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Got a question? Let us know! Host (Heather): Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore how to take what we heard on Sunday and actually live it out during the week. Who’s with me today? Guests (Jamey, and RaChelle): [Say hello!] Host: This week we’re diving into Step 8 from our Steps series—but before we get there, let’s catch up. WEEKEND CHITCHAT Quick catch-up—what did everyone get into this weekend?  (Keep it light, human, and fun.) Host Transition: Alright, now that we’ve established we’re real people… BIBLE READING CHALLENGE Host: How’s Jesus been speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week? (1 Samuel & Luke) Anything standing out? Host Transition: Love that. Let’s lean into some of the questions coming in. WHAT THE WHAT (Listener Questions) Host: After Easter, we got some really thoughtful questions—so we’re starting to dig into those now and will keep it going in the weeks ahead. Question 1 (Faith rhythms): For someone who’s struggled to stay consistent reading the Bible or praying—especially if they don’t love reading—where would you encourage them to start? Follow-ups:  Is Bible reading about knowledge, relationship, or both?  How do we build rhythms of prayer in both hard seasons and good ones?  What’s realistic—set times, spontaneous prayer, or a mix? Question 2 (Original sin): Why were Adam and Eve held accountable if they didn’t yet understand good and evil before eating the fruit? Follow-up:  How should we understand responsibility, trust, and disobedience in that story without oversimplifying it? Host Transition: Those are big, honest questions—and they actually connect really well to where we’re headed today. SUNDAY DISH Host: This week in Turbulence, Jamey, you helped us shift from chasing peace through control to receiving peace through presence. Jesus didn’t leave His disciples empty-handed—He promised the Holy Spirit as God’s active presence with us. The invitation?  Let go of control. Stay present. Learn to listen. Q1 – Icebreaker (Real Life Response) When life feels turbulent, what’s your default—control, withdraw, fix, or reflect? Q2 – Personal Connection We all come from different church backgrounds. What was your understanding of the Holy Spirit early on—and how has that changed over time? Q3 – Digging Deeper (Not a Backup Plan) Jesus promises “another Advocate”—another of the same kind. What would that have meant to the disciples, and why does it matter that the Spirit isn’t a substitute for Jesus—but His ongoing presence? Follow-up: How does that reshape the way we depend on the Holy Spirit in everyday life? Q4 – From Quote to Life “Control is an illusion.” How do we tell the difference between healthy responsibility and the kind of control that quietly steals our peace? Follow-up: What are some signs we’ve slipped from trust into control? Q5 – Big Idea (Someone, Not Something) “The Holy Spirit isn’t just something to understand—He’s someone to experience.” What does a healthy, gr Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Host (Heather): Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore ways to bring Sunday’s message into our everyday lives. Who’s joining me today? Guests (Tyler, Jamey, and Chelle): Hey everyone! WEEKEND CHITCHAT Host: Alright—quick catch-up. What did everyone get into this weekend? Host Transition: Okay, now that we’ve established we’re real people with real lives… BIBLE READING CHALLENGE Host: How’s Jesus speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week? (Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, Luke) WHAT THE WHAT???? Host: After Easter, we got some great questions sent in—so we’re going to start digging into a few of those today, and we’ll keep that going in the weeks ahead. We’re also gearing up for a summer series called Campfire Stories, where we’ll tackle real questions about faith, life, and culture—so this is a bit of a preview. Question 1 – Relationships & Timing We heard from someone wrestling with timing, trust, and relationships—feeling behind, feeling pressure, and wondering how much is on them versus trusting God. Discussion prompts:  How do you balance intentionality in relationships with trusting God’s timing?  What does healthy discernment look like vs. being overly critical or judgmental?  How do you deal with the fear of being “behind” in life? Question 2 – Trinity & Focus on Jesus Another question asked why Christians focus so much on Jesus instead of speaking more broadly about God as a whole. Discussion prompts:  How does Jesus reveal the fullness of God rather than compete with it?  Why is focusing on Jesus central to Christian faith? Follow-up: How should we understand gendered language for God—what’s cultural, and what’s theological? SUNDAY DISH Host: Tyler, this week you continued our Turbulence series, looking at John 14–15—where the disciples wanted clarity, direction, and answers… and Jesus offered them something deeper: Himself. Q1 – Icebreaker Have y’all ever been completely lost—like truly had no idea where you were going? Q2 – Personal Connection Tyler, you shared about your journey—especially this being your last season on staff here. Can you give us a glimpse into that earlier season when you first came here—and how that’s shaping how you’re navigating what’s ahead? Follow-up: Jamey and Chelle, can you relate to that tension of uncertainty and transition? Q3 – Seeing the Father in the Son In John 14, Jesus says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” How would you help someone understand that without oversimplifying the mystery? Follow-up: Why does this matter for someone whose view of a “father” has been shaped by pain? Q4 – Trusting Without the Whole Map We often want full clarity before we trust. What does it