Calvary Life Podcast

Intelligent Faith with John and Laurie Stewart

"Apologetics" is one of those words many Christians fear. The idea of defending our faith can seem daunting and fraught with pitfalls- but does it need to?

On today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric talks with John and Laurie Stewart- both of whom are Calvary Members, practicing lawyers, and experienced apologists for Christ. Together, they discuss the importance of conversational apologetics, the role women play in sharing and defending Christianity, and the most common issues Christians should prepare themselves to answer. 

If you would like to learn more about the Stewarts and be updated on their events and resources, visit their website at IntelligentFaith.com. You can also join their Sunday LifeGroup (and learn more about the rest of Calvary's Groups and Gatherings) here.

Adoption and Redemption with Denise Hongslo

"People don't make families, God makes families"

From the beginning of Denise Hongslo's life, she knew two things: she was adopted, and her birth mom had passed away. However, when Denise began the journey of learning more about herself and her past, she was met with a radical discovery.

This week, Eric sits down with lifelong Calvary Member Denise Hongslo and hears her story. She talks about growing up as an adopted child, introducing your parents to your parents, and the ways that experiencing adoption can give you a new picture of God. 

Creating to Reflect the Creator with Ryan Roehl

If you've ever stepped foot on Calvary's campus, you've experienced the work of our guest on this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast. It's in the music, on the big screens, and even in the landscape!

Today, Eric and guest host Robert Carter sit down with Calvary's Technical Arts Director, Ryan Roehl. They talk about what exactly a Technical Arts Director does, how architecture and design can declare the Gospel and exhort the Church, and everything that goes on behind the scenes to make Christmas truly shine at Calvary. 

If you are interested in getting involved with Calvary's technical arts program, let us know here! 

The Art of Making Music with Trevor Brown

What do Bruno Mars, Demi Lovato, and Lizzo all have in common? They've all had music produced by our guest on this episode of the Calvary Life Podcast!

Today, Eric and special guest host Ben Harris sit down for an interview with Grammy award-winning music producer Trevor Brown. Together, they discuss his music career, what music producers actually do, how Christians should think about making art, and what it's like to be a believer in an industry that can so often be unwelcome towards Christ.

Trevor isn't available on social media, but if you're interested in the music industry and want to know more, reach out to him at trevorious555@aol.com. If you're interested in serving on the worship team at Calvary, let us know at calvarylife.org/serve.

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.