Advertise on podcast: Resilient Faith

Charlie Sponsel is one of our youth ministers.  He is truly connected to what our young people need   On today’s podcast, we have a powerful and honest conversation with Charlie. He shares what it looks like to follow God in today’s world and how the Church feels both familiar and different now. From navigating culture to craving authenticity, this episode explores what today’s youth are really seeking in their faith and why their voices matter more than ever.   Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Today’s episode explores a question many churches are asking right now: Are we truly listening to the next generation of believers? Join our guest Ellie Laita, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry as we share ideas about today’s changing church and how the youth need our guidance even more   In a rapidly changing world, younger generations are navigating faith in ways that look different from the past. In this conversation, we explore what many young people are seeking from their faith communities and why some feel disconnected from traditional church life. We talk about the growing desire for authenticity over performance, the importance of honest conversations about faith and doubt, and why younger believers are drawn to communities that live out compassion, service, and purpose in the world around them. We also look at the challenge of digital culture and how online life shapes the way younger generations experience connection, community, and spiritual growth. What does meaningful church engagement look like for them today? Most importantly, we discuss how churches can move beyond simply creating events and begin building deeper relationships that invite young people into worship, discipleship, and real community. This episode asks an important question for every church and faith leader: If the next generation is searching for belonging, purpose, and truth, are we creating spaces where they can truly find it? Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Today’s guests are BPCs very own Vineta Rendler and Rev. Adam Jones. Hosted by Janice McQueen Ward.  In this episode we discuss the assumption that people seem to be walking away from God. The conversation reveals a deeper reality: many people are navigating stress, uncertainty, cultural shifts, and life transitions that leave them feeling disconnected, not faithless…just busy and overwhelmed!  We chat about: • How technology and media have reshaped spiritual engagement.  • Why COVID-era graduates and young adults feel overwhelmed rather than indifferent.  • The hidden barriers created by expectations around volunteering, giving, and “having it all together”.  • Why “Christianese” can unintentionally exclude those searching for belonging.  • How the “judgment” of church goers  push people away from attending church.     But we believe the church is a place for healing. A place where messy, uncertain, searching individuals encounter grace, mercy, and hope. Janice, Adam and Vineta talk about candid reflections on vulnerability and the fear many feel about being perceived as imperfect. Vineta and Adam bring thoughtful insight into generational shifts and the longing for authenticity over performance and the need for the church to evolve   A central theme emerges: The church must become a place of non-judgmental love, accessible language, and real community. In a world that feels hyper-connected yet deeply disconnected, this episode invites listeners to reimagine church not as an institution to impress, but as a second home for the soul. The conversation closes with a powerful reminder from the Abrahamic blessing: We are blessed to be a blessing. If you’ve ever felt unsure, judged, disconnected, or spiritually restless—this episode is for you. Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

In this powerful God Moment episode, Jennifer Deaton courageously shares her coming-out story and the sacred turning points that shaped her faith. With honesty and grace, she reflects on the journey toward her parents’ acceptance and how love—rooted deeply in God—bridged fear, misunderstanding, and pain. Jennifer’s testimony is a moving reminder that faith and authenticity can coexist, and that when we choose compassion over division, we glimpse what the world can become: united, healed, and held together by God’s unwavering love. Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

If you’re in a season of waiting, this episode is for you. Linnea Scobey reminds us that God doesn’t disappear in the pause—He meets us there. In this deeply moving episode, Linnea Scobey shares her journey of living in the waiting—those in-between moments where answers feel delayed, prayers seem unanswered, and life feels suspended between what was and what’s next. Through uncertainty, surrender, and quiet faith, Linnea discovered a powerful truth: God is not absent in the waiting—He is present, working, and preparing. Linnea opens her heart about learning to trust God when clarity is missing, how faith deepens in stillness, and why waiting is not wasted time, but sacred ground. Her story is a reminder that even when life feels paused, God is actively shaping purpose, beauty, and strength within us. This episode speaks to anyone navigating uncertainty, transition, heartbreak, or hope deferred—and longing for reassurance that they are not alone. Because sometimes the waiting isn’t the delay… it’s the invitation. Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 🎧 Listen in and be reminded that even in the quiet, God is near. God doesn’t always shout. Often, He whispers. In this heartfelt episode, we are joined by Michael Greig, our very own Presbyterian Church audiovisual technician, who shares his personal reflections on how God speaks gently, consistently, and often quietly into our lives. Working behind the scenes, Michael has learned that listening—both spiritually and practically—requires intention, stillness, and trust   Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Rachel Ann Mencke shares a beautiful, vulnerable story that teaches us all to have gratitude for where we are....things are never as bad as they feel. It is easy to fall into sorrow or have a pity party about what isn't going right in our life, but the simple act of observing around us can help us become present, grateful, resilient and thankful. God meets us where we are and helps us move forward, not back.  Enjoy this story and maybe you have a similar situation of when you were reminded of how little your problems are in comparison to God's grace and presence in our lives.  Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