actually look like to obey with partial light? Follow-up: How can we tell the difference between faithful waiting and fear disguised as wisdom? Q5 – Big Idea: Trusting the Pilot The big idea: Peace comes from Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Host (Heather): Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore ways to bring Sunday’s message into our everyday lives. Who’s joining me today? Guests (Jamey, Joe, and RaChelle): Hey everyone! Host: This week is a big one—we’re wrapping up our Steps series, all 12 steps, and it lands on Palm Sunday…which feels pretty fitting. But before we jump in—how was everyone’s weekend? Anybody get outside and enjoy the weather? WEEKEND CHITCHAT (Let it breathe—keep it human and light.) BIBLE READING CHALLENGE Host: How’s Jesus speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week? (Joshua & Luke) SUNDAY DISH Host: So today we’re holding two things together—Palm Sunday and the close of our Steps journey. We see a crowd celebrating Jesus for who they think He is…while He’s actually moving toward the cross. And at the same time, we’re talking about what it looks like to not just experience change—but actually live it out. Q1 – Wrapping the Journey Jamey, as you closed out this series—what felt most important for you to leave with people? Q2 – Step 12: Outward Movement Step 12 shifts from internal transformation to outward impact. Why is helping others such a critical part of the process? Follow-up: What happens if someone stops at personal healing but never moves outward? Why is helping others actually part of staying healthy? Q3 – Palm Sunday Tension On Palm Sunday, the crowd had expectations of Jesus that didn’t match reality. Where do you see that same tension in our lives today? Follow-up: Where do we want a “different version” of Jesus? How does that impact our willingness to follow Him fully? Q4 – “Give It Away to Keep It” If this is our Year of Practice, Step 12 feels less like an ending and more like a beginning. Jamey, you said, you have to give it away to keep it. Where have you seen that play out in real life—especially when someone feels like they have nothing left to give? Q5 – Self-Improvement vs Surrender What are some red flags that following Jesus has quietly turned into a self-improvement plan? Follow-up: What would it look like for a church to measure maturity less by what it consumes—and more by who it’s serving? Q6 – The Power of Remembering One of the most powerful moments this week was communion. How does remembering what Jesus has done shape how we live? Follow-up: Why is remembering essential to spiritual formation? What happens when we drift from it? Q7 – Practicing Through Holy Week This week we step into Holy Week—24-hour prayer and Good Friday. How do these moments help us practice instead of just move on? Follow-up: What would you say to someone who’s never done something like the 24-hour prayer experience? Why does intentional space with God matter? What have you experienced there that’s different from a typical Sunday? Q8 – Staying the Course After a season like this, it’s easy to drift. Where do people tend to slip back into o Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Host (Heather): Welcome to Made for Mondays—the podcast where we explore ways to bring Sunday’s message into our everyday lives. Who’s joining me today? Guests (Jamey and Tyler): Hey everyone! WEEKEND CHITCHAT Host: Alright, before we jump in—what did y’all get into this weekend? Host Transition: Okay, now that we’ve established we’re real people with real lives… BIBLE READING CHALLENGE Host: How’s Jesus speaking to you through the Bible Reading Challenge this week? (Deuteronomy, Joshua, Mark, Luke) SUNDAY DISH Host: Tyler, this week you walked us into Step 11 by reminding us that connection with God grows through practice, not pressure. From Philippians 4, you showed us that prayer, meditation, gratitude, and steadying our thoughts aren’t ways to earn closeness with God—they’re ways to live with Him. Q1 – Personal Entry Point When you think about your current connection with God, what word or phrase comes to mind—and why? Follow-up: Has that felt consistent lately, or has it been shifting? Q2 – Joy Before the Change Paul talks about rejoicing—even while under house arrest. How does that challenge the way we tie joy to circumstances instead of closeness with Jesus? Follow-up: What might change in our prayer life if we focused on being with God before asking Him to fix things? Q3 – Practice, Not Pressure Our big idea is: connection with God grows through practice, not pressure. The Jewish people built their lives around rhythms with God, while we often try to “fit Him in.” What does that difference reveal about how we view our relationship with Him? Follow-up: How might even a few intentional rhythms reshape that connection? Q4 – When Noise Wins We talked about both external and internal noise. What tends to drown out God most in our lives right now? Follow-up: How can community help us notice when life feels full—but our souls are running dry? Q5 – The Next Right Thing Tyler, you tied connection with God to simple obedience—doing the next right thing. For someone who feels stuck, what’s one small step they could take this week? Follow-up: Why does God so often meet us in ordinary obedience instead of big breakthrough moments? JOIN US SUNDAY! Host: That’s all we’ve got for today! We’ll see you and your guests this Sunday at 9 and 10:45 as we take the final (yet ongoing) step together. If you can’t make it in person, join us on YouTube at 1PM. We know these Steps have been challenging—but we hope they’ve also been deeply rewarding. Remember—it works if you work it. Until next time… go BE LOVE! Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Step Ten: Ongoing Inventory This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Tyler, and RaChelle to talk about Step 10 — continuing to take personal inventory and promptly admitting when we’re wrong. Before diving into the conversation, the group catches up about the weekend and reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, continuing through Deuteronomy and Mark. Then the conversation turns to Sunday’s message. SUNDAY DISH The reaction to “taking inventory” When people hear the phrase take inventory, reactions vary. For some it sounds freeing and clarifying. For others it feels exhausting or intimidating. The group reflects on why honest self-examination can feel uncomfortable—even though it’s meant to lead to freedom. The illusion of “arriving” Jamey pointed out that following Jesus doesn’t make us sinless—it makes us forgiven. Yet many Christians quietly assume maturity means we should eventually stop struggling. That expectation can create pressure to hide our struggles instead of bringing them honestly before God and trusted community. “When,” not “if” Step 10 uses the phrase when we were wrong, not if. That small word reminds us that spiritual growth doesn’t eliminate mistakes—it teaches us how to respond when they happen. Honest acknowledgment of failure doesn’t lower the bar for holiness; it keeps us grounded in humility and grace. Living one day at a time Jamey shared the illustration of eating a lifetime’s worth of food one day at a time. In the same way, spiritual growth becomes overwhelming when we try to think about the entire journey at once. Focusing on today helps us stay connected to Jesus in the present instead of discouraged by the past or anxious about the future. Honest community The group reflects on a story shared Sunday about an older man who openly admitted his ongoing struggles. Moments like that show the power of honesty in community. When people feel safe enough to tell the truth about their lives, it creates space for real growth without pretending we’ve already arrived. Practicing Step 10 Jamey described three ways to practice this step: Spot-check inventory — pausing in the moment when something feels offDaily inventory — reflecting on the day with GodPeriodic inventory — stepping back occasionally for deeper reflectionFor someone feeling overwhelmed, the best place to start may simply be a daily moment of reflection with God—asking where things went well, where we missed the mark, and where grace is needed. Final Reflection Regularly admitting when we’re wrong doesn’t push us farther from Jesus—it keeps us close to Him. Honest reflection reminds us that growth isn’t about perfection, but about continually returning to grace. Join Us Sunday That’s all we have time for today, friends! Join us THIS Sunday at 9 and 10:45 AM as we continue taking the next step toward healing and freedom together. If you can’t make it in person, watch on YouTube at 1 PM. These Steps may be challenging, but they’re shaping something good. Remember: it works if you work it. Go be love, everybody—we’ll see you next week! Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Step Nine: Making Amends This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Doug, Tyler, and Jamey to talk about Step 9 — making direct amends whenever possible. Before diving into the conversation, the group catches up about the weekend and reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, currently in Deuteronomy and Mark. WHAT THE WHAT??? Listener Sarah Beth wrote in with a thoughtful question after reading the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25). She shared how the passage seems to highlight the difference between outward association with faith and genuine readiness for Christ’s return. Her question connects this parable with other passages like Matthew 7:21–23 and James 2:19, asking how we understand the tension between believing in God and actually having a relationship with Jesus. More personally, she shares the heavy burden many Christians feel for loved ones who claim faith but don’t seem to pursue a relationship with Christ. The group acknowledges that tension—we can’t see anyone’s heart, but love naturally makes us care deeply about the spiritual lives of the people around us. SUNDAY DISH The conversation then turns to Step 9: making amends. Why apologizing feels so hard Doug shares a vulnerable moment about scrolling through old text messages and realizing how many apologies existed in his conversations. It sparked reflection on why apologizing can feel so difficult—even when we know we were wrong. Often the biggest hurdle is moving from feeling bad to actually taking responsibility. The deeper weight of the Prodigal Son story Looking at the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, Doug explains that asking for an inheritance early in that culture wasn’t just reckless—it was deeply offensive and relationally damaging. Understanding that helps us see why honest acknowledgment of harm matters before we try to repair relationships. Real repair vs surface apologies Doug shares a quote from John Ortberg: “It’s one thing to make repairs on the outside, it’s another thing to be repaired on the inside.” Surface apologies often focus on restoring peace quickly, but real repentance allows God to address the deeper patterns that caused the hurt in the first place. A practical framework for making amends Doug introduces the CRAFT framework for approaching difficult conversations: ConversationRecalling the harm honestlyApologizing clearlyForgiveness (asking, not demanding)Taking responsibility through follow-upThe group also highlights an important caution from Step 9: sometimes direct contact could cause further harm, so wisdom and discernment matter. When amends don’t lead to reconciliation Even in the Prodigal Son story, the older brother remains angry. That reminds us that sincere apologies don’t always bring immediate reconciliation. Healing can take time, and a healthy community makes room for both repentance and wounded people processing their pain. Where to begin For anyone who already knows the name on their Step 9 list but feels anxious or unsure, the first step might simply be preparation—prayer, reflection, humility, and pacing the process wisely. Final Reflection How does Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Eight: The Damage: Name Those We've Harmed This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Tyler, Jamey, and RaChelle for a conversation around one of the most stretching steps yet: Step 8 — making a list of people we’ve harmed and becoming willing to make amends. After some light weekend catch-up (including dinner at Lofay’s 👏), the group reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, walking through Numbers and Mark, and noticing themes of new life in Jesus—especially how Paul and other Jews wrestled with what transformation actually meant. Then they step into Sunday’s message. And let’s be honest—Step 8 hits differently. Because it’s one thing to talk about personal growth.  It’s another thing to start naming the people impacted by our brokenness. Here’s where the conversation goes: • The first reaction When you hear, “Make a list of people you’ve harmed,” what rises up first? Resistance? Fear? Defensiveness? Maybe even relief? The group unpacks why that reaction is so common. Naming harm confronts the image we prefer to manage—the version of ourselves we’re most comfortable believing. • Why we remember our hurt more clearly than our harm Drawing from Tyler’s “two lists” tension, the conversation explores why it’s easier to recall who hurt us than where we’ve hurt others—even unintentionally. It reveals something deeply human: we instinctively experience life from the center of our own story. Step 8 gently invites us to shift perspective. • Zacchaeus and dignified shame (Luke 19) Luke includes the detail that Zacchaeus climbs a tree—an undignified act for a grown man in that culture. Why does that matter? The group reflects on how shame isolates, but Jesus moves toward him anyway. Even more powerful: Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name before repentance or repair happens. Being seen with grace makes honesty possible.  Grace doesn’t excuse harm—it creates the safety to face it. • Grace and responsibility belong together Heather repeats a key line: “Grace doesn’t make responsibility unnecessary—it makes it possible.” The group discusses why grace is often misunderstood as the removal of accountability instead of the empowerment to embrace it. What would change if a church truly believed conviction and compassion could coexist? They also name the important distinction between conviction (which invites growth) and condemnation (which attacks identity). • Cleaning up our side of the street Step 8 asks us to own our part—even when we’ve also been hurt. That’s a hard tension. The conversation makes space for the reality that acknowledging harm we’ve caused doesn’t minimize wounds we’ve experienced. Both can be true. The key is resisting comparison and scorekeeping, which only delay freedom. • Beginning, not finishing (Year of Practice) In alignment with The Year of Practice, the focus shifts from completing Step 8 to simply beginning it well. A healthy first attempt might look like: Choosing posture before productivityPacing the process instead of rushing itExercising safety and wisdomDistinguishing willingness from full readinessBecause Step 8 isn’t about speed. It’s about sin Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Seven: The Petition This week on Made for Mondays, Joe is joined by Heather, Jamey, and Tyler for a conversation centered on Step 7 in the STEPS journey: The Petition. After some weekend catch-up (yes, Olympics enthusiasm makes an appearance 👀), the group reflects on the Bible Reading Challenge, having just stepped into Numbers and Mark, before diving into Sunday’s message. And before things get too serious? An Olympic icebreaker. Favorite sport. Strong opinions. No medals awarded—just bragging rights. Then the conversation turns toward the heart of Step 7. Pastor Heather framed this step around a powerful idea:  Humility begins when asking feels safer than hiding. Step 7 invites us to humbly ask God to remove what we cannot—to stop performing and start trusting. Here’s where the conversation goes: • Asking vs. hiding The group reflects on a simple but revealing question: Are you more likely to ask for help—or hide what you’re dealing with? For many of us, hiding feels easier. Safer. More controlled. But hiding also keeps us stuck. • The Samaritan Woman (John 4) Heather revisits the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus asks her for a drink before addressing her story. He doesn’t shame her. He doesn’t expose her. He creates safety first. The timing—noon—suggests she was avoiding people. And yet Jesus meets her there. The group explores what this shows us about how Jesus approaches our shame—and what it might look like for us to create that same kind of safety for someone else. Where do we choose isolation over community? And what would one small, honest “ask” look like this week? • Pride vs. humility Referencing Dallas Willard, Heather highlights that humility grows when we stop pretending, stop presuming we’re already in the right, and stop pushing our will over others. The group wrestles with an important distinction: humble asking isn’t passive resignation. It’s active trust. It’s choosing dependence over self-protection. • Safe enough to be honest If humility begins when asking feels safer than hiding, what would it take for our church to truly be that safe? The group discusses the culture, language, leadership posture, and everyday practices that help a room feel safe enough for someone to say, “I’m not okay,” and still be lovingly moved toward healing. • The OWN practice: Observe, Welcome, Name Heather unpacks a practical tool for Step 7 in real time. Instead of enthroning our emotions—or ignoring them—we can: Observe what we’re feeling.Welcome it without panic or shame.Name it honestly before God.The group walks through a real-life example—hurt leading to withdrawal—and what it looks like to pause in the moment, name the emotion, and ask God for help instead of hiding behind it. Because Step 7 isn’t about pretending we’re stronger than we are.  It’s about admitting we’re not—and asking anyway. The big idea stays simple and challenging: Humility begins when asking feels safer than hiding. And that kind of humility doesn’t grow overnight. It grows through small, honest prayers. Through noticing when the umbrella goes up. Through choosing to ask ins Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Step Six: Becoming Entirely Ready This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Tyler, and RaChelle for a conversation about one of the most honest—and quietly confronting—steps in the STEPS journey: Step 6, becoming entirely ready for God to remove our defects of character. After catching up on all things Night to Shine and Valentine’s Day, the group reflects on what stood out from this week’s Bible Reading Challenge (hello, Leviticus… and wrapping up Matthew 👀), before leaning into Sunday’s message. Step 6 sounds hopeful at first. Who doesn’t want change?  But it also sounds slightly terrifying. Because it’s one thing to want freedom. It’s another thing to be entirely ready for God to actually change us. This episode lives in that tension—the space between desire and readiness. Here’s where the conversation goes: • The gap between almost and entirely Jamey names the deeply human space between being almost ready and entirely ready. The group reflects on why that gap is normal in spiritual life—and why growth so often unfolds in that in-between place. • It’s not laziness—it’s division Drawing from James 1’s image of being double-minded, the conversation explores what it looks like to pray sincere prayers while still rowing toward something else. The problem isn’t usually effort. It’s divided trust. We don’t often tell God “no”—we just quietly say “not yet.” • Our modern “not yet” prayers Referencing Augustine’s famous, “Lord, make me chaste… but not yet,” the group laughs—and then gets honest. Where do we postpone change today? Comfort, habits, relationships, control? Resistance rarely sounds rebellious. It usually sounds like “tomorrow.” • Identity is the deeper issue The heart of Step 6 isn’t behavior modification—it’s identity transformation. Jamey revisits three common identity lies: I am what I have.I am what people think of me.I am what I do.If we believe those, then letting God change us can feel like losing ourselves. But if we are already God’s beloved, then change isn’t loss—it’s freedom. • What didn’t make it into Sunday’s message The group creates space for what couldn’t be said in the sermon—clarifying that readiness isn’t about emotional hype or dramatic surrender. It’s quieter than that. More honest. More patient. • What becoming ready actually looks like For the listener who feels resistance, the group makes it practical: Becoming ready might look like noticing where you say “tomorrow.” Naming your excuses honestly in prayer. Sitting with God before trying to fix yourself. Letting willingness be smaller—and slower—than you expected. • Encouragement for the not-yet-ready heart If you’re thinking, “I want to be entirely ready… but I’m not there,” the encouragement is simple: stay. Stay honest. Stay with God in that space. Readiness isn’t forced. It’s formed. Step 6 reminds us that transformation doesn’t begin with trying harder.  It begins with becoming honest enough to admit where we’re not ready—and trusting God enough to stay there with Him. That’s not failure.  That’s preparation. Join Us This Sunday We’re continuing Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Five: The Confession: Into The Light This week on Made for Mondays, Jamey is joined by Tyler, RaChelle, and Doug for a conversation that leans into one of the most uncomfortable—and most life-giving—steps in the STEPS journey: Step 5, The Confession. After some easy weekend chitchat (Olympics, Lunch with Jamey, Super Bowl energy, and all the usual real-life moments), the group shifts toward what God has been stirring through the Bible Reading Challenge, setting the stage for a deeper conversation. Then they dig into Sunday’s message. Confession often carries a lot of baggage. For many of us, it sounds intense, dramatic, or reserved for people with really messy lives. But what we heard on Sunday—and what this episode keeps circling back to—is a simpler, more disruptive truth: healing happens in the light. Rather than re-preaching the message, this episode slows things down. The group sits with Step 5, turns it over, and asks what it actually looks like to practice confession in everyday life, especially as part of what we’re calling The Year of Practice. Here’s where the conversation goes: • Confession as a rhythm, not a moment The group reflects on the idea that confession isn’t a one-time spiritual event, but an ongoing rhythm in following Jesus. That shift surfaces both curiosity and resistance—especially for those who grew up seeing confession as something reserved for emergencies or major failures. • Information vs. being known They explore why it’s often easier to share facts about our lives than the true condition of our hearts. Confession, they note, isn’t about dumping information—it’s