Willow Creek Weekend Podcast

We go to church, but how often do you experience God in your church? How do you worship when you’re disappointed with God—when that prayer doesn’t get answered or you find yourself waiting? Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we are all fundamentally longing for God, but who and what are we actually reaching for and serving? Pastor Albert Tate looks at the book of Exodus and shares content from his new book, Disobedient God, to help you reframe your view of God so that you can experience His presence in every moment, even the ones when He feels most distant.

God is able to do more than we think or imagine according to His power at work within us—and He makes His full power and presence available to us. But how? Pastor Megan Marshman concludes Celebration of Hope and unpacks Ephesians 3:14–21 to show how when we grow in accepting and being strengthened by God’s love, we see Him use us to do immeasurably more to change the world.

What happens to our minds, hearts, and even our bodies when we begin to grasp the love of God for us? How does being rooted in the knowledge of God’s love, power, and community transform us? What is the effect of being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God?  Pastor Oscar Muriu from Nairobi Chapel kicks off Celebration of Hope and unpacks Ephesians 3:14–21 to show how it leads to a movement of people fighting poverty and injustice so that lives are transformed and Jesus is known.

The story did not end with Jesus rising from the dead. Shortly after, in Luke 24, the resurrected Jesus met up with some travelers on their way home from Jerusalem. The conversation proved to be life-changing, not only for them but also for others around them. Join us as we experience the story of transformation.

Each Easter we celebrate the truth that Jesus defeated death—but it begins with Him facing betrayal, beatings, and the brutality of the cross. The three days before He rose were filled with questions and doubts, but then new life broke forth, ushering in a Kingdom of hope for the here and now. Dave Dummitt and Shawn Williams dive into the final days of Jesus’ life on earth to learn what the truth of His resurrection means for you today!

We’ve all experienced it: The pain of someone breaking a promise, not following through, or worse, abandoning or betraying you. And yet, Jesus tells us to not only love those who love us, but to love our enemy and pray for those who persecute us. Easier said than done! Albert Tate and Dave Dummitt break down the betrayal of Jesus that led to His death in Matthew 26 and unpack what the reality of His response means for you today.

We are conditioned to desire approval—from gold stars and minor-league trophies, to good grades and performance-based raises. But what happens when the pressure of approval becomes your main pursuit? Dave Dummitt and Shawn Williams explore Matthew 21 to see how Jesus remained anchored in who God said He was as he approached Jerusalem. Discover how reorienting our perspective to see how God views us frees us from seeking approval from others.

Megan Marshman shares her heartfelt journey through seven years of loss and grief. She explores the stages of grief, emphasizing vulnerability and the search for meaning. Megan discusses how embracing sorrow can lead to a deeper connection with God, revealing personal stories intertwined with scripture. She highlights the profound link between grief and hope, illustrating how faith can provide comfort and assurance of restoration. Her insights inspire listeners to honor their pain while finding hope for the future.

Depression comes in all forms and fashions, ranging from feeling sad or not feeling anything at all, to  life-threatening despair. Depression is real and often hidden, which is why it’s so important to talk about it and create space for others to, as well. We’ll learn about the clinical side of depression from Steve Cuss, then see how Scripture is filled with people who were utterly hopeless.  If you’re experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts, please know your life is valuable beyond measure. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 for immediate help. 

Have you ever felt anxious? Whether your worry comes from setting healthy boundaries or having a panic attack, we believe true self care is possible.  This week, Pastor & Anxiety Management Expert Steve Cuss unpacks anxiety, then Pastor Dave Dummit explores 2 Chronicles 20, Philippians 4, and Matthew 6 to discover how God can meet us in the midst.