Calvary Life Podcast

Knowing What You Believe with Brett Kunkle

Has your faith been challenged recently? What role does doubt play in our relationship with God? How can we know that what the Bible says is true? 

On this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt welcome Brett Kunkle from Maven to discuss the importance of knowing your faith. Brett tells the story of how his faith was challenged in college, and how engaging with that challenge inspired him to prepare himself and the young people of the Church to be ready to defend their faith. Together, they discuss the value of studying the Bible with your family, the impact of technology on developing youth, and the dangers of a church not knowing God's word. 

If you'd like to learn more about Maven, visit them at their website at maventruth.com. To learn more and sign up for Calvary's Maven Conference, visit us at calvarylife.org/maven. 

Exploring Spiritual Gifts with Desiree Elrod, Brandon Elrod, and Ben Harris

What are spiritual gifts? Does everyone have one? How can you know what they are, and what do you do once you know them?

In today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric explores the topic of spiritual gifts with Brandon and Desiree Elrod and Ben Harris. Together, they discuss what spiritual gifts look like in action, how we can use them to glorify God, and how they can impact our relationships and lives on a deeper level. 

If you're interested in learning more about spiritual gifts, check out Desiree's class, How Spiritual Gifts Influence Relationships, Sunday mornings at 11:00 am. 

Faithfulness and Adversity with Matt Hemphill

How do we know when God is talking to us if we don't hear an actual voice? Are setbacks an indication that we're not following God's will? 

On today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt discuss this and more with New Life Pastor and past Calvary member Matt Hemphill! Together, they talk about how God called Matt from a secular job into being the pastor of a church plant, what it means to be faithful through adversity, and how we discern God's voice in our regular lives. 

If you'd like to learn more about New Life Church and how they're serving Orange County, you can visit their website. To learn about how you can serve at Calvary Church, check out our Serve Page for a list of ministry areas you can join.

Theology of Worship: Part 3 with Todd Proctor and Josh Wathen

How is worship sacrificial? Why is it important to look both to the past and the new when choosing worship songs? And what does it mean to actually engage in worship?

In the final episode in our Theology of Worship series, Eric sits down with Josh Wathen and Todd Proctor, Rock Harbor worship leader and Christian musician. Together, they wrap up some final thoughts about musical worship, discuss the struggles and beauty of writing and leading for a congregation, and explore how being attuned to God puts us in harmony with one another. 

If you are interested in listening to any of Todd's music, you can find him on Spotify here. If you want to learn more about worship or Sunday services at Calvary, visit us at calvarylife.org/sunday.

Theology of Worship: Part 2 with Ron Rogalski and Josh Wathen

A rock star, a country singer, and a classical vocalist all walk into a church. What music do they worship to? And what happens when they explore outside of their usual musical genre?

In the second installment of our series on worship, Eric sits down with Calvary's worship pastors, Ron Rogalski and Josh Wathen, to discuss the impact that worshiping has on each of us. They talk about how worship changes lives, aligns us with God, and unites us with each other, as well as the valuable lessons we can learn when we worship outside of our preferred styles. 

Plus, you'll get a look back at some of Josh and Ron's biggest hits from before their time at Calvary. You will not be disappointed. 

If you'd like to learn more about our worship program and Sunday services at Calvary, visit us at calvarylife.org/sunday. 

Theology of Worship: Part 1 with Trevor Behrns and Robert Carter

Whether you prefer classical hymns or classic rock, music is one of those things that unites people around the world. But when Christians gather together for worship, is it only about the music? Or is there something more at play?

This week is the start of our Theology of Worship series, where we will be exploring what worship is, how we do it practically, and why it is so vital to the Christian life. To kick us off, Eric sits down with Trevor Behrns (Calvary's Creative Team Pastor) and Robert Carter (Calvary's Connections and LifeGroups Pastor) to talk about the purpose of worship, its role in the lives of believers, and how God uses it to further us in our spiritual journeys.

If you are interested in learning more about worship at Calvary Church, you can check out our Sunday series and accompanying 21-day devotional at calvarylife.org/breathe.

How to Read the Bible with Craig Hill.

How do you read the Bible? Isn't it just like any other book? It may seem like a silly question on its surface, but it has far-reaching implications. On today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric is joined by pastor, professor, and biblical scholar Craig Hill to explore this very topic! 

Together, Craig and Eric discuss what it takes to read the Bible well, and how anyone can do it. They talk about studying the Bible vs reading it devotionally, the importance of approaching Scripture with humility, and how our culture and location can influence what we read in the biblical text. Craig also gives his recommendations for resources and tips to read the bible well.

If you are interested in any of the resources mentioned in this episode, or if you would like to discover others, check out the Corner Bookstore at Calvary on Sundays before and after the service, throughout the week, and at calvarylife.org/corner.

The Power of Being Seen with Bea Wakeling

In today's fast-paced world, simply pausing to truly see someone can change lives. Together, Eric and today's guest discuss the power of caring, and how it can open doors for Jesus to powerfully impact our hearts.

Our guest on this episode of the Calvary Life Podcast is an extra-special one. She's a High School English teacher and Calvary member, has volunteered in everything from Nursery to LifeGroup leading, and probably knows our Senior Pastor better than anyone else in the world. It's the one and only Bea Wakeling! 

Together, Eric and Bea discuss her journey to Calvary, what it was like becoming a "Pastor's Wife", and how finding her calling didn't go quite as expected. 

To learn more about Calvary Church and how you can get involved with ministry, visit calvarylife.org/serve. 

Behind the Pulpit with Dave Mitchell

This week's guest on the Calvary Life Podcast probably knows more about our church than most. He's an avid motorcycle rider, a Calvary member, and our previous Senior Pastor, Dave Mitchell!

Together, Dave and Eric discuss Dave's journey from seminary to Calvary. They talk about the ins and outs of leading a church, what it's like when the Lord calls you into a brand new community, and how God reminds us that no matter who we are, we're never too good to unclog a toilet. 

If you'd like to learn more about the history of Calvary Church, you can see our timeline at calvarylife.org/history. 

Mental Health and the Holy Spirit with Robyn Geis

How do we love our friends when they're struggling? How does the Holy Spirit work through psychology and therapy to grow us as people? And what does it look like to form healthy relationships?

On today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric sits down with Robyn Geis- Calvary member, clinical psychologist, Talbot School of Theology professor, and author of the book The Relational Brain. Together, they discuss their shared love of volleyball, how our brain develops, and so much more.

You can find copies of The Relational Brain at the Calvary Corner Bookstore, along with her other book, Mental Health and the Church. If you are interested in receiving lay counseling or prayer at Calvary, you can learn more at calvarylife.org/counseling.