In this episode, Wynn Rees shares the simple but life-changing moment that shifted his entire faith journey: receiving a Bible from a friend during law school. What started as an unexpected gift became the catalyst for clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. Join us as Wyn reflects on how God can use the smallest gestures to spark the biggest transformations. Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Have you ever faced a big decision and found yourself asking, “God, just give me a sign”? In this episode of the Resilient Faith Podcast, we explore what it means to make a choice while waiting for divine direction. A beloved BPC member, Carol Maddon shares her big choice and how she heard God   Whether you’re standing at a crossroads or simply seeking clarity, this episode will remind you that God’s silence is never absence — and that every season of waiting has purpose. Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

In this special series, God Moments, we open our hearts to the extraordinary stories of faith, hope, and grace shared by beloved members of Brentwood Presbyterian Church. Each episode invites you to pause, listen, and reflect on the ways God shows up in our everyday lives—sometimes in quiet whispers, sometimes in bold, unmistakable ways. Through these intimate conversations, we’ll celebrate how faith sustains us through trials, surprises us with joy, and strengthens the bonds of our church community. These are not just stories—they are sacred reminders that God is always at work, even in the moments we least expect. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, connection, or simply a moment of peace, Resilient Faith: God Moments will lift your spirit and remind you of the beauty of walking with God, together. ✨ Tune in, be inspired, and discover your own God moments Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Brendan Lynch — an accomplished actor, singer, and tenor soloist, who serves as the tenor section leader at Brentwood Presbyterian Church. Brendan brings his passion for performance and faith together in a heartfelt conversation centered around “Learning Your Lessons Well,” a beloved song and monologue from the musical Godspell. Through this dialogue, Brendan shares the timeless lessons that art, music, and storytelling can teach us about grace, growth, and living with intention. He opens up about how his work on stage and in ministry continues to shape his perspective on life’s challenges — and how we can all learn to embrace the messages hidden within every experience. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: How Godspell’s message continues to resonate across generationsThe spiritual and emotional depth behind “Learning Your Lessons Well”How music and storytelling can guide personal growth and self-awarenessWhy performing with purpose transforms both the artist and the audienceTune in for a moving blend of artistry, faith, and wisdom — and discover how Brendan Lynch uses his voice, both literally and figuratively, to inspire others to listen, learn, and live more fully. Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Today’s guest is Kelsey Figone—a remarkable woman whose journey spans continents, classrooms, and cutting-edge research. Kelsey grew up in Oregon, where her curiosity and love for learning first took root. After college, she spent time teaching in Indonesia, an experience that shaped her global perspective and deepened her commitment to understanding the forces that impact communities worldwide. Now living in Los Angeles with her husband, Charlie Sponsel, a Pastor at BPC, Kelsey is pursuing her doctorate in economics at UCLA.  Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Today, we’re joined by our very own Carol Maddon . She is a talented musician with a voice that moves hearts, a devoted leader in our church community, and a woman whose words carry both wisdom and grace. Through her music, her leadership, and her faith, she inspires others to draw closer to God and to live with courage and purpose.  She shares how God gave her hope, peace and joy and made her life so much better.   Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Today, we are honored to welcome a very special guest, Linda Regan Johnson, our Worship Elder. Linda is a gifted musician and writer whose creativity and passion shine through in everything she does. With a heart for sharing truth and beauty through both words and music, she inspires others to look beyond the ordinary and see the presence of God in their daily lives. In today’s conversation, Linda will be sharing her reflections on The Light of the World—a message of hope, faith, and the power of light to guide us through even the darkest seasons.  Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Today on the podcast, we are honored to welcome Betsy Baker Newell — a gifted actress, a treasured member of Brentwood Presbyterian Church, and someone whose life beautifully reflects faith in action. Betsy has touched countless hearts both on stage and in our community, and today she shares a faith journey — After Betsy’s story, we invite you to stay with us for a time of reflection and meditation, offering a time to connect more deeply with your own spiritual walk. Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch