—at home, in relationships, and even in ministry. That playful start leads into a deeper reflection on one of the sermon’s central truths: forgiveness means choosing not to keep a record of wrongs. The group talks about how easily people track who did more, who apologized first, or who carried the heavier load—and how grace calls believers to lay down those invisible scorecards. The discussion then moves into the deeper work of forgiveness, especially the important distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. The hosts talk honestly about setting healthy boundaries, how unresolved wounds can shape our relationships, and why forgiving ourselves can sometimes be the hardest step of all. They remind listeners that forgiveness flows from receiving God’s grace first—and that lingering shame often keeps people stuck long after God has already offered freedom. It’s a thoughtful conversation about grace, healing, and learning to live in the freedom Christ provides.

Living on Purpose - "Forgive...Wisely" - 1 Corinthians 13:5 Forgiveness is hard. Not just hard to do — but hard to do well. Hard to do without reopening wounds. Hard to do without stepping back into the crossfire of hurt. Jesus was all about forgiveness. He came to bring it. And yet even in His relationship with Peter, we see how painful forgiveness can be. The bold leader. The confident voice. “Even if all fall away…” And then the denial. Three times. Followed by that moment — locked eyes across the courtyard. That had to sting. And later, by a charcoal fire — again — Jesus gently, deliberately restores what had been broken. Three denials. Three questions. Three declarations of love. It stung. But it healed. Forgiveness is good for us. Necessary for us. But it must be applied with wisdom. Forgiveness does not mean remaining endlessly vulnerable to someone’s sin. It does not ignore truth. It sets the wounded free. And often, when you finally let it go, you discover that you are the one who has been set free.

Michael Shearon is joined by Hannah Buttram, Paxton Redd, and first-time guest A.B. Rushing for a lively episode of Beyond Sunday, stepping in while Josh is out sick. The crew kicks things off with a relatable “this-or-that” game around everyday frustrations, setting up an honest and practical conversation about anger, irritation, and the small moments that reveal what’s really happening in our hearts. Through humor and personal stories, the team explores how reactions in everyday life can expose deeper spiritual patterns. The discussion then turns toward Michael’s message on Jesus, Lazarus, and the reality that anger isn’t always sinful—but it must be guarded well. The group reflects on accusational anger, bitterness that drains hope, and how Christ’s compassion reshapes our responses. They share real-world practices like slowing down, stepping away, praying honestly, and asking better questions of our emotions, while also looking ahead to next week’s focus on forgiveness and highlighting upcoming church events and volunteer opportunities.

Living on Purpose - "Guard Your Anger" - 1 Corinthians 13:5, John 11:32-44 Maybe we should just skip this one. What do you say? But if you’re tempted to gloss over it, it might be the very thing you need most. We have anger problems. And not always the kind we recognize. We’ve all been wounded by someone’s anger. And we’ve all wounded others with our own. Maybe what we need isn’t avoidance—but a little remedial anger rehab. Anger itself isn’t evil. It’s an emotion God designed—an important response system involving our mind, body, and soul. Ephesians 4:26 tells us to “be angry, and yet do not sin.” That’s the tension. That’s the challenge. And that’s exactly what we see in Jesus. The Gospels clearly show moments when Jesus was angry. His anger wasn’t selfish or impulsive. It was purposeful. Compassionate. Rooted in righteousness. There are times when anger is appropriate. Jesus knew that. The real question is this: Am I angry? Why am I angry? Am I angry about the right things? And ultimately— Is my anger rooted in not getting my own way? Or is it rooted in godly compassion? That difference changes everything.