

The Commons Church - East Lansing
The Commons Church
The Commons Church is a church in East Lansing, MI next to the campus of Michigan State University that launched in September 2019. We are part of The Salt Network, a family of churches whose aim is to start churches in every major university context in North America. This podcast is where we post our Sunday morning sermons.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 7, 2025 • 36min
1 Timothy 6:17 - 19 | Pastoring the Rich
Austin Wadlow continues our series in 1 Timothy

Nov 30, 2025 • 35min
1 Timothy 6:3-10 | Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain
The discussion kicks off with reflections on Thanksgiving and how discontentment can be a heart issue. Ben contrasts contentment in Christ with unhealthy cravings, illustrating with relatable examples. He warns against the love of money, linking it to spiritual division and temptation. The analysis of characters like Gollum and Judas emphasizes how what we treasure can lead to ruin. Lastly, practical advice on fostering true contentment through Christ encourages listeners to prioritize spiritual over material wealth.

Nov 23, 2025 • 31min
1 Peter 5:8 | Sober-Minded
Austin Wadlow wraps up a riveting discussion on sober-mindedness, highlighting four key traits: seeing straight, standing firm, speaking clearly, and staying awake. He shares a personal story of choosing sobriety in college and delves into the dangers of spiritual intoxication from worldly influences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging with Scripture as a guiding light and maintaining clarity in communication. Vigilance against cultural pressures and understanding the true enemy are essential themes, wrapping up with a call to embrace the gospel.

Nov 16, 2025 • 25min
James 1:3 - 4 | Steadfast
In this thought-provoking discussion, the speaker dives into the idea of counting trials as joy, sharing personal struggles with minor challenges. He contrasts the therapeutic culture's pursuit of comfort with a biblical understanding of pain as a deeper issue. Trials, he argues, are gifts that cultivate steadfastness and mature faith. Using vivid imagery of gold refining, he explains how endurance through suffering builds character and hope, urging listeners to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them.

Nov 9, 2025 • 38min
1 Timothy 5:17 - 6:2 | Honoring Leadership
Explore the argument that elders deserve double honor, both reverent and financial, as grounded in Scripture. Delve into Paul’s teachings justifying financial support for pastors and the importance of protecting leaders from baseless accusations. Discuss the significance of addressing pastoral abuse while navigating cancel culture. Discover practical advice on confronting sin in leadership and the call for patience in appointing elders. Ultimately, the message encourages treating one another as brothers in Christ and supporting the church through service and giving.

Nov 2, 2025 • 38min
1 Timothy 4:11 - 5:16 | Old Guard and Next Up
A refreshing discussion unfolds around the challenges of youth in leadership, emphasizing that experience shouldn't overshadow the potential of younger voices. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting church methods while staying true to the core message of the Gospel. Austin passionately advocates for intergenerational leadership, urging older believers to mentor the next generation and invest in lifelong service. Attendees are encouraged to embrace their God-given gifts and foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration within the church.

Oct 26, 2025 • 36min
1 Timothy 4:1-10 | Deceived by the Demonic
Austin Wadlow continues our series in 1 Timothy

Oct 19, 2025 • 32min
1 Timothy 3:14-15 | The Church
Jon Benz continues our series in 1 Timothy

Oct 12, 2025 • 32min
1 TImothy 3:1-13 | To the Leaders
Ben Clarke continues our series in 1 Timothy

Oct 5, 2025 • 38min
1 Timothy 2:9-15 | To the Women
Dive into a discussion about the complexities of modesty and the role of women in the church. The host contrasts worldly adornment with godly values, emphasizing how to reflect the gospel. Explore the interpretation of biblical texts and why Paul shares specific gender roles rooted in creation. Discover insights on complementary roles designed for unity, alongside the historical distortions that arose after the fall. Finally, listen as the host urges women to find strength in surrendering to Christ for true flourishing.