about allowing ourselves to be fully known. • The real risk of being seen Confession feels risky not because we don’t love Jesus, but because we can hide from people. The group names common fears: judgment, misunderstanding, and the possibility that a relationship might change once the truth is out in the open—and reflects on where those fears come from. • “In solitude, we can convince ourselves of anything” Tyler revisits a powerful line shared in a conversation at Believers, and the group unpacks how isolation makes it easier to minimize, rationalize, or delay change. Community, they reflect, interrupts those inner narratives and brings clarity where self-talk distorts reality. • Who confession is for James’ instruction—“confess your sins to each other”—opens a thoughtful discussion about discernment. Not everyone. Not no one. Each other. The group talks about what makes someone a safe and faithful witness, and why wisdom matters when choosing where confession lives. • Confession as a spiritual discipline Instead of asking why confession matters, the conversation turns practical: What would it look like to practice confession as a regular discipline rather than an emergency response? They explore how increased honesty, intentional relationships, and preventative rhythms could reshape spiritual growth. • Accountability without shame Accountability is reframed not as control, but as protection for the healing confession begins. The group reflects on how accountability has been modeled well—an Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Four: The Examination: A Fearless Inventory This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Adrienne, and Kirk for a conversation that might sound intimidating at first—but turns out to be deeply freeing. Together, they unpack Step 4 of the STEPS journey: a searching and fearless moral inventory. Yes… fearless. Deep breaths.  And no—this is not a shame spiral. After some weekend chitchat and reminding us all that we’re real people with real lives, the group reflects on this week’s Bible reading, centering especially on Psalm 139—a passage that is both comforting and confronting in the best possible way. From there, the conversation moves into the heart of the step. Pastor Jamey reframes moral inventory not as condemnation, but as inspection—bringing what’s real into God’s light so it can finally be healed. Anchored in Psalm 139 and shaped by the truth of Romans 8:1 (“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”), Step 4 becomes less about self-punishment and more about Spirit-led honesty. Here’s where the conversation goes: • First reactions to “moral inventory” The group starts light—but honest—naming the gut reactions many of us have when we hear that phrase: avoidance, anxiety, curiosity, or something else entirely. Those reactions often reveal how we’ve been taught to look at ourselves—and what we expect to happen when we do. • Inspection vs. condemnation Jamey talks about the subtle but important difference between avoiding self-examination out of fear and inviting God into the process with trust. One leads to hiding; the other leads to healing. • Shame-based introspection vs. Spirit-led inventory The group contrasts the inner spiral of shame with the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit. They reflect on what helps them stay honest without turning inward reflection into self-punishment—and how “no condemnation” reshapes the entire process. • From vague to specific Referencing Lew Smedes’ insight that vague confession leads to vague forgiveness, the conversation explores how easy it is to hide behind general phrases like “I’m just struggling.” The group encourages naming the actual thing—carefully, honestly, and safely—so freedom can take root. • The courage of Psalm 139 Psalm 139:23–24 becomes the centerpiece: “Search me, God… lead me.” Why does that prayer feel risky? And what picture of God helps us trust Him enough to pray it anyway? The group reflects on inviting Jesus into one specific area of life this week—not harshly, but gently and truthfully. • Practice, not pressure As this Year of Practice continues, the group reminds listeners that Step 4 isn’t about rushing or fixing. It’s about cooperating with God. They discuss small, realistic ways to make space this week—through prayer, journaling, or quiet—for God to surface what actually needs attention next. The episode closes with this reminder:  Step 4 isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about trusting God. You don’t have to do it fast. You don’t have to do it alone. And nothing you uncover is a surprise to Him. The group also highlights the value of BeGroups—whether that’s Starting Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Made for Mondays | STEPS Step Three: The Decision — “I Think I Will Let Him” This week on Made for Mondays, Heather sits down with Jamey, Chelle, and Tyler to unpack Step Three of STEPS: The Decision—the moment where we stop white-knuckling our way forward and begin practicing surrender. After weekend chitchat and reflecting on this week’s Bible reading from Genesis 49, Exodus 1–10, and Matthew 15–18, the conversation turns toward one of the most deceptively difficult spiritual shifts: moving from trying harder to trusting deeper. Pastor Jamey reminds us that we cannot heal our inner world through willpower alone. But when we release control and trust God’s care, He leads us toward shalom—not just peace as calm, but peace as wholeness. Surrender, as the group explores, isn’t giving up on life; it’s giving up our own way so Jesus can form something better on the other side. Here’s what they dive into: • The small places control shows up From thermostats and dishwashers to driving directions and group texts, the group laughs—and then gets honest—about how control sneaks into everyday life. Those same instincts often follow us into our faith, especially when life feels uncertain. • “God, fix this” vs. “God, lead me” The conversation names a tension many of us recognize: praying for relief without actually wanting transformation. Whether it’s a relationship, a stressful season, or a recurring emotional pattern, the group reflects on how surrender often feels more threatening than the pain we already know. • When surrender feels like loss Looking at Jesus’ words in Matthew 16, the group wrestles with the idea that surrender can feel less like peace and more like losing control. What does surrender actually look like in normal, everyday life—and how do we take a concrete step when resistance shows up? • The parts we give… and the parts we guard Quoting C.S. Lewis, the group reflects on the truth that Jesus doesn’t want a portion of us—He wants all of us. They discuss which parts of life feel easiest to offer God, and which parts we carefully protect, along with how that changes when we trust that Jesus is freeing us, not undoing us. • Praying differently Where are we most tempted to pray “fix this”—and what would it sound like to pray “lead me” instead? The conversation highlights how community plays a vital role in keeping us honest when we slide back into control mode, reminding us that surrender isn’t meant to be practiced alone. • Open hands, not clenched fists Jamey revisits the powerful image from Sunday’s message: clenched fists versus open hands. The group reflects on what it means to physically and spiritually release control—and what it looks like to place something we’re holding tightly back into God’s care. • A faithful next step Rather than trying to be the Savior, the episode closes by inviting listeners to take one faithful next step this week—perhaps inviting a trusted person into the decision so surrender becomes a lived practice, not just a good idea. Join Us This Sunday We’re continuing STEPS and walking this journey together. 📍 On Campus: 9 & 10:45 AM (weather permitting 😉) Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Made for Mondays | STEPS Step 1. The Problem: I Can't This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Adrienne, and Tyler as they continue the STEPS journey by unpacking Step One—the uncomfortable, freeing, and surprisingly hopeful place where real change begins. After weekend chitchat and reflecting on this week’s Bible reading from Genesis 18 and Matthew 6, the conversation turns toward a truth many of us quietly avoid: we are really good at managing appearances… and not very good at admitting powerlessness. This episode explores what it means to stop pretending we have it together and start telling the truth about where we’re stuck—not in a dramatic collapse, but in the ordinary, Monday-morning kind of struggle where we keep thinking, “I should be further along by now.” Here’s what they talk through: • Powerlessness vs. image management Step One invites us to admit we can’t control what’s broken in us—but most of us are far more fluent in curating competence. The group discusses where resistance shows up when the problem isn’t out there but in here, and why naming that honestly is harder than it sounds. • “Not that bad” as a spiritual stall tactic The phrase “it’s not that bad” gets exposed for what it often is: a quiet way of settling for less freedom than Jesus offers. The conversation explores why minimizing our struggles feels safer than naming our real withered hand—and how that safety actually keeps us stuck. • Stretching what can’t stretch Looking at Jesus healing the man with the withered hand, the group reflects on why Jesus asks him to do the very thing he cannot do. What does that reveal about how transformation actually begins—and how does it confront our instinct to fix, hide, or self-improve before showing up honestly? • What makes honesty possible in church Jamey shares the conviction that the church should be “the safest place in the world for a sinner.” The group wrestles with what helps create that kind of safety—and what shuts it down—both personally and communally. • Whose eyes are we most aware of? When we imagine being fully seen, whose gaze shapes us most: other people, our inner critic, or Jesus? The answer often determines what we’re willing to bring into the light—and what we keep hidden. • A listener question worth sitting with A faithful listener writes in asking where Scripture encourages that first small turn toward God—the 0.1-degree shift for someone who feels far away or powerless. The group reflects on biblical moments where God meets people not after the full turnaround, but right at the first honest step toward Him. • Weakness as the doorway to power Paul reframes weakness as the very place where God’s power shows up. The episode closes with a practical invitation: one small stretch of faith this week—a prayer you’ve been avoiding, a confession, a text asking for help, or simply showing up to a group. And finally, the conversation lands on this image:  Jesus with outstretched hands on the cross—not asking us to try harder, but inviting us to trust deeper. Join Us This Sunday We’re continuing STEPS as we move into Step Two. 📍 On C Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Made for Mondays | Steps The Problem: I Can’t This week on Made for Mondays, Heather sits down with Joe and Adrienne to kick off a brand-new year—and a brand-new series—Steps. Together, they unpack Sunday’s message that reframes “new year, new you” away from willpower and toward Jesus as our Deliverer. After catching up on Christmas break and introducing The Year of Practice Bible Reading Challenge, the conversation turns honest and deeply relatable: Why do so many of us want to change… and still feel stuck? The group explores how the patterns we struggle with run deeper than discipline and why real change begins not with trying harder, but with bringing our basement places into the light within safe, honest community. Here’s what they dig into: • Resolutions, reality, and starting the year honestly From half-kept resolutions to abandoned goals, the group talks candidly about how the pressure to “fix ourselves” often sets us up for discouragement—and why this year is about practice, not perfection. • “I can’t” statements and the power of naming reality Jamey reflects on the opening pages of Steps and the familiar “I can’t” statements that resonate so deeply. The team shares what emotions surface when we admit our limits—and why that admission is actually the starting point for transformation. • Romans 7 and the struggle we all recognize “I do what I do not want to do.” The conversation unpacks Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, exploring what “the Law” means, how it still enslaves us today, and why awareness without deliverance only deepens frustration. • Discipline as a response, not a replacement In a Year of Practice, how do we pursue discipline as a way of responding to Jesus rather than trying to substitute discipline for Jesus? The group talks about rhythms, grace-filled practices, and why effort alone can’t heal what’s broken. • What the church can learn from recovery spaces Jamey shares wisdom from time spent at AA meetings with his mom—including the powerful idea that while churches often celebrate miracles upstairs, the real miracles happen in the basement. This leads to a raw conversation about sanitized faith, hidden struggles, confession, and what it would look like to build communities where honesty is safe and transformation is real. • A radical Big Idea “With Jesus, the worse your story, the warmer your welcome.” The group discusses how churches can embody that truth—not just say it—and what guardrails help keep stories centered on Jesus instead of self-promotion. • Sitting at a different table Looking at Jesus calling Levi in Mark 2, the conversation explores what it means to practice grace like Jesus did—intentionally moving toward people others avoid—without confusing grace with enabling. • Practicing community, not just talking about it Before wrapping up Sunday’s service, the church practiced being in groups. The team reflects on why that mattered and how getting connected to a Steps group is a vital next step for anyone ready to pursue real change this year. Join Us This Sunday We’re continuing Steps by diving into Step One: The Problem — I Can’t. Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Got a question? Let us know! Made for Mondays | The Christmas Playlist Light That Can’t Be Manufactured This week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Tyler, and Doug as they lean into the heart of Christmas week and unpack Sunday’s message about real joy and real light—the kind that doesn’t come from a playlist, a purchase, or pretending everything is fine. After some weekend catch-up and reflections from Revelation 10–15, Psalms 145–157, and Proverbs 30, the conversation turns toward a timely and honest question: ✨ What’s the difference between manufactured cheer and received joy? As Christmas approaches, the group reflects on the ways we often try to produce joy—through nostalgia, noise, shopping, control, or even religious performance—when what we actually need is to receive joy as the fruit of abiding in Jesus. Jamey shares how Christmas music can sometimes feel like it’s trying to convince our souls everything is wonderful, even when life feels dark. The discussion explores: • Chasing a mood vs. staying close to Jesus How do we tell when we’re chasing a feeling instead of abiding in Christ? The group shares honest “litmus tests” that reveal when joy has become something we’re forcing rather than receiving. • Darkness and light Jamey unpacks the idea that darkness isn’t a thing—it’s the absence of light. Spiritually, that shifts the battle. Instead of staring at darkness, we’re invited to step toward the Light. What does that look like practically? The team offers simple, doable steps—like intentional prayer, confession, community, or a single act of obedience—that help move us closer to Jesus when gloom starts creeping back in. • Shining brighter in real life Rooted in Matthew 5, the BIG IDEA comes into focus: In a world getting darker, we need to shine brighter. Not performative faith—but quiet faithfulness. Reconciliation. Costly generosity. Staying at the table with people we disagree with. The group shares real-life examples of what that kind of light looks like when it shows up in everyday moments. • Light beyond our walls The conversation connects to The Gift and Believers’ partners in Cuba, highlighting how faithful believers there are shining the Light of Jesus in powerful, practical ways—and why it’s such a gift to be part of what God is doing through them. • Community in the dark seasons Jamey revisits a story from one of his darkest seasons, where isolation played a central role. Doug and Tyler reflect on how deeply they relate—and why community isn’t optional for spiritual health. The group also points ahead to Steps and the importance of getting connected to a small group in the New Year. Join Us This Week 🎄 Christmas Eve Services Two identical, family-friendly gatherings at 4:00 & 5:30 PM 💻 Online-Only Sunday Experience No on-campus gatherings this Sunday. Join us online for a devotional time with Pastor Jamey on Sunday, December 28. Until the New Year—Merry Christmas, friends. Go shine the LIGHT and BE LOVE! Stay Connected  Website: https://believerschurch.org/  Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/  Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f